Toyota Highlander Complaints (2019)

514 consumer complaints on file.

#11710875January 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Good Morning, I purchased a 2019 Toyota Highlander at a Toyota dealership and the transmission has died at 68,000. It died while driving in heavy traffic with my kids in the car. Toyota has completed an inspection of the transmission and determined that it needed to be replaced. They also said that because the transmissions are in back order due to all of the failures, I would have to wait 45-60 days to get a remanufactured transmission. I've also heard that they are replacing these transmissions with the same ones that are failing and only offering a 1 year warranty. Ive already spoke with Toyota Brand engagement and they told me that there was nothing that they could do.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710505January 12, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission began to manifest gear shifting issues. Took to mechanic shop to have diagnosed and found premature wear. The recommendation was to replace this transmission. However there are no factory replacements for this transmission and the only alternative is a used transmission replacement. Parts can't be sourced for even a rebuild. This vehicle has 96k miles on it. In review of recommended, routine services for this vehicle, transmission service is not recommended due to being a "sealed" transmission. Apparently this is a known issue as documented by Toyota under TSB "CSP ZJC". In this particular situation there have not been any warning lights. Replacement quote for a used transmission was $15,000 on 01/12/2025.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11710131January 10, 2026
ENGINE
Initially had issues with acceleration with RPM’s going high with car moving very slowly. Five days after that started, car broke down 3 times in one trip & would not drive or go in reverse. Per dealership, the car needs a new transmission even though it’s only a 2019 with 110,000 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11709152January 6, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission stopped working while I was driving. Could not drive the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708838January 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
We began to hear a whine coming from the front of our 2019 Highlander. The tone of the whine got higher as we picked up speed. We went immediately for a preliminary review at the dealer who indicated that it was a known transmission problem in several model years, and the whine would only become more pronounced. We further understood that the very same transmission in our 2019 Highlander has been covered by a recall in years just prior and after 2019, but not for our particular VIN. Nevertheless, it is obvious to even the Toyota dealer mechanic that it is the same issue. The car has been carefully used and maintained since purchasing it new--it only has approximately 74,000. We expect our transmission fix or replacement to be covered.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708872January 5, 2026
POWER TRAIN
With under 80,000 miles, my 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE needed a full transmission replacement. Noticed some rough gear changes for about 2-weeks (mostly changing from Park to Drive), then on my drive home from work, the RPM spiked high and all the sensor lights came on (AWD, Check Engine, etc). I drove the rest of the way with hazard lights in limp-mode. Took my car into a Toyota dealer service center (Kenosha WI), they did not make any repairs - just disabled the sensor lights and did a test drive - ended up keeping a 2nd day and replaced transmission fluid since they were seeing oddities with shifting. Within 1 week, the same thing happened. This time, I could hardly make it above 20 mph, basically no acceleration. Received 2 quotes from independent transmission specialists / repair shops - both confirmed I needed a new transmission. They said the car is unsafe to drive until it is replaced. This was right near my 6-year 100,000 warranty. Perhaps a few months beyond 6 years. Toyota opted not to make any repairs / improvements. Left the car in unsafe condition for me and my kids. Toyota then quoted $16,346 for a new transmission. Other quotes I received were $10,000 LESS than Toyota, using new Toyota parts. Seemed like price gauging to me.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11708929January 5, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
After 3 weeks of inconsistent shifting with the automatic transmission and whining and clunking, the car failed to go into gear at all yesterday 1/5/26 while driving near Dulles airport. I had it towed, was told the transmission failed and then I found that this is a systemic design issue with the 2017-2022 cohort of gas V6, 8 speed, AWD Highlanders. Repair will be between $5K and $10K.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11707790December 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Per my mechanic (fyi: 56k miles on vehicle): I test drove the vehicle and can hear a noticeable whine type noise when accelerating the noise goes away when getting off throttle. I put it on lift and the noise is coming from the transmission pump and sounds like cavitation. I checked the fluid level and it was overfull, very dark and has some very fine metal debris in the fluid. Something is coming apart inside the transmission has caused a catastrophic failure. The transmission will need replaced. I called Toyota to check availability and these transmission are on a restricted order. The dealer would need to call corporate Toyota to see what is needed to even order one. Usually a restricted order means they are on the edge of a back-order or having problems with the part and are working on a resolution or update. I did not see any recalls, service campaigns, or technical service bulletins for this transmission, but it sounds like the 2017-2021 V6 AWD UA80F transmissions are having issues. It is a long shot, but given the low mileage, you could try contacting Toyota to see if there is anything they can do for you. I know the factory warranty is 60 months or 60,000 miles on the powertrain. You are out on the time, but if they are having a known issue, then maybe they will help you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706566December 22, 2025
