Problems › Toyota › 2020 Highlander
2020 Toyota Highlander Problems & Owner Complaints
Age-normalised, this year draws ~43.1 complaints per year on the road — ranking 2 of 13 Toyota Highlander years we track (1 = most complaints per year).
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What owners report
Power Train is the most-reported problem area on the 2020 Toyota Highlander, cited in 120 of 302 filed complaints (40%).
Service Brakes is next (35 complaints, 12%), followed by Air Bags (32), Structure (29), Fuel/Propulsion System (18).
Across all complaints, 13 report a crash, 14 report injuries.
The most safety-critical cluster is Air Bags: 3 crash, 5 injury report(s).
Complaints by vehicle system
Owner complaints filed with the U.S. NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, grouped by the vehicle system each cites. A single complaint can name more than one system, so the group totals can add up to more than 302.
Power Train 120 2 crash 1 injury
“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN THE PARK POSITION IN ORDER FOR THEIR MOTHER TO UNLOAD THE TRUNK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THEIR MOTHER. ONCE THE INCLINE OF THE STREET WAS MORE OF A PLATO THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THEY WERE ABLE TO CATCH UP TO THE VEHICLE AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THEIR HOME THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEIR MOTHER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER FACE, RIGHT ARM, RIGHT HAND, LEFT RIB AREA, LEFT LEG, AND FOOT AREAS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD TH…”
NHTSA complaint #11375094, 2020 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I pulled my vehicle into the driveway and stopped outside of the garage. I stepped out to fold my mirrors on both sides of the vehicle as the garage is very narrow. I also need to unload my belongings from the rear hatch. I walked around to the Right side mirror, folded it and headed to unload the hatch when the vehicle PULLED ITSELF INTO THE GARAGE; literally! I could not open the doors as they lock and the space is so narrow. The vehicle stopped when it hit the back wall of the garage. I immediately opened the door and turned the vehicle off. The Vehicle sounds an alarm and shows the message…”
NHTSA complaint #11506825, 2023 · crash
“We have a 2020 Toyota Highlander with 89K miles that we have owned since it was new. I was informed today to not drive it any long distances from the dealer due to an impending failure of the transmission, creating a large safety issue for me and my family. I understand there are related recalls of the UA80 transmission but none for this particular model; there are countless internet reports of failure. I implore the NHTSA to investigate and protect the motoring public.”
NHTSA complaint #11753467, 2026
Unknown Or Other 40 2 crash 2 injury
“I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage. As i was pulling in, the car unintentionally had a rapid acceleration event and crashed into a cement pillar causing the car to be a total loss”
NHTSA complaint #11594195, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“While driving around 60 MPH all the sudden I heard a loud explosion like a shot gun going off and then my sunroof exploding and shattering all over me and the interior of my car. There was no impact from another vehicle, rock, tree, anything. It just exploded into thousands of little pieces out of nowhere. It was terrifying. I was able to safely pull over. There were cuts experienced.”
NHTSA complaint #11467408, 2022 · 1 injury(ies)
“Several times pulling out from stop signs I failed to see cars coming from the passenger side. On August 4th 2021 I failed to see a car until it was directly in front of me and I collided with it. Wondering how I could have failed to see it I started doing research on the internet. I discovered others had this same problem also involving an accident. It was brought to my attention the mirrors are large and placed high in regards to the passenger window. I noted others sighted their height as part of the problem. I have a bad back and kept my seat low to ease getting in and out of the vehicle.…”
NHTSA complaint #11429580, 2021 · crash
Service Brakes 35 4 crash 2 injury
“I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.”
