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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 · Jan 17, 2021
Fuel/propulsion System

THE FUEL TANK CAPACITY LISTED AS 17.1 GALLONS BUT ONLY TAKE BETWEEN 12-12.5 GALLON WHEN FILLED UP, EVEN WHEN THE RESERVE HAS RAN DOWN WHERE MILE TO EMPTY IS NEAR ZERO. TOTAL MILES RANGE BETWEEN FILL UPS IS UNDER 500 MILES, FAR LESS THAN THE 616 MILES RANGE CLAIMED BY TOYOTA.

NHTSA ODI #11388566

12,995 miles · Jan 13, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemVehicle Speed Control

VEHICLE WENT INTO LIMP MODE REIEVED CODE P0300 REDUCED ENGINE POWER ON HIGHWAY WHEN ACCELERATING

NHTSA ODI #11387820

1,960 miles · Jan 2, 2021
EngineVehicle Speed Control

DRIVING 50 MILES/ HOUR VEHCLE STARTED LOOSING POWER AND STARTED TO SHAKE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND TWO DIFFERENT MESSAGES IN DASHBOARD POP OUT. ONE ABOUT HYBRID MALFUNCTION AND THE OTHER OUTPUT POWER REDUCED.

NHTSA ODI #11386179

4,000 miles · Dec 23, 2020
EngineService BrakesVehicle Speed Control

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 4,000 MILES. TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, THE CAR JUST LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 1. CHECK ENGINE - REDUCED ENGINE POWER 2. SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WE HAD TO PARK AND WAIT FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP…

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WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 4,000 MILES. TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, THE CAR JUST LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 1. CHECK ENGINE - REDUCED ENGINE POWER 2. SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WE HAD TO PARK AND WAIT FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO COME AND TOW IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG OR WHY IT JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND CAN ONLY HOPE TOYOTA CAN ADDRESS THIS OR REPLACE THE CAR.

NHTSA ODI #11384736

9,000 miles · Dec 13, 2020
Unknown Or Other

WE WERE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY WE HEARD LIKE A "BANG" SOUND, LIKE AN EXPLOSION. WE LOOKED AROUND US AND WONDERED WHAT IT WAS. THEN WE HEARD THE AIR FROM THE ROOF SEEPING THROUGH AND WE TOOK AN EXIT, IT WAS A SHATTERED SUNROOF. SINCE THE RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST AND WE WERE GOING ON A CROSS COUNTRY VACATION, WE USED …

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WE WERE DRIVING IN THE FREEWAY AND SUDDENLY WE HEARD LIKE A "BANG" SOUND, LIKE AN EXPLOSION. WE LOOKED AROUND US AND WONDERED WHAT IT WAS. THEN WE HEARD THE AIR FROM THE ROOF SEEPING THROUGH AND WE TOOK AN EXIT, IT WAS A SHATTERED SUNROOF. SINCE THE RAIN IS IN THE FORECAST AND WE WERE GOING ON A CROSS COUNTRY VACATION, WE USED A FLEX TAPE TO PREVENT FOR THE GLASS TO KEEP SHATTERING AND FROM THE RAIN.

NHTSA ODI #11383214

Mileage unknown · Dec 7, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

THE GAS TANKS HOLDS 17 GALLONS OR ~570 MILES TO EMPTY. THE MOST I CAN FILL IT IS ~14 GALLONS OR ~470 MILES TO EMPTY. IT ALWAYS CLICKS OFF LIKE IT'S FULL. I'VE TRIED GENTLY TOPPING OFF, SLIGHTLY PULLING OUT FUEL MODEL ETC. NOTHING HAS WORKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW AND DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. THIS IS ALL WHILE TH…

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THE GAS TANKS HOLDS 17 GALLONS OR ~570 MILES TO EMPTY. THE MOST I CAN FILL IT IS ~14 GALLONS OR ~470 MILES TO EMPTY. IT ALWAYS CLICKS OFF LIKE IT'S FULL. I'VE TRIED GENTLY TOPPING OFF, SLIGHTLY PULLING OUT FUEL MODEL ETC. NOTHING HAS WORKED. THIS HAS HAPPENED SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW AND DRIVEN OFF THE LOT. THIS IS ALL WHILE THE VEHICLE IS PARKED AT A GAS PUMP.

