The Engine Control Unit (ECU) is like the brain of your Highlander's engine. It's responsible for making sure the right amount of fuel gets to the engine when you need it. In some 2020 models, the ECU's programming might be incorrect, causing a problem with fuel delivery.
Risk if Unfixed
If the fuel delivery problem happens while you're driving, your Highlander could stall. That means you'll lose power steering and braking assistance, making it harder to control your vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your Toyota dealer will update the ECU's programming to fix the problem. This repair is free, and you'll be notified when it's time to schedule the update.
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Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.
The Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor in your vehicle is a crucial part that helps decide whether the front passenger air bag should inflate in a crash. In some 2020-2022 models, this sensor can short circuit, preventing the air bag from working properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the front passenger air bag doesn't deploy during a crash, you're at a higher risk of injury or harm. This is because the air bag helps absorb the impact and protect you from serious harm.
Free Fix
Your Toyota or Lexus dealer will check the OCS sensor and replace it if it's faulty, all at no cost to you. You should schedule the repair as soon as you receive the recall notice, and you can contact the dealer or Toyota customer service if you have any questions.
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Original — What Happened
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
Original — Remedy
Dealers will inspect and replace the sensor as necessary, free of charge. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed in February 2024. Some final remedy owner letters were mailed October 31, 2024. Letters will continue to be mailed in phases through January 2026. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB15/23TA15 Lexus 23LB03/23LA03.
The seat-mounted side air bag in your Highlander is designed to protect you in a crash. However, if the front seat trim covers are not installed correctly, this air bag might not deploy properly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the seat-mounted side air bag fails to deploy during a crash, you could be at greater risk of injury. This is a serious safety issue that we want to address as soon as possible.
Free Fix
Your Toyota dealer will inspect the front seats and replace the seat trim covers if needed – at no cost to you. This is a free repair, and you should schedule it as soon as possible once you receive the recall notice.
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Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Improper deployment of the seat-mounted side air bag increases the risk of injury in the event of a crash.
Original — 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.
The front bumper cover on your Highlander is the part that protects the front of your vehicle from damage. In some 2020-2023 models, this cover can come loose or fall off if you hit a small object while driving.
Risk if Unfixed
If the front bumper cover comes loose or falls off, it could become a hazard on the road and increase the risk of a crash — especially if it gets in the way of another vehicle or a pedestrian.
Free Fix
Your Toyota dealer will fix or replace the front bumper cover at no cost to you. This repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
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.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — 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.