2020 Tesla Model Y vs 2020 Toyota Highlander

On the public data alone the Highlander edges it 2–1.

2020 Tesla Model Y

The 2020 Tesla Model Y is sold in the U.S. as a electric compact SUV with 3 EPA-rated configurations. Its longest-range version, the Model Y Long Range AWD, is …

2020 Toyota Highlander

The 2020 Toyota Highlander is sold in the U.S. as a hybrid and gas compact SUV with 6 EPA-rated configurations. The most efficient version, the Highlander Hybri…

	2020 Tesla Model Y	2020 Toyota Highlander
Segment	Compact SUV	Compact SUV
Powertrains	Electric	Hybrid, Gas
Best EV range (mi)	316	—
Best combined mpg	—	36
Safety Signal	35	65
NHTSA recalls	24	5
Critical recalls	0	0
Owner complaints	275	320
NHTSA overall stars	5	5

Green cells mark the better value on that row. Complaint counts scale with sales volume; treat them as a pattern signal, not a verdict. Sources: EPA, NHTSA.

Recalls at a glance

Source: NHTSA

Model Y

▲high

Exterior Lighting

SB-24-17-003

20,349 vehicles

ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017-2023 Model 3 and 2020-2023 Model Y vehicles. The headlight low beams may be too bright and exceed the maximum light output. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 108, "Lamps, Reflective Devices, and Associated Equipment."RiskHeadlight low beams that are too bright can reduce visibility for oncoming drivers, increasing the risk of a crash.FixThe remedy is currently under development. Owner notification letters are expected to be mailed October 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-17-003.

NHTSA campaign 26V507000reported Aug 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.

○minor

Back Over Prevention

SB-26-00-001

218,868 vehicles

ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2017, 2021-2023 Model 3, 2020-2023 Model Y, 2021-2023 Model S, and Model X vehicles operating software version 2026.8.6. The rearview camera image may be delayed when the vehicle is placed in reverse. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 111, "Rear Visibility."RiskA delayed rearview image reduces the driver's view behind the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.FixTesla has released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed July 3, 2026. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-26-00-001.

NHTSA campaign 26V283000reported May 4, 2026Tesla, Inc.

▲high

Tires

SB-24-00-018

696,281 vehicles

ProblemTesla, Inc. (Tesla) is recalling certain 2024 Cybertruck, 2017-2025 Model 3, and 2020-2025 Model Y vehicles. The tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS) warning light may not remain illuminated between drive cycles, failing to warn the driver of low tire pressure. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 138, "Tire Pressure Monitoring Systems."RiskDriving with improperly inflated tires increases the risk of a crash.FixTesla released an over-the-air (OTA) software update, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed February 15, 2025. Owners may contact Tesla customer service at 1-877-798-3752. Tesla's number for this recall is SB-24-00-018.

NHTSA campaign 24V935000reported Dec 17, 2024Tesla, Inc.

Highlander

▲high

Air Bags

23TA15, 23LA03

999,901 vehicles

ProblemToyota 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.RiskAn air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.FixDealers 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.

NHTSA campaign 23V865000reported Dec 20, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

▲high

Structure

23TB12 / 23TA12

750,795 vehicles

ProblemToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.RiskA detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.FixDealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

NHTSA campaign 23V720000reported Oct 26, 2023Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

○minor

Electronic Stability Control (Esc)

22TA03, 22LA01

458,110 vehiclesHybrid only

ProblemToyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."RiskDriving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.FixDealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.

NHTSA campaign 22V239000reported Apr 13, 2022Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing