2020 Toyota Highlander Safety Report
2020 Toyota Highlander: Strong Crash Ratings Mask Significant Powertrain Reliability Concerns and Multiple Safety Recalls
AI Safety Analysis for the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Reliability Score
The 2020 Toyota Highlander receives a reliability score of 65 out of 100 based on analysis of NHTSA complaint data, recall history, crash reports, and safety ratings. This indicates average reliability — some notable concerns exist that prospective buyers should be aware of.
Known Issues for the 2020 Toyota Highlander
The following issues have been identified from NHTSA complaint data and owner reports for the 2020 Toyota Highlander:
| Issue | Severity | Frequency | Typical Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cvt Transmission Failure/Whining Numerous reports of the automatic transmission developing a loud whining noise, jerking, hesitation, delayed acceleration, and ultimately requiring full replacement, often outside of warranty. This is the most prevalent issue. |
High | Common | 30000-100000 miles |
| Airbag Sensor/Deployment Issues Two recalls address airbag concerns: one for occupant classification sensor issues that could prevent deployment, and another for incorrect seat trim covers affecting side airbag deployment, increasing injury risk. |
High | Occasional | 0-50000 miles |
| Front Bumper Cover Detachment A recall exists for the front lower bumper cover detaching due to minor impacts, potentially becoming a road hazard and increasing crash risk. |
Medium | Occasional | 0-50000 miles |
| Fuel System Ecu Error Leading To Stall A recall for an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error in 3.5L V6 models can lead to improper fuel supply and vehicle stall, increasing crash risk. |
High | Rare | 0-20000 miles |
| Liftgate Malfunction Reports of the rear power liftgate failing to open or close properly, requiring manual operation and sometimes not fully latching. |
Medium | Occasional | 30000-80000 miles |
| Sunroof Spontaneous Explosion Isolated incidents of the panoramic sunroof spontaneously shattering or exploding while driving or stopped. |
Medium | Rare | 20000-70000 miles |
Common Problems Reported by Owners
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the following components account for the majority of reported issues with the 2020 Toyota Highlander:
Dominant complaints involve the automatic transmission, with issues like whining noises, jerking, hesitation, delayed acceleration, and premature failure often requiring replacement. This accounts for 90 of 266 total complaints.
Significant concerns, including two recalls, related to airbag sensors and seat trim covers potentially preventing proper deployment during a crash. This accounts for 28 complaints.
Issues include a recall for front bumper cover detachment and complaints about liftgate malfunctions. This accounts for 22 complaints.
Some complaints regarding braking issues, including lurching during regenerative brake transitions in hybrid models. This accounts for 20 complaints.
A recall for an ECU programming error that could lead to engine stall. This accounts for 13 complaints.
Frequently Asked Questions About the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Is the 2020 Toyota Highlander safe?
Based on NHTSA data, the 2020 Toyota Highlander received an excellent 5-star overall safety rating in crash tests. However, it has 4 recalls addressing critical safety components like airbags and potential engine stalls, and a high volume of 266 owner complaints, with 90 specifically citing serious powertrain issues like transmission failure, which could compromise real-world safety.
What are common problems with the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
The most reported issues for the 2020 Toyota Highlander are related to the POWER TRAIN, accounting for 90 out of 266 complaints. Owners frequently report transmission whining noises, jerking, hesitation, delayed acceleration, and premature transmission failure. Other common problems include AIR BAG system issues (28 complaints) and STRUCTURE concerns (22 complaints), including a recall for bumper detachment.
Are there any recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
Yes, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has 4 recalls. These include two separate recalls for AIR BAGS (occupant classification sensor and incorrect seat trim covers), one for STRUCTURE (front lower bumper cover detachment), and one for FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE (ECU programming error leading to potential engine stall).
How does the 2020 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander performed very well in NHTSA crash tests, earning an overall 5-star safety rating. It received 4 stars for frontal crash, 5 stars for side crash, and 4 stars for rollover resistance.
What should I look out for when buying a used 2020 Toyota Highlander?
When considering a used 2020 Toyota Highlander, pay close attention to the transmission. Listen for any whining noises, feel for jerking or hesitation during acceleration, and check service records for any transmission-related repairs or replacements. Ensure all 4 open recalls, especially those for airbags and the fuel system, have been addressed by a Toyota dealership.
Buyer Advice
Our recommendation: Despite strong crash test ratings, be cautious due to prevalent and severe powertrain complaints, particularly transmission issues, and ensure all 4 safety recalls have been completed before purchase.
NHTSA Data Summary for 2020 Toyota Highlander
This safety report is based on a comprehensive analysis of data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The data includes 266 consumer complaints filed by vehicle owners, 4 manufacturer-initiated safety recalls, 11 reported injuries, and safety rating assessments associated with this vehicle.
The NHTSA has assigned the 2020 Toyota Highlander an overall safety rating of 5 out of 5 stars, with a frontal crash rating of 4 stars, a side crash rating of 5 stars, and a rollover rating of 4 stars. These ratings are determined through controlled crash testing conducted by the NHTSA.
All data presented in this report is sourced from public NHTSA databases. Our AI analysis identifies patterns across complaint narratives, correlates them with recall history, and produces the safety assessment above. This analysis is updated as new complaints and recalls are filed with the NHTSA.
Consumers are encouraged to report vehicle safety problems to the NHTSA at nhtsa.gov. If your vehicle is subject to a recall, contact your dealer to schedule the free repair.