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2021 Tesla Model Y vs 2021 Toyota Highlander

On the public data alone the Highlander edges it 3–0.

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2021 Tesla Model Y

The 2021 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as a electric compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range AWD, is …

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2021 Toyota Highlander

The 2021 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybri…

2021 Tesla Model Y2021 Toyota Highlander
SegmentCompact SUVCompact SUV
PowertrainsElectricHybrid, Gas
Best EV range (mi)326—
Best combined mpg—36
Safety Signal3565
NHTSA recalls235
Critical recalls00
Owner complaints1,068520
NHTSA overall stars55

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Model Y

▲high

Exterior Lighting

SB-24-17-003
20,349 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskHeadlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.FixThe remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.
NHTSA campaign 26V507000reported Aug 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.
○minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001
218,868 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.
NHTSA campaign 26V283000reported May 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.
▲high

Tires

SB-24-00-018
696,281 vehicles
ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."RiskDriving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.FixTesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.
NHTSA campaign 24V935000reported Dec 17, 2024Tesla, Inc.

Highlander

▲high

Seats

26TB06 / 26TA06
550,007 vehicles
ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.RiskA seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.FixDealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available, anticipated August 27, 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.
NHTSA campaign 26V128000reported Mar 5, 2026Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
▲high

Tires

SET24A
4,763 vehicles
ProblemSoutheast 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."RiskTires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.FixSET 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.
NHTSA campaign 24V452000reported Jun 18, 2024Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
▲high

Air Bags

23TA15, 23LA03
999,901 vehicles
ProblemToyota 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.RiskAn air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.FixDealers 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.
NHTSA campaign 23V865000reported Dec 20, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing