2020 Toyota Highlander Airbags Problems
NHTSA lists 32 airbag complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, 10% of its 315 total complaints for the year, tied to 3 crashes and 5 injuries. A related recall, 23V865000, covers an airbag occupant classification sensor, with a median failure mileage of 78,081.5 miles.
- Airbags complaints
- 32
- 10% of 315
- Crashes reported
- 3
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 5
- Median mileage
- 78,082 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical airbag symptoms owners report
- Owners report the passenger occupant classification sensor recall (23V865000) but say replacement parts have not been available at dealers for extended periods.
- Some owners describe airbags failing to deploy during side-impact crashes, including one severe accident with no dashboard warning lights.
- One owner reported the seat belt chime and warning light activating even after the front passenger buckled in, suggesting the sensor was misreading occupancy.
- Several complaints describe repeated dealer visits, sometimes six or more, where the recall repair was promised but never completed due to parts shortages.
- A crash complaint describes a passenger-side impact at roughly 45 mph where airbags reportedly did not deploy, resulting in reported chest pain.
When 2020 Toyota Highlander airbag complaints were filed
First complaint Sep 14, 2021, latest Apr 22, 2026.
Airbags recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander
- NHTSA 23V865000Dec 20, 2023Airbags999,901 vehicles
Air bags:sensor:occupant classification
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.
Risk: 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.
Airbags complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have an airbag recall?
- Yes. NHTSA recall 23V865000, reported December 20, 2023, covers an airbag occupant classification sensor on 2020-2021 Highlander and several other Toyota models. The remedy is dealer inspection and sensor replacement if needed, at no charge.
- How many airbag complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Highlander?
- NHTSA lists 32 airbag complaints for the 2020 Highlander, which is 10% of the 315 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Did the airbag issue cause any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data tied to this airbag complaint set shows 3 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.
- Why are owners still complaining about the airbag recall years after it was issued?
- Multiple 2024 and 2025 complaints describe dealers telling owners that repair parts for recall 23V865000 were still not available, despite the recall being reported in December 2023.
- At what mileage do airbag problems typically show up on the 2020 Highlander?
- The median mileage at failure for airbag-related complaints on the 2020 Highlander is 78,081.5 miles.