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RECALLROADTHE CAMPAIGN RECORD

MODEL-YEAR RECALL REPORT

2021 Toyota Highlander recalls

NHTSA's September 21, 2026 snapshot lists 4 safety recall campaigns for the 2021 Toyota Highlander, spanning 4 component groups. A model match does not confirm that a specific VIN is included.

Official source: NHTSA recall campaign file · Snapshot September 21, 2026

Distinct campaigns4not VIN-specific
Component groups4distinct top-level categories
Latest recordMarch 5, 2026report received
VIN resultNot checkeduse official lookup

01 / OFFICIAL CAMPAIGNS

2021 Toyota Highlander recall campaigns

The 2021 Toyota Highlander report contains 4 distinct NHTSA campaigns; the most recently received record is campaign 26V128000 dated March 5, 2026.
Component
SEATS
Report received
March 5, 2026
Potential units
686,588campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: September 4, 2026 · Filing manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 24V452000

Component
TIRES
Report received
June 18, 2024
Potential units
4,763campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims.".

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: August 16, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Component
AIR BAGS
Report received
December 20, 2023
Potential units
999,901campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.

Why it matters: 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 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.

Owner notification: October 31, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

CAMPAIGN

NHTSA 23V720000

Component
STRUCTURE
Report received
October 26, 2023
Potential units
750,795campaign-wide
Defect and consequence

Defect: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

Why it matters: 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.

Owner notification: April 22, 2024 · Filing manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

02 / COMPONENT BREADTH

What defects are listed for the 2021 Toyota Highlander?

The most frequent component groups in 2021 Toyota Highlander campaign records are Structure (1), Air Bags (1), Tires (1), Seats (1); these counts describe filed campaigns rather than observed failure rates.
Structure1
Air Bags1
Tires1
Seats1