2020 Toyota Highlander

The transmission started making a whining noise around 69,000 miles that a mechanic said was due to transmission failure. There were no warning lights or messages. I took it to the Toytota dealer who sold it to me new. They inspected it and confirmed that the transmission needed replaced which they did. Online research said these symptoms meant the transmission could fail at any time while driving it which could put passengers and others at risk.

The transmission had a catastrophic failure at 73,000 miles and six years after purchase. There has been a service bulletin issued with known defects on this transmission yet Toyota corporate failed to acknowledge that they installed faulty transmissions in the 2020 Toyota Highlander. The diagnosis was a failed pinion bearing which the dealer diagnosed to replace the transmission at nearly $10,000

Incident: [XXX] Conditions: Clear daylight, dry pavement, normal highway conditions Crash/Injuries: Allstate Claim #[XXX]; several people injured At approximately [XXX], I was driving my 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at about 55 mph in the slow/right lane. The vehicle ahead suddenly made a hard stop. I immediately and forcefully applied the brakes for an emergency stop. My front-seat passenger, [XXX], also saw the danger and yelled for me to stop at the same time. Based on our recollection, approximately five seconds elapsed between his warning and the collision. Despite the rapidly closing distance, the Toyota Pre-Collision System (PCS) did not appear to activate. There was no audible warning/beeping, no flashing red warning, and no “BRAKE!” indicator on the dashboard. This was also observed by [XXX] and [XXX], who was seated in the second row and is particularly attentive to warning signals. The vehicle also did not appear to provide any automatic emergency braking or brake-assist intervention. Despite my immediate and forceful braking, the vehicle did not stop in time and collided with the vehicle ahead, causing significant damage and injuries. The forward-facing sensors and windshield were clean and unobstructed. There were no dashboard warning lights or known system malfunction indicators before the crash. I purchased the Toyota Plus service package after completing the required maintenance during the initial coverage period. All scheduled maintenance and inspections were performed on time by certified Toyota technicians. I was repeatedly assured that the vehicle, including the braking system, was operating normally. I request that NHTSA investigate the possible failure of the PCS, forward collision warning, automatic emergency braking/brake assist, and their integration with the braking system. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to stop as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to stop, and the vehicle jerked abnormally. No warning lights were illuminated. The failure was a persistent failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The contact was informed of a software update. The contact was informed that an unknown software update was needed to repair the vehicle. The vehicle was repaired. The contact researched Technical Service Bulletin: 005923, which had a similar failure description. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000.

Coming to a stop or slowing down the vehicle has a spot where it feels like the brakes fail then come back on. Especially if going down a grade. This happens around 15 to 20 mph. Started off a slight moment when you are sure the brakes quit working for just a second. As the vehicle gets older it has brown to be more noticeable.

I was told by oxmoor dealership I had to talk to toyota corporate before I could get my car touched and that I did not need to talk to a lawyer. I called. Prior to the accident, the vehicle had been exhibiting multiple symptoms: an intermittent airbag warning light had illuminated briefly on the dashboard on a few occasions, and the vehicle had begun requiring noticeably longer physical distances to come to a complete stop at traffic signs and lights when not using cruise control. The vehicle was experiencing regular phantom seatbelt warnings—dinging as if a passenger was unbuckled when the seat was completely empty. The phantom seatbelt warnings i didnt think we're a big deal were occurring across multiple seating rows simultaneously in front and back. Directly preceding the crash, while making a turn, the vehicle swerved slightly. When I applied the physical brake pedal, the vehicle did not decelerate normally; instead, it experienced a sudden, abrupt forward acceleration surge into the building. I still haven't gotten my vehicle back or any information on what has been done or when I am getting my car back. I was also charged for an extra day for my rental when I was told to return it on the 16th. I haven't had a rental since then. I keep contacting oxmoor toyota and they said they were waiting on toyota corporate. I haven't had my car for a month. I tried to email. It was returned. My mailbox on my phone has been full of drs and other calls non stop. I texted online on the toyota page for the claim as well. Ive repeatedly asked the toyota dealership what is going on and I get we are waiting on corporate. I called toyota corporate again today and was told they would get back to me. I told the dealership. I am under medical care and in severe pain. Yes my safety was put at risk. Police and fire department were here the night it happened. They said they don't do a police report on private property. There is an insurance claim through state farm.

I am having fuel pump issues and my VIN was excluded from the recall from Toyota for similar issues. Toyota’s low-pressure fuel pump recall (originally announced Jan 2020, expanded multiple times through Jan 2025) covers vehicles across several model years, where a defective impeller made from inadequate resin material could swell and cause fuel starvation and sudden stalling. Highlander is mentioned as included for selected model years in some recall summaries

