Vehicles · Insights

2021 Toyota Highlander

Powertrain dominates 2021 Highlander owner complaints

Of 458 complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the power train is by far the biggest theme at 177 reports (39%) — more than the next four problem areas combined. Brakes, body structure, engine, and air bags round out the top five. A few reports in each area mention a crash or injuries, and two engine reports involved a fire. No deaths were reported in any category.

Most reported areas

Power Train safety 39%
The single largest complaint area: 177 reports (39%). Tied to 3 crashes and 3 injuries. This is the one to research most closely before buying.
Service Brakes safety 14%
Second most common: 64 reports (14%), linked to 4 crashes and 5 injuries. Test the braking on a drive and watch for warning behavior.
Structure safety 10%
Body and structure issues: 47 reports (10%), with 1 crash and 3 injuries noted.
Engine safety 9%
43 reports (9%) — the only area with fire reports (2), plus 3 crashes and 2 injuries. Worth a careful check despite the lower count.
Air Bags safety 9%
42 reports (9%), but the highest crash and injury counts of the top five: 5 crashes and 5 injuries.

Source: NHTSA owner complaints · 458 complaints

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General information compiled from public NHTSA complaint data, for reference only — not professional advice and not reviewed by automotive experts. Verify before acting; Team AM is not responsible for decisions made from it.