2021 Toyota Highlander engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 30, 2026KYEngine

   I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum AWD equipped with the 3\.5L V6 and approximately 77,000 miles\. The vehicle developed a humming/whining, airplane\-like noise from the front drivetrain while accelerating\. The noise increases with vehicle speed and stops when the accelerator is released\. There is no vibration, and the vehicle makes the same noise while traveling straight\. I took the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealer, Kerry Toyota, and the dealer diagnosed the…

   NHTSA complaint #11768091 · source
2. Filed Sep 24, 2026TXEngineOther / UnknownSteering

   I bought a vehicle in cash three weeks ago at Universal Toyota located at [XXX] . Two days later, I called the sellers [XXX] and [XXX] to have a noise fix /checked. It turns out the transmission is bad/damaged and of course it's not safe to drive. Universal Toyota don’t want to fix it (expensive) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

   NHTSA complaint #11766575 · source
3. 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
4. Filed Jun 22, 2026MSEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11745579 · source
5. Filed Apr 30, 2026CAFireEngineOther / Unknown

   My vehicle was parked for about an hr 30 min , and it started smoking from dashboard area and immediately went into flames .

   NHTSA complaint #11735002 · source
6. Filed Apr 15, 2026TNEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission has failed as have many others of the same year make and model without acknowledgement of a manufacturer defect

   NHTSA complaint #11731278 · source
7. 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
8. Filed Apr 8, 2026MIEngine

   When accelerating at all, the engine emits a whining noise. The only time the whine stops is when the foot is removed from the pedal. It does not whine at idle. I believe it is the transmission going bad. The problem has been confirmed by a local service center. No warning lamps or messages have appeared.

   NHTSA complaint #11729882 · source
9. Filed Mar 3, 202674,700 miIDEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was transmission fluid leaking from the vehicle. There…

   NHTSA complaint #11721799 · source
10. Filed Feb 6, 2026IDEngine

    Complete transmission replacement for failure. Toyota said it is an unknown issue but has not issued a recall for 2020/2021 models. THIS NEEDS TO BE A RECALL. Toyota should be responsible, especially because they will not cover it if you go over your manufacturer warranty of 60k. I purchased this car last week, and had to get a full new transmission the following week because they did not disclose to me that it was failing!

    NHTSA complaint #11716104 · source
11. Filed Jan 26, 2026ILEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

    - The vehicle has been experiencing shifting issues (its an automatic vehicle) when driving in all instances and at all speeds that has progressively gotten worse over the past 4-8 weeks. - As it seems to be a transmission issue (and a known one pending litigation) the safety issue is if the transmission fails during operation of the car. - It was brought to a dealership to be inspected after it was initially felt as more of a vibration than the more harsh shifting/engine…

    NHTSA complaint #11713495 · source
12. Filed Jan 24, 2026OHEngine

    We have been hearing whining coming from the front of the vehicle for months. Over the life of our time with this car, we have reported to Toyota multiple times about the sound, and about how sometimes the engine seems slow to shift. The whining increases as you press the gas pedal. Toyota is aware of this issue with Highlanders, but has told us they aren't going to fix it, as there is no recall on the issue. Turns out, there's a TSB related to the exact issue that we have…

    NHTSA complaint #11713066 · 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