NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
This page covers 7 recalls, 289 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
23–36 mpg combined
6.5–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Powertrain complaints dominate what owners report about the 2020 Highlander, making up the largest share of filed complaints by a wide margin. Transmission failures are the central theme, owners describe internal failures requiring full transmission replacement, often with no warning lights beforehand. Common symptoms include whining or grinding noises during acceleration, metal debris found in transmission fluid, and in some cases the vehicle becoming unable to move and requiring a tow. Airbag-related complaints are the second most reported system, though the representative narratives don't elaborate on specific airbag symptoms beyond the filing. Service brake complaints, particularly on hybrid trims, include a periodic surging or slipping sensation during braking that owners describe as inconsistent and hard to reproduce.
289
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
9
With Injuries
By System
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has 7 recalls, the most serious being an engine stop-start system fault that can cause the engine to stall without warning while driving, raising the risk of a crash.
Two recalls address the same underlying issue with the front seat-mounted side airbags: incorrect trim covers on one or both front seats can block the airbags from inflating properly in a crash, leaving occupants without that layer of protection. A separate airbag-related recall involves the passenger seat occupant classification sensor, which can fail to correctly detect whether an adult is seated, potentially preventing the front airbag from deploying at all in a crash. Both of these affect Highlander Hybrid models as well as the standard version.
On the powertrain side, vehicles with the 3.5-liter V6 engine have a related stall risk tied to a software error in the engine control unit that causes fuel delivery to cut out during the stop-start cycle, again with the potential for an unexpected stall. These two stall-related recalls describe the same real-world outcome through overlapping causes and should be understood together as one elevated concern.
The electronic stability control system on Highlander Hybrid models can deactivate due to a software fault, leaving the vehicle without the safety net that helps prevent skids and loss of control on slippery or emergency maneuvers. Finally, the front lower bumper cover can work loose or detach entirely during ordinary driving from minor impacts, becoming a road hazard for other vehicles.
At a glance
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What can fail
A short circuit in the front passenger air bag sensor may prevent the air bag from deploying in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower bumper cover may come loose or detach from minor impacts during normal driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the front bumper covers at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Skid Control computer software may not automatically restart the Vehicle Stability Control system when you restart your vehicle after turning it off. This means VSC could remain disabled without your knowledge.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Skid Control computer software at no cost to restore proper VSC restart operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
One or both front seats may have an incorrectly installed trim cover that could prevent the side airbags from inflating properly during a crash.
What the fix does
A dealer will inspect and replace the front seat trim covers as needed to ensure the side airbags function correctly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Front seat trim covers may be incorrectly installed, which can block the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying during a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will inspect both front seats and replace the trim covers if needed at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
A programming error in the engine control unit may cause fuel to not be supplied correctly to the engine when the stop and restart feature is used.
What the fix does
Dealers will reprogram the engine control unit at no cost to correct the fuel supply issue.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The engine stop-start system may malfunction, causing the engine to stall while driving. A warning chime and multiple dashboard lights will alert you when this occurs.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail you instructions to visit a dealer for an engine control unit software update.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
