Worst 2020 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Airbags
Brakes
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 97 | 2 | — | 84,050 mi | |
| Airbags | 31 | 2 | — | 22,360 mi | |
| Brakes | 30 | 2 | — | 17,638 mi | |
| Fuel System | 17 | 1 | — | 3,934 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 16 | 2 | — | 12,575 mi | |
| Body Structure | 16 | 1 | — | 6,830 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 12 | — | — | 4,818 mi | |
| Structural Problems | 10 | — | — | 41,500 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 2 | — | 13,741 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | 37,040 mi | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | 89 mi | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Blind Spot Detection | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings | 2 | 2 | — | — | |
| Lane Departure: Assist | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Bumpers | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Sensing System: Camera | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention: Warnings | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Instrument Panel:Fuel Gauge | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electrical System:Starter Assembly:Relay | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Adaptive Cruise Control | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Automatic Emergency Braking | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Latches / Locks | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Driveline:Constant Velocity Joint | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Power Train:Driveline:Differential Unit | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2020 Toyota Highlander
4 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~1,792,627 vehicles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Other Toyota Highlander Years
2020 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander reliable?
What are common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
How safe is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2020 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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