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2021 Toyota Highlander maintenance schedule

The 2021 Highlander is part of the XU70 generation (2020-2026), sold as an SUV. Below: its service intervals with the source behind each one, the fluids it takes, and the NHTSA recalls issued for it.

Service schedule

What the 2021 Highlander needs, and when

Manufacturer rows link to Toyota's own schedule, Independent rows to a service shop or parts retailer's published guide.

ServiceIntervalSource
Engine oil and filter

5,000 for severe duty

10,000 mi / 1 yearIndependent
Engine air filter30,000 mi / 3 yearsIndependent
Cabin air filter15,000 mi / 18 monthsIndependent
Tire rotation5,000 mi / 6 monthsIndependent
Brake fluid

Flush

30,000 mi / 3 yearsIndependent
Engine coolant100,000 mi / 10 yearsIndependent
Transmission fluidInspect, replace as neededIndependent
Spark plugs (T24A-FTS)

Turbo engine spec

60,000 mi / 6 yearsIndependent
Serpentine beltInspect, replace as neededIndependent
Differential and transfer case fluid (AWD)Inspect, replace as neededIndependent
12V batteryInspect, replace as neededIndependent

Intervals are for normal driving; towing, short trips, extreme heat or dust shorten them. Services we could not find an interval for are left off rather than guessed.

Fluids and engines

What goes in it

Engine oil
0W-20, 6.1 qt
Coolant
SLLC
Transmission fluid
ATF WS

Powertrains in this generation

  • 3.5L 6-cyl (2GR-FKS), 295 hp, 8-speed Auto, FWD/AWD
  • 2.4L 4-cyl (T24A-FTS), 265 hp, 8-speed Auto, FWD/AWD

Confirm the exact spec against the owner's manual or the label under the hood; capacities vary by engine and drivetrain.

Safety recalls

4 NHTSA recalls for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

From NHTSA's recall database, matched by model and year. Recall repairs are free at Toyota dealers, and a given car may already be fixed or fall outside a campaign, so check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before you buy.

Seats

NHTSA 26V128000

March 2026

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.

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.

Tires

NHTSA 24V452000

June 2024

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."

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.

Air bags

NHTSA 23V865000

December 2023

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.

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.

Structure

NHTSA 23V720000

October 2023

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.

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.

Running costs

What maintenance typically costs

A typical year of maintenance
$489

Typical US independent-shop estimates for this generation; they vary by region and condition.

Other Highlander model years

XU70 (2020-2026)

2020202120222023202420252026

XU50 (2014-2019)

201420152016201720182019

Shopping new? The Toyota Highlander guide covers the current model, with what it costs to keep for 1 to 15 years.

Sources

Researched 2026-09-16. Modeling, not mechanic advice - always confirm against your car's owner's manual and service records.

Running a Highlander for income?

Carlyle scores the exact listing on cost per remaining mile and projected Turo income, so you know what a 2021 Highlander earns before you buy it.

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