2020 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has 4 safety recalls and 323 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2020 Toyota Highlander recalls
Recall 23V-865: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Fix: 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.
Recall 23V-720: Structure
Problem: 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.
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V-633: Seats, Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Risk: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Recall 20V-162: Engine, Fuel System, Gasoline
Problem: 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.
Risk: Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
2020 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Power Train | 128 | |
| Unknown or Other | 46 | |
| Service Brakes | 39 | |
| Structure | 32 | |
| Air Bags | 32 | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 19 | |
| Electrical System | 18 | |
| Engine | 17 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 10 | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance | 8 | |
| Steering | 6 | |
| Seat Belts | 6 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 18
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings — 4
- Lane Departure › Blind Spot Detection — 3
- Forward Collision Avoidance › Automatic Emergency Braking — 3
- Structure › Body › Bumpers — 3
- Lane Departure › Assist — 2
- Visibility › Rearview Mirrors/Devices › Exterior — 1
- Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Fuel Gauge — 1
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 21,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2020 Toyota Highlander complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander: 23V-865 (air bags), 23V-720 (structure), 20V-633 (seats, air bags), 20V-162 (engine, fuel system, gasoline). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Owners report power train problems most often (128 reports), followed by unknown or other (46). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 21,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.