2020 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

THIS VEHICLE WILL LET YOU SHUT THE ENGINE OFF IN DRIVE WITHOUT SHIFTING TO PARK. IF YOU DO THIS AND LEAVE THE VEHICLE ON A SLIGHT INCLINE, IT WILL ROLL AWAY AND YOU MAY NOT BE ABLE TO GET BACK TO IT AND INTO IT IN TIME TO GET YOUR FOOT ON THE BRAKE AND THEN SHIFT IT INTO PARK. THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED. YOU SHOULD HAVE TO SHIFT TO PARK BEFORE THE ENGINE CAN BE TURNED OFF. *TR

6/12/2020

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2020 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS TURNED OFF AND IN THE PARK POSITION IN ORDER FOR THEIR MOTHER TO UNLOAD THE TRUNK, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ROLLED AWAY IN REVERSE. THE VEHICLE ROLLED OVER THEIR MOTHER. ONCE THE INCLINE OF THE STREET WAS MORE OF A PLATO THE VEHICLE COASTED TO A STOP. THEY WERE ABLE TO CATCH UP TO THE VEHICLE AND RETURN THE VEHICLE TO THEIR HOME THE CONTACT STATED THAT THEIR MOTHER RECEIVED INJURIES TO HER FACE, RIGHT ARM, RIGHT HAND, LEFT RIB AREA, LEFT LEG, AND FOOT AREAS. MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS NEEDED. THE CONTACT HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE DEALER (HIGHLAND TOYOTA LOCATED AT 5500 45TH AVENUE DR, MOLINE, IL 61265; (309) 764-2481 ) WHO DIAGNOSED THAT NO DEFECT OR MALFUNCTION COULD BE DETECTED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SENT AN INVESTIGATOR. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 500.

11/17/2020

I HAVE BEEN HAVING INTERMITTENT ISSUES WITH THE BRAKES WHEN TURNING ON MY CAR AND GOING IN REVERSE. ON ONE OCCASION, AFTER TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND PUTTING IT IN REVERSE, THE VEHICLE DID NOT MOVE DESPITE BEING ON LEVEL GROUND. I HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE ON THE ACCELERATOR AND HEARD THE CAR STRAIN A LITTLE BEFORE I HEARD A SOUND COME FROM THE BRAKES AND THE CAR SUDDENLY JERKED BACKWARDS. I DID NOT HAVE MY FOOT ON THE BRAKES AND I DID NOT HAVE THE EMERGENCY BRAKE ON. AFTER THIS THE BAKES APPEARS TO FUNCTION AS USUAL. ANOTHER TIME, I TURNED ON THE CAR AND WENT IN REVERSE BUT THE CAR DID NOT MOVE. I APPLIED THE ACCELERATOR AND HEARD THE CAR STRAIN A BIT THEN IT JERKED BACK. I APPLIED THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES WERE IN RESPONSIVE UNLESS I PUSHED ON THEM WITH SIGNIFICANT FORCE. I CAME TO A STOP AND THEM TOOK MY FOOT OFF THE BRAKE TO RESUME BACKWARD MOTION TO EXIT MY PARKING SPOT. AGAIN I DID NOT MOVE FORWARD AND HAD TO APPLY PRESSURE TO THE ACCELERATOR WHICH CAUSE THE CAR TO INITIALLY STRAIN THEN SUDDENLY JET BACKWARDS. I AGAIN APPLIED PRESSURE ON THE BRAKES WHICH AGAIN WERE INITIALLY UNRESPONSIVE UNTIL I PUT SIGNIFICANT PRESSURE. THIS CYCLE HAPPENED A TOTAL OF 4-5 CONSECUTIVE TIMES PRIOR TO THE BRAKES RESUMING NORMAL FUNCTION. BRAKES FUNCTIONED NORMALLY BETWEEN THIS INCIDENT AND THE ONE MENTIONED EARLIER IN THIS COMPLAINT.

