2020 Toyota Highlander electrical system problems
18 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the electrical system on the 2020 Toyota Highlander — 6% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“develop a high-pitched whine, shuddering, or harsh shifting between 25 and 45 mph, which can lead to premature wear or complete failure. Also, On/ Off from no where and stopped in the middle of the road”
filed Sep 17, 2026
“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…”
filed Aug 10, 2026
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Related service bulletins
Some 2020 – 2024 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may exhibit a condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody air conditioner tube and…
T-SB-0021-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Mar 18, 2026OBSOLETE NOTICE January 30, 2026: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0001-26.
T-SB-0106-22 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 30, 2026Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System require a Special Service Tool (SST) USB flash drive to update the map, points of interest, and system software.
T-SB-0001-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions · issued Jan 28, 2026Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers’…
22TE09 · Service Campaign · issued Sep 17, 2025The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and…
T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign · issued Jun 13, 2025
Electrical System problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 6 | 14% |
| 2023 Highlander | 12 | 7% |
| 2022 Highlander | 17 | 7% |
| 2021 Highlander | 26 | 5% |
| 2019 Highlander | 56 | 12% |
| 2018 Highlander | 24 | 9% |
| 2017 Highlander | 46 | 17% |
| 2016 Highlander | 14 | 13% |
| 2015 Highlander | 52 | 27% |
| 2014 Highlander | 35 | 26% |
| 2013 Highlander | 26 | 13% |
| 2012 Highlander | 29 | 16% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.