2021 Toyota Highlander Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Model data compiled from public NHTSA records; may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date. General information, not professional advice — see Terms.
One honest thing before you start
We're car-data nerds, not mechanics. This checklist is general information — not professional advice — built from real recall records and thousands of owner complaints to make you a sharper shopper. Think of it as triage, not a diagnosis.
Before any money moves, get an independent inspection from a qualified mechanic (typically $100–$250). Our data comes from public sources and may be incomplete, inaccurate, or out of date — no checklist catches everything.
So here's the deal: use this to decide whether a car is worth that inspection. You're evaluating and buying the car entirely at your own risk — we're not liable for anything this checklist misses, anything it gets wrong, or any loss resulting from your purchase decision. Fair?
Known issues for the 2021 Highlander
5
Power Train complaints Red flag
Note any hesitation, harsh shifting, or slipping during city and highway driving. (222 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 222 NHTSA complaints
Service Brakes complaints Red flag
Check pedal feel and stopping distance on the test drive, and confirm no brake warning lights are on. (67 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 67 NHTSA complaints
Structure complaints Red flag
Look for water stains, rust, and panel gaps; check door, hood, and trunk seals. (51 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 51 NHTSA complaints
Engine complaints Red flag
Watch the temperature gauge and warning lights on a long test drive, and look for leaks under the engine. (46 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 46 NHTSA complaints
Air Bags complaints Red flag
Check that no airbag warning lights are on, and ask the seller for proof that any airbag recalls were completed. (42 complaints filed for this model-year.)
based on 42 NHTSA complaints
Verify on NHTSA → · How we get our data →
39 additional complaints were filed without a specific component.
Open recalls
4
Structure Check
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Air Bags Red flag
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Tires Check
Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Seats Red flag
A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
The 31-point checklist
31
0 / 31 checked · 0 red flags ·
Before you go
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Check the VIN history on EpicVIN
Check it on CarFax (we don't earn from this)
Get an OBD2 scanner DEMO
Paperwork & history
Exterior & wheels
Interior & electronics
Under the hood
Test drive (15+ min, city + highway)
This tells you whether the car deserves a pro inspection (typically $100–$250) — it's not the inspection.
2021 Highlander–specific issues
Your verdict
Keep inspecting — you're under halfway. The red-flag items matter most.
No red flags? Nice. A pro's eyes on it before your money moves is still the play.
Two red flags just saved you the inspection fee. Plenty more cars out there.
We may earn a commission — it keeps the checklist free.
Frequently asked questions
How many recalls does the 2021 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2021 Highlander. The most serious involve Air Bags (23V865000) and Seats (26V128000). Ask the seller for proof each recall was completed.
What are the most common complaints about the 2021 Highlander?
The top complaint areas are Power Train (222 complaints) and Service Brakes (67 complaints), out of 517 total complaints.
What should I check before buying a used 2021 Highlander?
Run through the full inspection checklist below, verify any open recalls were completed, and get an independent pre-purchase inspection. Pay special attention to Power Train, which drew 222 complaints for this model-year.