TSB: Some drivers of 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may be sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions, such as while driving downhill, or turning with light brake pedal application. The brake actuator control module can be updated to improve brake feeling for this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2021 Toyota Highlander airbags problems
severe Owners of the 2021 Toyota Highlander have filed 35 NHTSA complaints about the airbags at roughly $1,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See airbags across all vehicles →
Complaints
35
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,100
| Model year | airbags complaints |
|---|---|
| 2017 Highlander | 9 |
| 2018 Highlander | 18 |
| 2019 Highlander | 12 |
| 2020 Highlander | 32 |
| 2021 Highlander (this page) | 35 |
| 2022 Highlander | 20 |
| 2023 Highlander | 12 |
4crashes
4injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 35 airbags complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Among the 17 model years of Toyota Highlander in our records for airbags problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering airbags on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ? 2023 model year vehicles may be available provided the requests meet the criteria listed in this Service Bulletin. Follow the Procurement Procedure in this bulletin to request a replacement certification label or VIN plate.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This service bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle prior to an odor remediation being performed, as well as contact information for an approved vendor who will arrange the remediation, and instructions on how to prepare the interior of the vehicle for reassembly once the remediation has been completed. Refer to all model and
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗SSC: SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 22TC01 Over-the-Air (OTA) pilot program. This pilot program would enable you to complete Special Service Campaign 22TC01 for DCM (Data Communication Module) Reprogramming for Safety Connect, which includes your vehicle. With your active telematics account, you are encouraged to complete this campaign using this Over-the-Air (OTA) update by following these steps: 1) To complete this update, each Team Member will use the Toyota/Lexus App installed on their phone. 2) Within a few days of this E-Mail, we will send a notification to your Toyota/Lexus app to schedule and install the update on your vehicle. 3) Click on either the notification on your lock screen or the
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DL: Due to improper programming of the Data Communication Module (DCM), which provides cellular communication in various situations, including emergencies, the driver and Safety Connect operator may not be able to hear each other?s voices during a Safety Connect call
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2021 Toyota Highlanders report two documented crash incidents where airbags failed to deploy. In one July 2025 freeway accident, the driver received a dashboard "SRS Airbag System Malfunction" alert and the airbags did not deploy; in another incident, a pregnant driver was rear-ended and sustained neck injuries, with airbags again failing to deploy. Toyota issued recall 23TA15 (NHTSA 23V865000) on December 20, 2023, acknowledging the passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash. As of mid-2025—over 18 months later—no repair parts exist in dealer inventory.
Multiple owners report illuminated airbag warning lights; one dealer quote indicated a failed passenger seat sensor would require approximately $2,000 to replace, though the shop stated the entire system becomes non-functional because of a single sensor failure.
Toyota initially promised a remedy by Q3 2024; that estimate has missed repeatedly. Dealers and Toyota Brand Engagement Center confirm parts remain unavailable with no firm ETA. Some owners report Toyota offered 25-day loaner periods but refused to guarantee fitting family-sized vehicles. Owners describe being stuck driving vehicles with known safety defects or facing two-year repair waits and unable to sell due to open recalls.
Same Toyota Highlander airbags reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Passenger airbag non-deployment in crash
Passenger airbag fails to deploy during frontal and side-impact collisions despite crash forces that should trigger deployment. Defect confirmed by Toyota recall 23TA15 (NHTSA 23V865000), which states the passenger airbag may not deploy in a crash event.
When: Upon collision impact; vehicles recalled December 20, 2023 with no remedy available as of mid-2025
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag does not deploy during crash; SRS Airbag System Malfunction warning light illuminated on dashboard; Park Brake Malfunction message displayed (in one incident)
Codes mentioned: 23V865000, 23TA15
Repairs/costs cited: No parts available for repair. Toyota initially estimated remedy would be available Q3 2024; timeline has slipped to potentially late 2026 in some regions. Some dealers report no ETA on parts.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23TA15 (Interim Notice 23TB15) issued December 20, 2023. Toyota acknowledges defect but no remedy parts in distribution. Toyota Brand Engagement Center has closed cases without resolution, directing owners to lemon law. Loaners offered for up to 25 days in some cases.
Airbag warning light illumination
SRS airbag system warning light remains lit on instrument cluster while operating the vehicle. One complaint cites passenger seat sensor failure causing entire system to malfunction.
When: Intermittent during normal operation
Symptoms owners cite: Airbag warning light stays on; Dashboard displays SRS Airbag System Malfunction message; Possible passenger seat sensor malfunction
Codes mentioned: 23V865000
Repairs/costs cited: One owner was quoted approximately $2,000 to replace a single passenger seat sensor, though dealership indicated entire system would not function due to one sensor failure.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 23TA15 applies; no remedy parts available
Synthesized from 35 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Air bag sensor malfunction alert on the dash. Toyota dealership maintenance determined the issue was sensor in the passenger seat was bad and is aware that the entire system will not work because of one sensor that would cost me almost $2000 to repair. Why would the entire system not work because of one sensor? This is not safe as the vehicle still needs to be driven and Toyota customer care does…
Had airbags trouble with your 2021 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the airbags problem on the 2021 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 35 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,100.
At what mileage does the airbags typically fail?
Based on the 35 complaints filed, airbags issues most often appear around 38,000 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,100 for airbags repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to airbags?
No active recalls currently cover airbags issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2021/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.