2020 Toyota Highlander fuel, hybrid & EV propulsion problems

Related recalls

• 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.

What owners say

1. 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
2. Filed Aug 8, 2026MOFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   I am having fuel pump issues and my VIN was excluded from the recall from Toyota for similar issues. Toyota’s low-pressure fuel pump recall (originally announced Jan 2020, expanded multiple times through Jan 2025) covers vehicles across several model years, where a defective impeller made from inadequate resin material could swell and cause fuel starvation and sudden stalling. Highlander is mentioned as included for selected model years in some recall summaries

   NHTSA complaint #11755654 · source
3. Filed Feb 8, 2022WAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Fuel gauge is inaccurate, leading to potential safety issues. The fuel gauge does not show as full, when the car is refueled, and likewise shows as empty when there is enough fuel to drive hundreds of miles. This has led to situations where the fuel light is on, and car is indicating no remaining miles left, but there is plenty of fuel. Toyota knows there is a problem. I started a Lemon Law claim with the Washington State Attorney's General office and notified Toyota. They…

   NHTSA complaint #11450974 · source
4. Filed Nov 15, 2021WAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Since purchasing this vehicle I began to notice that the fuel gauge is inaccurate. This issue is sporadic. Often after filling the gas tank completely, the gauge will only register as 3/4 full. Like wise, it is inaccurate when the tank gets low, showing that there is 1/4 tank, when in fact it is nearly empty. The "remaining miles" indicator that displays is likewise inaccurate and often the low fuel indicator light comes on when it shouldn't, and doesn't display when it…

   NHTSA complaint #11440447 · source
5. Filed May 18, 2021PACrash2 injuredTowedEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV PropulsionSteering

   In my 2020 Highlander I approached a stop sign at a "T" intersection behind 4 other cars. After stopping and looking to see road was clear of oncoming traffic, I pulled out and started my left turn. As I was turning into my lane the car engine turned OFF and the steering wheel was LOCKED in the left position. There was no power for the brakes, which left me jamming on the brake pedal as hard as I could only slowing the car slightly. The steering wheel was LOCKED LEFT and I…

   NHTSA complaint #11417587 · source
6. Filed Mar 31, 20214,100 miCOFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Each time i fill up the car with gas i am unable to fill the tank to its listed capacity. The vehicle has a 17 gallon tank, but when the vehicle is near empty (1-2 gallons remaining) i can pump in only 12-13 gallons of gas. This greatly impacts the range of the vehicle. The date shown below is my most recent fill-up, but it has happened each time i fill up. I have reported this to my toyota dealer.

   NHTSA complaint #11405736 · source
7. Filed Mar 7, 20215,000 miNCFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The vehicle is sold as having a 17 gallon fuel tank. I've driven the vehicle for 5000 plus miles now. I have never been able to get more than 13 gallons of fuel into the tank. I have waited until the gage said there was only 12 mile until empty. Still could only fill up with on 13 gallons of fuel. The gage say's it's full. I have made the toyota dealership aware of the issue. But they said there was nothing on their system about a recall or needed repair. If the vehicle is…

   NHTSA complaint #11399660 · source
8. Filed Feb 21, 20219,000 miCOFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Unable to completely fill fuel tank. When fuel light comes on and i go to fill it, i get no more than 13 gallons in my tank. The fuel gauge only reads 3/4 full. Never completely full.

   NHTSA complaint #11397191 · source
9. Filed Feb 10, 202160 miCAElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   Vehicle will not start without a jump after 3-5 hours. The battery stays charged less than one day, but typically starts again without a jump if driven again within a 3-5 hour period. The vehicle stays running once jumped. Dealer service department indicates a software update may be required. This has happened since purchase on june 7, 2020. Date below is the most recent date it occurred.

   NHTSA complaint #11395569 · source
10. Filed Feb 5, 20215,000 miCAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    2020 toyota highlander hybrid awd. When filling from almost empty (per low fuel warning light and distance to empty reading almost 0), tank only accepts ~12.5 gallons before gas station fuel nozzle auto clicks off. The fuel gage at this point indicates that the vehicle is ~7/8 filled. The owners manual warns about not attempting to fill after the fuel nozzle automatically clicks off. Being unable to fill tank may lead to owners attempting to overfill tanks and could result…

    NHTSA complaint #11394879 · source
11. Filed Jan 25, 20215,000 miPAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    When re-fueling the vehicle with dte of less than 30 miles, the fuel shuts off around 12 gal. 2nd click for fuel stoppage may yield another 0.5 gal. Nothing adds up to 17.1 gal of fuel in the tank. Going beyond the 1st click is bad for the system, yet only fills the car up to 7/8 full on the fuel gauge.

    NHTSA complaint #11389803 · source
12. Filed Jan 21, 2021VAFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    Fuel gauge does not properly register full hybrid fuel tank (design) and/or defective fuel level sending unit. Toyota service report (6032680/1- 25 sep 2020); toyota service report (6046594/1- 21 jan 2021).

    NHTSA complaint #11389244 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. 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