Free used car buyer guide / XU70 / 2020-2024
Toyota Highlander common problems and best years
By BYBA Research - how we score cars
Updated 2026-06-12
BYBA Buy Score
4.6/10
3 walk-away risks, 5 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2020 v6 stop-start ecu stall recall. Score methodology.
The 2020-2024 Highlander is a strong family SUV when you buy the right powertrain for your use and verify the first-year Toyota fixes instead of assuming the badge covers everything. The main traps are the 2020 V6 stop-start stall recall, 2020-2022 Hybrid fuel tank/gauge under-fill issue, 2020-2023 roof-rack clip water leaks, 2020-2021 OCS airbag recall, low-pressure fuel pump exposure on earlier V6 cars, 2023-2024 2.4 turbo uncertainty, bumper-cover detachment recall, and front-seat side-airbag trim issues. The safest used buy is a 2021-2022 V6 with closed recalls or a 2022-2024 Hybrid with repaired fuel-gauge/tank behaviour and a dry roof. Current owners should keep fuel, roof, and recall records because those are the questions careful second buyers will ask.
Faults covered
8
Highest risk
2020 V6 stop-start ECU
Best years
2021-2022
Best buys
- 2021-2022 V6 AWD with completed recalls, dry roof rack clips, and no stop-start complaints
- 2022-2024 Hybrid with T-SB-0008-22 work where needed and accurate fuel gauge behaviour
- 2023-2024 2.4 turbo if oil/coolant service is documented and no turbo noise or leaks are present
Inspect hard
- 2020 V6: stop-start ECU reflash, fuel-pump status, front-seat trim, and OCS recall
- 2020-2023 roof rack clips: headliner, cargo area, and pillar trim for water marks
- Any Hybrid with short fill-ups, gauge stuck below full, or range that drops suddenly
Avoid
- 2020 V6 with unresolved 20V162 stall recall or unexplained shutdown history
- Hybrid where seller normalizes bad fuel gauge readings without Toyota documentation
- Wet roof-rack car with SRS/body electrical faults
Next checks
Before you contact the seller
Check the car's history first. Then bring the right tools if it still looks worth viewing.
Primary next step
Check history, title, and recall status
The faults above matter more if the car also has accident history, finance flags, missing service records, or open safety recalls.
Viewing kit
Bring the right tools
Four cheap tools catch most of the faults on this page at a Toyota Highlander viewing.
Printable workflow
Take the inspection pack
The PDF is the ordered checklist for the viewing: documents, walk-around, test drive, and scan.
Open PDF optionSome links here are partner links. If you buy through one, BYBA earns a commission. The price you pay does not change. How we make money.
Engines and trims
Which Toyota Highlander should you buy?
On most used cars, the engine and trim choice changes the risk more than the mileage does. Narrow this down before you start viewing cars.
3.5 V6 2GR-FKS with 8-speed automatic
2020-2022
BEST TRADITIONAL CHOICE
The V6 is proven and suits the Highlander's weight. Early 2020 cars need the stop-start ECU recall and fuel-pump check; later V6s are the simplest recommendation for towing and buyers who do not want turbo complexity.
2.5 Hybrid A25A-FXS eCVT AWD/FWD
2020-2024
BEST FAMILY ECONOMY
The hybrid gives excellent fuel economy and avoids 8-speed shift complaints. The inspection focus is fuel tank/gauge behaviour, hybrid cooling, brake feel, and whether roof leaks have reached the interior electronics.
2.4 turbo T24A-FTS with 8-speed automatic
2023-2024
BUY WITH SERVICE DISCIPLINE
The turbo replaced the V6 and gives strong torque, but it is newer and less proven in high-mile Highlanders. Oil-change discipline, cooling health, boost noises, and towing history matter more than on the old V6.
Platinum / high-content AWD models
2020-2024
CHECK ELECTRONICS AND ROOF
Higher trims add value but also more sensors, seat functions, panoramic roof hardware, and ADAS calibration cost. A dry, unmodified Platinum is fine; a wet or crash-repaired one can become expensive quickly.
