Why does my 2020 Highlander lurch or hesitate at low speed?

Short answer: On 2020–2022 gas Highlanders, a lurch near a rolling stop or rpm flare between shifts is a known complaint. Toyota's bulletin T-SB-0105-20 updates the software. ECO mode can make it worse.

Symptom: A bump or lurch as you slow and then press the gas, or the engine revving up briefly between shifts.

What to check first

1. Try Normal mode instead of ECO for a few days.
2. Ask the dealer whether T-SB-0105-20 applies to your VIN.
3. Note whether it's a lurch at a rolling stop or rpm jumping between shifts.
4. If it's a hybrid, ask whether it's brake blending rather than the transmission.

Likely causes

1. Engine/transmission software (T-SB-0105-20). Toyota's bulletin T-SB-0105-20 updates the engine computer on some 2020 Highlanders for shift flare (rpm jumping between shifts) and rough shifting.
2. ECO mode programming. Owners say the lurch at a rolling stop is worse in ECO mode, and Normal or Sport can feel smoother.
3. Hybrid brake blending (hybrids only). On hybrids, a bump near a stop can be the switch from regenerative braking to the regular brakes, not the transmission.

What it usually costs

The bulletin update is normally free under warranty.

Is it safe to keep driving?

A lurch near intersections can be dangerous. Leave extra room until it's checked.

DIY or shop?

Changing drive mode is DIY. The update is dealer work.

Recalls, bulletins and complaints in plain words

• Recalls: NHTSA lists 8 recall(s) for the Toyota Highlander in these years, and none match this problem. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. If your car is part of a recall, the dealer fixes it for free.
• Plain words: The complaint count below shows how often owners reported problems that mention these words to NHTSA. A count is not proof of a defect.
• NHTSA complaints: 469 keyword-matched complaints for Toyota Highlander 2020–2022 (of 1128 unique complaints queried, NHTSA complaints API by model year, queried 2026-11-08; keywords: transmission, shift, flare, hesitation, lurch, jerk). This counts complaints that mention these words. It is not a defect finding.

What owners report

• In 2021 Toyota Highlander Transmission on Toyota Nation, 2021 Highlander owners discussed transmission behavior near rolling stops.
• In Transmission TSB update on Toyota Nation, Highlander owners shared what happened after the transmission bulletin update.
• In Delayed acceleration on Reddit r/ToyotaHighlander, a Highlander owner posted about delayed acceleration.

Quick tip

Bring the bulletin number. It saves a lot of back-and-forth.

Vehicle focus: Toyota Highlander fourth generation (2020–2022) with the 3.5L V6 and 8-speed automatic. Hybrids use a different system.

Safety / mechanic note

Unexpected lurching can cause a crash. Verify with a mechanic.