The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle stalled and abruptly stopped in traffic at a traffic light. The driver exited the vehicle. The vehicle failed to restart, and the steering wheel was inoperable. The contact was concerned the vehicle might move forward. The check engine warning light was flashing, and the message “High Power Consumption” was displayed. The ignition and steering warning lights were illuminated, and “Low Power” message was displayed. The vehicle was running but failed to move. The contact associated the failure with the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V162000 (Fuel System, Gasoline, Engine) and Special Service Campaign 21TC05. Bystanders nearby attempted to assist the contact. The Emergency Services was contacted, and the Local Police responded to the scene. The insurance company was called and arranged a tow. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer, and the battery was replaced. Additionally, the contact spoke with the service director, management, and the technicians. The manufacturer was contacted by phone, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 29,296.
2020 Toyota Highlander: engine stalls while driving
6 of the 323 complaints about the 2020 Toyota Highlander describe engine stalls while driving.
- owner complaints
- 6
- of this car's complaints
- 2%
- recalls
- 1
Engine stalls while driving by model year
What owners say
I am having fuel pump issues and my VIN was excluded from the recall from Toyota for similar issues. Toyota’s low-pressure fuel pump recall (originally announced Jan 2020, expanded multiple times through Jan 2025) covers vehicles across several model years, where a defective impeller made from inadequate resin material could swell and cause fuel starvation and sudden stalling. Highlander is mentioned as included for selected model years in some recall summaries
Transmission stalls in situations where speed is needed. For example when merging into traffic all of a sudden no power then when gear finally engages there a huge thump and feels like being hit from behind.
While on the freeway vehicle stalled when accelerating and engine stopped, I had to pull over to the side of the road to avoid accident. Turned vehicle back on and started making a whinning noise. Vehicle was taken in and found out the transmission is no good at 89k. Also found out that a lot of people that purchased this vehicle are having the same issue.
The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The contact was able to jumpstart the vehicle and the vehicle operated normally. The contact had taken to the vehicle to a certified mechanic who tested the battery and alternator but found no failure. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 57,000.
The vehicle hesitates, stalls and has bucking leaping forward uncontrollably, on the road. The vehicle also has a very loud whining noise upon shifting the car from park to drive and back again from drive to park, at a stand still. This is a major issue with a nee car, my wife and I don't feel safe while driving in this car.
Service bulletins that may apply
- This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for...
- This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life...
- MIL ON condition with one or both of the following Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs) present: ?P24517F ?...
- TT: Some Model Year 2018-2023 vehicles equipped with A25A-FKS/FXS or M20A-FKS/FXS engines may display the...
- TT: Some Model Year 2018-2021 vehicles equipped with A25A-FKS/FXS or M20A-FKS/FXS engines may display the...
- TT: Some 17-22MY Highlander and 17-20MY Sienna vehicles may experience a MIL ON condition with DTC(s)...
- This Service Bulletin provides a procedure to properly perform the Techstream ?Control the Injection Mode?...
- TT: Some 17-22MY Highlander, and 17-20MY Sienna vehicles with engine serial numbers that start with F or G...
Related recalls
Engine
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020 Highlander vehicles equipped with a 3.5 L, V6 (2GR-FKS) gasoline engine. Due to an Engine Control Unit (ECU) programming error, fuel may not be correctly supplied to the engine while using the stop and restart feature.
- Risk
- Improper fuel supply programming can result in a vehicle stall, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will reprogram the ECU, free of charge. The recall began May 15, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA06.
Recall number 20V162000 · Recall details
Questions about the 2020 Toyota Highlander stalling
Is engine stalls while driving a common problem on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
6 of 323 owner complaints about the 2020 Toyota Highlander (2%) mention engine stalls while driving. The model year with the most reports is 2019.
Is there a recall or service bulletin for this on the 2020 Toyota Highlander?
There is 1 recall and 22 service bulletins for the same area of the car. Check them below with your VIN.
Other symptoms on the 2020 Toyota Highlander
Whining noise 79Transmission failure 60Sunroof shattered 15Check engine light 12Jerking 11Hesitation 8Loss of power 8Slipping 8Harsh shifting 7Fuel gauge 6Brake failure 5Grinding brakes 5Sudden acceleration 5
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