2020 Toyota Highlander Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 41 brake complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, 13% of its 315 total complaints for the year. The complaints include 6 crashes and 8 injuries, with a median failure mileage of 15,592 miles, and no related recall is listed.
- Brakes complaints
- 41
- 13% of 315
- Crashes reported
- 6
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 8
- Median mileage
- 15,592 mi
- Related recalls
- 0
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Brakes momentarily release or feel like they fail for a second, especially when slowing down on a decline around 15 to 20 mph, before re-engaging.
- Owners describe a lunging or jerking-forward sensation when stopping, which some link to regenerative braking letting off, particularly on the Hybrid.
- Some drivers report the vehicle briefly not moving in reverse before a sound comes from the brakes and the car jerks backward.
- One owner described the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection stopping the car abruptly on the highway and requiring the accelerator to release the vehicle from a stationary hold.
- A separate report describes the engine turning off and the steering locking during a turn, followed by a loss of braking that resulted in a head-on collision.
- Dealers in some cases were unable to replicate the intermittent brake slipping or surging feeling during inspection.
When 2020 Toyota Highlander brake complaints were filed
First complaint Jul 26, 2020, latest Aug 27, 2026.
Brakes recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander
No safety recalls on record for this model year.
Brakes complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
- NHTSA lists 41 brake-related complaints for the 2020 Highlander, which is 13% of the 315 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a recall for 2020 Toyota Highlander brake problems?
- No. The data shows no related recalls listed for the brake complaints on the 2020 Highlander.
- At what mileage do 2020 Highlander brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for brake complaints on the 2020 Highlander is 15,592 miles.
- Have the 2020 Highlander's brake complaints led to crashes or injuries?
- Yes. NHTSA records show 6 crashes and 8 injuries among the 41 brake complaints for the 2020 Highlander, with no fires reported.
- What kind of brake issues do owners describe most often?
- Owners most often describe a brief release or fade of braking force at low speed or on declines, along with a jerk or lunge forward when the brakes reapply, sometimes tied to the Hybrid's regenerative braking.