2021 Toyota Highlander electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 17, 2026123,000 miCABrakesElectrical SystemEngine

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. While driving 20 MPH uphill, the messages "Engine Failure," "Brake Failure," and "Pull Over to A Safe Place, See Owner's Manual" were displayed, and several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off and restarted the vehicle, but the failure persisted. After a second restart, the message "See Dealer" was displayed with the check engine warning light illuminated. After a third restart, the vehicle was driving rough…

   NHTSA complaint #11764949 · source
2. Filed Sep 3, 2026FLFireElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   On August 24, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and locked for more than 6 hours in a parking lot. Without warning, the vehicle experienced a spontaneous thermal event/self combustion. The fire and thermal damage were entirely localized to the dashboard area inside the passenger cabin. The engine compartment, battery area and front mechanical components remained completely unaffected by the fire. The vehicle was off, motor was cold and car was closed and parked for…

   NHTSA complaint #11761851 · source
3. Filed Jul 1, 2026MOBody & StructureElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The back hatch of the car has issues closing regularly. Nearly half of the time you push the button to shut the back hatch when it is open it will not close and has to be shut manually. Typically, it shuts an inch or two and then beeps at you and when you push the button again nothing happens but beeping. This is an issue because it is very difficult to close. Even as a 6' 200+ lb man who does strength training regularly, shutting the back hatch is difficult to do manually…

   NHTSA complaint #11747815 · source
4. 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
5. Filed Apr 10, 2026GAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle experienced a transmission failure at approximately 62,000 miles, which required a transmission replacement. Toyota replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Immediately after the repair, the vehicle began experiencing multiple issues that were not present prior to the repair. The vehicle initially would not reverse, and the battery was drained shortly after the repair was completed. Following the repair, the vehicle has continued to experience…

   NHTSA complaint #11730329 · source
6. 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
7. Filed Mar 2, 2026OKBody & StructureElectrical System

   Both of the front door lock actuators went out, so the vehicle won’t lock at all & I can’t use my Toyota app that I pay for. The left back door/hatch rail that lifts up the door is making a loud sound upon opening & getting stuck when opening. Have to push the open button several times or open it manually to get it to open at all. Have taken it to the Toyota dealer to inspect both & both are costly to repair. Can’t find either of the parts anywhere, so I’m guessing a lot of…

   NHTSA complaint #11721587 · source
8. Filed Feb 2, 2026ALBody & StructureElectrical System

   Trunk has stopped working. It loudly beeps and will not open on its own. Trunk has to be manually opened and shut with great force to be used.

   NHTSA complaint #11715008 · source
9. Filed Oct 24, 2025IDElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   The rear hatch of the vehicle started malfunctioning right when the three year manufacture's warranty was expiring on 08/2024 (very convenient). It would only open part way, barely or sometimes not open at all. One instance, my dog's tail got stuck in the hatch and it would not open. I had to force it open and thankfully I am able to do that. January of 2025 I took the car into Will's Toyota in Twin Falls, ID (where I purchased it new) and they told me that my option was to…

   NHTSA complaint #11695475 · source
10. Filed Jul 7, 2025TXBrakesElectrical System

    Vehicle: 2021 Toyota Highlander XSE Approximate Mileage: 92,000 Location: Boerne, TX (Texas Hill Country) ⸻ 🔧 Summary of the Problem: My vehicle experienced serious electrical failure after heavy rainfall in the Texas Hill Country, where catastrophic flooding recently occurred. At a red light, the dashboard began flashing, power windows stopped working, and the electronic parking brake would not disengage. I was nearly rear-ended with my children in the car because the…

    NHTSA complaint #11671572 · source
11. Filed Mar 3, 2025CTElectrical System

    The navigation display unit failed in my 21 Toyota Highlander. It randomly flashes causing a driving distraction as it attempts to reboot, but then fails to turn on.

    NHTSA complaint #11646035 · source
12. Filed Feb 27, 2025CABrakesElectrical SystemLighting

    Since I got his vehicle i satated to the Toyota that having the breaks problem and dash is not working properly and blind spot is not working on time

    NHTSA complaint #11645339 · 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