← New search

2020 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

About this comparison →

When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

Limited mileage data: 58 of 311 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 124 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 37 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Air Bags. Review the 32 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

15 crash reports0 fire reports13 injury reports

What owners actually said

311 reports
Mileage unknown · Aug 27, 2021
Seats

The driver seat started making a motorized noise 2-3 days after I purchased the vehicle. Over the few months from my oil change the noise got louder and louder as we moved the seat back and forth. When I took my vehicle in for its first oil change I addressed it to the dealership as the seat was now no longer able to move forwar…

Read full complaint

The driver seat started making a motorized noise 2-3 days after I purchased the vehicle. Over the few months from my oil change the noise got louder and louder as we moved the seat back and forth. When I took my vehicle in for its first oil change I addressed it to the dealership as the seat was now no longer able to move forward or backwards. During their inspection they stated there was a lego which was not possible as I had at the time a 1 & 2 year old who would choke on a lego so there is no way I would allow them to play with legos that small, mega blocks okay because those are huge but legos are too small. Anywho the seat was functionable after the inspection which lasted about a month and then went out again. I then brought it up again at the next oil change which they Checked it out and it worked a bit then went out again. The last time I took my vehicle in for its last oil change I addressed it, they took it apart and left it that way as it is now but were unable to locate the reason why it was defaulted. I however found that a piece was missing from one side of the track under the seat but they couldn't see that it was the reason for the malfunction. I have tried multiple times at least 5 times and speaking with the 2 service managers but to no avail this driver seat still can not be adjusted which means no one can drive my vehicle aside from myself not even in case of an emergency. There are no warning lights or alerts that come up.

NHTSA ODI #11430693

Mileage unknown · Aug 18, 2021
StructureUnknown Or OtherCrash

Several times pulling out from stop signs I failed to see cars coming from the passenger side. On August 4th 2021 I failed to see a car until it was directly in front of me and I collided with it. Wondering how I could have failed to see it I started doing research on the internet. I discovered others had this same problem also …

Read full complaint

Several times pulling out from stop signs I failed to see cars coming from the passenger side. On August 4th 2021 I failed to see a car until it was directly in front of me and I collided with it. Wondering how I could have failed to see it I started doing research on the internet. I discovered others had this same problem also involving an accident. It was brought to my attention the mirrors are large and placed high in regards to the passenger window. I noted others sighted their height as part of the problem. I have a bad back and kept my seat low to ease getting in and out of the vehicle. My vehicle was totaled but the air bags never deployed and no one was injured.

NHTSA ODI #11429580

Mileage unknown · Jul 24, 2021
Lane Departure

The lane keeping assist does not work properly on my vehicle. The lane keeping assist does not keep my car in the center of the lane as intended. For instance, it very forcefully makes the car drift to the left and right of the lane and frequently pulls it into the other lane. I have reported this to my local dealership - Spa…

Read full complaint

The lane keeping assist does not work properly on my vehicle. The lane keeping assist does not keep my car in the center of the lane as intended. For instance, it very forcefully makes the car drift to the left and right of the lane and frequently pulls it into the other lane. I have reported this to my local dealership - Sparks Toyota in Myrtle Beach, SC and Toyota Corporate. Sparks Toyota service has admitted that there are many customer complaints about this issue. They have stated that there is a software download "fix" in the works, but not yet available. I did not take their word for this and called Toyota Corporate. The only "solution" I have been offered is an offer to show me how to turn the feature off. This is totally unacceptable as the is an important safety feature that does not work properly and in fact, creates an unsafe situation while driving. Since my report of the issue, I have been made aware of an owners Facebook forum that other owners state they are having the same issue and seems to be a widespread problem.

NHTSA ODI #11426238

Mileage unknown · Jul 11, 2021
Service Brakes

I have a 2020 Highlander hybrid. When I brake my stopping pauses a half second to a second then brakes normally. I am afraid that I can get into an accident due to this happening at the wrong time or if I loan my car to another driver that is not aware of the problem. I took it to the dealer and couldn't reproduce the fault wit…

Read full complaint

I have a 2020 Highlander hybrid. When I brake my stopping pauses a half second to a second then brakes normally. I am afraid that I can get into an accident due to this happening at the wrong time or if I loan my car to another driver that is not aware of the problem. I took it to the dealer and couldn't reproduce the fault with their computer connected. Though this has been happening about every other day or so. there were no warnings prior, it just happens randomly! Please go to the attached Toyotanation.com link to see other people having the same issues with their Highlander Hybrids. https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2021-highlander-hybrid-platinum-not-braking-properly.1694783/

NHTSA ODI #11424273

Mileage unknown · Jun 28, 2021
Electrical System

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander equipped with a Tekonsha Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control with Bluetooth kits, part number 902501. The contact purchased the unit to use for towing a trailer. The contact purchased the part at an independent mechanic and had the equipment installed by another independent mechanic. Whe…

