2021 Toyota Highlander driver assistance & safety tech problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jun 25, 2026AZDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   2021 Toyota Highlander UA80 transmission failed at 100,000 miles. Codes P2808, P0741. Matches Toyota TSB-0160-18 and T-SB-0008-21. Dealer Alexander Toyota and TMS Brand Engagement denied goodwill. TMS rep stated "TSBs don't matter" despite pending class action Pallaya v Toyota, Case 2:25-cv-10458, which cites these TSBs as proof Toyota knew of defect. Toyota refusing to honor documented defect. Transmission slip/loss of power is safety issue. Request investigation.

   NHTSA complaint #11746525 · source
2. Filed Jun 11, 2026NCAirbagsDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical System

   Four days after I took delivery of this used vehicle (April 25, 2026), multiple warning lights appeared at once: BRAKE, ABS, PARK, Check Engine, Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable, and RCTA OFF. An independent Toyota dealership diagnosed the vehicle April 27-28, 2026 (approx. 109,000 miles) and found (1) water leaking into the rear hybrid battery area through a sunroof drain "installed incorrectly," causing a Brake System Control Module low-voltage code, starting issues, a…

   NHTSA complaint #11743384 · source
3. Filed May 19, 2026VADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The parking sensor bracket has failed twice now and the sensor keeps falling through. There are no signs of scratches or bumps on the bumper. The dealer said that’s not something they will fix. I have had it fixed once before and now it’s happening again.

   NHTSA complaint #11738736 · source
4. Filed Mar 31, 2026FLDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemSteering

   The vehicle experiences intermittent power steering malfunction while driving. Warning messages including “Power Steering Malfunction” and “Low Voltage Abnormality” appear, and the steering wheel becomes stiff and difficult to turn. This has occurred multiple times during normal driving conditions, including at low speeds and while turning. When the issue occurs, it requires increased effort to steer, creating a risk of loss of control. Additional warning messages have…

   NHTSA complaint #11728216 · source
5. Filed Mar 20, 202545,000 miNHDriver Assistance & Safety TechVisibility & Wipers

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the display screen malfunctioned and displayed a solid black screen. During the failure, several functions and features could not be accessed or activated, including the front and rear defrosters. The contact was unable to clear the front and rear windshields, which created a visibility hazard for the driver. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, who diagnosed that the…

   NHTSA complaint #11649388 · source
6. Filed Jan 29, 2025NJDriver Assistance & Safety TechOther / Unknown

   Subject: Transmission Issue – 2021 Toyota Highlander Dear NHTSA, I am reporting a serious transmission issue with my 2021 Toyota Highlander (82,000 miles). I recently took it to the dealership for an unusual noise, and they diagnosed a transmission failure, quoting over $9,000 for replacement and service. After researching, I discovered Toyota has known about transmission issues in the 2021 Highlander since at least 2021. I have always serviced my vehicle at the same…

   NHTSA complaint #11639473 · source
7. Filed Nov 20, 2024CADriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The Battery was leaking fluid, smoke was visible and rotten smell from the battery. Electrical secondary brake system came on the dashboard

   NHTSA complaint #11626440 · source
8. Filed Aug 5, 2024TXDriver Assistance & Safety TechElectrical SystemEngine

   The start/stop operating system failed. When the engine cut off while waiting for train to pass, the engine went to turn over and completely stopped the vehile. Although the car would not start, I was unable to cut the car off completely. It would say ignition on. The lights in vehicle were on. Running the ac caused the car to say high power consumption but there was no way to cut vehicle off without removing the battery to reset the vehicle. Caused the car to malfunction…

   NHTSA complaint #11606573 · source
9. Filed Jul 27, 2024MIBrakesDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

   The electric park brake makes a loud screaming sound during engaging cycle as I put the gear in park. The sound gets worse during warmer weather. I visited the dealer twice for the same problem and reported it to Toyota. During my visit another highlander came into dealership. It made the same sound when the driver placed it in Park. According to the dealer, this sound is normal. I say it’s not. I have way cheaper cars with Electric park and they don’t make this sound. If…

   NHTSA complaint #11604891 · source
10. Filed Oct 29, 2023CTDriver Assistance & Safety TechSteering

    The steering technology in this vehicle reads lines on the road that are not correct or valid lanes and almost caused several accidents during the 2 years I had the vehicle. Luckily, I was paying attention and had to jerk the wheel to the correct lane but the steering wheel will force itself to the other false lane. This is extremely dangerous and this is a huge safety issue.

    NHTSA complaint #11552496 · source
11. Filed Oct 27, 2023MDDriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    The lane assist will not stay turned off, even when it is done manually each time I get in the car. The steering pulls me back when I'm trying to change lanes, making it unsafe.

    NHTSA complaint #11552162 · source
12. Filed Jun 5, 2023LADriver Assistance & Safety Tech

    I was driving 50 mph on 28 E in Pineville, Louisiana when I heard what sound like a gunshot. I pulled over and realized my sunroof exploded.

    NHTSA complaint #11525473 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology