2020 Toyota Highlander
Common Problems
Ranked from 147 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
15 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Transmission Failure
62complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission suddenly fails without warning, leading to loss of power and potential accidents.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
Air Bag Recall Non-Resolution
24complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe air bag recall is not being addressed in a timely manner, despite multiple notifications and lack of resolution.
- 3
Powertrain Whining Noise
15complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe 2020 Toyota Highlander produces a whining noise during acceleration, indicating potential transmission or powertrain issues.
- 4
Electrical System Issues
13complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe vehicle experiences electrical system failures, such as the engine stalling and the battery not holding charge.
- 5
Sunroof Malfunction
10complaintsHigh severityOtherThe sunroof suddenly explodes without any apparent cause, potentially causing damage to the vehicle.
- 6
Fuel Tank Capacity Issue
8complaintsMedium severityFuel systemThe fuel tank cannot be filled to its advertised capacity, resulting in reduced range.
$300–$1,200est. fuel line/tank repair · 2–6 hrs laborGet local quotesRelated recall: 20V162000
- 7
Structural Issues
8complaintsHigh severityOtherFront bumper detachment during driving at various speeds.
- 8
Brake System Surging
7complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brake pedal feels like it drops and the car surges forward, requiring more pressure to stop the vehicle.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Brake Malfunctions
5complaintsMedium severityBrakesOccasional brake release and surge during braking, leading to reduced confidence in vehicle safety.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
Side View Mirror Shaking
3complaintsLow severityOtherThe side view mirrors shake and vibrate at all speeds, causing distraction and reduced visibility.
- 11
Brake System Failure During Deceleration
2complaintsMedium severityBrakesThe brakes fail temporarily during deceleration, leading to loss of control and potential accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 12
Front Bumper Detachment
2complaintsMedium severityOtherThe front bumper begins to detach from the vehicle, posing a risk of damage during driving.
- 13
Lane Keeping Assist Failure
2complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe lane keeping assist system fails to keep the vehicle centered in the lane, causing erratic movements.
- 14
Mirror Malfunction
2complaintsLow severityOtherPassenger-side mirrors detach from the vehicle, causing damage and potential visibility issues.
- 15
Steering Lock-up During Engine Shutdown
2complaintsHigh severitySteeringThe steering locks up when the engine unexpectedly turns off during a turn, posing a significant safety risk.
$200–$1,500est. power-steering / eps repair · 1–6 hrs laborGet local quotes
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.