2021 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems
- Complaints
- 47about this part
- Share
- 9%of 533 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 39,050miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 47 complaints about the engine of the 2021 Toyota Highlander, 9% of the 533 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 39,050 miles. 3 of these say a crash was involved and 2 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Vehicle has 3400 miles and starting having longer than normal cranking when starting the vehicle. Shortly after that occurred the vehicle began to stall while pulling into traffic. Vehicle was repaired where they installed some fuel sensors. 2 days later the vehicle stalled again while pulling into traffic. Both incidents almost caused an accident. Vehicle was towed a second time back to dealership. They are now replacing the fuel pump. Maybe they need to add this vehicle to recall list”
NHTSA complaint #11416030, filed 2021-05, 3,400 miles“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, filed 2026-02“My transmission is making acceleration unreliable, whining noise and unreliable. No accident yet but I took to toyota and they quoted $8K for entire new transmission when it appears this is a known ongoing issue for toyota highlanders. They should be recalled and fixed.”
NHTSA complaint #11709492, filed 2026-01“Unwanted acceleration happen more the 5 to 6 times. While driving in highway exit ramp my vehicle lurched forward while I was trying to slowdown. Dealership had the vehicle for more than 2 days and unable to duplicate the issue. Currently Toyota dealership informed they don't any know issues or condition like this. I am not very confident in driving this vehicle due to this experience.”
NHTSA complaint #11506579, filed 2023-02“On May 24th I was driving back to work form my lunch break, had to make an additional stop before going back and in the moment I was to make a right suddenly the car would not stop or turn, no light were on at the moment, now the car is a total loss and I went trough the scariest time of my life after running into mangroves”
NHTSA complaint #11466327, filed 2022-05Related service bulletins
- 11005119Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 11005061Jun 19, 2024This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
- 10244112Aug 17, 2023OBSOLETE NOTICE August 17, 2023: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete
- 10210370Mar 8, 2022TT: Some 2017-2022 Highlander, and 2017-2020 Sienna vehicles may experience an engine oil leak condition from the No.2 Oil pan. This issue is currently under investigation…
- 10206528Dec 17, 2021TSB: Some 2018 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, or M20A-FKS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/Discolored…
- 10179702Aug 7, 2020TT: The Toyota Quality group is looking to better understand our customers expectation regarding vehicle drivability. Specifically, we are looking at vehicle surge/hesitation…
- 10179606Aug 7, 2020TT: The Toyota Quality group is looking to better understand our customers expectation regarding vehicle drivability. Specifically, we are looking at vehicle surge/hesitation…
- 10177592Jun 12, 2020TT: The Toyota Quality group is looking to better understand our customers expectation regarding vehicle drivability. Specifically, we are looking at vehicle surge/hesitation…
- 10177575Jun 1, 2020TT: The Toyota Quality group is looking to better understand our customers expectation regarding vehicle drivability. Specifically, we are looking at vehicle surge/hesitation…
Engine: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 5 | 12% |
| 2023 | 28 | 15% |
| 2022 | 11 | 4% |
| 2021 | 47 | 9% |
| 2020 | 17 | 5% |
| 2019 | 71 | 14% |
| 2018 | 36 | 13% |
| 2017 | 47 | 17% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 3 | 2% |
| 2013 | 32 | 15% |
| 2012 | 17 | 9% |
| 2011 | 17 | 9% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 23 | 17% |
| 2008 | 58 | 14% |
| 2007 | 7 | 6% |
| 2006 | 19 | 7% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 16 | 6% |
| 2003 | 41 | 16% |
| 2002 | 7 | 2% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2021 Toyota Highlander
228 complaintsOther or unknown
70 complaintsBrakes
68 complaintsBody and structure
52 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsElectrical system
28 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaintsForward collision avoidance
12 complaintsSteering
9 complaintsVehicle speed control
9 complaintsExterior lighting
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology