2020 Toyota Highlander fuel system problems

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Engine, Fuel system · 29,296 miles · VA

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.

Filed Aug 8, 2026 · Fuel system · MO

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

Filed Jul 16, 2026 · Brakes, Electrical · KY · crash · 1 injury

I pushed the brake and swerved and the car kept going and a greater speed and surged into a house.

Filed Feb 8, 2022 · Electrical, Fuel system · WA

Fuel gauge is inaccurate, leading to potential safety issues. The fuel gauge does not show as full, when the car is refueled, and likewise shows as empty when there is enough fuel to drive hundreds of miles. This has led to situations where the fuel light is on, and car is indicating no remaining miles left, but there is plenty of fuel. Toyota knows there is a problem. I started a Lemon Law claim with the Washington State Attorney's General office and notified Toyota. They have offered to replace my vehicle, which is currently in process.

Filed Nov 15, 2021 · Fuel system · WA

Since purchasing this vehicle I began to notice that the fuel gauge is inaccurate. This issue is sporadic. Often after filling the gas tank completely, the gauge will only register as 3/4 full. Like wise, it is inaccurate when the tank gets low, showing that there is 1/4 tank, when in fact it is nearly empty. The "remaining miles" indicator that displays is likewise inaccurate and often the low fuel indicator light comes on when it shouldn't, and doesn't display when it should. I have had it to the deal 4 times now for repair. Initially they told me nothing was wrong, then indicated that a software update was necessary. When that didn't fix it, I returned the vehicle and they indicated an instrument panel sensor chip needed to be replaced. I waited a month for that to happen and it didn't fix the issue. I then opened a trouble incident with Toyota USA and after several weeks received a call back from the dealer indicating this is a known (presumably still developing) issue and has something to do with a faulty gas tank that causes the readings to be inaccurate. The dealer indicated that they know this will require the gas tank to be replaced but that they don't have parts to do this and will contact me at some point in the future. This is a serious safety issue, as it could lead to the vehicle running out of gas while driving, without any indication that the fuel is low. The only way to have any certainty regarding the fuel level is to do a calculation each time you drive based on the estimated fuel economy and # of miles driven since the last fill up.

Filed May 18, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · PA · crash · 2 injuries

In my 2020 Highlander I approached a stop sign at a "T" intersection behind 4 other cars. After stopping and looking to see road was clear of oncoming traffic, I pulled out and started my left turn. As I was turning into my lane the car engine turned OFF and the steering wheel was LOCKED in the left position. There was no power for the brakes, which left me jamming on the brake pedal as hard as I could only slowing the car slightly. The steering wheel was LOCKED LEFT and I thought I was going to break it trying to force it back. With no ability to move the steering wheel or brake, I braced myself as the Highlander continued turning in the left direction into the other lane. The result was a head on collision with a Mini Cooper, both cars totaled, and injuring both myself and the other driver. Highlander was investigated by forensic company in the employ of the insurance company, but they could not find any error in the cars CDR (Crash Data Retrieval) system.

Filed Mar 31, 2021 · Fuel system · 4,100 miles · CO

Each time I fill up the car with gas I am unable to fill the tank to its listed capacity. The vehicle has a 17 gallon tank, but when the vehicle is near empty (1-2 gallons remaining) I can pump in only 12-13 gallons of gas. This greatly impacts the range of the vehicle. The date shown below is my most recent fill-up, but it has happened each time I fill up. I have reported this to my toyota dealer.

Filed Mar 7, 2021 · Fuel system · 5,000 miles · NC

The vehicle is sold as having a 17 gallon fuel tank. I've driven the vehicle for 5000 plus miles now. I have never been able to get more than 13 gallons of fuel into the tank. I have waited until the gage said there was only 12 mile until empty. Still could only fill up with on 13 gallons of fuel. The gage say's it's full. I have made the toyota dealership aware of the issue. But they said there was nothing on their system about a recall or needed repair. If the vehicle is advertised as having a 17 gallon tank I should be able to use that whale 17 gallons of fuel. Instead I can only fill up to 13 gallons.

Filed Feb 21, 2021 · Fuel system · 9,000 miles · CO

Unable to completely fill fuel tank. When fuel light comes on and I go to fill it, I get no more than 13 gallons in my tank. The fuel gauge only reads 3/4 full. Never completely full.

Filed Feb 10, 2021 · Electrical, Fuel system · 60 miles · CA

Vehicle will not start without a jump after 3-5 hours. The battery stays charged less than one day, but typically starts again without a jump if driven again within a 3-5 hour period. The vehicle stays running once jumped. Dealer service department indicates a software update may be required. This has happened since purchase on june 7, 2020. Date below is the most recent date it occurred.