We have a 2020 Toyota Highlander with 89K miles that we have owned since it was new. I was informed today to not drive it any long distances from the dealer due to an impending failure of the transmission, creating a large safety issue for me and my family. I understand there are related recalls of the UA80 transmission but none for this particular model; there are countless internet reports of failure. I implore the NHTSA to investigate and protect the motoring public.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a serious braking safety issue with my 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited, which currently has approximately 70,000 miles. I brought my vehicle to Victory Toyota of Canton (46352 Michigan Ave, Canton, MI 48188) and reported to Service Manager John Maddison that, at low speeds, the vehicle briefly surges or feels as though it accelerates when I press the brake pedal before it actually begins to slow down. This behavior is alarming and creates the impression that the vehicle is moving forward when I am attempting to stop. This is a serious safety concern that could increase the risk of a crash, particularly in parking lots, stop-and-go traffic, or around pedestrians. The issue has become so concerning that my daughter refuses to drive the vehicle because she no longer feels confident that it will stop properly when she applies the brakes. A driver should never have to question whether a vehicle will respond correctly during normal braking. After researching the problem, I discovered that Toyota has already acknowledged this exact condition by issuing Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) TSB-0059-23. The symptoms described in the TSB closely match the behavior my vehicle is experiencing. I therefore requested that the dealership inspect the vehicle and perform the repair outlined in the bulletin. Instead of addressing what appears to be a known braking-related issue, the dealership informed me that I must first pay a $190 diagnostic fee before they would even determine whether the TSB applies. I believe it is unreasonable to require customers to pay to confirm a condition that Toyota has already documented, particularly when it involves the vehicle's braking system and potential safety risks. I am concerned that other owners experiencing the same braking behavior may delay seeking repairs because of the required diagnostic charge, leaving potentially unsafe vehicles on the road.I respectfully request that NHTSA review this issue.

While driving on a 75 MPH highway, the lower bumper cover, windscreen, and interior wheel well components spontaneously detached from the vehicle and got stuck under the car. There were no warming lamps, messages, or other symptoms; the vehicle was driving fine before the detachment. The vehicle has never been in a collision and had no visible damage to the bumper prior to the incident. The detachment was very quick and could have caused an accident, as it was quite physically jarring; additionally, the components got between the vehicle and the highway which caused them to smoke/burn as I tried to quickly slow and pull into the shoulder. A prior recall (#23TB12 / 23TA12) was for a very similar situation. The dealership had allegedly performed the recall fix in March 2025. When I took the vehicle back to the dealership, they said this was independent of the recall. The dealership is unwilling to cover the repair, as they have said that the bumper shows signs of impact. The vehicle bumper has never been impacted. The dealer said there were very minor stress cracks in the paint; when I asked if these could have been from the bumper cover rapidly detaching, they said it was possible but would still not cover the repair.

I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.

The transmission can suddenly fail even at very early mileages. This is almost certainly related to T-SB-0008-21 that has defined a narrow number of transmissions though it appears to affect many more than outlined. This could cause sudden failure while operating the vehicle at any point in time and potentially lead to a crash without much if any warning. Toyota Brand Engagement is denying any assistance due to external service history from a prior owner rather than addressing the failed part outlined in the TSB. Failure reasoning cannot be provided from the dealership as Toyota does not allow the dealer technicians to open the transmission and instead mandate a full replacement.

Toyota Highlander UA-80 transmission failed prematurely at 63,017 miles (just beyond warranty) due to KNOWN CRITICAL manufacturing defect as per technical advisory T-SB-0160-18 putting me and my family at risk for sudden catastrophic failure on the highway.

Transmission stalls in situations where speed is needed. For example when merging into traffic all of a sudden no power then when gear finally engages there a huge thump and feels like being hit from behind.

I know there is a recall for my 2020 Highlander. My VIN isn't listed. The front bumper is coming off and can't be pushed back in.

While driving my navigation system/screen/radio screen goes completely black! Which is dangerous when I’m using gps on the interstate! It does not come back on until I restart the car.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected transmission failure in my 2020 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle experienced a major transmission malfunction without any prior warning signs, dashboard warning lights, diagnostic messages, or noticeable drivability issues. The failure occurred suddenly when the vehicle would no longer shift into reverse. When placed in reverse gear, the vehicle does not move. Additionally, when placed in drive, the transmission slips significantly, resulting in a loss of power and unsafe operation. The vehicle is no longer reliable or safe to operate on public roadways. At no time prior to the failure were there any illuminated warning indicators, check engine lights, transmission warnings, abnormal noises, or other symptoms that would have alerted me to an impending transmission problem. The lack of warning created a hazardous situation, as the vehicle's ability to accelerate and maneuver could be compromised without notice. The vehicle has been diagnosed as requiring major transmission repairs or replacement, with estimated repair costs approaching $7,000. Given the severity of the failure, the absence of any warning to the driver, and the significant financial burden associated with the repair, I believe this issue may represent a safety-related defect that warrants investigation. I am concerned that other owners of 2020 Toyota Highlanders may experience similar sudden transmission failures that could result in a loss of vehicle control, inability to maneuver safely, or exposure to hazardous traffic conditions. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and determine whether a broader investigation into transmission failures affecting 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles is warranted.

The transmission (the UA80) has been known to have several issues and my transmission has normal driving on it, has had its fluids replaced, and is now experiencing the same issue that others are experiencing.

Air conditioning has leaked after only 60,000 miles, costing me thousands in repairs. This is a recall on other models, but not this one. Mine and my baby’s safety is put at risk by being forced to drive around in the heat of summer without air conditioning. There were no warning lights. It was verified by the dealer, and I have a video of the inspection.

The 8 speed Toyota transmission is defective and my transmission started to whine very loudly. I was told that it could freeze/lock up on me at any time so I had a rebuilt transmission put in my car. I am told Toyota new about this defect.