2020 Toyota Highlander problems, complaints & recalls

2020 Toyota Highlander recalls (4)

• Recall 23V865000Dec 20, 2023999,901 vehicles
  AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION

  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: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.

  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.

• Recall 23V720000Oct 26, 2023750,795 vehicles
  STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

  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.

  Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

  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.

• Recall 20V633000Oct 14, 20203,121 vehicles
  AIR BAGS · SEATS

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly.

  Risk: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB14 / 20TA14.

• Recall 20V162000Mar 19, 202038,810 vehicles
  ENGINE · FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

  Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature.

  Risk: Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

  Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA06.

NHTSA 5-Star safety ratings

Recent 2020 Toyota Highlander complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

1. Filed Oct 4, 2026KYCrashTowedBrakes

   We were behind a vehicle that had come to a rolling stop because the vehicle in front of him had hit the person in front of him , we were going about 25 miles per hour and about 2 car lengths from him . I applied the brakes but the vehicle failed to stop . It was as if I did not press the brakes at all. We rearended the person in front of us . The person behind us hit us as well . It was like we were on ice but we were not .

   NHTSA complaint #11768834 · source
2. Filed Oct 2, 2026MSTransmission & Drivetrain

   • What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission assembly (specifically internal mechanical wear resulting from front carrier assembly bearing degradation/torque converter heat buildup). No, the component and the contaminated transmission fluid are currently being replaced at the dealership. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The severe mechanical wear and…

   NHTSA complaint #11768515 · source
3. Filed Sep 28, 2026WASteering

   The steering wheel heating component burned my fingers twice due to a malfunction. I had to attempt to pull over immediately because the steering wheel began smoking and the pain from my finger/hand. Dealership confirmed and fixed issue and the wheel is no longer available to inspect. I was burned while holding the steering wheel and could have steered into another car/pedestrian while driving. I brought it to Toyota and they confirmed a defect and replaced parts of the…

   NHTSA complaint #11767521 · source
4. Filed Sep 26, 2026CAOther / Unknown

   My 2020 Toyota Highlander only has 68,826 miles on it. It began making a high-pitched whining sound three months ago. I have taken it to my mechanic and he said the transmission is about to go out. Toyota is not willing to fix it out of good faith/Goodwill since my warranty has ended. My argument is I bought that car thinking it would go 150,000 miles at least.

   NHTSA complaint #11767181 · source
5. Filed Sep 17, 2026NCOther / Unknown

   I was traveling on hwy US1 South about 56-58 mph when I heard what sounded like a gunshot. I immediately slowed down and pulled off the road. As I drove off road on grass/gravel I heard crumbling of glass above on sunroof. The sunroof glass exploded. I called the nonemergency 911 for a police officer to come to the scene. I explained what happened and that there was no rock or large debris. He inspected and suggested I contact my insurance and if they needed a police report…

   NHTSA complaint #11765140 · source
6. Filed Sep 17, 2026141,597 miVAElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   develop a high-pitched whine, shuddering, or harsh shifting between 25 and 45 mph, which can lead to premature wear or complete failure. Also, On/ Off from no where and stopped in the middle of the road

   NHTSA complaint #11765107 · source
7. Filed Sep 17, 2026IATransmission & Drivetrain

   My Highlander started making a whining noise while accelerating. Took it to my local dealership and was told I need a new transmission. I have 87,000 miles on it! Total cost = $8,000.

   NHTSA complaint #11765030 · source
8. Filed Sep 17, 202629,296 miVATowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled and abruptly stopped in traffic at a traffic light. The driver exited the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart, and the steering wheel was inoperable. The contact was concerned the vehicle might move forward. The check engine warning light was flashing, and the message “High Power Consumption” was displayed. The ignition and steering warning lights were illuminated, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11764961 · source

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Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology