2020 Toyota Highlander: common problems and reliability

The 2020 Toyota Highlander has 304 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 5 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags. Owners most often flag 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2020 model year

304
Owner complaints
5
Recalls
12
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

power train
116
air bags
36
service brakes
35
structure
29
fuel/propulsion system
17

Recalls affecting the 2020 Highlander

air bags

Campaign 20V633000

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 ba…

fuel system, gasoline:delivery

Campaign 20V162000

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 …

structure:body:bumpers

Campaign 23V720000

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 co…

air bags:sensor:occupant classification

Campaign 23V865000

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 Hybri…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners o

  • 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems in gas models — General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine transition concerns — Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior quality and design — Described by some as "frumpy," "cheap feeling" in lower trims, or having a "station wagon" aesthetic compared to competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity issues — Reported as a known issue in some models, including the Highlander Hybrid. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander.

Typical used price

Used Highlander listings typically run $18,655–$29,616 across 2002 to 2024 model years.

Other Highlander model years

2022 Highlander2016 Highlander2013 Highlander2011 Highlander2007 Highlander2006 Highlander2003 Highlander
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