NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2021 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2021 Toyota Highlander scores 81 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 4 recalls, and 468 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a perfect 5-star overall crash rating from NHTSA, bolstered by standard inclusion of all three crash-avoidance technologies. However, four active recall campaigns temper this strong safety profile and warrant thorough review by prospective owners. This model earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, placing it in the Strong band.
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a 5-star overall crash rating and a NHTSA Safety Index of 81/100, both derived from NHTSA data.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 118 SUVs from 2021 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2021 Toyota Highlander ranks 75 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 81 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 4 |
| Owner complaints | 468 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 75 of 118 SUVs tested for 2021 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
The 2021 Highlander Hybrid carries four open recall campaigns, contributing to its defect-record score of 10 out of a possible 20 points. This score reduces the overall NHTSA Safety Index to 81/100, a figure unchanged from the 2020 model year. The occupant classification sensor recall, which affects the air bag system, stands as the most critical of these issues and applies to both 2020 and 2021 models. A separate recall addresses the seat recliner, a campaign that extends across 2021 through 2024 Highlanders. The bumper structure recall adds another item to this list of outstanding issues. For a vehicle in its fifth year, four unresolved campaigns present a notable concern. Despite its defect record, the 2021 Highlander Hybrid achieves a perfect 10 out of 10 in the avoidance-tech component. This reflects the standard inclusion of forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control. The crash-protection component contributes 61 of a possible 70 points to the overall Safety Index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2021 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA. Its side protection was rated at the maximum 5 stars. Both frontal and rollover protection received 4-star ratings. The Highlander Hybrid's rollover risk was assessed at 17 percent, and it successfully completed the dynamic tip test with a "No Tip" result.
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 // RECALLSDoes the 2021 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Four recall campaigns cover this model year. The components involved are second-row seat recliner assemblies, accessory 20-inch tires with insufficient load capacity, occupant classification sensors in the air bag system, and body bumper structure concerns during normal vehicle use. None of the four campaigns carries an explicit park-outside or do-not-drive directive in the data provided, but each warrants a VIN check.
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. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. 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 // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has logged 468 unverified owner allegations for this model year. The most frequently reported components are the powertrain at 185 reports, service brakes at 64, and structure at 47. Sixteen alleged crashes and 18 alleged injuries appear in the complaint database. All figures are unverified consumer allegations, not established facts.
468 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
Four recall campaigns have been issued for the 2021 Highlander Hybrid, a significant number for a single model year. Prospective buyers must confirm that all applicable recall remedies have been completed by checking the specific VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup tool. The campaigns address potential issues with the seat recliner, airbag sensor, tires, and bumper, each of which presents a distinct safety concern. Verifying the remedy status in writing from the seller is a critical step for any purchaser of this model year.
- The 2021 model year carries four open NHTSA recall campaigns covering seat recliners, accessory tires, air bag occupant classification sensors, and bumper structure, giving it a defect-record score of only 10 out of 20 points in the Safety Index.
- NHTSA's NCAP side-crash rating for this specific year reached the maximum 5 stars, while frontal and rollover protection each scored 4 stars, with a 17 percent rollover risk measurement.
- The Safety Index of 81/100 held exactly flat compared to the 2020 Highlander Hybrid's 81/100, indicating no net safety improvement or decline between the two model years.
- Owner allegations on file with NHTSA for this model year total 468, with the powertrain category alone accounting for 185 of those unverified reports, making it the single most-cited component by a wide margin.
RANKINGSWhere the 2021 Toyota Highlander places
The 2021 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2021 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2021 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2021 Toyota Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 81 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2021 Toyota Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2021 Toyota Highlander earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 4 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 468 owner complaints are on file for the 2021 Toyota Highlander. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Highlander years
Rivals in SUV (2021)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 Tesla Model X 5-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 6-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Tesla Model X 7-Seat | 98/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Nissan Murano | 96/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Audi Q5 Sportback | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2021 Mazda CX-3 | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 15852), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 2021.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 75 of 118 in the SUV class for 2021.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.