2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems

General information about Toyota-Highlander hybrid
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list
Negative car reviews
Positive car reviews

The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.

Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.

The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).

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Common 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems

Based on complaints from owners of the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, common problems reported include issues with the fuel system and brakes. Here is a detailed breakdown of each problem:

Fuel System Problems:
- Owners have reported issues related to the fuel system, which can impact the performance and efficiency of the vehicle. Specific complaints include stalling out during hard braking, which poses a safety concern. Despite being a known problem, some owners have expressed frustration with the lack of serious attention from service centers when the issue is not replicated during tests.
Brake Problems:
- Another common problem highlighted by owners involves brake-related issues. Complaints range from brake malfunctions to concerns about the braking system's reliability. Issues with brakes can significantly affect the safety of the vehicle and its occupants, emphasizing the importance of addressing these problems promptly and effectively.

These reported problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid underscore the significance of regular maintenance and prompt attention to any emerging issues to ensure the safety and optimal performance of the vehicle.

Are there any problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What is the transmission problem on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Transmission Problems

Transmission fluid leaks are the most common and important sign you need a transmission fluid change or potentially even a complete flush service. It's uncommon, but leaks could again mean there's an issue with your transmission hose.

Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.

How many miles will a Toyota Highlander hybrid last?

The Highlander model has been found to be one of the best cars on the road when it comes to longevity. If all goes well, the potential lifespan of the Highlander can reach upwards of 250,00 miles!

Are there any problems with the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

What is the transmission problem on the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Transmission Problems

Does the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have enough power?

Powering the Highlander Hybrid is a 2.5-liter four-cylinder engine that's paired to a hybrid system. Combined, they make 243 horsepower. While that's underwhelming compared to the typical V6-powered SUV, the Highlander Hybrid does get an excellent EPA-estimated 35-36 mpg in combined driving.

2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Air bags problems
Structure problems
Vehicle speed control problems
Hybrid propulsion system problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid complaints

The NHTSA has received 8 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid.

2024-10-23

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-16
VIN: 5TDEBRCH3MS
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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2024-10-10

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
VIN: 5TDHBRCH1MS
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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2024-09-19

AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-09-19
VIN: 5TDHARAH0MS
Components: AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V720000 (Structure) and 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

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2024-09-12

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2022-09-03
VIN: 5TDHBRCH4MS
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: The contact's mother owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH out of town, another driver informed the contact that the front bumper had detached. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact continued driving to the destination. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the contact was referred to an autobody repair shop. The vehicle was taken to the autobody repair shop, where the repair was performed ineffectively. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the recall repair was performed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and denied reimbursement for the repairs performed by the autobody repair shop because the failure occurred prior to the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 27,300.

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2024-05-09

AIR BAGS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2023-12-20
VIN: 5TDEBRCH1MS
Components: AIR BAGS
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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2024-02-09

STRUCTURE PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-02-09
VIN: 5TDGBRCH5MS
Components: STRUCTURE
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

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2024-01-08

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-11-01
VIN: 5TDBBRCH1MS
Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward before coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions but no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed that the vehicle operated normally due to the hybrid system. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 10.

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2020-12-30

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-12-30
VIN: 5DTGBRCH6MS
Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: 2 ISSUES- THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY ONLY READS 425 MILES. WITH A FULL 17 GALLON TANK IT SHOULD BE AROUND 600. WHEN YOU FILL IT, IT CLICKS OFF 3-4 GALLONS SHORT OF FULL, ONLY HOLDING ABOUT 14 GALLONS. THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS FULL. I THEN HAD TO TRICKLE IN THE REMAINING 3.5 GALLONS. HOW COULD IT SHOW FULL WITH 3.5 MORE GALLONS GOING IN? WHY IS THE TANK NOT ABLE TO TAKE THE FULL AMMOUNT OF FUEL?

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2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid.

2023-12-20

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Summary: 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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed February 2, 2024. A second notice will be mailed once the remedy is available. 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.