10/15/2020

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 4,000 MILES. TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, THE CAR JUST LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 1. CHECK ENGINE - REDUCED ENGINE POWER 2. SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WE HAD TO PARK AND WAIT FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO COME AND TOW IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG OR WHY IT JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND CAN ONLY HOPE TOYOTA CAN ADDRESS THIS OR REPLACE THE CAR.

12/23/2020

While making a legal left turn on a green arrow, we were struck on the passenger side of our vehicle by a vehicle that did not stop at the red light.

9/14/2021

Air bags didn’t deploy in severe accident. Vehicle is available for inspection. Air bags not deploying in accident could have led to injuries. No service or dealerships has seen the vehicle. Police didn’t inspect the vehicle. Insurance company is going to look at the vehicle on February 13, 2023. No indication of any service lights for air bags on vehicle’s dash.

2/6/2023

THE VEHICLE HESITATES, STALLS AND HAS BUCKING LEAPING FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY, ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A VERY LOUD WHINING NOISE UPON SHIFTING THE CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND BACK AGAIN FROM DRIVE TO PARK, AT A STAND STILL. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH A NEE CAR, MY WIFE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. *TR

5/26/2020

BLIND SPOT MONITORING IS NOT WORKING. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THY SAID IT NEEDED RE-CALIBRATION BUT IT STILL DOESN'T SEE SEMI TRUCKS. MY WIFE ACCIDENTALLY RAN ANOTHER WOMEN OFF ROAD BECAUSE SHE TRUSTED THIS TOYOTA SYSTEM. SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY STILL WORKING INTERMITTENTLY.

11/16/2020

TOYOTA ADVERTISES AND REPRESENTS THAT THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID′S FUEL TANK CAPACITY IS 17.1 GALLONS, AND BASED ON ITS 35 MPG RATING, THE RANGE SHOULD BE ABOUT 600 MILES. HOWEVER, I AM NOT ABLE TO FILL THE TANK BY MORE THAN 12 GALLONS THUS REDUCING MY RANGE TO 420 MILES. I BELIEVE THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE NEWLY DESIGNED SADDLE TANK WHICH PROHIBITS THE TANK FROM BEING FILLED COMPLETELY THUS CHEATING ME OUT OF ABOUT 180 MILES OF DRIVING RANGE.

4/24/2020

MY NEW 2020 HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAS A BIG ISSUE WITH THE GAS TANK. I GET ONLY 460 MILES, EVEN IF I TOP IT OFF WITH THE GAS SPEWING OUT. TOYOTA ADVERTISED A 600 MILE RANGE TO THE HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE 600 MILE FUEL RANGE SEEMS VERY OFF WITH THE 2020 HIGHLANDER HYBRID. I HAVE THE XLE AND ALWAYS HAVE KEPT IT IN ECO MODE. I'VE DRIVEN OVER A THOUSAND MILES ON THE CAR, BUT THE MILE RANGE ESTIMATE ON THE CAR IS INACCURATE AND SEEMS TO BE OFF A LOT IF IT'S SUPPOSED TO GET 600 MILES TO A TANK. MORE IMPORTANTLY, WHEN THE TANK IS EMPTY (THE DASH SAYS I HAD 5 MILES LEFT TO EMPTY), THE GAS TANK ONLY HOLDS AROUND 13 GALLONS EVEN THOUGH THE FUEL TANK CAPACITY IS SUPPOSEDLY 17.1 GALLONS. THOSE 4 GALLONS MAKE FOR 140 MILES LESS DISTANCE ON A TANK. IF I WAIT AND KEEP ON FORCING THE GAS IN SLOWLY, I CAN GET 15 GALLONS BUT I DON'T LIKE THE IDEA OF HAVING TO KEEP ON PUSHING THE GAS NOZZLE UNTIL THE GAS SPEWS OUT OF THE TANK JUST TO GET 15 GALLONS IN. I KNOW TOYOTA HAS BEEN HAVING GAS TANK ISSUES IN OTHER MODELS RECENTLY. ONE OF THE MAIN REASONS I BOUGHT THE CAR WAS FOR THE FUEL TANK CAPACITY AND RANGE. A VIDEO EXPLANATION OF THE PROBLEM IS BELOW: HTTPS://WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/WATCH?V=HUU649ZRL-G&T=245S. *TR

