VehicleVerdict

2021 Toyota Highlander airbags problems

The 2021 Toyota Highlander has 42 airbags complaints filed with NHTSA — 7% of the year's total, and up sharply from the prior model year.

42

Airbags complaints

7%

Share of year

5

Crash-involved

1

Related recalls

Airbags complaints by year

Related recalls

23V865000AirbagsDecember 20, 2023 · 999,901 units

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.

Consequence

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.

Common questions

How many airbags complaints does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?

NHTSA has 42 complaints about the 2021 Toyota Highlander airbags — 7% of all complaints filed for that model year.

Are there recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander airbags?

Yes — 1 NHTSA recall campaign for this model year is tied to the airbags: 23V865000.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.