2021 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

I had the dealer perform the repair described in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 (Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement), which reprograms the brake actuator control module. Following this repair, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same lurching behavior at the same frequency as before the update. The TSB did not resolve the underlying condition. This is a safety concern because the unpredictable brake transition affects the driver’s ability to judge stopping distance and vehicle behavior in real time, particularly in traffic or on downgrades. The vehicle now has over 36,000 miles, placing it outside Toyota’s Basic Warranty; however, this is a safety issue that should be addressed by a recall. I am aware of numerous other Highlander Hybrid and Sienna Hybrid owners reporting the same defect, including reports that the same TSB reflash failed to resolve the issue for them as well.

NHTSA ID

11755975

Incident

Aug 10, 2026

This is a formal report of Recall Non-Compliance regarding Safety Recall 23V-720 (Toyota Recall 23TA12) on my 2021 Highlander Hybrid. An authorized dealership performed the recall on May 6, 2024, utilizing Op Code 23TA12R1 (Inspection & Install Fasteners). The dealership only addressed the lower bumper and failed to properly remedy the upper bumper retention tabs, stating it isn’t part of recall. The upper bumper cover has completely separated from the fenders during normal daily driving. The upper plastic mounting slots are torn out and clips will not hold. The dealership is refusing further repairs, instructing me to file a car insurance claim or pay a body shop myself to correct an un-remedied federal safety defect. The vehicle currently remains an active structural road hazard because the official recall remedy completely failed to secure the bumper assembly from detaching. A TAS case has been opened at the dealer, but federal intervention is requested to ensure recall compliance.

NHTSA ID

11755623

Incident

Aug 5, 2024

My transmission started to have a noticeable whine at 53k miles. It became noticeably louder during acceleration. It was diagnosed at the Toyota dealership as a failing transmission. My vehicle was a few months out of warranty. I was told to contact Toyota corporate to ask for assistance. I was told since I did not have a service record at the dealership, they would deny my claim. I advised them the transmission was a sealed unit with no dipstick. My vehicle has been meticulously maintained with records. They said sorry, and the conversation ended.

NHTSA ID

11754750

Incident

Dec 31, 1969

Vehicle is experiencing a distinct, high-pitched mechanical whine or grind sound from the transmission during acceleration that increases in pitch with vehicle speed. The noise does not happen while cruising or coasting. This symptom aligns directly with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 ('Whine or Grind Noise From Transmission'). I am concerned about a premature, catastrophic internal bearing or gear assembly failure of the UA80 8-speed transmission while driving at highway speeds, which poses a severe sudden loss of propulsion safety risk.

NHTSA ID

11754631

Incident

Apr 6, 2026

High pitched whirring from engine when accelerating. Took to mechanic who diagnosed worn internal transmission bearings that could lead to transmission failure. No warning lights or indicators. Toyota is aware of this issue (see Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21) but is doing nothing in response.

NHTSA ID

11754021

Incident

Jul 23, 2026

This vehicle was purchased new in 2021 with 4 original miles. Today it has 58,000 miles and has been maintained, per manufacturer recommendations, a certified Toyota dealership. At around 56,000 miles we noticed a slight whine in first gear. This was attributed to normal noise that we simply had not noticed. by 58,000 miles the while had extended to all gears and become more prominent. Research online shows that this is a known issue with the UH80 transmissions and has been since at least 2017. Toyota has a TSB for it (TSB-0008-21). This was not mentioned at the time of purchase or any of the various maintenance appointments in the last 5 years. This KNOWN issue WILL lead to complete transmission failure. This can happen while parked or in motion and can include the transmission shifting out of an active gear, locking into a gear and being unable to shift to another or park/neutral and there is no way to avoid it. I called Toyota corporate about this because I was not made aware of the TSB until July of 2027 and was advised that, although I was below the 60,000 mile allowance, I had surpassed the 60 month coverage period by two months and would not be granted a warranty exception (Toyota case number: 260710000821). Due to a known defective part on a vehicle that Toyota sold without advisement of said known issue, I am expected to pay $8,000 in repair fee's for a 40,000 dollar car that I have already spent over $20,000 on. The dealership confirmed the issue on 7/28/2026 and are attempting to use my 3rd party warrant which only covers parts. I will still be expected to pay for the labor costs which they expect to land between 2-3k dollars. Toyota is knowingly allowing a defect to persist that puts their customers and anyone else on the road at the time, at risk of serious injury and death. They expect their customers to cover the cost of repairs for an issue that they were aware of at the time of sale