NHTSA complaint #11750781, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN MY 2020 HIGHLANDER WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. UPON TURNING LEFT ONTO PA STATE HIGHWAY 999, THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "LOCKED" INTO A LEFT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TURNING INTO THE OPPOSING LEFT LANE RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN ON-COMING CAR. WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES, AND NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE COLLISION CAUSED MY CAR TO BOUNCE BACK AND SLOWLY FREE ROLL BACK TO THE STOP SIGN AS THOUGH I NEVER ENTERED THE ROADWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11412850, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is a good thing, but there's a problem. It stops the car too abruptly on the highway, leading to rear-end collisions. When you release the brake pedal, the car remains stationary. To get it moving, you need to press the accelerator pedal. There have been four instances of the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection being activated in the last 12 months. Two of them ended in rear-end collisions. In the other two cases, there were no cars behind.”
NHTSA complaint #11734587, 2026 · crash
Air Bags 32 3 crash 5 injury
“Air bags didn’t deploy in severe accident. Vehicle is available for inspection. Air bags not deploying in accident could have led to injuries. No service or dealerships has seen the vehicle. Police didn’t inspect the vehicle. Insurance company is going to look at the vehicle on February 13, 2023. No indication of any service lights for air bags on vehicle’s dash.”
NHTSA complaint #11505912, 2023 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“While making a legal left turn on a green arrow, we were struck on the passenger side of our vehicle by a vehicle that did not stop at the red light.”
NHTSA complaint #11432992, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Corolla. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, a passing vehicle suddenly attempted to merge lanes and struck the vehicle on the passenger side door at approximately 45 MPH. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact stated that the air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that she sustained pain in her right chest, head, and left arm, and medical attention was sought. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a local tow lot, where it remained for further investigation. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle wa…”
NHTSA complaint #11733056, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
Structure 29 1 crash
“Several times pulling out from stop signs I failed to see cars coming from the passenger side. On August 4th 2021 I failed to see a car until it was directly in front of me and I collided with it. Wondering how I could have failed to see it I started doing research on the internet. I discovered others had this same problem also involving an accident. It was brought to my attention the mirrors are large and placed high in regards to the passenger window. I noted others sighted their height as part of the problem. I have a bad back and kept my seat low to ease getting in and out of the vehicle.…”
NHTSA complaint #11429580, 2021 · crash
“While driving on a 75 MPH highway, the lower bumper cover, windscreen, and interior wheel well components spontaneously detached from the vehicle and got stuck under the car. There were no warming lamps, messages, or other symptoms; the vehicle was driving fine before the detachment. The vehicle has never been in a collision and had no visible damage to the bumper prior to the incident. The detachment was very quick and could have caused an accident, as it was quite physically jarring; additionally, the components got between the vehicle and the highway which caused them to smoke/burn as I tri…”
NHTSA complaint #11752446, 2026
“I know there is a recall for my 2020 Highlander. My VIN isn't listed. The front bumper is coming off and can't be pushed back in.”
NHTSA complaint #11748277, 2026
Fuel/Propulsion System 18 2 crash 3 injury
“In my 2020 Highlander I approached a stop sign at a "T" intersection behind 4 other cars. After stopping and looking to see road was clear of oncoming traffic, I pulled out and started my left turn. As I was turning into my lane the car engine turned OFF and the steering wheel was LOCKED in the left position. There was no power for the brakes, which left me jamming on the brake pedal as hard as I could only slowing the car slightly. The steering wheel was LOCKED LEFT and I thought I was going to break it trying to force it back. With no ability to move the steering wheel or brake, I braced…”
NHTSA complaint #11417587, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.”
NHTSA complaint #11750781, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Fuel gauge is inaccurate, leading to potential safety issues. The fuel gauge does not show as full, when the car is refueled, and likewise shows as empty when there is enough fuel to drive hundreds of miles. This has led to situations where the fuel light is on, and car is indicating no remaining miles left, but there is plenty of fuel. Toyota knows there is a problem. I started a Lemon Law claim with the Washington State Attorney's General office and notified Toyota. They have offered to replace my vehicle, which is currently in process.”
NHTSA complaint #11450974, 2021
Electrical System 16 1 crash 1 injury
“I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.”