Year notes
Year-by-year buyer advice
Use this to narrow the search before you spend time travelling to view a car.
2020
XU70 launch with V6 and Hybrid; stop-start, fuel tank/gauge, seat trim, and OCS issues cluster here.
Buyer: Treat 2020 as documentation-first. The car can be good, but every major recall/support item needs proof.
Owner: Close the ECU stall recall and record any fuel-gauge behaviour before warranty goodwill fades.
2021
Hybrid fuel tank/gauge and roof leak concerns continue; OCS recall exposure remains.
Buyer: A 2021 Hybrid is attractive only if the tank/gauge issue is absent or repaired.
Owner: Check the roof rack area after heavy rain and keep photos of any stains.
2022
Final V6 year in many markets; hybrid continues and later safety recalls may apply.
Buyer: This is the V6 sweet spot if clean; for Hybrid, verify fuel and roof history.
Owner: Document recall closure because buyers know 2022 is the last V6.
2023
2.4 turbo replaces V6; 2020-2023 bumper and roof-rack recall/TSB exposure matters.
Buyer: Inspect turbo service discipline and do not skip roof or bumper recall status.
Owner: Use shorter oil intervals if towing or driving short trips with the turbo.
2024
Mature 2.4 turbo and Hybrid lineup; later recall expansions may still apply.
Buyer: Best if you want newer tech, but the price must justify buying used rather than new.
Owner: Preserve warranty by handling software/recall work at Toyota.
Common problems
Faults to check before buying
What fails, what it looks like, what it costs, and the quick checks you can do at the viewing - ranked by how badly each one can hurt you.
Fault 1
2020 V6 stop-start ECU stall recall
Affects
Certain 2020 Highlander 3.5 V6 under NHTSA 20V162 / Toyota 20TA06.
Symptoms
Engine shuts off or fails to restart correctly with stop-start, stall while moving, warning lights.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 100-250 scan/reflash if customer-pay context.
Codes / scan clues
ECU/fuel delivery history may be stored.
Root cause: ECU programming can supply fuel incorrectly during stop-start operation.
Quick check
- VIN-check 2020 V6 before viewing.
- Confirm Toyota ECU reflash invoice.
- Test stop-start operation after warm-up in safe traffic.
- Ask about any stall or shutdown history.
Buyer note
A family SUV with a documented stall recall must have the reflash completed before purchase.
Owner note
Keep the 20TA06 record. It explains why a 2020 V6 is no longer the same risk it was at launch.
Fault 2
Hybrid fuel tank / gauge does not read full
Affects
Mainly 2020-2021 Highlander Hybrid, with owner reports beyond.
Symptoms
Pump clicks early, gauge below full after refuelling, inaccurate range, low-fuel warning surprises.
Typical repair cost
EUR 0-500 with Toyota support; EUR 1,000-2,500+ customer-pay tank/sender work.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none.
Root cause: Fuel tank/gauge bracket/sender behaviour addressed by T-SB-0008-22.
Quick check
- Ask how many litres/gallons it accepts from low warning.
- Check if gauge reaches full immediately after refuelling.
- Review T-SB-0008-22 repair paperwork.
- Compare DTE with actual recent fuel receipts.
Buyer note
Bad fuel-range behaviour is not cosmetic in a family road-trip car. Verify before paying hybrid money.
Owner note
Track fill volume and mileage; Toyota needs numbers, not just frustration.
Fault 3
Roof rack attachment clip water leak
Affects
2020-2023 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid under T-SB-0040-24.
Symptoms
Water stains at headliner/pillars, damp cargo area, musty smell, body/SRS oddities.
Typical repair cost
EUR 400-2,500+ depending trim drying and electrical damage.
Codes / scan clues
Body, low-voltage, or SRS codes possible.
Root cause: Roof rack attachment clips can allow water into the cabin.
Quick check
- Inspect headliner around roof rails and all pillars.
- Feel cargo side trim and under-floor areas.
- Look for cleaned stains or fresh deodorizer.
- Ask for T-SB-0040-24 repair records.
Buyer note
A wet Highlander is not a normal family-SUV wear item. Drying the carpet is only half the repair.
Owner note
Photograph stains before cleaning. Water-leak history needs dates and location.
Fault 4
Front bumper lower cover detachment recall
Affects
Certain 2020-2023 Highlander/Hybrid under NHTSA 23V720.
Symptoms
Loose lower front bumper cover, broken tabs, cover detaches after minor impact.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 300-1,200 bumper cover/bracket repair outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
None unless sensors are damaged.
Root cause: Minor impact can allow the lower bumper cover to detach during driving.
Quick check
- VIN-check 23V720 status.
- Pull gently along lower bumper edges for loose clips.
- Inspect parking-sensor and radar areas after repairs.
- Ask about any curb or parking-lot impact.
Buyer note
Loose bumper trim can hide sensor damage and poor repair. Close the recall and inspect ADAS alignment.
Owner note
After bumper work, verify radar/camera warnings remain clear.
Fault 5
Occupant Classification System passenger-airbag recall
Affects
Certain 2020-2021 Highlander/Hybrid under NHTSA 23V865.
Symptoms
Passenger airbag indicator wrong, SRS light, unresolved recall.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 600-1,500 seat sensor work outside campaign.
Codes / scan clues
SRS/OCS codes.
Root cause: OCS sensor short circuit can prevent passenger airbag deployment.
Quick check
- VIN-check 23V865.
- Verify SRS light prove-out.
- Test passenger airbag indicator with an adult seated.
- Inspect for seat covers or wiring modification.
Buyer note
Do not buy a three-row family vehicle with unresolved passenger-airbag protection.
Owner note
Leave passenger seat wiring alone until Toyota remedy is complete.
Fault 6
Denso low-pressure fuel pump recall
Affects
Certain 2020 Highlander and earlier related Toyota V6 populations under 20V682/20V012.
Symptoms
Long crank, rough running, hesitation, stall, no-start.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 500-1,100 pump if customer-pay.
Codes / scan clues
Fuel pressure, lean, or misfire codes possible.
Root cause: Low-pressure fuel pump impeller deformation.
Quick check
- Run VIN recall lookup.
- Confirm pump replacement paperwork.
- Test hot restart after road test.
- Scan fuel trims and misfire history.
Buyer note
A fuel-stall recall is a pre-sale repair, not a discount excuse.
Owner note
Keep pump proof because it separates recall risk from ordinary tune-up complaints.
Fault 7
Front seat side-airbag trim cover recall
Affects
Certain 2020 Highlander/Hybrid under NHTSA 20V633.
Symptoms
Active recall; incorrect front seat trim covers may impair side airbag deployment.
Typical repair cost
Recall EUR 0; EUR 500-1,500 trim/airbag related repair if outside coverage.
Codes / scan clues
Usually none unless SRS detects related fault.
Root cause: Incorrect seat trim covers installed on front seats.
Quick check
- VIN-check 20V633 on 2020 cars.
- Inspect front seats for non-original covers or repairs.
- Verify SRS light proves out.
- Ask for Toyota replacement trim paperwork.
Buyer note
Seat trim can be safety equipment, not decoration. Verify the recall before family use.
Owner note
Avoid aftermarket seat covers that interfere with side-airbag seams.
Fault 8
2.4 turbo oil/coolant leak or boost-noise neglect
Affects
2023-2024 Highlander 2.4 turbo, especially short-trip, towing, or extended-interval cars.
Symptoms
Oil smell, coolant loss, turbo whine, boost hesitation, check-engine light.
Typical repair cost
EUR 150-400 diagnosis; EUR 600-1,800 hoses/gaskets; EUR 2,000-4,500+ turbo-related repair.
Codes / scan clues
Boost, fuel trim, misfire, coolant-temperature, or knock-control codes possible.
Root cause: Newer turbocharged powertrain is more sensitive to oil quality, heat, and neglected cooling than the old V6.
Quick check
- Inspect oil/coolant levels and turbo plumbing.
- Listen for abnormal turbo whistle under load.
- Check service interval and towing use.
- Scan for boost and fuel-trim history.
Buyer note
The 2.4 turbo can be a good engine, but buy the owner as much as the vehicle.
Owner note
Use conservative oil intervals and idle down after heavy towing or mountain driving.
Inspection pack
Printable checklist for the viewing
The free page helps you decide whether the car is worth seeing. The paid guide is the ordered, printable checklist you use at the car.
- Toyota recall printout for 20V162, 20V633, 23V720, 23V865, fuel pump, and later campaigns.
- Hybrid fuel tank/gauge T-SB-0008-22 paperwork where applicable.
- Roof-rack leak T-SB-0040-24 records and interior drying invoices.
- Turbo oil-change and towing records on 2023-2024 cars.
- Inspect roof/headliner/pillars/cargo area for water marks.
- Check lower front bumper attachment and sensor areas.
- Look under the engine for oil/coolant leaks, especially on turbo cars.
- Verify SRS/OCS lights and passenger-airbag logic.
- Check fuel gauge position versus recent fuel receipt on Hybrids.
- Test HVAC, sunroof, seat functions, and ADAS warnings.
- V6: test stop-start and hot restart.
- Hybrid: observe EV/engine transitions and brake feel.
- Turbo: listen under boost and check shift behaviour.
- Toyota-capable scan of ECM, hybrid ECU, SRS/OCS, ABS, ADAS, and body modules.
- Check cleared readiness and fuel/boost histories.
Bottom line
Buy: Buy a documented 2021-2022 V6 if towing or long-term simplicity matters. Choose a Hybrid when the fuel tank/gauge issue is absent or repaired and the roof area is dry.
Avoid: Avoid 2020 V6 cars with unresolved stall recall, any Hybrid with unexplained range/fill issues, and any Highlander with water intrusion near the roof rack.
Quick answers
Toyota Highlander buyer questions
The short versions of what this page answers in full.
What are the most common Toyota Highlander 2020-2024 problems?
The highest-impact documented faults are: 2020 V6 stop-start ECU stall recall; Hybrid fuel tank / gauge does not read full; Roof rack attachment clip water leak. This guide covers 8 faults in total, each with symptoms, typical repair costs, and checks you can do at a viewing.
Which Toyota Highlander years are the best to buy?
2021-2022 stand out in this generation. Buy a documented 2021-2022 V6 if towing or long-term simplicity matters. Choose a Hybrid when the fuel tank/gauge issue is absent or repaired and the roof area is dry.
Which Toyota Highlander should I avoid?
Avoid 2020 V6 cars with unresolved stall recall, any Hybrid with unexplained range/fill issues, and any Highlander with water intrusion near the roof rack.
Is the Toyota Highlander 2020-2024 a reliable used buy?
BYBA scores it 4.6/10 (cautious buy). 3 walk-away risks, 5 serious faults documented for this generation, weighted by severity and repair cost. Biggest factor: 2020 v6 stop-start ecu stall recall.
Get updates when this guide changes
Recalls get added, repair costs shift, and new fault patterns show up in the data. Leave an email and we'll tell you when the Toyota Highlander guide gets a meaningful revision. Nothing else, no selling your address.
Research basis
- NHTSA Highlander 2020 recalls
- NHTSA Highlander 2023 recalls
- Toyota T-SB-0008-22
- Toyota T-SB-0040-24
- Toyota 20TA06 mirror
- Consumer Reports Highlander stall recall
- ClassAction Highlander Hybrid fuel tank
- CarComplaints 20V162 summary
- Center for Auto Safety 2020 Highlander complaints
- NHTSA recall lookup
- NHTSA Highlander 2021 recall API
- NHTSA technical instructions 23V865
- Toyota fuel pump owner letter mirror
- Reddit Highlander 2.4 turbo owner discussion
- Toyota 2024 Highlander warranty/maintenance guide