2020 Toyota Highlander
This year had 30% to 100% more complaints than this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 317
- Recalls
- 4
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2020
None on file
40% of complaints
Complaints per year
2020: 317 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 192 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 269 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 527 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 181 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
40% · 126 reportsMost commonly citing differential unit and constant velocity joint.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2020-11-17
Service brakes
13% · 40 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Show complaint excerpts
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 .
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-10-04
I was told by oxmoor dealership I had to talk to toyota corporate before I could get my car touched and that I did not need to talk to a lawyer. I called.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-10
Also filed under Electrical system
I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-16
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system and electrical system
Air bags
10% · 32 reportsStructure
10% · 31 reportsMost commonly citing body and bumpers.
Fuel/propulsion system
6% · 19 reportsSafety timeline
4 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2020Complaint volume 317 complaints filed for this model year.
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2020-05-15Engine, fuel system, gasoline20V162000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine.
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.
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2020-12-11Air bags, seats20V633000 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.
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.
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2024-04-22Structure23V720000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles.
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.
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2024-10-31Air bags23V865000 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...
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.
Buy-smart checklist
2020 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 126 reports on file for this year.
- Service brakes: 40 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 32 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 20V162000 · Engine, fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V633000 · Air bags, seats
- Recall 23V720000 · Structure
- Recall 23V865000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2020 Toyota Highlander is rated "worse than typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 40% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have?
- 4 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.