2021 Toyota Highlander Review

Checking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.

If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).

Tires

Recall Number: 

24V452000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

SET24A

Manufactured from: 

2020-06-01 to 2024-06-12

Number of vehicles affected: 

4763

Defect Description: 

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Defect Consequence: 

Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.

Air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Recall Number: 

23V865000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23TA15, 23

Number of vehicles affected: 

999901

Defect Description: 

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Defect Consequence: 

An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. This is a phased recall. The next phase is anticipated in June 2025. Multiple phases are planned through 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Structure:body:bumpers

Recall Number: 

23V720000

Manufacturer Recall Number: 

23TB12 / 2

Number of vehicles affected: 

750795

Defect Description: 

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

Defect Consequence: 

A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Corrective Action: 

Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed December 11, 2023. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.