Recall homework
There are 4 official recalls listed for this model year. Before buying, use the VIN to confirm which campaigns are still open and ask for dealer repair records on completed work.
Vehicle report
2020 Toyota Highlander
Recalls, consumer complaints, safety ratings, fuel cost estimate, and next steps from official public data sources.
4 Total recalls
Dec 20, 2023 Latest recall date
284 Complaint reports
$2,353 Estimated fuel cost
Buyer interpretation
What this record means before you buy
The useful question is not just whether this page has records. It is what those records should make you verify before money changes hands.
Owner complaint pattern
Owner complaints most often mention power train, air bags, unknown or other. Scan those categories before the test drive so you know what symptoms, warning lights, or service history to ask about.
Service bulletin signal
232 manufacturer communications are listed. These are not recalls, but they can reveal repair instructions, warranty extensions, software notices, or known service patterns.
Ownership-cost check
The fuel-cost estimate is based on a representative EPA match, not every trim. Confirm the actual engine, drivetrain, and tire setup before comparing this listing with another year or model.
Questions to ask the seller
- Can you show the current VIN recall status for this 2020 Toyota Highlander?
- Do you have dealer invoices or campaign paperwork for the listed recall repairs?
- Have you noticed any issues related to power train, air bags, unknown or other?
- Can I review recent maintenance records before the test drive?
Used-car checklist
Thinking of buying this vehicle?
Use our buyer checklist to know what to inspect, ask, and verify before the test drive.
2020 Toyota Highlander Regular Gasoline
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Safety ratings
Official safety ratings were found for 2 tested variants of the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
Safety ratings can vary by tested body style, trim, drivetrain,
or variant. Do not assume every trim has the same rating unless
the official record says so.
| Variant | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD Default | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
| 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars | 5/5 stars | 4/5 stars |
How many recalls does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have?
Verify with official VIN lookup4 official recalls on record for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. 30 matched quarterly completion reports are available.
Latest recall: December 20, 2023
Recall data is based on official records. This page is not an official VIN
recall check. Always confirm open recalls with an official VIN lookup, the
manufacturer, or an authorized dealer.
Completion reports are campaign-level, delayed, and not VIN-specific.
| Campaign | Component | Summary | Consequence | Remedy | Date | Completion |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 23V865000 | AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION | 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. | An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury. | 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. | Dec 2023 | 2026-1 |
| 23V720000 | STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS | 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. | A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Oct 2023 | 2026-1 |
| 20V633000 | AIR BAGS | 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. | Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash. | 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. | Oct 2020 | 2022-3 |
| 20V162000 | FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY | 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. | Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash. | 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. | Mar 2020 | 2022-1 |
Are there federal defect investigations for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Official records show 1 federal defect investigation matched to the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
0 open 1
closed
Investigations are not recalls. They show official defect reviews
and may close without a recall, or may reference a related
campaign when one exists.
| Action | Status | Component | Subject | Opened | Related recall |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DP22005 | Closed | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM | Pedestrian alert sounds | Jan 2023 | 22V063000 |
Are there manufacturer notices for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Official records show 232 manufacturer communications on record for the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
10 warranty 6 service campaigns 0 software/OTA
Manufacturer communications are not recalls. They can include
service bulletins, repair instructions, warranty extensions,
software updates, service campaigns, and other notices.
| Date | Type | Component | Summary | ID / document |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mar 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and accessory assembly. The anti-corrosion material has been updated to reduce the possibility of this condition. | 11031158 |
| Feb 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ENGINE | OBSOLETE NOTICE February 27, 2026: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete. | 11029896 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26. | 11028726 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software. | 11028722 |
| Jan 2026 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines. | 11028712 |
| Jan 2026 | Warranty Program/Extension | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’ ownership experience. Toyota is providing extended coverage under this Customer Support Program for repairs related to excessive corrosion to the wire harness connections at the Rear Motor Generator. Excessive corrosion can cause AM Radio Static during certain drive cycles, or the vehicle may not start. | 11028711 |
| Nov 2025 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | STRUCTURE:BODY | Some 2020 – 2023 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or closing. A modified PBD unit assembly is available to address these conditions. | 11026318 |
| Sep 2025 | Service Campaign | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. Excessive corrosion could cause AM Radio Static during certain driving cycles, or the vehicle may not start. | 11024098 |
| Sep 2025 | Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR 25TD01 REAR TRACTION MOTOR CABLE CORROSION CERTAIN 2019 - 2024 RAV4 HV (AWD), 2021- 2024 RAV4 PRIME, 2020-2024 HIGHLANDER HV (AWD), 2021-2024 VENZA HV, 2023-2024 CROWN HV VEHICLES | 11024097 |
| Sep 2025 | Service Campaign | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The subject vehicles are equipped with a rear motor unit and an HV Floor Under Wire that provide high voltage to operate the motor. Mud, water, or road salt could potentially enter the HV Floor Underwire connector housing and could cause corrosion over time. Excessive corrosion could cause AM Radio Static during certain driving cycles, or the vehicle may not start. | 11024096 |
What are the most common 2020 Toyota Highlander complaints?
POWER TRAIN 102
AIR BAGS 29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 28
STRUCTURE 22
SERVICE BRAKES 21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 4
SUSPENSION 4
ENGINE 3
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 3
284 total complaints on record
How much does the 2020 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel?
Estimated annual cost $2,353 $196/month at 12,000 miles/year
Effective efficiency 23.0 MPG
Energy used 523 gal/yr
Price assumption $4.50 $/gal
Assumptions: 20 city / 28 highway / 23 combined MPG · Regular Gasoline · efficiency ratings from official public data when available · fuel price default: official public data (U.S. average, Jun 3, 2026)
386 g/mi CO2Fuel score 5/10Smog 5/10