2020 Toyota Highlander Problems: 5 Known Issues
2020 model year · 920+ owner reports · Updated November 2026
According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has 5 documented known issues, with 1 rated critical. The most serious is 8-speed automatic whine or grind noise (owner reports). The most commonly reported issue is 8-speed automatic shudder or jerky take-off (owner reports) with 920 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $600 to $1,100. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.
2020 · XLE · 3.5L V6
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All 5 Known Issues
NHTSA Recalls16 recalls
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
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.
TIRES
Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
TIRES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
+ 11 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2020 Toyota Highlander has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: 8-speed automatic whine or grind noise (owner reports), 8-speed automatic shudder or jerky take-off (owner reports), A/C Condenser Leak / Thin-Fin Failure (Rock-Strike Refrigerant Loss). Of these, 1 is rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2020 Toyota Highlander has 5 known issues documented across 920+ owner reports. 1 issue is rated critical: 8-speed automatic whine or grind noise (owner reports). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $600 to $1,100, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander 8-speed automatic whine or grind noise (owner reports)?
Owners of V6 Highlanders with the 8-speed automatic report a whine from the transmission that grows louder under acceleration, and some describe it later turning into grinding or harsh shifting. Owners report dealers replacing the whole transmission for this noise. Owner reports… Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander 8-speed automatic shudder or jerky take-off (owner reports)?
Owners of V6 Highlanders from this generation describe a shudder or jerky feel from the 8-speed automatic, especially when pulling away from a stop or at light throttle. Toyota has not published a bulletin for this symptom on these model years that we could find, so the cause has… Severity: medium.
What is the 2014-2021 Toyota Highlander A/C Condenser Leak / Thin-Fin Failure (Rock-Strike Refrigerant Loss)?
The front-mounted A/C condenser on the Highlander is built with thin fins/tubes that owners say cannot survive a stray rock, so it develops small refrigerant leaks and loses cooling — and because the condenser sits low and forward, it gets struck more often than on many vehicles. Repairs typically run $600-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Windshield chips and cracks, and forward-camera calibration after replacement (owner reports)?
Owners of this Highlander generation report windshields that chip or crack easily, sometimes with no clear impact point, and say small chips can spread in hot weather. Because the forward camera for the driver-assist features sits behind the windshield, a replacement windshield n… Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Front-end whistle from grille bracket — T-SB-0048-22?
A whistle from the front of the vehicle above 35 mph can come from the radiator grille bracket. Toyota bulletin T-SB-0048-22 covers 2020–2022 Highlander (except XSE) and Highlander Hybrid models with this whistle. It does not cover roof, moonroof, mirror or A-pillar noises. Severity: low.
Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.