2020 Toyota Highlander recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander and 320 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (126), unknown or other (45), service brakes (41). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2020 ranks #12 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (231). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Air bags · sensor · occupant classification
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.
Structure · body · bumpers
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.
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.
Fuel system, gasoline · delivery
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Thanks for your service, which is much appreciated. I had a terrifying experience with my 2020 Toyota Hylander Hybrid on XXX. I was traveling slowly on the right Eastbound lane of [XXX] trying to exit onto [XXX], when a car suddey merged from my left, near my front bumper. I put on my brakes with enough room to spare to avoid a collision, however the Hylander overrode my con…
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 . I applied the brakes but the vehicle failed to stop . It was as if I did not press the brakes at all. We rearended the person in front of us . The person behind us hit us as wel…
• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission assembly (specifically internal mechanical wear resulting from front carrier assembly bearing degradation/torque converter heat buildup). No, the component and the contaminated transmission fluid are currently being replaced at the dealers…
Safety ratings
2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
Highlander
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L · SIDI & PFI
Regular
Highlander
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L · SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
Regular
Highlander AWD
Auto (S8) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, most recently for air bags · sensor · occupant classification (12/20/2023). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Based on 320 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (126), unknown or other (45), service brakes (41).
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander safe?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2020 a good year for the Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 ranks #12 of 14 Highlander model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (231). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 4.3 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2020 Toyota Highlander get?
EPA ratings for the 2020 Toyota Highlander range from 23 to 24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2020 Toyota Highlander in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: HIGHLANDER, Highlander.