5/6/2020

AFTER LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ON FEBRUARY 29 2020, WE PULLED OUT ONTO A ROAD TO HEAD TOWARDS HOME. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR IN TRAFFIC AND RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ON THE SCREEN THAT SAID THE ENGINE WAS OFF, PUT CAR IN PARK. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT CAME ON FOR THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO MANEUVER THROUGH TRAFFIC OF 4 LANES. WE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD TURN OVER, BUT NOT START. WE CALLED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT AN HOUR TO GET TO US AND TOW THE VEHICLE. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES WE DECIDED TO ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT STARTED, AND THE VEHICLE STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BUT THEN WENT OFF. WE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND TOLD THEM WE WERE GOING TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY. WE LEFT THE VEHICLE THERE TO BE CHECKED AND SO FAR THEY SAY NOTHING HAS BEEN FOUND BUT ARE CHECKING FURTHER AND TESTING THE VEHICLE BUT SO FAR HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE. IT ONLY HAS 300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.

3/3/2020

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 4,000 MILES. TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, THE CAR JUST LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 1. CHECK ENGINE - REDUCED ENGINE POWER 2. SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WE HAD TO PARK AND WAIT FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO COME AND TOW IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG OR WHY IT JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND CAN ONLY HOPE TOYOTA CAN ADDRESS THIS OR REPLACE THE CAR.

12/23/2020

THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY ON A HOT TEXAS DAY WITH NO OTHER VEHICLES IN THE VICINITY AND NO DEBRIS ON THE ROAD AND THE MOON/SUN ROOF EXPLODED (SOUNDED LIKE A GUN SHOT IN THE CAR). THE CAR WAS BRAND NEW AND ONLY HAD 4,000 MILES ON IT. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY LOCATED AT THE LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER BEING EVALUATED BUT THEY ARE DENYING IT AS A WARRANTY ISSUE. THIS COULD HAVE BEEN LIFE THREATENING SINCE IT WAS A VERY LOUD SOUND AND THANKFULLY WE HAD THE INSIDE COVER CLOSED TO THAT WE WERE PROTECTED FROM THE GLASS.

6/29/2020

SO WHEN I WAS DRIVING AROUND SPEEDS OF 70MPH THE HIGHLANDER STARTS TO WOBBLE AND THE DRIVER MIRROR SHAKING I WENT TO DEALERSHIP AND THEY SAID THAT IT COULD BE A RECALL IN FUTURE AND DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. HAD IT FOR LESS THEN ONE YEAR

1/26/2021

THE VEHICLE HESITATES, STALLS AND HAS BUCKING LEAPING FORWARD UNCONTROLLABLY, ON THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE ALSO HAS A VERY LOUD WHINING NOISE UPON SHIFTING THE CAR FROM PARK TO DRIVE AND BACK AGAIN FROM DRIVE TO PARK, AT A STAND STILL. THIS IS A MAJOR ISSUE WITH A NEE CAR, MY WIFE AND I DON'T FEEL SAFE WHILE DRIVING IN THIS CAR. *TR

5/26/2020

BLIND SPOT MONITORING IS NOT WORKING. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THY SAID IT NEEDED RE-CALIBRATION BUT IT STILL DOESN'T SEE SEMI TRUCKS. MY WIFE ACCIDENTALLY RAN ANOTHER WOMEN OFF ROAD BECAUSE SHE TRUSTED THIS TOYOTA SYSTEM. SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY STILL WORKING INTERMITTENTLY.

11/16/2020

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were 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.

2/5/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact was informed by an independent mechanic that the front bumper had begun to detach from the vehicle on the driver's and passenger’s side ends of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer but was later referred to an independent body shop for service. The contact then discovered that the vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The failure mileage was unknown. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

3/1/2024

WE RECENTLY PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER AND IT HAS A LITTLE OVER 4,000 MILES. TODAY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT ABOUT 45 MPH, THE CAR JUST LOST POWER AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. 1. CHECK ENGINE - REDUCED ENGINE POWER 2. SECONDARY COLLISION BRAKE SYSTEM MALFUNCTION WE HAD TO PARK AND WAIT FOR THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO COME AND TOW IT TO THE SERVICE CENTER. AT THIS POINT I DON'T KNOW WHAT WAS WRONG OR WHY IT JUST CUT OUT WHILE DRIVING. I AM VERY CONCERNED AND CAN ONLY HOPE TOYOTA CAN ADDRESS THIS OR REPLACE THE CAR.

