Federal safety data shows 3 recalls and 304 complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, a elevated safety profile overall. Check the known issues section below for the most common problem areas.

Recalls

304

Complaints

Crashes

Fires

Recall Findings

20V6330002020-14-10

AIR BAGS

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.

Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.

View at NHTSA

20V1620002020-19-03

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY

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.

Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

23V7200002023-26-10

STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS

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.

A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

View at NHTSA

Source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)

Top Complaint Areas

Of 304 issues reported over 1 model years, power train problems are the most common for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. A pre-purchase inspection should focus here first.

01Power Train113

02Unknown Or Other29

03Air Bags29

04Structure24

05Service Brakes22

304 total across 1 model years (2020–2020)Full data at NHTSA.gov

Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy

23–36mpg combined

20-36city

27-35hwy

$1,900-$2,950/yr

The 2020 Toyota Highlander delivers 23 to 36 MPG combined across 6 powertrain combinations. If fuel cost matters to you, pay attention to engine and drivetrain. The spread is significant.

By Trim

Highlander Hybrid - Automatic (AV-S6)

36mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

36 city35 hwy~$1,900/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander Hybrid AWD - Automatic (AV-S6)

35mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

35 city35 hwy~$1,950/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT - Automatic (AV-S6)

35mpg

2.5L 4-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

35 city34 hwy~$1,950/yr8/10 Clean

Highlander - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · Front-Wheel Drive

20 city28 hwy~$2,950/yr5/10 Average

Highlander AWD - Automatic (S8)

23mpg

3.5L 6-cyl · All-Wheel Drive

20 city27 hwy~$2,950/yr5/10 Average

Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)

Where to Find 2020 Toyota Highlander

38States

23%in top 3

Texas has the most inventory at 9%, with options spread across 38 states. Willing to ship? Your selection opens up significantly.

TXTexas

8139%

CACalifornia

6657%

FLFlorida

5937%

PAPennsylvania

4445%

DCWashington DC

3814%

NYNew York

3734%

GAGeorgia

3063%

MDMaryland

3023%

DEDelaware

2993%

MNMinnesota

2993%

ILIllinois

2953%

NCNorth Carolina

2923%

WAWashington

2873%

NJNew Jersey

2803%

OROregon

2393%

MOMissouri

2283%

NHNew Hampshire

2243%

COColorado

2042%

AZArizona

2002%

MAMassachusetts

1812%

MI155

IN154

OK151

TN145

UT138

OH111

RI110

WI102

AL93

KY81

NV67

CT67

ME57

VA52

ID49

Geographic distribution reflects all active listings for this model, not just 2020.

2020 Toyota Highlander: Questions Buyers Ask

Pricing, reliability, and ownership answers

Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander a good car to buy?

Here's the short version on the 2020 Toyota Highlander. There are 3 recalls to verify before purchase. Dig into the safety overview and pricing trends for recall-by-recall detail.

Are there recalls on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?

Yes, 3 recalls on record. The good news: recall repairs are always free at any authorized dealer. Check the safety report for specifics, and always run the VIN before buying.

What's the gas mileage of the 2020 Toyota Highlander?

Fuel economy ranges from 23 to 36 MPG combined. If you drive 15,000 miles a year, that gap is worth about $824 annually. See the fuel economy section for per-trim data.

What are common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?

POWER TRAIN problems top the list with 304 total complaints filed. Not every car is affected, but it's worth asking about and inspecting. Full details in the known issues section.

How does the 2020 compare to other Toyota Highlander years?

Each Toyota Highlander model year has different pricing, recall counts, and owner satisfaction patterns. Compare all available years on the Toyota Highlander overview page.