Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?

NHTSA lists 25 engine-related complaints for the 2020 Highlander, which is 8% of the 315 total complaints filed for that model year. The median mileage at failure reported is 12,995 miles.

Is there a recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander engine?

Yes. Recall 20V162000, reported March 19, 2020, covers Highlanders with the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine due to an ECU programming error that can affect fuel delivery. Toyota reprograms the ECU free of charge.

What engine symptoms do owners describe most on the 2020 Highlander?

Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, the engine shutting off with the steering wheel locking during turns, and the vehicle surging forward while braking.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?

Among the 25 engine complaints, NHTSA records 4 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.

2020 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 25 engine complaints for the 2020 Toyota Highlander, 8% of that year's 315 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 12,995 miles. A related recall (20V162000) covers an ECU programming error affecting fuel delivery on the 3.5L V6 engine.

Engine complaints: 25; 8% of 315
Crashes reported: 4
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 5
Median mileage: 12,995 mi
Related recalls: 1

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration while slowly pulling into parking spots or driveways, resulting in crashes into fixed objects.
Some drivers describe the engine shutting off and the steering wheel locking mid-turn, cutting power to brakes and steering during low-speed maneuvers.
Several complaints describe the vehicle surging forward on its own while braking to slow down or stop, sometimes recurring multiple times a week.
Owners report the vehicle stalling or losing power while accelerating on the highway, in some cases followed by a check-engine light and reduced power mode.
One complaint describes the engine seizing suddenly while idling or parked, with a dashboard message about brakes being enabled, requiring multiple restarts.

When 2020 Toyota Highlander engine complaints were filed

First complaint Mar 3, 2020, latest Sep 17, 2026.

25 complaints filed with NHTSA from Mar 2020 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2021 (2).

Engine recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander

NHTSA 20V162000Mar 19, 2020Engine38,810 vehicles
Engine
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature.
Risk: Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA06.

Engine complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201036 (17%)
201133 (18%)
201231 (17%)
201358 (28%)
20148 (6%)
201521 (11%)
201613 (12%)
201758 (22%)
201840 (15%)
201982 (17%)
202025 (8%)
202150 (10%)
202217 (7%)
202332 (18%)
20246 (14%)
20254 (40%)

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?: NHTSA lists 25 engine-related complaints for the 2020 Highlander, which is 8% of the 315 total complaints filed for that model year. The median mileage at failure reported is 12,995 miles.
Is there a recall for the 2020 Toyota Highlander engine?: Yes. Recall 20V162000, reported March 19, 2020, covers Highlanders with the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) engine due to an ECU programming error that can affect fuel delivery. Toyota reprograms the ECU free of charge.
What engine symptoms do owners describe most on the 2020 Highlander?: Owners describe sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds, the engine shutting off with the steering wheel locking during turns, and the vehicle surging forward while braking.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?: Among the 25 engine complaints, NHTSA records 4 crashes and 5 injuries, with no fires reported.