NHTSA Data Explorer

Toyota Highlander

Data refreshed June 26, 2026

Select a model year to filter results to that year of the Toyota Highlander.

Complaints

6,324

Active records

Recalls

57

Active records

TSBs

1,369

Active records

Filing history

Monthly totals over the last 20 years. Click a legend item to show or hide that series.

Reported severity

Based on consumer complaints filed since 2000. Recalls and TSBs do not include severity data.

Deaths

58

Injuries

401

Crashes

517

Fires

75

Top reported issues — Toyota Highlander

Click a category to expand its values.

Operating state

2,174

Condition issue

1,312

Noise

1,105

Reporting mechanism

1,057

Braking behavior

759

Performance issue

667

Driver assistance issue

582

Engine behavior

494

Safety restraint issue

400

Transmission/drivetrain behavior

395

Fluid issue

393

Access/entry issue

310

Vibration/harshness

277

Electrified system issue

250

Steering behavior

221

Thermal issue

219

Safety restraint behavior

212

Electrical issue

153

Infotainment behavior

147

Lighting behavior

124

Starting behavior

114

Powering on/off behavior

89

HVAC behavior

86

Smell

75

Ride/handling behavior

62

Recent change

40

Wiper/washer behavior

18

Communication/network issue

12

Charging behavior

1

Recent filings

The 10 most recent filings for each type.

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 23, 2026


After just passing 100K miles, there is now a whirling noise upon acceleration. After taking to an auto repair shop, they narrowed it down to the transmission and said it was a known problem (referenced T-SB-0008-21) and suggested I take it to the dealership. I took to the dealership where a service manager offered to ride with me to confirm and he confirmed the issue was in fact the known problem noted from the technical service bulletin. The Toyota dealership assistant service manager stated…

2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 23, 2026


The transmission (the UA80) has been known to have several issues and my transmission has normal driving on it, has had its fluids replaced, and is now experiencing the same issue that others are experiencing.

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 23, 2026


Transmission needed! 76,000 miles and Toyota will not address the issue! We have owned Toyotas for 30 some years! Sienna, Avalon, RAV4, Sequoia, and now the Highlander!!!!! There is a massive issue with the transmission across the board in the 2021 and 2022 Highlander and Toyota will not replace.

2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 22, 2026


Air conditioning has leaked after only 60,000 miles, costing me thousands in repairs. This is a recall on other models, but not this one. Mine and my baby’s safety is put at risk by being forced to drive around in the heat of summer without air conditioning. There were no warning lights. It was verified by the dealer, and I have a video of the inspection.

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 22, 2026


I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 127k miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining/whirring noise during acceleration. The noise appears to originate from the drivetrain/transmission area and has become increasingly noticeable over time. The condition occurs every-time during acceleration and is present under normal driving conditions. I am concerned that this may indicate a transmission or drivetrain-related issue that could affect vehicle reliability and safety. I…

2024 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 21, 2026


The third row seat belts in the 2024 Highlander are very difficult to latch. I had to bring my Highlander to the dealership twice over the seatbelt buckles in the third row. The buckle part does not lift up high enough to grab the buckle to latch it. Anytime a child old enough to be in the third row sits back there an adult has to Buckle them because they can’t get the seat belt to latch to the buckle. It’s supposed to be a family friendly vehicle but if a 7 year old can’t buckle themselves,…

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 19, 2026


I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle developed transmission symptoms including whining noise. A Toyota dealer diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended complete transmission replacement at a cost of approximately $9786.31. Toyota declined repair assistance. I am concerned because a transmission failure at this mileage is unexpected and appears similar to other owner complaints involving the 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission.

2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 19, 2026


The dealership recommended transmission fluid exchange services for my 2019 Highlander SE after the recommended mileage for this service. I wasn’t able to get this service completed because of timing, however later on the service was completed and after three weeks the vehicle started jerking upon acceleration. Took the Benchley back to the mechanic to diagnose the problem. Per the diagnostic test the issue was determined by this code transmission P0745-7F | Pressure Control Solenoid A Actuator…

2021 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 17, 2026


Transmission makes a metallic whining sound when you accelerate. Associated and confirmed to be transmission failure. Vehicle has 65,000 miles on it and failure is considered premature. The specific transmission, UA80, is known to have manufacturing defects that cause this problem

2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

Filed Jun 17, 2026


Known faulty transmission. Ua 80 transmission shifts early causing erratic shifting and excessive wear and tear on the transmission causing premature wear and tear.

Data sourced from NHTSA's public datasets. Issue classifications are generated by Repair Surge. About this data.

Updated June 26, 2026. Refreshed nightly.