2020 Toyota Highlander Structure & Body Problems
Structure & Body complaints account for 31 of 315 total complaints (10%) on the 2020 Toyota Highlander, with a median failure mileage of 12,300. Two related recalls cover the front bumper cover and front seat trim/side airbag issue.
- Structure & Body complaints
- 31
- 10% of 315
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 0
- Median mileage
- 12,300 mi
- Related recalls
- 2
Typical body and structure symptoms owners report
- Front lower bumper cover detaches or comes loose while driving at highway speeds, sometimes dragging under the vehicle and causing front-end damage.
- Sunroof/moonroof has reportedly shattered spontaneously while driving on the highway, producing a loud bang and scattering glass.
- Rear passenger door leaks water that collects inside the door panel.
- Driver seat develops a motorized noise that worsens over time until the seat can no longer move forward or back.
- Rear hatch door fails to latch or close fully, requiring manual operation and producing hissing/road noise while driving.
- Rear exterior door handles have broken, with owners reporting it as a recurring issue on more than one door.
When 2020 Toyota Highlander body and structure complaints were filed
First complaint Jun 29, 2020, latest Jul 23, 2026.
Structure & Body recalls for the 2020 Toyota Highlander
- NHTSA 23V720000Oct 26, 2023Structure & Body750,795 vehicles
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.
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
- NHTSA 20V633000Oct 14, 2020Structure & Body3,121 vehicles
Seats
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander hybrid vehicles. Incorrect seat trim covers on one or both of the front seats can prevent the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly.
Risk: Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers as necessary, free of charge. The recall began December 11, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TB14 / 20TA14.
Structure & Body 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 Structure & Body complaints does the 2020 Toyota Highlander have?
- NHTSA lists 31 Structure & Body complaints for the 2020 Highlander, which is 10% of its 315 total complaints for the model year.
- Is there a recall related to Structure & Body issues on the 2020 Highlander?
- Yes, two recalls apply: campaign 23V720000 covering front bumper cover impact issues on 2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, and campaign 20V633000 covering incorrect front seat trim covers that could block side airbag deployment on 2020 models.
- At what mileage do Structure & Body problems typically appear on the 2020 Highlander?
- The median mileage at failure for Structure & Body complaints on the 2020 Highlander is 12,300 miles.
- Did the bumper cover issue cause any crashes?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash associated with Structure & Body complaints on the 2020 Highlander, with no reported fires or injuries.
- How does the 2020 Highlander compare to other years for this problem area?
- The 2020 Highlander's 10% share of complaints in this area is lower than the 2021 (11%), 2022 (24%), and 2023 (28%) model years, based on NHTSA data.