Toyota Highlander Complaints (2019)

514 consumer complaints on file.

#11774232October 28, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The component that failed was the transmission. My safety was at risk because I was going uphill and the engine surged then the transmission seized, almost causing a rear-end incident with my family in the car. The dealer confirmed that the transmission has failed. No incident happened so only the dealer needs to be involved at this time. There were no warning lamps indicating to me that the transmission failed. Upon discovering that the transmission was not downshifting (based on the engine not downshifting uphill), I put the car into manual mode to determine if I could manually shift down or not, it would not downshift. Attempting to downshift to gears 4, 3, 2, or 1 was not possible, the lowest gear was gear 5 and the engine had no torque to get up the hill that it was seized on. The 2019 Toyota Highlander was serviced for the automatic transmission fluid at 100K miles and failed at about 120,450 miles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773893October 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My transmission failed while driving. The gears began to stick and then I lost all driving capability while on a state highway.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773877October 26, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission has been making a whining noise for a little while now. After having it diagnosed by Toyota, the entire transmission has to be replaced. According to multiple reports on the internet, the 8 speed transmission in the 2017 to 2026 model will fail prematurely do to defective components. Toyota has even replaced multiple model year transmissions under a specific TSB but has not included later model years. I know have to spend $10,500 to replace the transmission at Toyota.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773428October 24, 2026
ENGINE, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Transmission is failing and accelerating past 40mpg produces very loud sound that seems it could break any moment. It is available for inspection. Safety is compromised as it could experience failure and abruptly lose ability to accelerate. Problem has been confirmed by independent service center who has also contacted Toyota Dealership regarding possible replacement and about the issue at hand. Has not yet been inspected by manufacturer, police, or insurance rep. No warnings and it first occurred June 2026 of this year. Contacted Toyota Brand Engagement Center and denied any assistance.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773178October 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased this Toyota Highlander two years ago, and I am extremely disappointed and frustrated that it now requires a transmission replacement costing approximately $10,000. I understand that vehicles can require maintenance and repairs, but a major mechanical failure of this magnitude is a significant financial burden. I have reached out multiple times seeking assistance and a reasonable resolution, but I have been unable to get anyone to take responsibility or offer meaningful help. I should not be left to shoulder such an enormous expense without a fair review of the circumstances. I am filing this complaint because I believe this matter deserves further investigation and I am requesting assistance in reaching a fair resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11773285October 23, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was on interstate 75 and the transmission went out. I had to be towed home (over 100 miles). I pulled into a rest area and when I went to leave, I pulled out and the engine RPM's went real high and the car would not go over 20 MPH. I was in the way of semi-trucks as I tried to get back to a parking spot at the rest area. Thankfully This did not happen while driving. After getting to the repair shop they could not even steer the car. I want Toyota to help me with the cost of the repair. This car only has 85,000 miles on it and it is a 2019. It should be good for at least 200,000 miles. I feel very fortunate that I was not actually on the highway when this happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772661October 21, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My husband was driving my car out of town, and while driving approximately 70 mph, my car stopped going. When he pressed the gas pedal, the engine revved, but did not move forward. He had to coast down the interstate and pull over on the side of the road. He said he almost got tear ended by a semi-truck. I called roadside assistance through my insurance company and it took them 2.5 hours to get to us. We had to have it towed about 70 miles to a shop and pay $184.00. The body shop we towed it to said it is the transmission. He said he knew it to be a common issue with 2019 Toyota Highlanders. I looked it up online and found several instances of similar stories. There was no warning.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772805October 21, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission is making a whining noise, took it to the dealer and they confirmed the transmission needs to be replaced. Looked online and there appear to be thousands of these cases with the transmission going out on Toyota Highlanders between 2017-2021
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772411October 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle began making a whining noise several months ago. After doing some research this vehicle has the UA80 transaxle that has a known defect that produces the whining noise and eventual damage. There are other years of this vehicle that are subject to a recall/repair for this same transaxle issue, but not for the 2019 even though it's the same transaxle with the same assembly defect. This is a known issue by the manufacturer. The end result without repair will be a transaxle failure while in gear / loss of propulsion. This vehicle has not been taken to a dealer for inspection yet. If a request for inspection is made, the vehicle can be made available. Also, no warning lamps or messages gave any early indication of an issue, only a whining noise was noticed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772392October 20, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I started hearing a faint sound and initially thought it was odd, but certainly sounded different and could not really tell where it was coming from. Upon taking it to the dealer for diagnosis, I learned that the transmission will need full replacement. I also took it to an independent shop to get a second opinion and much to my dismay, they confirmed the same.