2020 Toyota Highlander · symptom sheet
Airbag warning light or recall
- 32owner reports
- 3involved a crash
Newest report Apr 22, 2026 · checked Sep 9, 2026
32 of the 311 complaints on this car describe airbag.
Tick what matches of 32 reports
What got replaced
Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the occupant sensor (7 reports).
Recalls and investigations
2 recalls on the airbags cover the 2020 model year. A recall on the same system isn't always the same failure, so read the defect text.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
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.
Risk and remedy
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.
When it happens
Too few of these reports state a mileage to give a range.
What owners wrote
“Taken vehicle at least 6 times to dealer (Corwin Toyota), to enquire about the 23v-865 recall, and each time have been told the repair is not available. Most recently asked December 2025.”
Filed Feb 1, 2026
“There was a safety recall for this airbag issue, and Toyota estimated the remedy can be available in Quarter 3, 2024, however, till date nothing was completed. Toyota failed to resolve this matter in a timely manner. Every time I ask the dealer, they say no remedy yet! This is very unacceptable. This is affecting my personal finance. I need this to be resolved ASAP. Thank you.”
Filed Mar 1, 2025
“Toyota sent a letter in mid-2024 that there was a safety recall for airbag issue with 2020 Toyota Highlander. The letter stated that a remedy would be available by the third quarter of 2024. As of January 21, 2025, they still have not provided a remedy for the serious safety issue. I would like to file a complaint against Toyota for failing to remedy the defect within a reasonable time.”
Filed Jan 20, 2025
“I am not reporting any specific incident related to this defect. I am simply complaining to NHTSA that Toyota is taking far too long to provide a remedy for the OCS sensor issue, NHTSA recall number 23V865 (Manufacturer recall number 23TB15). This issue has been ongoing since late in 2023 and it seems that Toyota should have provided a remedy by now.”
Filed Jan 5, 2025
Should you keep driving it?
This page can't tell you that. 3 of 32 reports involved a crash and 5 people were hurt. Owners who file are the ones who had a bad experience, and nobody checks their reports. If the problem affects steering, braking, power or a fire risk, treat it as a safety fault and have it inspected before a long or high-speed drive.
File your own report with NHTSA. Complaint counts are how a problem gets an investigation.
Other problems on this car
- Transmission fails or needs replacement 56 reports
- Brakes grind, pulse or wear early 39 reports