NHTSA complaint #11750781, 2026 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The rear hatch door will not close or open and just sit there.And dings, you have to manually close it and open it most times and it never fully sucks up and latches fully and it doesnt notify you on the hood display of the car , so when we were driving down the road, we heard loud hissing and road noise coming from the rear and come to find out the rear hatch had never fully closed or latched itself fully.And it hangs up constantly.”
NHTSA complaint #11704988, 2025
“DOOR LOCKS DO NOT LOCK OR UNLOCK WITH THE CAR FOB, NOW ONLY THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR DOES NOT UNLOCK WITH THE FOB, YOU HAVE TO UNLOCK FROM THE PASSENGER SIDE”
NHTSA complaint #11692847, 2025
Engine 16 2 crash 3 injury
“In my 2020 Highlander I approached a stop sign at a "T" intersection behind 4 other cars. After stopping and looking to see road was clear of oncoming traffic, I pulled out and started my left turn. As I was turning into my lane the car engine turned OFF and the steering wheel was LOCKED in the left position. There was no power for the brakes, which left me jamming on the brake pedal as hard as I could only slowing the car slightly. The steering wheel was LOCKED LEFT and I thought I was going to break it trying to force it back. With no ability to move the steering wheel or brake, I braced…”
NHTSA complaint #11417587, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN MY 2020 HIGHLANDER WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. UPON TURNING LEFT ONTO PA STATE HIGHWAY 999, THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "LOCKED" INTO A LEFT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TURNING INTO THE OPPOSING LEFT LANE RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN ON-COMING CAR. WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES, AND NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE COLLISION CAUSED MY CAR TO BOUNCE BACK AND SLOWLY FREE ROLL BACK TO THE STOP SIGN AS THOUGH I NEVER ENTERED THE ROADWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11412850, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“While on the freeway vehicle stalled when accelerating and engine stopped, I had to pull over to the side of the road to avoid accident. Turned vehicle back on and started making a whinning noise. Vehicle was taken in and found out the transmission is no good at 89k. Also found out that a lot of people that purchased this vehicle are having the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #11693324, 2025
Vehicle Speed Control 10 2 crash 2 injury
“my wife was pulling into a driveway slowly approximately 5 mph when she went to stop the Toyota Highlander sped up to full speed and smash the tree while my wife was depressing the brake. All airbags were deployed and it looks like they are going to total the Toyota Highlander that has all the maintenance records Very lucky to not have somebody seriously injured.”
NHTSA complaint #11628820, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage. As i was pulling in, the car unintentionally had a rapid acceleration event and crashed into a cement pillar causing the car to be a total loss”
NHTSA complaint #11594195, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE Purchased: August 2020 Owner: Original owner Transmission: UA80F Dealer quote for “Transmission assembly remove and replace: $8,666.22 +tax The vehicle is experiencing delayed acceleration (lagging power) and a loud whirring noise from the transmission when the accelerator pedal is pressed. The whirring noise immediately stops when the accelerator pedal is released. The Toyota Highlander had just exceeded the 60,000 mile/5 year powertrain warranty. Vehicle has 68,079 miles and is 5 1/2 years old. The delayed acceleration creates a serious safety hazard,…”
NHTSA complaint #11721186, 2026
Seat Belts 6 1 injury
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. the contact stated that while driving, the back driver side , the minor child occupant expressed an issue with the seatbelt which began to tighten, The vehicle was stopped to assist the minor child occupant, the seatbelt became tighter and the contact had to go into a store to get scissors to free the minor occupant from the seatbelt. The minor occupant sustained light abrasions from the seatbelt rubbing but no medical treatment was sought. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed of repaired. The manufacturer w…”
NHTSA complaint #11742080, 2026 · 1 injury(ies)
“Currently having issues for my active recall with no remedy available”
NHTSA complaint #11655725, 2025
“The contact's wife owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the audible seat belt chime sounded after the front passenger's side seat occupant had buckled the seat belt. The seat belt warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that the failure was related to the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the…”
NHTSA complaint #11591063, 2024
Forward Collision Avoidance 5 3 crash 2 injury
“my wife was pulling into a driveway slowly approximately 5 mph when she went to stop the Toyota Highlander sped up to full speed and smash the tree while my wife was depressing the brake. All airbags were deployed and it looks like they are going to total the Toyota Highlander that has all the maintenance records Very lucky to not have somebody seriously injured.”