2023-10-26

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Summary: 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.
Consequence: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

2022-04-13

Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
Summary: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

Negative 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews

Tony Armstrong 2025-09-06

The platinum hybrid model we purchased has been a great vehicle for the past 2 months, equipped with all the features we wanted and more. However, we have experienced some issues recently where the vehicle shuts down and requires a jump start to restart. This is unacceptable for a brand new car with less than 1k miles on it. Despite the mechanic at the dealership being unable to identify the problem, we believe that this issue should not be occurring. Overall, we are confident in the quality of this vehicle and hope to have this issue resolved soon.
Trenton Kozey 2025-08-27

I recently purchased a 2021 Highlander and have noticed an issue with the hybrid system. While I have previously owned a 2013 Highlander Hybrid and currently own a Rav4 Hybrid, both of which were excellent, this new model seems to have a flaw. If the car is left idle without moving, it runs completely on 12 volts, which drains the battery quickly and requires a jump start. Unlike my previous hybrids, this model does not start the hybrid engine if the 12v battery is going down. If stuck in traffic, it is recommended to turn the system off to avoid any issues. Overall, I have had a different experience with this hybrid compared to my previous ones.
Bennie Heidenreich 2025-02-14

undefinedI understand your frustration with the car not having a self-lock feature when you walk away, especially when you have your hands full with a toddler and infant. It can be inconvenient to have to manually lock the car or touch the door handle. However, it's good to know that the app notifies you when the car is unlocked so you can remember to lock it. Overall, I appreciate your honest review of the car. While the fuel economy could be better, the interior is spacious and comfortable, and the car has an attractive design. It's unfortunate that the engine and wind noise detract from the driving experience. I can understand why you wouldn't lease this car again, but I hope that you find a car that better suits your needs in the future. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and experiences with us.
Beau Zulauf 2024-10-04

We recently test drove a 2021 Highlander Hybrid and 2021 Sienna Hybrid at the dealership and we absolutely fell in love with the Sienna! While we enjoyed the Highlander, we did notice a couple of issues. Firstly, the third row seat is of much lesser quality than the middle row seats, and secondly, there is very little storage if using the third row seat. On the other hand, the Sienna's third row seat is the same quality as the second row seats, and there is twice as much rear storage than the Highlander. In addition, the Sienna has a much smoother drive and feel than the Highlander.
Colby Boyle 2024-07-08

This car has a range of 300 miles on a full tank, which is lower than advertised.

Positive 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews

Hailey DuBuque 2025-10-19

I've been driving my Highlander Hybrid XLE for two weeks now and I absolutely love it! The car has all the features I was looking for, rides smoothly, and I'm getting over 40 mpg in mostly suburban driving. When I first drove off the dealership, I noticed that the car had only 6 miles on the odometer and the gas gauge was slightly over the Full mark. However, the dashboard read 392 miles to empty instead of the almost 600 miles per tank that the car is rated for. After driving 100 miles, the distance to Empty is 342 but the gas gauge still shows Full. I did some research online and found out that many Highlander Hybrid owners are experiencing the same issue. Although their tanks are rated for 17.1 gallon capacity, they can only put about 12 gallons in their tanks, which limits their driving distance. This is far less than what Toyota advertises and a lawsuit has been filed in California. However, I still think this is an outstanding vehicle and would give it a strong 5-star rating if this issue wasn't present.
Judah Wiza 2025-10-17

We recently took a 2500 mile highway trip in our 2021 Highlander Hybrid XLE, which has already clocked up 6000 miles. Our previous vehicle was a 2005 4Runner 6-cyl, which we traded in after 180,000 miles. We're pleased to report that we're getting a steady 36 miles per gallon for both highway and city driving. The interior is spacious and easily accommodates two sets of golf clubs and matching push carts behind the second row seat. While the ride isn't quite in the luxury car class, it's certainly smooth enough. We opted for the standard entertainment system, which is perfectly adequate for our needs - we mostly listen to Sirius oldies stations. Overall, we're extremely satisfied with this comfortable and economical vehicle.
Lisandro Little 2025-10-14