NHTSA ID

11753805

Incident

Jul 28, 2026

On July 25, 2026, while driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at high speeds on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power accompanied by a check engine light and a severe hybrid system error warning. The failure occurred without any prior warning or degradation in performance, forcing an immediate emergency maneuver through traffic to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to Toyota of El Cajon for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership service invoice details the following findings: - Primary Failure: Primary fuel injector failure (direct injection system). - Diagnostic Behavior: The engine experienced severe cylinder misfires under load at freeway speeds when the direct injectors were commanded on. - System Impact: Engine misfires triggered a hard safety shutdown of the hybrid system, immediately cutting motive power to the wheels. - Repair Executed: Replacement of the failed fuel injector assembly Safety Concern: A primary fuel injector failure at highway speeds causes an instantaneous engine misfire under load, which immediately triggers a hard hybrid drive system shutdown. Cutting motive power suddenly in heavy traffic without advance warning creates an extreme hazard for rear-end collisions. I am requesting NHTSA document and investigate this failure mode and its automated system shutdown logic.

NHTSA ID

11753720

Incident

Jul 25, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure due to a pinion shaft failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,300.

NHTSA ID

11753484

Incident

Jun 29, 2026

Mileage

62,300 mi

Transmission is shifting very hard including a clunking noise from first gear.

NHTSA ID

11753168

Incident

Jan 1, 2024

The transmission has failed due to a defect within the transmission. Toyota is aware of the defect but refusing to assist owners claiming warranty expiration despite the transmission failure occurring due to a defect and not normal wear and tear. Toyota service bulletin accepting the defect. T-SB-0008-21

NHTSA ID

11752018

Incident

Jul 16, 2026

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for oil filter maintenance and a spark plug change, and after the maintenance, the vehicle made an abnormal sound each time while accelerating. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

NHTSA ID

11751494

Incident

Jun 23, 2026

Mileage

59,000 mi

I bought the vehicle used from a Cadillac dealer in Orlando with 72700 miles on it. At approximately 75000 miles my wife and I noticed a faint whine coming from somewhere. As it worsened, I researched the issue to find that Toyota has a TSB for a manufacturing defect in the transmission. As I understand it, the transmission can fail suddenly causing a serious safety concern. I need to fix this problem as soon as possible for my family’s safety but since I am out of the warrantee period and there are class action law suits in progress I am starting here. The cost of the repair, I am told will be $9000 a $11000. There should be a safety recall for this.

NHTSA ID

11751011

Incident

Jun 5, 2026

My 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum is experiencing a transmission issue consistent with a known problem affecting the UA80 eight-speed transmission used in 2020–2024 Highlander models. The vehicle is currently at Greentree Toyota in [XXX] for diagnosis. This failure is occurring at 63,913 miles, only about 3,900 miles past the vehicle's 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. I have opened a case with Toyota (Case #XXX) and am requesting this be documented as part of a broader pattern reported by other 2020–2024 Highlander owners, including other 2021 Platinum trim owners INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11750009

Incident

Jul 13, 2026

Our Transmission is failing on our 2021 Highlander. It has a little over 76,000 miles on the vehicle. 2021 and 2022 seem to have many issues with the transmission failing. The dealership's estimate is almost $11,000! We only buy Toyotas and never had this issue with our Sequoia, sienna, avalon, Rav 4 with lots of miles and never needed a new transmission!

NHTSA ID

11749504

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

A known issue with this transmission. It started whining and had to be replaced at around 40,000 miles. Was replaced with a rebuilt transmission instead of a new one.