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the contact heard abnormal buzzing sounds coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not able to be replicated. The contact stated that a day or two days later, while stopped at an intersection, and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was pulled over to the side of the road and restarted; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706634December 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN
transmission problems at 62000 miles high pitched whine with acceleration
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706378December 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The car randomly shuts off, while waiting in line or when the break is depressed. The vehicle won’t start, battery is completely dead and then comes back randomly.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11706399December 21, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 12V battery How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle unable to start. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning of impending failures. 2/17/2020, vehicle purchased new from Toyota of Morristown (NJ). 2/23/2023, vehicle's (3 year old; 1 week outside of warranty) original OEM 12V battery failed and was replaced with Toyota OEM 12V battery (Part #2880031291) by independent service center ($376.61). 12/18/2025, vehicle's (less than 2 year old) replacement Toyota OEM 12V battery failed and was replaced with Toyota OEM 12V battery by independent service center ($407.88).
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705835December 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
2019 Toyota Highlander with approx 178000 miles, UA80E transmission sudden failure while traveling approximately 30 mph, on city street. Manually pushed vehicle to safety away from traffic and unto a parking lot. That same evening drove vehicle about 20 feet to a more secure parking spot. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MOVED SINCE 12/15/25. No leaks, no spills etc EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705605December 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transmission failed while going up a steep hill the car lost power and shut off. Could have caused seriously property and body damage if traffic or people were around. Luckily no accident happened but could certainly cause an accident if the circumstances are different. Please make an official complain so this could be fully investigated.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705400December 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
premature failure of UA80F transmission with 80,000 miles on vehicle which has been regularly serviced and maintained. Failure symptoms demonstrated match documented cases exactly resulting in the ultimate and complete failure of the transmission resulting in the vehicle being towed in to the dealer for a repair. Repair bill upwards of $10,000 however being told parts not available leaving me with a 40k vehicle that is unable to be repaired.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11705479December 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Our transmission is making a high pitched whining sound when accelerating.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704853December 13, 2025
POWER TRAIN
At around 107,000 miles, we started hearing griding/whining noises from the engine compartment. After multiple inspections from 3 different auto shops a Toyota dealership confirmed the transmission and transfer case had failed and needed to be completely replaced. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms besides the griding/whinig noise prior to the failure. After the Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue, we stopped using the vehicle until Toyota could make the necessary repairs for the vehicle to be safely driven. The Toyota dealership made the necessary repairs that we paid for on 10/28/25. We are aware that this is a known defect by Toyota on the UA80 Transmission and Technical Service Bulletins have been released. We demand a recall and our out of pocket repair cost money back of $12,623.31.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704598December 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN
8-speed automatic transmission failing. Noticeable whining sound that increases with acceleration, however no warning lights or messages. Metal shavings found in fluid upon inspection by independent mechanic. This is exactly in line with the lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California by plaintiff [XXX] . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11704115December 9, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle is relatively new 2019 and mileage is low 45000 car was humming for no reason for a day or two and its well maintained, today at busy thoroughfare it stalled at intersection of ave u and another street and was behaving erratically due to know manufacture defect of Toyota Transmission UA80E/F that causes sudden stall and thank god have. I stalled on highway it would have been a catastrophe. I want NHTSA to acknowledge danger this poses to drivers if suden loss of power occurs suddenly hoping for a solution to this dangerous manufacture defect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11702582December 2, 2025
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Adaptive cruise control issue and transmission issue transmission is whining. Vehicle taken to the dealer and I am told nothing is wrong with the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

← Back to Toyota Highlander