Hey there! I just wanted to share my experience with the Highlander Hybrid. I know some people have been complaining about the gas mileage, but I've found that cars generally get worse gas mileage in the winter, and the terrain you're driving on can make a big difference with a hybrid. Personally, I live in AL and have been averaging 33+ mpg across the board, which I'm really happy with. I also wanted to mention that since it's a hybrid, it's going to act differently from a normal ICE vehicle. But for me, the Toyota reliability and retention of value make any minor flaws worth it. In fact, I think for the money, you won't find a better combination of comfort, drivability, value, and style. I looked at every car from a Pilot to Volvo XC90, and we ended up with the Highlander Hybrid. I couldn't be happier with our choice!
German McDermott 2025-10-08

I recently traded in my 2011 Toyota RAV4 (non-hybrid) for a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid because I needed more cargo space but didn't want to compromise on gas mileage, especially since most of my driving is local/city. At first, I was a bit disappointed with the fuel economy, only getting 26-29 mpg during the first week of driving, despite my efforts to maximize it. However, on a longer trip to the office, which is a 12-mile journey each way, I was pleasantly surprised to get 43 mpg on the way there and 34 mpg on the way back. This brought my final mpg to around 35 mpg, which is in line with the rated gas mileage. I learned that it's difficult to achieve good gas mileage on short trips because the gas engine runs until the engine and hybrid battery warm up. However, for longer trips, the warm-up period is a smaller fraction of time. So, don't let short trips fool you into thinking you're getting poor gas mileage because you wouldn't be getting more than 15 mpg with a non-hybrid mid-size SUV. Apart from the gas mileage, I find the ride to be very comfortable and quiet. Although the engine gets louder when you press the gas pedal or go uphill, it's not too bothersome considering how quiet it is the rest of the time. My wife originally wanted bench seats for the 2nd row, but we ended up getting a good deal on a 2021 Highlander Hybrid that came with captain's chairs, and now she really likes them. The only negative I have is a minor issue with the design of the hood, but it's not significant enough to detract from my overall positive experience with the Highlander.When you look at the front hood from the side, you might notice a gap between the headlights and the hood that almost makes it look like the hood is open. Have you ever wondered why that is? I know I have! If you happen to know the reason behind this design, I would love to hear it.
Rashawn Hane 2025-09-11

We hope you're enjoying your Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid! It sounds like you made a great choice with all the options and features it offers. The Hybrid provides plenty of power while also being fuel efficient, which is a great combination. The safety features and bird's eye view camera are definitely helpful, and we're glad to hear you're enjoying the 12.3

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2021 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems:

Common problems on 4th Gen Highlanders? : r/ToyotaHighlander

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/z8snf6/common_problems_on_4th_gen_highlanders/

Nov 30, 2022 ... ... 2021 highlander hybrid went out prematurely at or before 53k miles. I believe this defect was present when I had bought the car used off the ...

2021 Toyota Highlander Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...

https://www.vehiclehistory.com/report/toyota/highlander/2021

May 11, 2023 ... Common problems found on the 2021 Toyota Highlander include premature brake wear, paint fading on the roof, along with some transmission issues ...

2021 Highlander Hybrid - fuel system / mpg issues : r ...

https://www.reddit.com/r/ToyotaHighlander/comments/vurwo7/2021_highlander_hybrid_fuel_system_mpg_issues/

Jul 9, 2022 ... So PLEASE if you feel your Hybrid is not performing correctly please bring it in ! I'd love to see Toyota recognize the issue more… maybe not a ...

2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Problems | Kelley Blue Book

https://www.kbb.com/toyota/highlander-hybrid/2021/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next ...

2021 Toyota Highlander Reliability - Consumer Reports

https://www.consumerreports.org/cars/toyota/highlander/2021/reliability/

Owner Reported Trouble Spots · In-car Electronics · Noises And Leaks · Brakes · Transmission Minor · Body Hardware · Exhaust · Paint And Trim · Electrical Accessories.