Toyota Highlander problems and known issues

By CarWhere Research · Updated November 5, 2026

The most-documented Toyota Highlander problems are hybrid inverter failures that can stall 2006–2010 Highlander Hybrids, overheating power window switches on 2008–2011 models, fuel pump failures on 2017–2019 models, a stop-start stall on some 2020 V6 models, front bumper covers that can detach on 2020–2023 models, and second-row seat backs that may not lock on 2021–2025 models.

CarWhere lists 8 documented Highlander issues, including 8 NHTSA safety recalls, each with affected years, powertrains, symptoms, pre-purchase checks and a source.

Highlander generations at a glance

Toyota Highlander generations and the known issues listed for each
Generation	Model years	Issues on this page
XU40	2008–2013	Hybrid inverter can overheat and stall the vehicle (recall 13V396) · Power window master switch can overheat (recall 15V689)
XU50	2014–2019	Electric power steering can fail (recall 15V144) · Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (recall 20V682)
XU70	2020–present	2020 V6 can stall using stop-start (recall 20V162) · Front lower bumper cover can come loose (recall 23V720) · Passenger airbag sensor can short (recall 23V865) · Second-row seat backs may not lock (recall 26V128)

XU40 Highlander problems (2008–2013)

Hybrid inverter can overheat and stall the vehicle (recall 13V396) (2006–2010)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU40 (2008–2013)
Years:: 2006–2010
Powertrain:: Hybrid

Transistors in the intelligent power module inside the inverter of 2006–2010 Highlander Hybrids can run hotter than their solder can handle and be damaged. Warning lights come on, the vehicle can go into limp mode, and the hybrid system can shut down while driving. Dealers replace the power module; vehicles already fixed under 11V342 are excluded.

Symptoms

Several warning lights at once (check-engine, brake, slip, master warning)
Reduced power or limp mode
Hybrid system shuts down

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 13V396 (2013-09) · 133,081 vehicles

Sources: [1]

Power window master switch can overheat (recall 15V689) (2008–2011)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU40 (2008–2013)
Years:: 2008–2011
Powertrain:: All

Grease on the sliding contacts inside the driver’s power window master switch was applied inconsistently on 2008–2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models and many other Toyotas. Debris and moisture can short the switch until it overheats and melts. Dealers inspect and lubricate the switch or replace its circuit board.

Symptoms

Window switch works intermittently
Burning smell or heat from the driver’s door switch

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 15V689 (2015-10) · 1,814,284 vehicles

Sources: [2][3]

XU50 Highlander problems (2014–2019)

Electric power steering can fail (recall 15V144) (2015)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU50 (2014–2019)
Years:: 2015
Powertrain:: All

A component in the electric power steering control unit on some 2015 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models may have been damaged in production and can later fail, causing a sudden loss of power assist. Dealers check the serial number and replace the ECU if it is in the affected range.

Symptoms

Steering suddenly becomes heavy
Power-steering warning light

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 15V144 (2015-03) · 110,085 vehicles

Sources: [4]

Low-pressure fuel pump can fail and stall the engine (recall 20V682) (2017–2019)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU50 (2014–2019)
Years:: 2017–2019
Powertrain:: Gasoline engines

The low-pressure fuel pump inside the tank can fail on many Toyota and Lexus models, including 2017–2019 Highlanders, which can stall the engine while driving. Dealers replace the pump with an improved one.

Symptoms

Rough running or hesitation
Check-engine light
Engine stalls or will not restart

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V682 (2020-11) · 1,525,742 vehicles

Sources: [5]

XU70 Highlander problems (2020–present)

2020 V6 can stall using stop-start (recall 20V162) (2020)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU70 (2020–present)
Years:: 2020
Powertrain:: 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS)

An engine control unit programming error on some 2020 Highlanders with the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS) can let fuel be supplied incorrectly when the engine restarts under stop-start, causing a stall. Dealers reprogram the ECU.

Symptoms

Engine fails to restart or stalls after an auto-stop

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 20V162 (2020-03) · 38,810 vehicles

Sources: [6]

Front lower bumper cover can come loose (recall 23V720) (2020–2023)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU70 (2020–present)
Years:: 2020–2023
Powertrain:: All

On 2020–2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models, a minor impact to the front lower bumper cover during normal driving can make the cover come loose or fall off and become a road hazard. Dealers repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers.

Symptoms

Front lower bumper cover sagging or flapping
Gaps where the lower cover meets the bumper

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V720 (2023-10) · 750,795 vehicles

Sources: [7]

Passenger airbag sensor can short (recall 23V865) (2020–2021)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU70 (2020–present)
Years:: 2020–2021
Powertrain:: All

A short circuit can develop in the occupant classification sensor in the front passenger seat of 2020–2021 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models and several other Toyotas and Lexus, preventing the passenger airbag from deploying. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor as needed.

Symptoms

Passenger airbag-off light on with an adult seated
Airbag warning light

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work

NHTSA recall: 23V865 (2023-12) · 999,901 vehicles

Sources: [8]

Second-row seat backs may not lock (recall 26V128) (2021–2025)

Safety recall

Generation:: XU70 (2020–present)
Years:: 2021–2025
Powertrain:: All

The second-row seat-back recliners on 2021–2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models may not lock fully after adjustment, so the seat may not restrain an occupant properly in a crash. Toyota expanded the recall in 2026 to about 690,000 U.S. vehicles; dealers replace the recliner return springs.

Symptoms

Second-row seat back moves when pushed after adjusting
Recliner lever does not snap back

Check before buying

Run the 17-digit VIN through NHTSA’s recall lookup and confirm the remedy shows as complete
Ask a Toyota dealer for the repair order showing the recall work
Recline and raise each second-row seat and push firmly to confirm it locks

NHTSA recall: 26V128 (2026-03) · 686,588 vehicles

Sources: [9][10]

Related Highlander research

This page explains specific mechanical issues and recalls. Which model years drew the most owner complaints relative to the rest of the model’s history is answered in the years-to-avoid research where CarWhere publishes it.

Confirm how a Highlander was built before you buy.

Engine, transmission and packages decide which of these issues apply. The CarWhere Toyota build sheet reconstructs factory colors, options and packages from licensed VIN-level build data — availability is checked free, and it is $9.99 only when detailed build data is found for that VIN.

Toyota build sheet by VIN

Frequently asked questions

Does the Highlander Hybrid have inverter problems?

Recall 13V396 covers 2006–2010 Highlander Hybrids whose inverter power module can be heat-damaged, triggering warning lights, limp mode or a hybrid shutdown while driving. Dealers replace the power module.

What is the 2020 Highlander stalling recall?

Recall 20V162 covers some 2020 Highlanders with the 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS). A programming error can stall the engine when it restarts under stop-start, and dealers reprogram the engine computer.

Why are 2020–2023 Highlander bumpers recalled?

Recall 23V720 covers 2020–2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models whose front lower bumper cover can loosen or detach after a minor impact. Dealers repair or replace the upper and lower covers.

Is there a Highlander seat recall?

Yes. Recall 26V128 covers 2021–2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models whose second-row seat backs may not lock after adjustment. Dealers replace the recliner return springs free of charge.

How do I check a used Highlander for open recalls?

Enter the 17-digit VIN at NHTSA’s recall lookup or Toyota’s recall site, or ask a Toyota dealer. Recall work is free regardless of mileage or owner.

Sources

Issue descriptions are CarWhere’s own summaries of the sources below. Repair costs are shown only where a source states them and vary by shop and region.

NHTSA recall 13V396: Inverter Failure may cause Hybrid Vehicle to Stall (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 15V689: Power Window Master Switch may Melt (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 12V491: Power Window Master Switch may Melt (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 15V144: Possible Loss of Electric Power Steering (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 20V682: Fuel Pump May Fail (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 20V162: ECU Error May Cause Vehicle Stall (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 23V720: Front Bumper Assembly May Detach (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 23V865: OCS Sensors May Short Circuit (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
NHTSA recall 26V128: Second-Row Seat Backs May Fail to Lock (Recalls Data record) — NHTSA (U.S. DOT open data)
Toyota Recalls Certain MY2021-2025 Toyota Highlander Vehicles (Mar. 5, 2026; updated Sept. 9, 2026) — Toyota USA Newsroom

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Independent reference compiled by CarWhere — not affiliated with or endorsed by Toyota Motor Corporation, Toyota Motor North America or any Toyota distributor. Toyota, TRD, i-FORCE MAX, Hybrid Synergy Drive and the model names are trademarks of their owners.