Used Toyota Highlander Buyer's Guide (2020–2024)
A popular three-row family SUV. Check the V6 or turbo change in 2023, and open recalls on air bag sensors, second-row seats and the bumper.
Photo: Kevauto, Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. A representative example, not a car we inspected.
The fourth generation Highlander arrived for 2020 on Toyota's TNGA-K platform. It is a three-row family SUV sold as a gas model and as a hybrid, and it is one of the most common three-row SUVs on used lots.
From 2020 to 2022 the gas model used a 295 hp 3.5L V6 with an 8-speed automatic. For 2023 Toyota replaced the V6 with a 265 hp 2.4L turbo four that makes more torque. The hybrid uses a 2.5L four with electric motors, rated 243 hp combined, and its all-wheel drive uses a separate rear electric motor.
This Highlander has no widely known engine or transmission defect in the recall record. Its recalls are mostly about air bag sensors, seats, software and a front bumper cover that can come loose. Several are recent, including a 2026 recall for second-row seat backs that may not lock.
Because Highlanders often carry kids in the back two rows, the seat and air bag recalls matter. A VIN check and a close look at the seats and bumper are the key steps.
- 3.5L V6 (2GR-FKS, 2020 to 2022)
- 2.4L turbo 4-cyl (2023 and later)
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
Fourth generation (XU70), sold as model years 2020–2024.
| Engine | Years | Transmission | What to know |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.5L V6 | 2020–2022 | 8-speed automatic | 295 hp and 263 lb-ft, per Toyota. Some 2020 models are in a stop-start fuel supply recall. |
| 2.4L turbo 4-cyl | 2023–2024 | 8-speed automatic | 265 hp and 309 lb-ft, per Toyota. It replaced the V6 for 2023 and has standard stop-start. |
| 2.5L hybrid | 2020–2024 | Electronic CVT | 243 hp combined, per Toyota. Hybrid all-wheel drive uses a separate rear electric motor. |
SOURCE Toyota: fourth generation 2020 Highlander redesigned · Toyota: 2020 Highlander Hybrid · Toyota: 2023 Highlander turbocharged engine
- L The base trim at launch. Toyota did not offer the hybrid on the L.
- LE Adds more features and was offered as a gas model or hybrid.
- XLE The volume trim with more comfort features.
- Limited Upscale trim. For 2023 Toyota added dual 12.3-inch screens as standard.
- Platinum The top trim, also with dual 12.3-inch screens from 2023.
- 2022 It is outside the 2020 V6 stall recall, the 2020 to 2021 passenger air bag sensor recall and the 2023 spiral cable recall, and keeps the V6. It is still in the bumper cover and second-row seat recalls.
- 2024 It is outside the bumper cover recall (2020 to 2023) and the spiral cable recall, but check the second-row seat, software and third-row belt recalls.
- 2020 The first year has the most recalls here: V6 stall, front seat side air bags, passenger air bag sensor, bumper cover and, on hybrids, stability control software.
- 2023 The first year of the 2.4L turbo, and it is in the driver air bag spiral cable recall and its follow-up.
Picked from the recalls, bulletins and NHTSA complaint records below, not from a reliability rating. Any single car can be better or worse than its year.
Recall 23V-865 covers about 1 million Toyota and Lexus vehicles, including 2020 and 2021 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid. A short in the occupant classification sensor in the front passenger seat can keep the passenger air bag from deploying. Dealers inspect and replace the sensor as needed. Toyota mailed letters in phases through January 2026.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 23V-865, watch the passenger air bag status light with the seat empty and occupied, and scan the air bag module for codes.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-865
Recall 26V-128, filed in March 2026, covers about 687,000 2021 to 2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models. The second-row seat backs may not lock in place after adjusting, so they may not hold a passenger in a crash. Dealers replace return springs in the recliners. Toyota says this is a phased recall, with letters mailed September 9, 2026.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 26V-128 and work each second-row seat back through its range to confirm it locks every time.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 26V-128
Recall 23V-720 covers about 751,000 2020 to 2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models. A minor bump to the front lower bumper cover can make it come loose or fall off while driving. Dealers repair or replace the upper and lower bumper covers as needed.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 23V-720 and look at the front bumper cover for loose clips, gaps or damage.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-720
Recall 20V-162 covers some 2020 Highlanders with the 3.5L V6. An engine computer programming error could stop fuel from being supplied correctly during stop and restart, and the engine could stall. Dealers reprogram the engine computer.
WE CHECK On a 2020 V6, we check the VIN for recall 20V-162 and road test in stop and go traffic with stop-start on.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-162
Recall 23V-480 covers some 2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models. A weld inside the steering column spiral cable may be weak and can separate, turning off the driver air bag. Dealers inspect and replace the part as needed. Recall 25V-040 covers cars that may have been repaired wrong the first time.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recalls 23V-480 and 25V-040, confirm the air bag light goes out after start, and test the horn and steering wheel buttons.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 23V-480 · NHTSA recall 25V-040
Recall 20V-633 covers about 3,100 2020 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models. Wrong seat trim covers on the front seats can keep the seat-mounted side air bag from deploying properly. Dealers inspect and replace the covers as needed.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 20V-633 and look at the front seat covers for correct air bag labels and fit.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 20V-633
Recall 22V-239 covers 2020 to 2022 Highlander Hybrids and other Toyota and Lexus models. If the driver turned off stability control, the software might not turn it back on after a restart. Dealers update the skid control software.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 22V-239 and confirm the stability control light and switch work normally after a restart.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 22V-239
Recall 25V-595 covers some 2023 and later models, including the Highlander, whose instrument panel may not show speed, brake and tire pressure warnings at start-up. It is fixed with a software update. Recall 25V-744 covers vehicles with the Panoramic View Monitor, where the rearview camera can freeze or go blank.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recalls 25V-595 and 25V-744, watch the gauge cluster at start-up and test the camera in reverse.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-595 · NHTSA recall 25V-744
Recall 25V-872 covers 39 2024 and 2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models. The third-row center belt roof anchor may be installed at the wrong angle. Dealers reinstall it with a new bolt.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recall 25V-872 and test every third-row seat belt.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 25V-872
Two regional distributor recalls cover Highlanders fitted with accessory 20-inch wheels and tires that have too low a load rating. Recall 24V-419 covers some 2022 to 2024 L and LE models with a Blackout Package, and 24V-452 covers some 2021 to 2024 models. The distributors replace the tires and placard as needed.
WE CHECK We check the VIN for recalls 24V-419 and 24V-452 and read the tire load index against the door placard.
SOURCE NHTSA recall 24V-419 · NHTSA recall 24V-452
- Run the VIN for open recalls, including the 2026 second-row seat recall.
- Work every second-row seat back and test every seat belt in all three rows.
- Watch the passenger air bag status light with the seat empty and with a person in it.
- Check the front bumper cover for loose clips or gaps.
- Scan all modules and watch the gauge cluster and camera at start-up.
- Road test in stop and go traffic, and on a hybrid, check smooth engine starts and stops.
- Check tire size and load rating against the door placard.
- Dealer records for recall 23V-865 (air bag sensor), 26V-128 (second-row seats) and 23V-720 (bumper cover).
- Oil changes on time, especially on the 2.4L turbo.
- Software updates for the engine computer (2020 V6), stability control (hybrid) and instrument panel.
- On a hybrid, any hybrid system inspections or warning light visits.
- Transmission fluid service if the owner towed.
- Receipts for any aftermarket or dealer-added wheels and tires.
Each year has its own guide. The engines, the transmission, and what changed that year.
A TSB is a note the maker sends to dealers about a known fix. They are not recalls. We check the bulletins so we know what to look for:
Cold-start noise, drivability, and idle issues for this vehicle. We test for each.
Shift quality and transmission fluid updates. We drive every gear.
Locks, wipers, infotainment, and trim items. Small, but good to know.
Bulletins stay with the maker, so we pull the current list for this exact vehicle during the inspection and tell you what applies.
Found a Toyota Highlander you like? A pre purchase inspection checks every trouble spot above on the car you are buying.
When did the Highlander drop the V6?
What is the Highlander second-row seat recall?
What is the Highlander bumper recall?
Does the Highlander Hybrid have all-wheel drive?
How much power does the Highlander Hybrid make?
Is the passenger air bag recall on my Highlander done?
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