Toyota Highlander Recall Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Toyota Highlander Lawsuit Overview

Toyota Motor Corp. is recalling nearly 40,000 Highlander sports utility vehicles from model year 2020 due to two serious safety defects.

The first issue involves engine control unit (ECU) software problems that can cause unexpected stalling while driving, significantly increasing crash risk.

The second defect involves incorrect seat trim covers that may prevent side airbags from deploying properly during accidents.

Both issues have prompted legal action from affected vehicle owners seeking compensation for injuries and damages.

Related Articles: Airbag Recall Lawsuits Update

Latest Toyota Highlander Lawsuit Updates

• November 27, 2024 – Toyota is facing a lawsuit over defective door locks in models like the Highlander, with consumers claiming that faulty locks present serious safety risks [1].
• November 15, 2024 – Toyota is facing a class-action lawsuit regarding defective door lock actuators in certain models, including the Highlander, with consumers alleging safety risks due to faulty locking mechanisms [2].
• September 28, 2024 – A class-action settlement in Canada has extended the warranty for 2020-2022 Highlander Hybrid models due to defective electrical connections in the rear motor, covering expensive repairs for affected owners [3].​
• September 21, 2021 – Toyota is facing a class-action lawsuit alleging that defective fuel tanks in Highlander Hybrid models prevent full refueling, leading to reduced driving range for consumers [4].​
• October 14, 2020 – Toyota issued a formal recall for 2020 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models with defective seat trim covers that could block proper side airbag deployment, increasing injury risk during collisions [5].
• May 15, 2020 – Toyota began implementing the engine control unit (ECU) software recall affecting 38,810 2020 Highlander vehicles, with dealers providing free software updates to prevent unexpected stalling issues [6].

NHTSA Recall Reports

NHTSA reports show:

• 41,931 total Toyota Highlander vehicles affected by the 2020 recalls tied to lawsuits
• Approximately 15,000 unsold 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles identified on dealer lots requiring repair for the ECU software recall
• 2 distinct safety defects identified (ECU software and airbag deployment issues)
• 100% of affected vehicles eligible for free repairs at authorized dealers

Toyota Highlander Injuries & Side Effects

Defects in the recalled Toyota Highlanders have been linked to several serious safety concerns:

• Unexpected Vehicle Stalling: Sudden loss of power while driving, potentially leading to accidents
• Airbag Deployment Failure: Improper deployment of side airbags during collisions
• Crash-Related Injuries: Including whiplash, broken bones, and traumatic brain injuries
• Emotional Distress: Anxiety and trauma from dangerous vehicle failures

Do You Qualify for a Toyota Highlander Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Toyota Highlander lawsuit if:

• You own or leased a 2020 Toyota Highlander manufactured between June 24, 2019, and March 4, 2020
• Your vehicle experienced unexpected stalling or was subject to the airbag recall
• You were involved in an accident related to these defects
• You suffered injuries requiring medical treatment
• You can provide documentation of your injuries and vehicle ownership

Evidence Required for a Toyota Highlander Lawsuit

To strengthen your Toyota Highlander recall case, you should gather:

• Vehicle ownership or lease documentation
• Recall notices received from Toyota
• Medical records documenting injuries
• Repair records or documentation of stalling incidents
• Police or accident reports
• Photographs of damages or injuries

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Toyota Highlander lawsuits may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Vehicle repair or replacement costs
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages against Toyota (in cases of gross negligence)

Toyota Highlander Recall Information

Toyota issued two significant recalls for 2020 Highlander models: ECU Software Recall: Began April 24, 2020

• Affected vehicles manufactured between June 24, 2019, and March 4, 2020
• Free software update provided by dealers
• NHTSA confirmed defect exclusive to Highlander models

Airbag Deployment Recall: Began December 2020

• Affected certain 2020 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid models
• Incorrect seat trim covers interfere with side airbag deployment
• Free replacement of seat trim covers provided by dealers

Statute of Limitations for Toyota Highlander Lawsuits

Time limits for filing Toyota Highlander lawsuits vary by state but typically range from 2-4 years from the date of injury or when you discovered the defect’s connection to your injuries.

Consulting with an attorney promptly is essential to ensure your claim is filed within applicable deadlines.

Related Articles:

• Toyota Corolla Recall Lawsuit
• Toyota Avalon Case

FAQs

1. What specifically causes Toyota Highlanders to stall?

The stalling issue stems from a defect in the Engine Control Unit (ECU) software that can cause the vehicle to unexpectedly shut down while in operation. This software manages the start-stop system and can malfunction, creating dangerous driving conditions.

2. How do I know if my Highlander is included in the recall?

You can verify if your vehicle is affected by entering your VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on Toyota’s recall website or the NHTSA website. Toyota also sent direct notifications to registered owners of affected vehicles.

3. What should I do if my Toyota Highlander stalled while driving?

If your vehicle stalls, safely pull over and activate your hazard lights. Report the incident to both Toyota and NHTSA, document any damages or injuries, and contact a lawyer to discuss your legal options.

4. Can I still file a lawsuit if I had the recall repairs completed?

Yes. Even if you’ve had the recall repairs performed, you may still qualify for compensation if you experienced injuries or damages before the repair was completed.

5. How much compensation might I receive from a Toyota Highlander lawsuit?

Compensation varies based on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. While each case is unique, successful product liability claims may result in settlements ranging from thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

6. Will filing a lawsuit affect my relationship with my Toyota dealer?

No. Dealerships are separate entities from Toyota Motor Corporation, and filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer will not impact your ability to service your vehicle at authorized dealers.

7. How long does a Toyota Highlander lawsuit typically take?

Most product liability cases take between 1-3 years to resolve, depending on complexity, evidence gathering, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial.

8. Can I join a class action lawsuit for my Toyota Highlander?

While individual lawsuits are currently being accepted, class action litigation may develop as more cases emerge. An attorney can advise whether an individual claim or joining a class action is more advantageous for your situation.

9. What if my airbags didn’t deploy in an accident?

If your side airbags failed to deploy properly during a collision and you suffered injuries as a result, this may strengthen your case, especially if your vehicle was subject to the seat trim cover recall.

10. Does it cost anything to have an attorney review my case?

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers free, confidential consultations to evaluate your Toyota Highlander case with no upfront costs. Their attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless they secure compensation for you.

Get A Free Toyota Highlander Recall Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action related to the Toyota Highlander recalls. In most states, you have only 2-4 years from the date of injury to file your claim. Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek the compensation you deserve.

Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or legal fees
• Payment only if we win your case
• Nationwide representation in all 50 states

The Product Liability Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, LLP focuses exclusively on representing plaintiffs in dangerous product cases. Our experienced trial lawyers have the resources and expertise to take on major corporations like Toyota.

References:

1. https://www.torquenews.com/1084/massive-toyota-lawsuit-claims-defective-door-locks-rav4-and-9-other-models-toyota-has-long
2. https://www.classaction.org/news/toyota-facing-class-action-lawsuit-over-allegedly-defective-door-lock-actuators
3. https://toyotacable.adamsavocat.com/toyota-and-lexus-hybrid-wiring-system/
4. https://www.classaction.org/news/venting-issue-prevents-2020-2021-toyota-highlander-hybrid-fuel-tank-from-being-filled-to-capacity-class-action-claims
5. https://www.motorsafety.org/2020-toyota-highlanders-recalled-for-suffocated-airbags/
6. https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/rcl/2020/RCMN-20V162-9734.pdf