NHTSA ODI #11378393

500 miles · Nov 17, 2020
Power TrainCrashInjury

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN THE PARK POSITION IN ORDER FOR THEIR MOTHER TO UNLOAD THE TRUNK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THEIR MOTHER. ONCE THE INCLINE OF THE STREET WAS MORE OF A PLATO THE VEHICLE COASTED …

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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN THE PARK POSITION IN ORDER FOR THEIR MOTHER TO UNLOAD THE TRUNK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THEIR MOTHER. ONCE THE INCLINE OF THE STREET WAS MORE OF A PLATO THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THEY WERE ABLE TO CATCH UP TO THE VEHICLE AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THEIR HOME THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEIR MOTHER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER FACE, RIGHT ARM, RIGHT HAND, LEFT RIB AREA, LEFT LEG, AND FOOT AREAS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (HIGHLAND TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5500 45TH AVENUE DR, MOLINE, IL 61265; (309) 764-2481 ) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT NO DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION COULD BE DETECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN INVESTIGATOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

NHTSA ODI #11375094

4,800 miles · Nov 16, 2020
Electrical SystemLane DepartureUnknown Or Other

BLIND SPOT MONITORING IS NOT WORKING. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THY SAID IT NEEDED RE-CALIBRATION BUT IT STILL DOESN'T SEE SEMI TRUCKS. MY WIFE ACCIDENTALLY RAN ANOTHER WOMEN OFF ROAD BECAUSE SHE TRUSTED THIS TOYOTA SYSTEM. SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY STILL WORKING INTERMITTENTLY.

NHTSA ODI #11374846

2,000 miles · Oct 15, 2020
Service Brakes

I HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES WHEN TURNING ON MY CAR AND GOING IN REVERSE. ON ONE OCCASION, AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE DESPITE BEING ON LEVEL GROUND. I HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR AND HEARD THE CAR STRAIN A LITTLE BEFORE I HEARD A SOUND C…

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I HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES WHEN TURNING ON MY CAR AND GOING IN REVERSE. ON ONE OCCASION, AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE DESPITE BEING ON LEVEL GROUND. I HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR AND HEARD THE CAR STRAIN A LITTLE BEFORE I HEARD A SOUND COME FROM THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED BACKWARDS. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND I DID NOT HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. AFTER THIS THE BAKES APPEARS TO FUNCTION AS USUAL. ANOTHER TIME, I TURNED ON THE CAR AND WENT IN REVERSE BUT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AND HEARD THE CAR STRAIN A BIT THEN IT JERKED BACK. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES WERE IN RESPONSIVE UNLESS I PUSHED ON THEM WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE. I CAME TO A STOP AND THEM TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO RESUME BACKWARD MOTION TO EXIT MY PARKING SPOT. AGAIN I DID NOT MOVE FORWARD AND HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO INITIALLY STRAIN THEN SUDDENLY JET BACKWARDS. I AGAIN APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES WHICH AGAIN WERE INITIALLY UNRESPONSIVE UNTIL I PUT SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE. THIS CYCLE HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 4-5 CONSECUTIVE TIMES PRIOR TO THE BRAKES RESUMING NORMAL FUNCTION. BRAKES FUNCTIONED NORMALLY BETWEEN THIS INCIDENT AND THE ONE MENTIONED EARLIER IN THIS COMPLAINT.

NHTSA ODI #11364598

473 miles · Oct 15, 2020
Fuel/propulsion System

I PURCHASED A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID AWD IN MAY 2020. IN JUNE 2020, I NOTICED A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE GAS GAUGE ABS THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY INDICATOR. THE GAS GAUGE SAID THERE WAS 3/4 OF A TANK LEFT BUT THE DTE SAID I HAD ONLY 43 MILES. I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TODAY (OCTOBER 2020) TO FILL UP MY VEHICLE AND FILLED IT UNT…

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I PURCHASED A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID AWD IN MAY 2020. IN JUNE 2020, I NOTICED A DISCREPANCY BETWEEN THE GAS GAUGE ABS THE DISTANCE TO EMPTY INDICATOR. THE GAS GAUGE SAID THERE WAS 3/4 OF A TANK LEFT BUT THE DTE SAID I HAD ONLY 43 MILES. I WENT TO THE GAS STATION TODAY (OCTOBER 2020) TO FILL UP MY VEHICLE AND FILLED IT UNTIL THE GAS SHUT-OFF TRIPPED. I TURNED ON MY CAR AND NOTICED THAT MY GAS GAUGE SAID IT WAS ONLY 7/8TH FULL. THINKING IT TRIPPED TOO SOON I REFILLED IT AGAIN BUT ONLY 0.5 GALLONS WENT INTO TANK BEFORE THE SHUT-OFF TRIPPED AGAIN. WHEN I TURNED ON THE CAR THIS TIME THE GAS GAUGE INDICATED IT WAS FULL. I DOUBT THE GAS GAUGE IS FUNCTIONING PROPERLY.

NHTSA ODI #11364594

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.