NHTSA complaint #11628820, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage. As i was pulling in, the car unintentionally had a rapid acceleration event and crashed into a cement pillar causing the car to be a total loss”
NHTSA complaint #11594195, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is a good thing, but there's a problem. It stops the car too abruptly on the highway, leading to rear-end collisions. When you release the brake pedal, the car remains stationary. To get it moving, you need to press the accelerator pedal. There have been four instances of the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection being activated in the last 12 months. Two of them ended in rear-end collisions. In the other two cases, there were no cars behind.”
NHTSA complaint #11734587, 2026 · crash
Lane Departure 5
“There is an open recall which has not been addressed in a timely manner. The below has been open since OCT 26, 2023. I have been advised that I would be notified when a remedy was available but it's been ten months with no solution. My front bumper detached while I was on the interstate causing damage to the front end of my vehicle. The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one…”
NHTSA complaint #11610814, 2024
“When I am using the brakes an a medium rate the vehicle will loose its brakes for a second causing a loss of control on the vehicle. This happens randomly and caused us to almost go off a culvert of a driveway once. It has scared us many times to thinking we were going to hit the car in front of us. It makes my wife sick every time it happens. Smart motors and regional techs from Toyota have looked into this issue and determined this to be a “feeling” and not a safety hazard. This is not the case and needs to be fixed before someone gets hurt. Lane Keeping assist is unusable. When it i…”
NHTSA complaint #11512616, 2023
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle would intermittently surge forward without warning. The contact stated that he would shift the vehicle into neutral to stop the vehicle from surging. The contact also stated that the blind spot monitor's unavailable warning message would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to Bayside Toyota and Waldorf Toyota and each dealer was unable to duplicate or diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failur…”
NHTSA complaint #11447885, 2021
Suspension 5
“It’s been a known issue that Toyota Highlander has transmission problems under 100k miles from 2016-2021 or later (social media sites confirmed such). My vehicle require a trans axle replacement as well as the struts are leaking oil and my vehicle has less than 62k miles and is only 5 years old. This is being covered under my extended warranty but parts are on back order After doing research many owners complain about a whining noise showing acceleration of vehicle . If left unfixed this leads to transmission gears slipping and eventually needing an entire replacement Some owners also com…”
NHTSA complaint #11666679, 2025
“Both front struts and bearing plates failed at 75k miles. They were leaking oil before that mileage. Approximate date of failure was 1/5/24. No parts were available until now. Parts were on back-order for upwards of a year for this model of Highlander in the FWD configuration, with 18” wheels. Prematurely failure causes a lot of bouncing in the car, therefore making the vehicle unresponsive to quick steering maneuvers. The bounce also made it so that typical driving within the city is dangerous as the bounce makes the car difficult to control. This is an issue that is documented on Toyota foru…”
NHTSA complaint #11670793, 2024
“Front strut leaking fluid. Needs replacement. Seals worn out below 36,000 miles.”
