2021 Toyota Highlander · symptom sheet
Takata airbag inflator recall
- 34owner reports
- 1involved a crash
Newest report Jun 11, 2026 · checked Sep 19, 2026
34 of the 42 reports of airbag on the 2021 Highlander describe Takata airbag recall.
Part of Airbag warning light or recall (42 reports)
Tick what matches of 34 reports
What got replaced
Few of these reports name the part that was replaced.
Recalls and investigations
One recall on the airbags covers the 2021 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“Recall has been active since 2023. Delarship states there is no fix for issue at time time 2 years later”
Filed Nov 7, 2025
“Vehicle transmission has a whining sound Dealer stated needs new transmission Parts not available continue driving local only Would not state car is safe to drive and told not to take on long trips. No rental provided Also there is a airbag recall for this model and have not been notified”
Filed Mar 19, 2025
“This vehicles airbags have been under recall for over one year!! Toyota shouldâve had a remedy for this issue by now. They also stated that they would have a fix for this by the third quarter of 2024. It is 2025! This issue needs fixed now!! We have young children that ride in this car every single day! This is completely unacceptable and needs reported and fixed now! ð¡ð¡ð¡”
Filed Feb 9, 2025
“It has been over a year of this recall and the manufacturer still has not repaired it or offered a solution”
Filed Jan 23, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 1 of 34 reports involved a crash. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 99 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 66 reports
- Engine stalls or loses power while driving 40 reports