12/23/2020

DRIVING 50 MILES/ HOUR VEHCLE STARTED LOOSING POWER AND STARTED TO SHAKE. ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND TWO DIFFERENT MESSAGES IN DASHBOARD POP OUT. ONE ABOUT HYBRID MALFUNCTION AND THE OTHER OUTPUT POWER REDUCED.

1/2/2021

SUSPENSION IS VERY LOUD AND TIGHT, THE CABIN NOISE IS VERY NOISY IT CAN HIT 95 DECIBELS ON SOUND PRESSURE LEVEL METER. THE NOISE IS SO BAD THAT I DO NOT WANT TO DRIVE THE VEHICLES ANY MORE UNLESS I TURN THE RADIO VOLUME UP AND I CAN NOT HEAR EMERGENCY VEHICLES.THE SERVICE PEOPLE SAID THAT IS NORMAL.THE VEHICLE NOISE CAN BE UNBEARABLE AT TIMES.IWONDER WHAT IT DOING TO MY HEARING.THE VEHICLE WAS LIKE THIS SINCE I BOUGHT NEW.

4/7/2020

THE VEHICLE SUSPENSION IS VERY TIGHT AND CABIN NOISE IS VERY LOUD.ICAN HIT 95 DECIBELS ON MY SOUND PRESSURE METER. HAVE TO TURN THE RADIO UP SO I DO NOT HEAR IT . CANNOT HEAR EMERGENCY VEHICLES. WONDER IT IS DOING TO MY HEARING. THIS A NEW VEHICLE TOOK IT TO TWO DEALERSHIPS AND THEY SAY IT IS NORMAL, THAT CAN NOT BE NORMAL IT SOUNDS LIKES TRUCK. *TR

4/7/2020

VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH SEAT BELT SENSORS AND ALERTS FOR ALL SEATS, YET FAILS TO ACCURATELY REPORT WHICH SEATS ARE BUCKLED OR NOT WHEN OCCUPIED. THIS ALERT IS SUPPOSED TO OCCUR WHEN TURNING ON THE VEHICLE AND BEFORE SHIFTING OUT OF PARK. MANY TIMES, WITH JUST THE DRIVER SITTING AND NO PASSENGERS IN THE CAR, IT REPORTS THAT THERE ARE PEOPLE SEATED WITH AN UNBUCKLED SEAT BELT. OTHER TIMES WHEN THERE ARE PEOPLE SEATED AND UNBUCKLED THE SYSTEM DOES NOT RECOGNIZE IT AND NO ALERT APPEARS. THIS IS A SAFETY FEATURE THAT IS ADVERTISED FOR SALES BUT DOES NOT WORK. ENSURING THAT THESE ADVERTISED SAFETY FEATURES FUNCTION CORRECTLY SHOULD BE OF HIGH IMPORTANCE ESPECIALLY WHEN PEOPLE LIKE I DO, DEPEND ON THEM FOR THE SAFETY OF THEIR CHILDREN. *TR

6/15/2020

OCCUPANCY SENSOR FOR DRIVER SEAT, 2ND ROW BENCH, AND 3RD ROW BENCH MALFUNCTION. VEHICLE DISPLAY SHOWS SEATS ARE OCCUPIED AND SEAT BELTS NOT ENGAGED WHEN SEATS ARE NOT OCCUPIED. ERROR MESSAGE DISPLAYS UNTIL VEHICLE IS IN MOTION.