NHTSA complaint #11517138, 2023
Steering 4 2 crash 3 injury
“In my 2020 Highlander I approached a stop sign at a "T" intersection behind 4 other cars. After stopping and looking to see road was clear of oncoming traffic, I pulled out and started my left turn. As I was turning into my lane the car engine turned OFF and the steering wheel was LOCKED in the left position. There was no power for the brakes, which left me jamming on the brake pedal as hard as I could only slowing the car slightly. The steering wheel was LOCKED LEFT and I thought I was going to break it trying to force it back. With no ability to move the steering wheel or brake, I braced…”
NHTSA complaint #11417587, 2021 · crash · 2 injury(ies)
“I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN MY 2020 HIGHLANDER WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. UPON TURNING LEFT ONTO PA STATE HIGHWAY 999, THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "LOCKED" INTO A LEFT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TURNING INTO THE OPPOSING LEFT LANE RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN ON-COMING CAR. WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES, AND NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE COLLISION CAUSED MY CAR TO BOUNCE BACK AND SLOWLY FREE ROLL BACK TO THE STOP SIGN AS THOUGH I NEVER ENTERED THE ROADWAY.”
NHTSA complaint #11412850, 2021 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“I was in a school line waiting for my children. I went to hit the gas to move and the car said “maintenance required” and then flashed other warning lights “low power steering fluid and engine light.” Then the car turned off and screens were flashing. I tried to restart the car but the steering column was locked and brake pedal was locked. I checked all fluids and they were full. I had someone jump the car and it turned back on. I figured maybe a bad battery. Had AAA come look at the car and all diagnostic testing was normal. Next day, car does it again in the middle of an intersection.”
NHTSA complaint #11626952, 2024
Visibility/Wiper 3
“The side view mirrors are very shaky at all speeds-- and worse over bumps/and/or at highway speeds. It causes a distraction in the peripheral vision of the driver, and does not provide a reliable, clear image in the mirror while the car is underway. The problem is worse on the driver (left) side, but it exists on both sides. This creates an unsafe condition where vision is not clear in the side mirrors.”
NHTSA complaint #11570806, 2024
“A rock hit my windshield and it got a crack in it several feet long. A few days later a rock hit the other side of my windshield and it cracked there about six inches.”
NHTSA complaint #11532450, 2023
“1. Climate control system failure to defrost windows during cold weather/winter conditions caused all windows to fog resulting 0 visibility while driving. 2. Occupants including myself, spouse, adult child and toddler grandchild , surrounding vehicles and their occupants were for 5 to 10 minutes exposed to potential multi-car crash, injuries and loss of life. 3. Online research revealed this climate control failure has been experienced by other Toyota owners and the issue has been resolved however not been reported to NHTSA. Two days after the occurrence the vehicle was taken to Bud Clar…”
NHTSA complaint #11546622, 2022
Back Over Prevention 2 1 crash 1 injury
“my wife was pulling into a driveway slowly approximately 5 mph when she went to stop the Toyota Highlander sped up to full speed and smash the tree while my wife was depressing the brake. All airbags were deployed and it looks like they are going to total the Toyota Highlander that has all the maintenance records Very lucky to not have somebody seriously injured.”
NHTSA complaint #11628820, 2024 · crash · 1 injury(ies)
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while reversing, the rear-view camera screen displayed a black screen. The contact stated that the failure was persistent. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The contact referenced an unknown recall with a similar failure; however, the VIN was not associated. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximate…”
NHTSA complaint #11711392, 2026
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) 2
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V239000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.”
NHTSA complaint #11465511, 2022
“HIGHLANDER LE 2020 CAR HAS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE WITH GEAR CHANGER IN D POSITION THE GEAR GOES IN N NEUTRAL POSITION WHILE STILL IN D POSITION WITHOUT GIVING ANY ALERT NOISE.I PARKED MY CAR IN 3RD FLOOR OF A PUBLIC PARKING WHERE THE FLOOR HAD SLOP, AND TURNED OFF ENGINE IN D POSITION BY MISTAKE AND STARTED READING AN EMAIL IN MY CELLPHONE WITHOUT LOOKING OUTSIDE OF CAR. THE CAR DIDN'T GIVE ANY ALERT NOISE SAYING THAT THE CAR IS TURNED OFF IN D POSITION.MY WIFE AND SON HAD EXITED THE CAR AND WERE WAITING FOR ME TO EXIT WHILE I WAS READING MY EMAIL IN MY CELLPHONE.I HEARD MY…”
NHTSA complaint #11341514, 2020
Seats 2
“The rear hatch door will not close or open and just sit there.And dings, you have to manually close it and open it most times and it never fully sucks up and latches fully and it doesnt notify you on the hood display of the car , so when we were driving down the road, we heard loud hissing and road noise coming from the rear and come to find out the rear hatch had never fully closed or latched itself fully.And it hangs up constantly.”
