2020 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2020 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 273 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2020 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2020 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2020 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has 273 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2020
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 273
- Crash-related complaints
- 11
- Safety recall campaigns
- 4
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2020 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Uncategorized Issues
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Uncategorized Issues, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2020 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of issues or previous repairs.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, airbag, and brake system repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported problem areas.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2020 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 273 NHTSA complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, the data suggests that issues are concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain, which accounts for the largest share of reports. Other notable areas include airbag malfunctions and brake system problems. However, with low confidence and only one model year analyzed, these patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/drivetrain complaints represent the highest count among all components.
- Airbag malfunctions and brake system issues are also frequently reported.
- There are 11 crash-related complaints, though the cause is not specified.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most commonly reported problem.
- Airbag Malfunctions are a recurring theme in the complaints.
- Brake System problems appear in a notable number of reports.
All 2020 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 101 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 38 | 2 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 32 | 3 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 31 | 2 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 27 | 1 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 17 | 1 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | — | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Transmission developed a "whine" just before 87,000 miles resulting in the transmission and torque converter needing to be replaced as the transmission was failing.
I have a 2020 Toyota Highlander Limited, at 140k my car began whining with acceleration, I took it to the dealership and a new transmission and was quoted 9,790 alone for a new transmission. I have had Toyotas since I began driving, I have never put more than breaks and battery’s…
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 st…
I was driving on a busy road going 50 mph and my sunroof exploded. Nothing hit my vehicle and It wasn’t a hot or cold day. No one was injured because my sunroof cover was luckily closed.
At approximately 75,000 miles the vehicle had a whining noise coming from the engine area. Took it to the dealer and they tested it, listened to it and determined that the transmission needed replaced. They confirmed the t-case oil is in good condition and level. No maintenanc…
UA80 8 Speed transmission on 3.5V6 AWD transmission whine with transmission failure
The vehicle is a 2020 Toyota Highlander experiencing a transmission system malfunction, specifically involving the automatic transmission and/or torque converter. Component/System Failure: The transmission produces a noticeable whining noise during acceleration and exhibits abno…
My 2020 Toyota Highlander experiences transmission jerking and hesitation during low speed acceleration. The issue was first reported to the dealership while under warranty but was not diagnosed. The vehicle now requires transmission replacement 7k miles over the warranty despi…
Vehicle produces a noticeable whining noise under acceleration. Shifting is completely normal and no other drivability issues are present. Issue matches the pattern described in TSB T-SB-0008-21 (UA80E/UA80F front carrier assembly pinion shaft bearing failure). Multiple owners re…
1. The vehicle’s transmission appears to be failing. I was driving my 2020 Toyota Highlander on the freeway at about 75 mph with my family in the vehicle when the car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate properly even though the engine was still running. Because of the su…
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 tra…
My 2020 Toyota Highlander, with 83k miles, started making a whining noise when accelerating. I took the vehicle to a local auto shop and they advised there was a transmission issue. There were never any warning signs of issue. I then took the vehicle to Antwerpen Toyota in Clarks…
At approximately 120,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced shudder or vibration between 40–50 mph under light acceleration or steady cruising. The condition progressed to delayed shifting and intermittent loss of acceleration response. The most concerning issue is…
Taken vehicle at least 6 times to dealer (Corwin Toyota), to enquire about the 23v-865 recall, and each time have been told the repair is not available. Most recently asked December 2025.
THE TRANSMISSION FAILED SUDDENLY.
Premature transmission failure. Vehicle had less than 100K miles. Took the vehicle in for an oil change before a long trip. Mentioned a "whine" during acceleration. Told us that the entire transmission would need to be replaced immediately at a cost of over $10,000. Made an …
Our 2020 Highlander with 45,000 miles started making a whining noise when accelerating. After the Toyota garage looked at it we were told that we needed a full transmission replacement. No warning lights came on alerting of us of problem. We were also told by the service depart t…
I have experienced ongoing transmission problems, including but not limited to rough shifting, delayed acceleration, jerking while driving, and abnormal noises. These issues have significantly affected the safety, reliability, and drivability of my vehicle. This transmission fail…
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…
Whine noise when you accelerate coming from the automatic transmission. Car is hesitant in shifting gears when needing to accelerate causing safety issues/concerns while driving due to the inconsistency. Toyota dealer as inspected the vehicle and recommended a transmission replac…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2020 Toyota Highlander.
2020 Toyota Highlander Recalls
4 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2020 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 273 owner complaints, 11 crash-related complaints, and 4 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2020 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (101 complaints). #2: Uncategorized Issues (38 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (32 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2020 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2020 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 11 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 273 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 4 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2020 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is AIR BAGS. 4 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2020 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2020 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2020 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.