NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Highlander
Federal crash-test performance, recalls, and complaints, scored into one NHTSA Safety Index.
The Toyota Highlander is a three-row midsize SUV that has been a cornerstone of the family hauler segment for over two decades. Aimed squarely at households that need real passenger capacity without the bulk of a full-size truck-based SUV, the Highlander competes in one of the most contested and safety-scrutinized segments on the market. Our coverage spans the 2019 through 2025 model years.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander earns an NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, an strong result driven by its federal crash-test stars and its recall record. It has 4 recalls on record, reflected in the score.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
Reviewers generally regard the Toyota Highlander as a polished, family-friendly midsize SUV that prioritizes comfort and practicality. Most praise its composed ride, intuitive cabin layout, and strong reputation for mainstream appeal. Critics occasionally note that performance and driving engagement fall behind some rivals, but the overall consensus positions it as a sensible, well-rounded choice in the competitive three-row segment.
NCAP // CRASH TESTCrash-test breakdown
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 15852
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSRecall record
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER26V128000
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Reported 2026-03-05
TIRES24V452000
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Reported 2024-06-18
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION23V865000
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexu
Reported 2023-12-20
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS23V720000
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Reported 2023-10-26
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSOwner complaints
468 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.