2020 Toyota Highlander

◆ Worse than typical

2020 Toyota Highlander
BUILT 2026-09-02

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.

How is this computed?

COMPLAINTS PER YEAR

2020: 307 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	275
2007	123
2008	403
2009	134
2010	216
2011	181
2012	182
2013	205
2014	135
2015	190
2016	109
2017	264
2018	263
2019	474
2020	307
2021	497
2022	233
2023	176
2024	41
2025	9
2026	1

KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS

Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.

POWER TRAIN 39%

39% of complaints: power train — 121 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing differential unit and constant velocity joint.

CRASH INJURY

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, 20201117

SERVICE BRAKES 13%

13% of complaints: service brakes — 39 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic.

CRASH INJURY

Show complaint excerpts

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, 20260810

Also filed under ELECTRICAL SYSTEM and UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.

NHTSA ODI report, 20260716

Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM and ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

Was following a truck that was pulling a utility trailer. We had just stopped and started moving again when when he suddenly stopped.

NHTSA ODI report, 20231010

AIR BAGS 10%

10% of complaints: air bags — 32 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

STRUCTURE 10%

10% of complaints: structure — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing body and bumpers.

CRASH

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 6%

6% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 19 distinct reports on file.

CRASH INJURY

SAFETY TIMELINE

▮ 2020 — complaint volume: 307

R 20200515 — engine, fuel system, gasoline

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.

Campaign 20V162000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20201211 — 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.

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.

Campaign 20V633000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20240422 — structure

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.

Campaign 23V720000 — check if this car was fixed

R 20241031 — air bags

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.

Campaign 23V865000 — check if this car was fixed