7/5/2020

AFTER LEAVING A SHOPPING CENTER ON FEBRUARY 29 2020, WE PULLED OUT ONTO A ROAD TO HEAD TOWARDS HOME. WE WERE DRIVING ABOUT 45 MILES PER HOUR IN TRAFFIC AND RECEIVED A NOTIFICATION ON THE SCREEN THAT SAID THE ENGINE WAS OFF, PUT CAR IN PARK. THERE WAS ALSO A WARNING LIGHT THAT CAME ON FOR THE ELECTRONIC STEERING ASSIST WITH AN EXCLAMATION POINT. WE WERE ABLE TO COAST TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD TRYING TO MANEUVER THROUGH TRAFFIC OF 4 LANES. WE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND ATTEMPTED TO START THE VEHICLE. IT WOULD TURN OVER, BUT NOT START. WE CALLED TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND TOLD THEM WHAT HAPPENED AND THEY SAID IT WOULD TAKE ABOUT AN HOUR TO GET TO US AND TOW THE VEHICLE. AFTER ABOUT 15 MINUTES WE DECIDED TO ATTEMPT TO START THE VEHICLE AGAIN. IT STARTED, AND THE VEHICLE STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON, BUT THEN WENT OFF. WE CALLED ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE AND TOLD THEM WE WERE GOING TO ATTEMPT TO DRIVE TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE WE PURCHASED THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS ONLY A FEW MILES AWAY. WE LEFT THE VEHICLE THERE TO BE CHECKED AND SO FAR THEY SAY NOTHING HAS BEEN FOUND BUT ARE CHECKING FURTHER AND TESTING THE VEHICLE BUT SO FAR HAVE BEEN UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE OCCURRENCE. IT ONLY HAS 300 MILES ON THE ODOMETER.

3/3/2020

I WAS AT A STOP SIGN IN MY 2020 HIGHLANDER WAITING TO TURN LEFT ONTO A BUSY ROAD. UPON TURNING LEFT ONTO PA STATE HIGHWAY 999, THE HIGHLANDER ENGINE TURNED OFF AND THE STEERING WHEEL WAS "LOCKED" INTO A LEFT POSITION. THIS CAUSED THE CAR TO CONTINUE TURNING INTO THE OPPOSING LEFT LANE RESULTING IN A HEAD-ON COLLISION WITH AN ON-COMING CAR. WITH THE ENGINE TURNED OFF THERE WAS NO POWER STEERING, NO BRAKES, AND NO WAY TO UNLOCK THE STEERING WHEEL. THE COLLISION CAUSED MY CAR TO BOUNCE BACK AND SLOWLY FREE ROLL BACK TO THE STOP SIGN AS THOUGH I NEVER ENTERED THE ROADWAY.

4/19/2021

BLIND SPOT MONITORING IS NOT WORKING. TOOK IT TO DEALERSHIP THY SAID IT NEEDED RE-CALIBRATION BUT IT STILL DOESN'T SEE SEMI TRUCKS. MY WIFE ACCIDENTALLY RAN ANOTHER WOMEN OFF ROAD BECAUSE SHE TRUSTED THIS TOYOTA SYSTEM. SYSTEM IS CURRENTLY STILL WORKING INTERMITTENTLY.

11/16/2020

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon the depression of the brake pedal, the vehicle would intermittently surge forward without warning. The contact stated that he would shift the vehicle into neutral to stop the vehicle from surging. The contact also stated that the blind spot monitor's unavailable warning message would intermittently appear on the instrument panel. The contact had taken the vehicle to Bayside Toyota and Waldorf Toyota and each dealer was unable to duplicate or diagnose the cause of the failure. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 21,000.

1/18/2022

A rock hit my windshield and it got a crack in it several feet long. A few days later a rock hit the other side of my windshield and it cracked there about six inches.

