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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 23 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 4 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2020 Highlander has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

    The 2020 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 4 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2020 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "A broken sun-glass holder in the roof next to the sun roof would require a $800 replacement fee for the entire electric sun roof to repair."

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Rear liftgate doesn't work properly at least half the time."

    Anonymous, TN (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "The automatic hatch back would only go up part of the way then stop. Was fixed satisfactorily. Everything else is fine."

    Anonymous, MD (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "We've had a couple of problems with the suspension, wheel alignment and balance. Not sure why."

    Anonymous, (2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid LE Unsure)

    "Leaking front strut replaced under warranty"

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "The Highlander has had an open Airbag recall for years. Just get a lot of promises when asking Toyota Service when they will address it."

    Anonymous A., VA (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Animal (squirrel/chipmunk?) chewed up distribution system making vehicle undriveable. Dealer repaired vehicle in 3 days!"

    Anonymous, MA (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Water pump needed replaced"

    Anonymous, GA (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Battery failure"

    Anonymous, VA (2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

    "The issue happens when I accelerate.I engage the pedal but the car hesitated. The engine tacks up to 5 but the car does not move.I back off the pedal, then try again to accelerate. This has happens several times. Once it did not engage & I had auto club tow me to the dealer. They said Toyota fixed it remotely from the corporate offices.it continues to be an issue."

    Anonymous A., CA (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Car wouldnt start, was jumped but alternator and battery were fine. It happened again, and I was again told that the battery was fine. A mechanic diagnosed it as a failed starter motor. He reports that the system that turns the car off at stop lights is hard on starters. This is the only mechanical problem I have had with the vehicle in 5 years. I have not even had to change the battery yet."

    Anonymous, UT (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Hydraulic lift gate as struggled to open, often noisy since the 2nd year we owned it now. Currently has to be manually forced open and closed. Have delayed replacement due to cost."

    Anonymous A., WA (2020 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Other climate system problem

    "The outer pulley of the AC clutch failed and fell off. A repair required the replacement of the entire AC clutch assembly. The compressor had to be removed to do this repair this required the purging and reinstalling of the AC fluid. It was an expensive repair that could only be done by the dealer"

    Anonymous A., NY (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Air hoses were leaking, was correct as bought platinum extended service plan"

    Anonymous, (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "A/C lines to rear evaporator oxidized (rusted)"

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "in 2024 rear refrigerant line developed leaks, consequently the AC stopped functioning. Repair was covered under an extended warranty I purchased at time of vehicle purchase."

    Anonymous, NY (2020 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    ""Started May 2024, fixed December 2025. Parts were on backorder. Covered under extended Toyota warranty.""

    Anonymous, ON (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    ""Torque converter making whining noise, dealership required a transmission replacement to address the issue.""

    Anonymous, NH (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Transmision whine at 57000 miles, replaced after 8 week wait for new transmission. covered under warranty"

    Anonymous, MA (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    ""Partial failure while towing a 4000 lb camper. Covered under warranty, but 7 weeks before fixed.""

    Anonymous A., MN (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "I was quoted $11,000 to fix the transmission. I sold the car."

    Anonymous, FL (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Just before 100k miles, started making a loud whining noise, most noticeable between 40-60mph, diagnosed as a failing transmission, required a new transmission installed."

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen goes blank

    "The display sometimes blinks. Other times it goes completely off and in about a minute turns on and works again."

    Anonymous A., (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "Will not charge phone , cannot hook up Apple play without manual cord. I have not reported."

    Anonymous, (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""Ongoing problem connecting phone to Bluetooth in car. Sporadically connects - one incoming can be answered using screen, a next call must be answered using handset.""

    Anonymous, VA (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Power rear hatch cylinders GROAN loudly when lifting."

    Anonymous, TX (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "The lift gate struts make a lot of noise when the lift gate is opening or closing"

    Anonymous A., VA (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    ""Front struts started to leak and be replaced at 45000 miles, never ever had this problem with either of the 2 earlier Highlanders we owned!""

    Anonymous, WA (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Right front strut was replaced because it was leaking"

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Seat controls - manual

    "The latch that causes the rear passenger seats to completely fold down broke."

    Anonymous, WA (2020 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)
    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Every time I try to close the rear hatch I never know if it will close or not. There can be NOTHING near the back opening and it will refuse to close. I have to start the car to close it. And it will randomly decide to not open fully forcing me to reset the height adjustment."

    Anonymous A., OR (2020 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Alarm or security system (excluding aftermarket systems)

    ""Experienced inconsistent alarms for same reason, during the warranty period. Escalating to the alarm would no turn off allowing entry to the vehicle. The dealer could not find the problem. Informed me they have notified Toyota engineering to work the problem. Never heard from toyota. finally took vehicle to another Toyota dealer and the said the alarm is bad and removed it.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2020 Toyota Highlander L 3.5-L V6)
    Other electrical system problem

    ""Last year we repaired the power lock of the drivers side because it was not working intermittently. This year, the passengers side front and back doors have the same problem. It cost around 300 to repair the first lock. I complained with the service center of the dealer where I bought the Highlander and they told me it was a common problem. I have other older Toyota (Sequoia 2002) which I bought used and it has never been as problematic as this SUV that I bought new. Im very disappointed with all new vehicles. They too expensive for cheap plastic parts.""

    Anonymous A., (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "I didn't want a roof rack so the gutters where a rack would go have plastic strips in them. Those strips started blowing away when the car was new forcing me to buy more strips. The dealer "fixed" it twice but they still blow away and some are missing."

    Anonymous A., OR (2020 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    "The plastic trim around the drivers seat has broken"

    Anonymous A., OK (2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Cylinder head

    "A spark plug blew out of cylinder head. Probably due to poor workmanship by whomever replaced them before we purchased the car from dealer."

    Anonymous, UT (2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    What Owners Say

    Heated or cooled seats

    ""Very weak system compared to the 2018 Highlander we previously owned, very weak heating, hardly any cooling""

    Anonymous, WA (2020 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Rotors

    "Vibrations and grind noises requiring multiple visits to the dealership"

    Anonymous, NH (2020 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Just before 100k miles, started leaking oil from the timing cover, required resealing the timing cover to fix the leak."

    Anonymous, WI (2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2020 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS
    Dec 20, 2023
    An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V865000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 999901
    STRUCTURE
    Oct 26, 2023
    A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.nhtsa.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 23V720000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 750795
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Oct 14, 2020
    Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V633000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3121
    ENGINE, FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
    Mar 19, 2020
    Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 20V162000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 38810
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