2020 Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
9 owner complaints analyzed
4 distinct recall campaigns
28,500 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2020 model year. Data snapshot: . 4 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Air Bags is the most frequently named component, appearing in 4 of 9 complaints (44.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Braking behavior | 2 | 22.2% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Air Bags | 4 |
| Service Brakes | 1 |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 1 |
| Structure | 1 |
| Tires | 1 |
| Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System | 1 |
Air Bags: 4; Service Brakes: 1; Service Brakes, Hydraulic: 1; Structure: 1; Tires: 1; Visibility:Defroster/Defogger/Hvac System: 1
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 2 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 1 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 1 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 0 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 0 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 2; 25,000 to 49,999: 1; 50,000 to 74,999: 1; 75,000 to 99,999: 0; 100,000 to 149,999: 0; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (2). 5 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2023 | 2 |
| 2025 | 6 |
2021: 1; 2023: 2; 2025: 6
Pattern summary
Air Bags leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 2 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11415346 · 2021-05-05 (May 5, 2021)
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID EQUIPPED WITH GOODYEAR TIRES, TIRE LINE: EAGLE, TIRE SIZE: 235/55/R20, DOT NUMBER: M68AJM1R0720. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE TREAD ON THE PASSENGER'S SIDE REAR SEPARATED, CAUSING THE TIRE TO EXPLODE. THE CONTACT PULLED OVER AND REPLACED THE TIRE WITH THE SPARE TIRE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO VANCOUVER TOYOTA (10455 NE 53RD ST, VANCOUVER, WA 98662, (360)944-3001) WHERE THE TIRE WAS REPLACED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS INFORMED OF THE FAILURE HOWEVER, THERE WAS NO ASSISTANCE PROVIDED.…
Owner-reported narrative. 9,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11415346 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11552220 · 2023-10-27 (October 27, 2023)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the climate control system failed to defrost the windows during rainy or cold weather conditions. As a result, the contact was unable to defrost the windows, making it difficult to see the roadway. The contact was concerned for his safety while operating the vehicle. An undisclosed dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 19,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 19,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11552220 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11556081 · 2023-11-20 (November 20, 2023)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the brake pedal would depress to the floorboard and the vehicle would fail to stop. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where the mechanic repaired the brake calibrations and brake alignment. Despite the repair, the contact stated that the failure returned. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.
Owner-reported narrative. 38,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11556081 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11637256 · 2025-01-21 (January 21, 2025)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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 the failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11637256 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11637310 · 2025-01-21 (January 21, 2025)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not yet available. 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.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11637310 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11649785 · 2025-03-21 (March 21, 2025)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11649785 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11650788 · 2025-03-26 (March 26, 2025)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 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. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11650788 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11657262 · 2025-04-28 (April 28, 2025)
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving on the highway at 75 MPH, the front passenger’s and driver’s side top shield assembly and the engine cover under components became detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact was unable to recover the parts. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed, and the contact was informed that the was no reason for the parts to have detached from the vehicle unless there was a crash. The contact emphasized that t…
Owner-reported narrative. 60,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 11657262 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
4 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
20V633000 · Seats | Air Bags
Reported: 2020-10-14 (October 14, 2020)
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.
Consequence: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗22V239000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc):Control Module:Software
Reported: 2022-04-13 (April 13, 2022)
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V720000 · Structure:Body:Bumpers
Reported: 2023-10-26 (October 26, 2023)
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.
Consequence: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V865000 · Air Bags:Sensor:Occupant Classification
Reported: 2023-12-20 (December 20, 2023)
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.
Consequence: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Remedy: 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