2020 Toyota Highlander problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 324 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, filed between 2020-03-03 and 2026-09-17. The most common problem areas are the power train (125, 39%), service brakes (38, 12%) and air bags (36, 11%). Owners reported 15 crashes and 20 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 5 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2020 Toyota Highlander complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Power train | 125 | 39% | 2 | 0 | 1 |
| Unknown or other | 43 | 13% | 3 | 0 | 3 |
| Service brakes | 38 | 12% | 6 | 0 | 8 |
| Air bags | 36 | 11% | 3 | 0 | 5 |
| Structure | 30 | 9% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 19 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Electrical system | 18 | 6% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Engine | 17 | 5% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Vehicle speed control | 10 | 3% | 2 | 0 | 2 |
| Forward collision avoidance | 6 | 2% | 4 | 0 | 7 |
| Seat belts | 6 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Lane departure | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 2% | 2 | 0 | 3 |
| Suspension | 5 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 3 | 1% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Power train: 125 complaints
- 125 complaints of 324 (39%) name the power train — the transmission, transfer case, driveshafts and axles.
- 3 of them also name the engine; owners reported 2 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
Service brakes: 38 complaints
- 38 complaints of 324 (12%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 5 of them also name the engine; owners reported 6 crashes and 8 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
Air bags: 36 complaints
- 36 complaints of 324 (11%) name the air bags — frontal, side and curtain air bags, their crash sensors and control module.
- 2 of them also name the seat belts; owners reported 3 crashes and 5 injuries in these complaints.
- 2 NHTSA recalls cover this system on the 2020 Toyota Highlander; the latest, campaign 23V865000, says: “A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.”
Structure: 30 complaints
- 30 complaints of 324 (9%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 2 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2020 Toyota Highlander; the recall, campaign 23V720000, says: “During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.”
Fuel/propulsion system: 19 complaints
- 19 complaints of 324 (6%) name the fuel/propulsion system — the fuel tank, pump, lines, injectors and fuel-system controls.
- 4 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 crashes and 3 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
Electrical system: 18 complaints
- 18 complaints of 324 (6%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 5 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 2 crashes and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2020 | 18 |
| 2021 | 28 |
| 2022 | 22 |
| 2023 | 26 |
| 2024 | 59 |
| 2025 | 106 |
| 2026 | 65 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, model year 2020. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2020 Toyota Highlander recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2020 Toyota Highlander's most common problem areas are the power train (125 of 324 complaints), service brakes (38 of 324 complaints) and air bags (36 of 324 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA has 324 owner complaints on file for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, including 15 reported crashes.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander's problems?
NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.