7/15/2023

1. Climate control system failure to defrost windows during cold weather/winter conditions caused all windows to fog resulting 0 visibility while driving. 2. Occupants including myself, spouse, adult child and toddler grandchild , surrounding vehicles and their occupants were for 5 to 10 minutes exposed to potential multi-car crash, injuries and loss of life. 3. Online research revealed this climate control failure has been experienced by other Toyota owners and the issue has been resolved however not been reported to NHTSA. Two days after the occurrence the vehicle was taken to Bud Clary Toyota, Moses Lake, WA for inspection and repair. Note-without the detailed information from my online research the issue/repair/resolution wasn't determined by the Toyota service shop. 4. There are no warnings when this failure occurs. It happens only when outside temperatures drop below 40 degrees and severity increases with quick drops in temperature. The first occurrence was during first winter of ownership, 2020/2021 and reported to the next servicing dealership, Peterson Toyota, Boise, ID. 5. The repairing dealership required customer pay and advised to follow up with Toyota customer service to report and request reimbursement. Follow up completed later in December 2022, Toyota denied warranty reimbursement however the customer service agent requested and obtained repair reimbursement and recommended reporting and requesting recall status to NHSTA.

9/26/2023

HIGHLANDER LE 2020 CAR HAS A BIG SAFETY ISSUE.WHEN I TURN OFF ENGINE WITH GEAR CHANGER IN D POSITION THE GEAR GOES IN N NEUTRAL POSITION WHILE STILL IN D POSITION WITHOUT GIVING ANY ALERT NOISE.I PARKED MY CAR IN 3RD FLOOR OF A PUBLIC PARKING WHERE THE FLOOR HAD SLOP, AND TURNED OFF ENGINE IN D POSITION BY MISTAKE AND STARTED READING AN EMAIL IN MY CELLPHONE WITHOUT LOOKING OUTSIDE OF CAR. THE CAR DIDN'T GIVE ANY ALERT NOISE SAYING THAT THE CAR IS TURNED OFF IN D POSITION.MY WIFE AND SON HAD EXITED THE CAR AND WERE WAITING FOR ME TO EXIT WHILE I WAS READING MY EMAIL IN MY CELLPHONE.I HEARD MY WIFE AND SON SCREAMING " STOP THE CAR" STOP THE CAR" WHEN I LOOKED OUTSIDE AND SAW THAT THE CAR WAS ROLLING BACK TOWARDS OTHER PARKED CARS. I STOPED THE CAR AND TURNED ON ENGINE AND MOVED CAR FORWARD AND SHIFTED THE STICK TO P POSITION. I WAS REALLY SUPRISED WHY THIS CAR DIDN'T GIVE ANY ALERT NOISE THAT THE CAR WAS ROLLING BACK WHEN ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF IN D POSITION. THIS ISSUE WAS GOING TO BE A BAD DISASTER FOR ME IF MY WIFE AND SON HADN'T SCREAMED TO LET ME KNOW THAT THE CAR WAS ROLLING BACK ON 3RD FLOOR OF A PUBLIC PARKING.THE ONLY ALERT I NOTICED IN THAT TIME WAS A SMALL POP UP ON DASHBOARD WITHOUT ANY NOISE. I CALLED TOYOTA CORPORATION AND THEY SAID THAT THERE IS NO ANY PROBLEM WITH MY CAR AND THAT THIS CAR DOESN'T HAVE ANY SAFETY PROBLEM.FOR SURE SOONER OR LATER THIS WILL BE A BAD DISASTER FOR SOME CAR OWNERS OF THIS MODEL. I DON'T HAVE PEACE OF MIND WHEN MY WIFE DRIVES THIS CAR WITH MY KIDS INSIDE. PLEASE SOLVE THIS BIG SAFETY ISSUE FOR ME AS TOYOTA CORPORATION DOESN'T ACCEPT THIS ISSUE AS A SAFETY ISSUE. THE TOYOTA DEALER SERVICE MANAGER SAID THAT THIS PROBLEM IS SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND MUST BE REPORTED TO TOYOTA CORPORATION, BUT CORPORATION SAYS THAT THERE IS NOT ANY PROBLEM. EVEN 1980'S OR 1990'S CAR WHEN YOU TURN OFF THE ENGINE IN D POSITION THE CAR GIVES NOISE ALERT.

7/26/2020

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 22V239000 (Electronic Stability Control) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.

