2021 Toyota Highlander power train problems
219 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2021 Toyota Highlander — 43% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 22 MPH, there was an abnormal sound coming from the vehicle. The dealer was contacted by phone and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The…”
filed Sep 14, 2026
“Tech: SCOTT RICHART test drove vehicle performed inspection. Noise hear is coming from transmission internally. condition present is similar to condition described in T-SB-0008-21 for whine noise from transmission. Transmission would need replaced to remedy the noise. Vehicle is out of warranty…”
filed Sep 14, 2026
“There is an unknown whine coming from the transmission when pressing on the throttle. It loud and high pitched.”
filed Sep 11, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 Highlander | 20 | 11% |
| 2022 Highlander | 51 | 21% |
| 2020 Highlander | 125 | 40% |
| 2019 Highlander | 194 | 40% |
| 2018 Highlander | 65 | 25% |
| 2017 Highlander | 72 | 27% |
| 2016 Highlander | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 Highlander | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 Highlander | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 Highlander | 11 | 5% |
| 2012 Highlander | 7 | 4% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2021 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.