NHTSA complaint #11704988, 2025
“The driver seat started making a motorized noise 2-3 days after I purchased the vehicle. Over the few months from my oil change the noise got louder and louder as we moved the seat back and forth. When I took my vehicle in for its first oil change I addressed it to the dealership as the seat was now no longer able to move forward or backwards. During their inspection they stated there was a lego which was not possible as I had at the time a 1 & 2 year old who would choke on a lego so there is no way I would allow them to play with legos that small, mega blocks okay because those are huge but l…”
NHTSA complaint #11430693, 2020
Visibility 2
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a sudden explosion and the passenger’s side mirror casing dislodged from the vehicle causing damage to the passenger’s side window trim and the hood of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.”
NHTSA complaint #11440668, 2021
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 mph the sunroof exploded without warning or impact. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 15,600.”
NHTSA complaint #11422101, 2021
Equipment 1
Latches/Locks/Linkages 1
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle and locking the vehicle with the key fob, the doors were intermittently unlocked upon returning to the vehicle. The contact stated that over the years, the failure had become more frequent, but had become constant. The contact called two dealers and informed the dealers about the failure and was informed that a callback would be returned; however, the contact had yet to receive the callback. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA…”
NHTSA complaint #11673318, 2021
Tires 1
“The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire line: Alenza Sport, Tire Size: 235/55/R20, DOT Number: 1W28AALA15019. The contact stated that the four tires cracked, due to a discrepancy between the stated weight capacity for the tires and the gross vehicle weight. The contact discovered the failure upon inspection of the vehicle and immediately stopped driving the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The tire manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle had was not repaired. The…”
NHTSA complaint #11497584, 2022
Wheels 1
“Case #11497584, All 4 tires Brigestone 235/55R20 102V cracked(DOT 4919, Thread 6/32-7/32). Numerous report of this tires exploding. load index 102 is Max load 1874 Lb at 44 PSI. Manufacturing label is 36 PSI, GAWP RR 3405. At 36 PSI(load inflation table) tire capacity is 1620 Lb which is show that GAWP 3405/2=1702.5 LB is ALREADY OVERLOAD each rear tire by 82.5 LB. If you add 5000 Lb trailer(tongue load 10%=500 Lb) then rear tire will be overloaded 82.5+500/2=332.5 Lb. This is 332.5/1874=17.7% All Toyota Highlander 4th generation LIMITED & PLATINUM should be removed from the road an emergency.…”
NHTSA complaint #11499606, 2022
How we read this (methodology)
How to read this: raw complaint totals are not a clean reliability score — a model year with more cars sold, or simply more years on the road, accumulates more complaints regardless of how good it is. So this page leans on two signals that are not distorted by sales volume: the share of complaints falling on each vehicle system (the breakdown above) and NHTSA's own crash / fire / injury / death flags. When we compare model years of the same model, we normalise by years on the road (complaints ÷ vehicle age) rather than comparing raw totals. Age-normalised, the 2020 Toyota Highlander draws about 43.1 complaints per year on the road, ranking 2 of 13 among the Toyota Highlander model years we have ingested (1 = most complaints per year on road).
Before you buy this Toyota Highlander
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Data source: U.S. NHTSA (nhtsa.gov). SaveVIN surfaces public recall data and is not affiliated with or endorsed by NHTSA.