5/20/2022

The lane keeping assist does not work properly on my vehicle. The lane keeping assist does not keep my car in the center of the lane as intended. For instance, it very forcefully makes the car drift to the left and right of the lane and frequently pulls it into the other lane. I have reported this to my local dealership - Sparks Toyota in Myrtle Beach, SC and Toyota Corporate. Sparks Toyota service has admitted that there are many customer complaints about this issue. They have stated that there is a software download "fix" in the works, but not yet available. I did not take their word for this and called Toyota Corporate. The only "solution" I have been offered is an offer to show me how to turn the feature off. This is totally unacceptable as the is an important safety feature that does not work properly and in fact, creates an unsafe situation while driving. Since my report of the issue, I have been made aware of an owners Facebook forum that other owners state they are having the same issue and seems to be a widespread problem.

7/24/2021

When I am using the brakes an a medium rate the vehicle will loose its brakes for a second causing a loss of control on the vehicle. This happens randomly and caused us to almost go off a culvert of a driveway once. It has scared us many times to thinking we were going to hit the car in front of us. It makes my wife sick every time it happens. Smart motors and regional techs from Toyota have looked into this issue and determined this to be a “feeling” and not a safety hazard. This is not the case and needs to be fixed before someone gets hurt. Lane Keeping assist is unusable. When it is turned on it fights with the driver. It will swerve back in forth in its lane and sometimes so bad it feels like the car would roll if it was not turned off and got worse. Every once in a while it will try to take an exit on the highway by itself. Date of incident in questionnaire is approx to the last time it happened. It has happened too many times to count. Vehicle mileage is when we first started really having issues with the brakes. Lane assist is an always thing.

3/19/2023

I was pulling into a parking space in a parking garage. As i was pulling in, the car unintentionally had a rapid acceleration event and crashed into a cement pillar causing the car to be a total loss

6/13/2024

my wife was pulling into a driveway slowly approximately 5 mph when she went to stop the Toyota Highlander sped up to full speed and smash the tree while my wife was depressing the brake. All airbags were deployed and it looks like they are going to total the Toyota Highlander that has all the maintenance records Very lucky to not have somebody seriously injured.

12/4/2024

See attached document for complaint.

8/20/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, the front lower bumper cover detached from the vehicle, causing debris to scatter onto the highway, while the damaged bumper cover was dragged underneath the vehicle. During the failure, the vehicle sustained excessive front-end damage, and damages to the undercarriage and fender liners. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who confirmed that the failure was related to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,260.

11/19/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 55 mph the sunroof exploded without warning or impact. There were no reported injuries. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 15,600.

6/24/2021

The driver seat started making a motorized noise 2-3 days after I purchased the vehicle. Over the few months from my oil change the noise got louder and louder as we moved the seat back and forth. When I took my vehicle in for its first oil change I addressed it to the dealership as the seat was now no longer able to move forward or backwards. During their inspection they stated there was a lego which was not possible as I had at the time a 1 & 2 year old who would choke on a lego so there is no way I would allow them to play with legos that small, mega blocks okay because those are huge but legos are too small. Anywho the seat was functionable after the inspection which lasted about a month and then went out again. I then brought it up again at the next oil change which they Checked it out and it worked a bit then went out again. The last time I took my vehicle in for its last oil change I addressed it, they took it apart and left it that way as it is now but were unable to locate the reason why it was defaulted. I however found that a piece was missing from one side of the track under the seat but they couldn't see that it was the reason for the malfunction. I have tried multiple times at least 5 times and speaking with the 2 service managers but to no avail this driver seat still can not be adjusted which means no one can drive my vehicle aside from myself not even in case of an emergency. There are no warning lights or alerts that come up.

8/27/2021

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 55 MPH, there was a sudden explosion and the passenger’s side mirror casing dislodged from the vehicle causing damage to the passenger’s side window trim and the hood of the vehicle. The cause of the failure was not determined. The local dealer was notified of the failure. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 30,000.

11/16/2021

Fuel gauge is inaccurate, leading to potential safety issues. The fuel gauge does not show as full, when the car is refueled, and likewise shows as empty when there is enough fuel to drive hundreds of miles. This has led to situations where the fuel light is on, and car is indicating no remaining miles left, but there is plenty of fuel. Toyota knows there is a problem. I started a Lemon Law claim with the Washington State Attorney's General office and notified Toyota. They have offered to replace my vehicle, which is currently in process.