Read full complaint

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander equipped with a Tekonsha Prodigy RF Electronic Brake Control with Bluetooth kits, part number 902501. The contact purchased the unit to use for towing a trailer. The contact purchased the part at an independent mechanic and had the equipment installed by another independent mechanic. When the contact first attempted to use the brake kit, her and her husband had connected the equipment per the instructions and brake kit showed the letter "C" which meant the part was connected. As the contact started driving the vehicle, a NC (not connected) message had appeared on the brake kit. The contact decided to drive the vehicle back to her home and attempted to reconnect the brake system as instructed but the failure persisted. Upon investigation, the contact discovered that the equipment had been placed under NHTSA Campaign Number: 20E033000 (Electrical System). The contact reached out to the independent mechanics, the one who sold the part and the other that installed it, and neither were aware of the recall. The contact also called the manufacturer and had written a letter to obtain the replacement part however, the contact had not heard back from the manufacturer. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 0.

NHTSA ODI #11422560

15,600 miles · Jun 24, 2021
Visibility

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 mph the sunroof exploded without warning or impact. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 15,600.

NHTSA ODI #11422101

Mileage unknown · Jun 14, 2021
Service Brakes

My Toyota Highlander is a hybrid and there is an ongoing problem with the brakes under certain conditions. When you are slowing the vehicle down, with your foot on the the brakes, there is a point under 10 miles an hour, where the brakes appear to let go and you must quickly exert dramatically more pressure on the brakes to stop…

Read full complaint

My Toyota Highlander is a hybrid and there is an ongoing problem with the brakes under certain conditions. When you are slowing the vehicle down, with your foot on the the brakes, there is a point under 10 miles an hour, where the brakes appear to let go and you must quickly exert dramatically more pressure on the brakes to stop the car. Fortunately it has not resulted in an accident because my wife and I are aware of the potential danger. The danger is, this occurs when you are stopping at a stop sign or crosswalk, pulling into a parking space, or around pedestrians, even pulling into our garage. I have own previous Toyota Hybrids and this vehicle behaves very differently. In my opinion the route of the problem may be the regenerative braking. As you step on the brakes the regenerative braking supplies most of the braking power and then at a slower speed the regenerative braking abruptly dis engages. It seem there should be a way to smooth the erratic behavior of the brakes. I have filed my concerns with the Toyota customer experience center in November of 2020 under my name and file number #2011280027. The car is available anytime to demonstrate the problem, there are no open recalls for this VIN#, and I have been told there are no service bulletins for this problem. The problem has occurred the whole time I have owned the vehicle.

NHTSA ODI #11420835

Mileage unknown · May 18, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemSteeringCrashInjury

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 pow…

Read full complaint

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 thought I was going to break it trying to force it back. With no ability to move the steering wheel or brake, I braced myself as the Highlander continued turning in the left direction into the other lane. The result was a head on collision with a Mini Cooper, both cars totaled, and injuring both myself and the other driver. Highlander was investigated by forensic company in the employ of the insurance company, but they could not find any error in the cars CDR (Crash Data Retrieval) system.

NHTSA ODI #11417587

Mileage unknown · May 4, 2021
Engine

GAS WILL NOT FILL UP TO THE ADVERTISED AMOUNT. DISTANCE TO EMPTY METER IS NOT CALIBRATED CORRECTLY. OTHERS ON TOYOTA FORUMS EXPERIENCE THE SAME ISSUE.

NHTSA ODI #11415176

15,592 miles · Apr 19, 2021
EngineService BrakesSteeringCrashInjury

I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN MY 2020 HIGHLANDER WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. UPON TURNING LEFT ONTO PA STATE HIGHWAY 999, THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "LOCKED" INTO A LEFT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TURNING INTO THE OPPOSING LEFT LANE RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN O…

Read full complaint

I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN MY 2020 HIGHLANDER WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. UPON TURNING LEFT ONTO PA STATE HIGHWAY 999, THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "LOCKED" INTO A LEFT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TURNING INTO THE OPPOSING LEFT LANE RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN ON-COMING CAR. WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES, AND NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE COLLISION CAUSED MY CAR TO BOUNCE BACK AND SLOWLY FREE ROLL BACK TO THE STOP SIGN AS THOUGH I NEVER ENTERED THE ROADWAY.

NHTSA ODI #11412850

Official recalls

4

23V865000 · Air Bags:sensor:occupant Classification

Dec 20, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

23V720000 · Structure:body:bumpers

Oct 26, 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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

20V633000 · Air Bags; Seats

Oct 14, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

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.

Consequence: 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.

Air Bags

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.

Consequence: 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.

20V162000 · Engine; Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery

Mar 19, 2020

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.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: 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.

Additional source detail variants (2)

Engine

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.

Consequence: 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.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.