2021 Toyota Highlander structure problems
51 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the structure on the 2021 Toyota Highlander — 10% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“1. The car makes a squeaky sound when I accelerate. The faster I go the louder the noise becomes. I took the car to the Toyota dealership and was told that the transmission needs to be replaced. The car is only 5 years old. I checked online and noticed a lot of other people are also complaining…”
filed Sep 2, 2026
“Lift gate does not open. Hydraulic struts have failed and the lift gate will only open with significant manual effort. This means that the rear door cannot be opened from inside the car.”
filed Aug 25, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related recalls
- During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result…Campaign 23V720000 · Oct 26, 2023
Related service bulletins
Some 2020 – 2026 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a water leak from the roof rack attachment clips. This may be caused by the sealant in the roof channel obstructing the proper seating…
T-SB-0040-24 Rev1 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jun 25, 2026Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit…
T-SB-0086-25 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Nov 18, 2025
Structure problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 4 | 10% |
| 2023 Highlander | 32 | 18% |
| 2022 Highlander | 42 | 17% |
| 2020 Highlander | 29 | 9% |
| 2019 Highlander | 12 | 3% |
| 2018 Highlander | 12 | 5% |
| 2017 Highlander | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 Highlander | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 Highlander | 31 | 16% |
| 2014 Highlander | 32 | 24% |
| 2013 Highlander | 18 | 9% |
| 2012 Highlander | 20 | 11% |
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.