2/8/2022

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander equipped with Bridgestone Tires, Tire line: Alenza Sport, Tire Size: 235/55/R20, DOT Number: 1W28AALA15019. The contact stated that the four tires cracked, due to a discrepancy between the stated weight capacity for the tires and the gross vehicle weight. The contact discovered the failure upon inspection of the vehicle and immediately stopped driving the vehicle. An independent mechanic was notified of the failure. The tire manufacturer was also notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The vehicle had was not repaired. The tire and vehicle failure mileage were approximately 20,000. The contact stated that their wife drove the vehicle majority of the time on local roads. The contact also expressed fears of the vehicle's tires not being able to support the weight of 7 passengers or being able to tow a boat.

12/15/2022

Case #11497584, All 4 tires Brigestone 235/55R20 102V cracked(DOT 4919, Thread 6/32-7/32). Numerous report of this tires exploding. load index 102 is Max load 1874 Lb at 44 PSI. Manufacturing label is 36 PSI, GAWP RR 3405. At 36 PSI(load inflation table) tire capacity is 1620 Lb which is show that GAWP 3405/2=1702.5 LB is ALREADY OVERLOAD each rear tire by 82.5 LB. If you add 5000 Lb trailer(tongue load 10%=500 Lb) then rear tire will be overloaded 82.5+500/2=332.5 Lb. This is 332.5/1874=17.7% All Toyota Highlander 4th generation LIMITED & PLATINUM should be removed from the road an emergency. The contact stated that their wife drives the vehicle majority of the time. The contact also expressed concerns about the tires not being able to support the weight of all 7 passengers or the weight of towing their boat.

12/30/2022

See attached document from complainant

10/25/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The contact had taken to the vehicle to a certified mechanic who tested the battery and alternator but found no failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.

11/30/2023

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH, the contact depressed the brake pedal to slow for traffic. The contact stated that the vehicle was vibrating and as he depressed the brake pedal the pedal stiffened and required more pressure to depress. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the brake pedal failure occurred only between driving 60 to 70 MPH. The contact had not taken the vehicle to a local dealer or independent mechanic. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.

2/14/2024

On numerous occasions when applying the brakes on my vehicle there is a very noticeable "surge" when the vehicle slows to a near stop. It feels like there is a momentary loss of braking before the brakes re-engage. I have had the vehicle since new and it seems like the problem has become more noticeable over time. I have lost some confidence in the safety performance of the vehicle due to this dangerous issue.

4/22/2024

There is an open recall which has not been addressed in a timely manner. The below has been open since OCT 26, 2023. I have been advised that I would be notified when a remedy was available but it's been ten months with no solution. My front bumper detached while I was on the interstate causing damage to the front end of my vehicle. The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users.

8/26/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at various speeds and accelerating, the vehicle made an abnormal buzzing and clunking sound. The vehicle was taken to the dealer several times. The dealer repaired the brake pedal and an axle; however, the failure progressively became worse. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the rear differential was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, the part was not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was opened. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

9/25/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was an abnormal winding noise detected while accelerating. The failure increased over time. While the contact’s husband was driving approximately 60 MPH and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting to park, there was an abnormally loud, high-pitched winding sound detected. The vehicle was slow to shift from first to second gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined that the CV joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, where the transmission was rebuilt. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.

11/7/2024

my wife was pulling into a driveway slowly approximately 5 mph when she went to stop the Toyota Highlander sped up to full speed and smash the tree while my wife was depressing the brake. All airbags were deployed and it looks like they are going to total the Toyota Highlander that has all the maintenance records Very lucky to not have somebody seriously injured.

12/4/2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle and locking the vehicle with the key fob, the doors were intermittently unlocked upon returning to the vehicle. The contact stated that over the years, the failure had become more frequent, but had become constant. The contact called two dealers and informed the dealers about the failure and was informed that a callback would be returned; however, the contact had yet to receive the callback. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

7/14/2025