NHTSA ID

11749339

Incident

Apr 14, 2025

The Automatic transmission is making a whining noise when you press the accelerator. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed it needs a new transmission. the vehicle started making noise at 58,000 miles. When I was able to bring it in it had 60,200 miles on it. They would not cover it under warranty because the 5-year portion of the warranty was up a few month prior. I filed for a goodwill replacement with Toyota and they denied me. Dealer estimate for a replacement was over $8,100 dollars. No warning lights, the problem started with a gentle hum or whine much like a bad pulley bearing then got progressively worse.

NHTSA ID

11749252

Incident

Apr 3, 2026

Experiencing high pitched whine noise at approximately 65k miles. Local Toyota dealer test drove vehicle, also noticed high pitched whine, and diagnosed as transmission going bad due to issues noted in T-SB-0008-21. Transmission can fail without warning at any time and leave driver stranded or in dangerous traffic conditions with inability to shift gears correctly to get out of harms way.

NHTSA ID

11748658

Incident

Jun 22, 2026

at 109,000 miles the car started having a whining sound with accelerating. When inspected by the Toyota dealer were told we would need a new transmission. Upon further searching there have been many many reports of transmission failure with the UA80 8 speech automatic transmissions. Toyota is aware of this issue but only a few vehicles have been recalled. It is thought to be a problem with manufacturing.

NHTSA ID

11748643

Incident

Jun 8, 2026

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 let alone for my much smaller wife. This has let to her having to ask for help from strangers in a parking lot to help close the door which is unsafe, particularly since we have small children. Toyota has acknowledged that this is a known issue and have stated that there is nothing that they can do to fix it. This acknowledgement came when the car was very new and my father was the owner and again just a few months ago when we brought up the issue again with Toyota.

NHTSA ID

11747815

Incident

Nov 1, 2025

Vehicle started making a high pitched noise when accelerating at around 98,000mi. I took the vehicle in for the 100,000mi service at 100,854mi and had them also look at this issue. I was told that there was a failure in the front carrier pinion shafts and they recommended replacing the transaxle assembly and rear main seal for $8,354. The vehicle was certified with a 100,000mi power train warranty, but it was just out of warranty. I discovered that there is a class action lawsuit against Toyota for knowingly installing transmissions in 2017 to present vehicles that were known to fail prematurely.

NHTSA ID

11746836

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

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 ID

11746525

Incident

Jun 25, 2026

Have been having issues with my 2021 highlander power liftgate strut failure. It will not open at times unless you have to repeat pressing the button. It makes a noise that you know it is definitely not working right. This has been going on for three years and the service department keeps telling me it is working fine for right now...

NHTSA ID

11746523

Incident

Mar 1, 2002

My 2021 Toyota Highlander is experiencing the documented transmission issue impacting vehicles with the UA80E transmission. Our transmission whines and experiences a hesitation or jerks the vehicle. Especially under acceleration. My vehicle was purchased brand new from Toyota. Serviced at a Toyota dealership since purchase.

NHTSA ID

11746426

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Transmission started to whine and act erratically during driving. These effects put safety of those in the vehicle at risk by causing distractions to whomever was driving the vehicle, taking their focus off driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the transmission needed to be replaced due to an internal failure. They said they were able to quickly diagnose this problem because "they saw it a lot." There were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11746320

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

The transmission is in the whining stage of transmission failure. It has been confirmed by Cumberland Toyota in Cookeville, TN. There were no warning lamps, etc. however Toyota did post a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on February 09, 2021 that my vehicle would have transmission issues. My warranty expired the last of April 2026 and I am over the mileage warranty by 800 miles. I recognized the whining on June 21, 2026 and reported to Toyota on June 22, 2026. Toyota knew this transmission was going to fail and most are being reported just outside the 60,000 mile warranty. I have asked for help and assistance from the local dealership as well as corporate, but both have declined to assist.

NHTSA ID

11746240

Incident

Jun 21, 2026