Is the 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID reliable?

The 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID has 17 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.9x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: AIR BAGS problems.

What are common problems with the 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

Top problems: AIR BAGS (8 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (4 complaints, avg repair $500); FUEL SYSTEM (1 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

Yes, there are 4 recall(s): ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE, STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS, AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

The 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID gets 36 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $1333. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID has 17 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.9x the segment average of 9. The most common issue is air bags problems (47% of all complaints), specifically: the contact owns a 2021 toyota highlander hybrid. the contact received notification of nhtsa campaign number: 23v865000 (air bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. the contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.. There are 4 recalls issued for this model year.

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.9x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 7)

AIR BAGS

8 complaints

47%

• The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
• The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notifications of NHTSA Campaign Numbers: 23V720000 (Structure) and 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the parts to do the recall repairs were not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer
• The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500

“The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

Recalls (4)

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE13/04/2022

Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."

Risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.

Fix: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$1,334

Per month

$111

Per mile

11.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$1,334/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,372/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2021 HIGHLANDER HYBRID, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

AIR BAGS(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

FUEL SYSTEM(~50K mi)

$500

SPEED CONTROL(~50K mi)

$500

ELECTRONIC SYSTEMS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 17 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
AIR BAGS: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
FUEL SYSTEM: 2 ISSUES- THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY ONLY READS 425 MILES. WITH A FULL 17 GALLON TANK IT SHOULD BE AROUND 600. WHEN YOU FILL IT, IT CLICKS OFF 3-4 GALLONS SHORT OF FULL, ONLY HOLDING ABOUT 14 GALLONS. THE FUEL GAUGE SHOWS FULL. I THEN HAD TO TRICKLE IN THE REMAINING 3.5 GALLONS. HOW COULD IT SHO
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SPEED CONTROL: The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle continued to accelerate forward before coming to a stop. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions but no cause for the failure was found. The contact was informed
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 4 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)