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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Highlander Hybrid

    EPA MPG: 35 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2021 Highlander Hybrid is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Regular battery deid just after warreny was up."

    Anonymous A., ON (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Had to get a new reular battery just after warranty was up."

    Anonymous A., ON (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "We were on a trip and got held up for 30 minutes plus and kept the engine and air conditioning running. We stopped for fuel and the car would not start. It had to be jump started."

    Anonymous, GA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "All four door lock actuators needed to be replaced as they stopped working."

    Anonymous, BC (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "windshield wipers do not return to the down position after wiping. I have owned various manufacturers automobiles for over 66 years and NEVER had one where the wiper arms did not return to the down positions."

    Anonymous, (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "liftgate wont open completeley or close"

    Anonymous, QC (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Rear hatch lift will not open as it should."

    Anonymous A., OK (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    "The car battery was replaced 2 times becouse the hybrid system malfunction was not allowing it to charge."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "It completely failed and I had to jumpstart the car."

    Anonymous A., NY (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    ""Rear Hatch would not close during periods of cold weather. Once the weather became warmer, the problem stopped! No cause was found by Toyota!""

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The rear hatch does not open all the way after pressing the button"

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "2 blown fuse boxes and complete failure of electrical system costing over $3000"

    Anonymous A., IA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Door handle

    "Both rear door handles have broken off due to being small cheap plastic handles, horrible design and over $150 to replace, super poor quality."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Doors or sliding doors

    ""Automatic rear trunk hatch/door motor was replaced once because the door would stop moving up or down, failing to open/close. The new motor is now doing the same thing. Occurrence is 3/4 of the time.""

    Anonymous A., ID (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Seat controls - manual

    "Seat will not move backwards and forward"

    Anonymous, OH (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Not sure when happened, the rear tailgate began not going down and believed that it was just the gas cylinders that moved it up and down going out. Took to dealer and told us it was the hinges broken like it was in an accident. Had to take to body shop, where when repairing discovered the top frame had bent and had to repair as well. This is subpar Toyota quality, I requested the dealer contact Toyota, but I doubt they did."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "Like the radio, the interface with phone would work then go silent."

    Anonymous A., PA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    ""The Navigation System is almost useless, if you ask it to find a place it never find what you are looking for(not even close). But it can understand a long address. It also takes out of the way direction to get somewhere.""

    Anonymous, VA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Radio

    "The radio would just shut off, stop playing music. At times it would go silent when interfacing with phone. Only restarting the behicle would fix this. The dealership offered NO solutions despite reloading software several times."

    Anonymous A., PA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Brakes

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

    What Owners Say

    Other brakes problem

    ""A Few times in the past three years when I have stepped on the brakes, the brake seems to slip in the car surges ahead. I have brought it up with the service advisor at the Toyota dealership, and because it does not happen when they test it they attributed to driver, which I find ridiculous. Ive never had this happen before in any other car.""

    Anonymous A., PA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""It started 2 years ago, the dealership could not find any problems. Waiting for the problem to happen all the time and take it to the dealership.""

    Anonymous, MI (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Other climate system problem

    ""The ac wasnt blowing that cold. I believe it was a cracked hose of some sort. Since then, I guess its a little better, once it gets going""

    Anonymous, AZ (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "the hoses for the coolant corroded and caused the ac system to fail. It was repaired at great expense"

    Anonymous A., CA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    Electric/hybrid battery pack failure, replacement or malfunction, or cooling.

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "Car is 2021. Noticed problem winter of 24. Needed to replace battery since Hybrid was not charging it."

    Anonymous, CA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveshaft or axle

    ""3 months after purchasing the vehicle from the dealership, the front axle started clicking when I made a slight turn in either direction. I took it into the dealer and they said the front axle was in bad shape and needed to be replaced. Thankfully the car was low mileage and still under the OEM warranty.""

    Anonymous, PA (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Squeaks or rattles

    "Insulating panels and guards under vehicle rattle bad because gravel gets trapped when it flies off the tires. We have to have the dealer clean out the gravel annually."

    Anonymous A., ID (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    ""Started last fall, treatment planned.""

    Anonymous, AB (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Fuel gauge/sender

    "Doesn't fill to "Full""

    Anonymous A., NY (2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2021 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    NA
    NA

    NA

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
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    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
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    Transmission Major
    NA
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    NA
    NA
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    Transmission Minor
    NA
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    NA
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    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Dec 20, 2023
    An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
    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.
    What should you do:
    Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V865000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 999901
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 26, 2023
    A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V720000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 750795
    ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
    Apr 13, 2022
    Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 22V239000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 458110
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