Complaint volume
299 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2020 Toyota Highlander Complaints
299 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, grouped by component category.
299 Total complaints
13 Crash reports
0 Fire reports
11 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, air bags, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 13 crash reports, 0 fire reports, 11 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 57 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 38,699 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, air bags, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2020 Toyota Highlander
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2020 Toyota Highlander complaints?
13 Crash
0 Fire
11 Injury
0 Fatality
11 Towed
8 Medical attention
What are the most common 2020 Toyota Highlander complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 112
AIR BAGS 29
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 29
STRUCTURE 23
SERVICE BRAKES 21
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 5
SEAT BELTS 4
SUSPENSION 4
ENGINE 3
299 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aug 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | During the first 20K miles of driving our 2020 Highlander Hybrid; we noticed that while braking; the car would sometimes lung forward as though we had accelerated quickly. It startles you and it causes you to "hit the brakes" quickly. It doesn't happen all the time. It seems to occur more so when we're braking at low speeds in parking lots; while slowing down on a slight decline or simply making a turn left or right while braking. I mentioned this to my Toyota Dealer a few times as to whether or not they had a recall notice for this. I was told "no". I had my oil changed on June 15, 2022 MIL/35,379 and I asked them to check this problem. They checked and advised no problem was duplicated and the invoice stated in part "will wait on any diagnostics at this time". I was never contacted with a "fix". Today (August 16, 2023) I located a Technical Service Bulletin that appeared to address my issue. It is "T-SB-0059-23". This issue is a safety concern to both me and my wife; I'd like to see this problem addressed. This was all mentioned during the warranty period but no notifications were made by Toyota. My current mileage is 89,202. Thank you | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 8AT transmission failure. Toyota is telling me that it will take 7 months to obtain a replacement transmission. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | This is in reference to a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The Air Conditioner is not functional. Upon inspection by a mechanic, and $300 of freon wasted, it was determined that the lines that carry the AC to the rear of the vehicle are defective. Freon immediately drains. We have a case open with Toyota. The Toytota Case Manager acknowledged that the lines are a known issue, however at this time there is no replacement part available to fix the issue. The initial exchange with Toyota in early June resulted in a response that the part ETA was expected for early July. They have delayed twice since, to Late July, and now the status is pending with an ETA of late August but "subject to change." The vehicle is not drivable with the heat of Summer months; at times the internal temperature of the car is well over 100 degrees. I would anticipate people that live in southern year round hot climates with this issue can't drive it at all. My primary concern is having no AC is a safety issue for passengers, including children and an elderly family member [XXX]) for which I am a caretaker, and pets. Toyota did not respond to a request to provide a rental vehicle until the part is available. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | AIR BAGS | UNKNOWN | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission has gone out. We noticed a whining noise which prompted getting the vehicle inspected which led to the diagnosis. The vehicle is at the dealership and cannot be driven as driving it will void the warranty. The were no warning messages just the whining noise at about 30-40 mph. We were told it was good that we caught it as the car could have broken down at any time which could have been a safety risk if it had all of a sudden stopped in traffic. We have researched and found that others have had the same issue. The transmission is on back order with no set arrival date. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the front bumper detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower bumper, underpinning, wheel well assembly covers, and other unknown parts needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 89,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 89,000 |
| Jul 2024 | AIR BAGS,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Front bumper | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 60-65 MPH and changing lanes, the front lower bumper cover suddenly separated from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the front lower bumper cover assembly was replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact later received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V72000 (Structure) which the contact related to the failure. The manufacturer was contacted for reimbursement, but the manufacturer denied reimbursement. The failure mileage was unknown. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 50 MHP, the contact's husband became aware that there was unknown part had loosened on the front of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact became aware that the front bumper assembly was detaching. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic however, the vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The contact then received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 30,000 |
| Jul 2024 | AIR BAGS | The contact 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 local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | AIR BAGS | There has been an open recall WITHOUT resolution for over 6 months | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | 2020 Highlander XLE 8-AT: whining sound when the vehicle is in forward motion; any speed. No sound noticed when in reverse. At this time, there is no condition, noticed, while shifting gears. Sound is constant regardless of speed. Dealer (6/14/2024) has diagnosed the transmission is bad; needs to be replaced. T-SB-0008-21 & T-SB-0160-18 cover same sound condition this vehicle has now. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Rear AC lines are defective and are failing on vehicles releasing gas under the vehicle. Dealer has confirmed this is a known design issue caused by dissimilar metals between the vehicle, bracket and rear AC lines. Toyota has stopped supply of the defective part but has no solution to repair this issue yet. They have no solution other that to wait for a) Parts to be re-continued, b) wait for Toyota to release a design fix. Meanwhile I have a newborn and the car is unable to maintain a acceptable temperature for occupation | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 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 | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Medical attention | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front lower bumper cover had detached on the front passenger's side and was swinging while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who informed the contact that the vehicle needed to be repaired at an auto body collision shop due to a crack on the front lower bumper cover, prior to the recall repair. The contact stated that the dealer failed to honor the recall repair because the recall repair involved repairing or replacing the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was opened; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Loud whining noise after 55000 miles , Toyota saying i need a new transmission in my suv that now has 60785. I had alerted Toyota regarding the noise a month prior and they said it was a normal noise. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS | 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 recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 67,080. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | 67,080 |
| May 2024 | AIR BAGS | The contact 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 manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES | This vehicle was purchased new. Early in our ownership we ( my wife and I ) occasionally notice that the brakes momentarily release when they are applied for just a second causing us to increase braking which results in the brakes working again. This usually happens when slowing to make a turn at slow speeds. It doesn’t happen all the time but has persisted throughout the four years we have owned the car. We have continued to document this issue with the dealers service department in hopes a service bulletin would be issued with a fix. They have driven the car and done computer diagnostic checks to no avail. Just wonder if anyone else has had this issue and whether anything can be done to fix it ? | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | Loud screeching noise from stereo speakers. Very loud. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission began whining and hesitating around 62K miles. Transmission is the 8AT. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made an abnormal sound while failing to shift gear or accelerate. The vehicle was taken to a dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 72,000 |
| Apr 2024 | STRUCTURE | The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while inspecting the vehicle after an oil change, she noticed that the front lower bumper assembly was detached and was hanging down. Additionally, there was an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle while driving. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) and the vehicle was taken to the dealer for the recall repair; however, the dealer informed the contact that the recall repair could not be performed unless she paid a fee to repair a scratch on the bumper. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. Parts distribution disconnect. | Crash: No Fire: No | 7,000 |
| Apr 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | On numerous occasions when applying the brakes on my vehicle there is a very noticeable "surge" when the vehicle slows to a near stop. It feels like there is a momentary loss of braking before the brakes re-engage. I have had the vehicle since new and it seems like the problem has become more noticeable over time. I have lost some confidence in the safety performance of the vehicle due to this dangerous issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | The vehicle continues to place excessive wear on the right rear tire despite the auto dealership service department stating there is nothing wrong with the vehicle. My tires have been replaced 4 times with 89,000 miles on the vehicle. The dealership service department is not willing to look into it any further and states everything is normal despite something clearly wearing this particular tire every 20-25,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |