TSB: Some 2018 ? 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with an A25A-FKS, A25A-FXS, M20A-FKS, or M20A-FXS engine may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Milky/discolored engine oil. ?An ?Oil Pressure Low? warning message on the Multi-information Display (MID). ?A MIL ON condition with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) P05202A (Engine Oil Pressure Sensor/Switch ?A? Signal Stuck in Range) and/or P052477 (Engine Oil Pressure Too Low [Severe]) present. Moisture from blow-by gases condenses and accumulates in the engine oil during short trips in extreme cold weather. When the moisture in the oil freezes, the oil pressure may drop, and the aforementioned warning indicators may displa
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2020 Toyota Highlander brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2020 Toyota Highlander have filed 28 NHTSA complaints about the brakes at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Complaints
28
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2016 Highlander | 13 |
| 2017 Highlander | 11 |
| 2018 Highlander | 45 |
| 2019 Highlander | 10 |
| 2020 Highlander (this page) | 28 |
| 2021 Highlander | 47 |
| 2022 Highlander | 28 |
| 2023 Highlander | 14 |
| 2024 Highlander | 5 |
2crashes
What stands out
Owners have filed 28 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: Some drivers of 2020 ? 2022 model year Highlander Hybrid vehicles may be sensitive to the momentary transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking under certain driving conditions, such as while driving downhill, or turning with light brake pedal application. The brake actuator control module can be updated to improve brake feeling for this condition. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2020 model year Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles may experience a sudden loss of air conditioning cooling with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) B1423 (Open in Pressure Sensor Circuit/Abnormal Refrigerant Pressure) present. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address these conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2020 Highlander, particularly hybrid models, shows a pattern of brake issues tied to the transition between regenerative and conventional hydraulic braking. Owners describe a momentary loss of braking sensation or a forward surge—especially when slowing to a stop, braking downhill, turning while braking, or in parking. The brake pedal feels like it drops or disengages for a fraction of a second, forcing drivers to reapply pressure harder. This happens multiple times a week to daily for many owners and has persisted throughout vehicle ownership, even during the warranty period.
Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 in August 2023, calling for a reprogram of the Brake Actuator Assembly Control Module for model years 2020–2022. However, the fix is only covered under the 36-month/36k-mile basic warranty. Since 2020 models passed that threshold before the TSB dropped, many owners are left paying out-of-pocket. Dealers initially either could not replicate the problem or refused diagnostics; one owner reported the reprogram helped but did not fully resolve the issue.
Separate reports also cite brake weakness requiring excessive pedal pressure, intermittent unresponsiveness when reversing, and one case of an ABS sensor wire snapped by suspension contact. One owner reported an engine stall with a brake-fault message while parked. A few complaints reference overly aggressive Pre-Collision System braking on the highway leading to rear-end collisions.
Same Toyota Highlander brakes reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2021 · 2022 · 2023
Failure modes owners describe
Regenerative-to-hydraulic brake transition surging/loss of braking
When the regenerative braking system disengages and transitions to traditional hydraulic braking—typically at low speeds (under 10 mph) or when coming to a stop—owners report a momentary loss of braking feel, a sudden forward surge, or a lag before brakes re-engage. The problem is most pronounced when braking downhill, turning while braking, or in parking situations.
When: Throughout ownership; happens multiple times per week to daily in many cases. First reported during warranty period by some owners.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes appear to let go momentarily at low speeds or during final deceleration; Vehicle surges or lunges forward during braking; Sensation of pedal dropping or brakes disengaging; Lag between foot pressure on pedal and braking engagement; Jerking motion that throws passengers forward; can lock seatbelts; More noticeable when braking downhill, turning while braking, or on bumpy roads; Vehicle continues past stop signs or stop lights despite sustained foot pressure on brake
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 ('Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement') issued August 29, 2023, calls for reprogramming the Brake Actuator Assembly Control Module. Owners report reprogram is only covered under Toyota Basic Warranty (36 months/36k miles), and 2020 models passed warranty expiration before the TSB was issued. One owner reported reprogram improved the problem but did not eliminate it entirely.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB T-SB-0059-23 ('Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement'). Covers model years 2020–2022 Highlander Hybrid. Reprogram covered under 36-month/36k-mile basic warranty only. Dealers initially unable or unwilling to duplicate problem and declined diagnostics; some later replicated issue after TSB release. Toyota customer experience center filed (owner #2011280027). Manufacturer opened case after contact in at least one instance.
Brake unresponsiveness or weakness requiring excessive pedal pressure
Owners report brakes becoming soft, weak, or unresponsive, requiring significantly harder pedal pressure to stop the vehicle. This can occur on flat, dry roads and does not correlate with battery state of charge or regenerative braking engagement.
When: Intermittent; can happen at low speeds (under 5–15 mph) or mid-speed braking (25–40 mph on declines). One incident at 60–70 mph.
Symptoms owners cite: Brakes feel soft or weak; require greater-than-normal pressure; Brief sensation of brake failure; Loss of braking control in turns or parking maneuvers; Pedal pressure inconsistent with expected stopping force; Happens on dry, flat roads independent of regenerative system state
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs confirmed. One owner had wheel hub and wheel sensor replaced without resolving issue. Dealers unable to diagnose.
Brake failure on reverse/parking — brakes unresponsive or delayed when backing up
Vehicle occasionally does not move when shifted into reverse despite being on level ground. When attempting to back up, brakes are unresponsive until significant pressure is applied. Issue occurs intermittently upon engine start.
When: Intermittent; occurred multiple times within same parking incident (4–5 consecutive attempts).
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move in reverse from standstill; Brakes unresponsive to normal pressure; require significant force; Audible strain from engine before vehicle finally moves or stops; Sudden backward jerk when issue resolves; Brakes return to normal function after incident clears
Engine stalling or seizing while idling/parked with brake fault message
Engine suddenly seizes while vehicle is idling or parked. Check engine warning light illuminates with message that brakes are enabled. Issue intermittent and does not persist after vehicle restart.
When: Approximately 45,600 miles; intermittent.
Symptoms owners cite: Engine suddenly seizes/stalls while idling or parked; Check engine light with brake fault message; Requires multiple restarts before normal operation resumes
Repairs/costs cited: No repair completed; dealer unable to diagnose after three visits.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; case opened.
ABS sensor wire damage from suspension contact
ABS sensor cable came into contact with suspension bolt during right-turn maneuver while exiting parallel parking spot, causing wire to snap.
When: During parking maneuver (specific mileage not stated).
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine Light illumination; Braking system malfunction triggered
Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection over-application of brakes
Pre-Collision System applies brakes too aggressively on highway, causing abrupt stops that lead to rear-end collisions. After brakes are released, vehicle remains stationary and requires accelerator input to resume motion.
When: Four instances over 12 months (with two resulting in rear-end collisions).
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt braking on highway without driver initiation; Vehicle remains stationary after brake release; Requires accelerator pedal input to resume motion
Synthesized from 28 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
My 2020 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has a braking issue identified in Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement. When going downhill and applying the brake, the vehicle lurches forward temporarily as the braking system transitions from regenerative to hydraulic braking. The first time my vehicle did this, it was very alarming and I had to take…
Had brakes trouble with your 2020 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 28 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Based on the 28 complaints filed, brakes issues most often appear around 38,900 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2020/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.