2021 Toyota Highlander Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) Problems
- Complaints
- 17about this part
- Share
- 3%of 533 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 28,500miles
- Trend
- RisingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% higher than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 17 complaints about the visibility of the 2021 Toyota Highlander, 3% of the 533 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 28,500 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I just bought this 2021 Highlander XSE & the drivers side mirror vibrates above 30mph. I feel this makes it very hard to see properly especially on the interstate traveling 70mph & trying to get a clear view of the roadway & cars around me. I took the car to my local Toyota dealer & was told this is a common problem among the new design with the Highlander’s. I do not feel safe not being able to see properly.”
NHTSA complaint #11614133, filed 2024-09“This is a supplemental complaint to add more detail to a prior submission. I am the original owner of a 2021 Toyota Highlander with 10,000 miles at the time of the issue worsening to the point that I finally broke down and was forced to pay the Toyota dealership's hefty diagnostic fee. The air conditioning system has failed due to a refrigerant leak in the rear A/C lines, specifically near the exhaust area under the vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #11664890, filed 2025-06“Visibility for interior windows defroster/defogger is not functioning. Inside windows are fogging up and icing no matter what heating setting is used. This poses significant risk of visibility in all windows. I have had to try to defrost the inside of my windows just to see out of my side windows and see in my rearview mirror. I have not gone to the dealership, but do intent to. No warning messages present.”
NHTSA complaint #11498163, filed 2022-12“While driving my 2021 highlander on the road my Driver side mirror shakes alot. It makes my visibility shaky when im trying to switch lanes. I took the car to toyota and newer models are having same issue the toyota dealer told me”
NHTSA complaint #11514374, filed 2023-03“We purchased 2021 highlander in March 2021. Since the day we experienced some vibration in the driver side mirror and we first notice bad vibrations when we drove above 40 to 50 mph. We never bought this up with Toyota or the dealer untill May 5th 2023. When we created a case with Toyota, they directed us to the dealer. Once we scheduled the service they confirmed the vibration and replaced Part Number: 879400E351. After the replacement we noticed that the vibrations are getting bad even during lower speeds now. The mirror is vibrating during idle and any speed higher than 30/ 40mph. …”
NHTSA complaint #11523053, filed 2023-05Related service bulletins
- 10244116Aug 21, 2023TSB: Some 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander and RAV4 vehicles, and 2022 model year Tundra vehicles equipped with a start/stop switch may exhibit water entry to the vehicle from…
- 10244115Aug 21, 2023TSB: The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. Follow the procedures outlined in…
- 10238131May 11, 2023TSB: Some 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander and RAV4 vehicles, and 2022 model year Tundra vehicles equipped with a start/stop switch may exhibit water entry to the vehicle from…
- 10214331Mar 22, 2022TSB: Some 2018 model year Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2019 model year Avalon and Avalon Hybrid, 2020 ? 2021 model year Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, and Corolla, and 2021 model year…
- 10202452Sep 3, 2021TT: When used in conjunction with the Repair Manual, these Blind Spot Monitor, Forward Recognition Camera, and Front Millimeter Wave Radar tips leverage SSTs and readily…
- 10174896Apr 9, 2020TT: The blind spot monitor (BSM) sensor angle inspection is used to confirm that the BSM sensor is within the specified angle before performing axis beam adjustment. When used in…
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors): other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 5 | 3% |
| 2022 | 17 | 6% |
| 2021 | 17 | 3% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 15 | 6% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 13 | 7% |
| 2014 | 10 | 7% |
| 2013 | 8 | 4% |
| 2012 | 19 | 10% |
| 2011 | 35 | 19% |
| 2010 | 42 | 19% |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% |
| 2008 | 16 | 4% |
| 2007 | 15 | 12% |
| 2006 | 24 | 9% |
| 2005 | 28 | 13% |
| 2004 | 29 | 10% |
| 2003 | 34 | 13% |
| 2002 | 139 | 46% |
| 2001 | 26 | 19% |
Other parts of the 2021 Toyota Highlander
228 complaintsOther or unknown
70 complaintsBrakes
68 complaintsBody and structure
52 complaintsEngine
47 complaintsAir bags
42 complaintsFuel system
31 complaintsElectrical system
28 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