Compare two vehicles

Spot recall, complaint, investigation, and fuel-cost differences before you trust the listing. No VIN required to start.

Vehicle A

Gasoline · 23 combined MPG · Front-Wheel Drive

Vehicle B

Gasoline · 23 combined MPG · Front-Wheel Drive

No VIN required to compare

More recall homework

Similar activity

Recall counts are similar.

More complaint activity

2021 Toyota Highlander

has more complaint records.

Open investigation signals

Similar activity

Open investigation counts are similar.

Lower estimated fuel cost

Similar estimates

fuel-cost estimates are similar.

Short answer: Highlander has more complaint activity and Highlander has more severity reports. Confirm the exact VIN before buying.

Public-record comparison

Rows show model-year records, not exact VIN status.

Record 2021 Toyota Highlander 2020 Toyota Highlander Difference
Total recalls 4 4 Similar
Total complaints 442 284 Highlander has 158 more complaints
Crash / Fire / Injury / Death reports 16 / 3 / 11 / 0 12 / 0 / 9 / 0 Highlander has 9 more severity reports
Defect investigations 1 1 Similar
Open investigations 0 0 Similar
Manufacturer communications 227 232 Highlander has 5 more communications
Recall completion reports 21 30 Highlander has 9 more reports
Warranty programs 10 10 Similar
Service campaigns 8 6 Highlander has 2 more service campaigns
Software notices 0 0 Similar
Canadian recall records 0 0 Similar
Latest recall Mar 5, 2026 Dec 20, 2023 Highlander has newer activity
Latest complaint May 31, 2026 May 28, 2026 Highlander has newer activity
Top complaint categories Top 3
  • Power Train
  • Service Brakes
  • Unknown Or Other
  • Power Train
  • Air Bags
  • Unknown Or Other
 Similar focus
Fuel type Gasoline Gasoline Same
Efficiency 23 combined MPG 23 combined MPG Same
Estimated annual fuel cost 15,000 miles / year $2,600 $2,600 Similar
Safety-rating records 2 2 Similar

Practical next steps

What to ask each seller

2021 Toyota Highlander

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had power train and service brakes repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

2020 Toyota Highlander

  • Can I get the VIN to confirm exact recall status?
  • Do you have repair orders for listed recall work?
  • Has the vehicle had power train and air bags repairs?
  • Can an independent mechanic inspect it?

What to inspect first

2021 Toyota Highlander

  • Power Train: shifting, hesitation, driveline noise, leaks
  • Service Brakes: vibration, pulsing, noise, stopping distance
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

2020 Toyota Highlander

  • Power Train: shifting, hesitation, driveline noise, leaks
  • Air Bags: warning lights, crash repairs, recall completion
  • Unknown Or Other: service records, warning lights, and test-drive behavior

Always get an independent mechanic inspection.

Do not buy on model-year data alone.

Confirm the exact VIN before purchase and check for new updates.

Learn what a VIN check can and cannot show