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11772205October 19, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Car experiences pulling, squealing, and eventually just completely stopped in the middle of the road. Car is 7 years old w/ ~90k miles and was serviced at the dealership until the most recent inspection. Towed to nearest shop and transmission is shot. Similar to every other complaint listed online. Now being quoted ~$9k to repair/replace on a car worth ~$20k.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771663October 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am filing this complaint regarding a transmission failure in my 2019 Toyota Highlander at approximately 150,000 miles that resulted in a complete loss of propulsion while driving on the highway. My husband was driving to work toward River Forest, Illinois, when he initially noticed that the vehicle would not accelerate beyond approximately 60 mph. After attending practice, he decided to return home rather than continue to the office because of the vehicle’s performance. While driving home on the highway, the vehicle progressively lost the ability to maintain speed. Despite traveling at approximately 60 mph, the vehicle slowed to approximately 30 mph, then 20 mph, and eventually lost propulsion completely. This created a serious safety concern because the vehicle could no longer maintain highway speeds or continue driving normally, potentially exposing the driver and surrounding motorists to a collision. The vehicle was subsequently taken to an independent repair facility for evaluation, and a transmission failure is suspected. The estimated cost to replace the transmission is approximately $5,000 to $10,000. I contacted Toyota Corporate to report this failure and request assistance. Although a case number was assigned, Toyota representatives informed me that they would not escalate the concern without historical maintenance documentation. We purchased the vehicle in 2024 and do not have access to its complete maintenance history. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this transmission failure and sudden loss of propulsion represent a broader safety defect affecting Toyota Highlander vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771372October 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, a loud grinding and humming sound was heard intermittently from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a transmission failure and warned that the transmission could experience a complete failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The mechanic contacted the manufacturer, who confirmed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The manufacturer contacted the dealer on the contact's behalf; however, no further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 65,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771327October 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
My car is stalling and stopping while driving both slow speeds and high speeds and all displays are going off, it may restart after several attempts, it seems a serious safety problems, however my VIN is not part of original Toyota Fuel pump recall, however it seems my issue is also related to Fuel pump mall functions
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11771257October 14, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
While traveling east on [XXX] in [XXX] on Monday, XXX, the sunroof of my Toyota Highlander 2019 spontaneously shattered. There were four occupants in the car and we all heard what sounded like a gunshot or explosion. There were a few shards of glass that hit my daughter who was in the front passenger seat in the head and small pieces of glass throughout the car. I did not pull over on highway [XXX] because it is a one lane highway with minimal room on the shoulder. I immediately closed the sunshade and put my hazards on and drove about a quarter mile exited safely, pulled onto a side road, and called the police in [XXX]. There were a few pieces of glass that were flying off of the car and towards the car behind us, however, I believe they stayed back a bit because we did suddenly put our hazards on, and I don’t feel that their cars were impacted by the flying glass. No one in the car was physically injured however we were all shaken up. I did call the police because I wasn’t sure what to do and I had three [XXX] kids in the car with me and I needed to know we were safe where we were pulled over. At that time, I also called my husband and he contacted our insurance company to discuss options for repair and how to get three hours home with the car. We chose not to use roadside assistance. The officer followed us a short distance to ensure the glass was not flying out to cars behind us and we were able to safely drive. We drove to the local Walmart where we taped up the sunroof so that we could drive home. The drive home was about three hours and was very stressful as I was concerned about the sunroof and the safety of the three minors that were in the car with me. There were no warnings of the spontaneous shatter and the sunroof had no issues or malfunctions prior to the incident. In the photos attached there is a link to the YouTube video of the aftermath of the spontaneous shatter. 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
#11771267October 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission had problems with shifting gears - can hear a banging noise while shifting gears. Reported to dealer and they indicated diagnostics report showed purge valve issues. Nothing showing transmission errors. 9/20/26 significant transmission Issues occurring with eco mode turning on and off problems with shifting and no power with RPM up to 5 let off gas pedal and eco shift then transmission accelerated. Problem repeated for 40 miles on Interstate 95 with family and animals. Engine lights finally come on stating AWD error traction control On and off visit dealer an 1/8 mile from Haley Toyota Richmond VA - $280 diagnostics show transmission failure, needs to be replaced for $12000 at 87K miles warranty expired no assistance offered and "0" transmissions available throughout the United States- - $470 out of pocket tow truck to get it to a local transmission shop in Waldorf MD 25 miles from home. Definitely a safety issue when there is no acceleration on a major highway and now error codes to indicate there is a major transmission problem!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769486October 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
While driving along, the car suddenly begun not too shift in the middle of an intersection. Fortunately for me, this occurred in the middle of the night when there were not many cars around, otherwise serious injury would likely have occurred since it was in a busy area. I had the car towed to an independent shop first who indicated that the problem was likely a transmission failure. I subsequently had it towed to the Toyota Dealership in Wilkes-Barre PA (Motor World), who confirmed it was complete failure of the transmission, with metallic particles circulating throughout its entirety. According to Toyota, the transmission fluid in this type of car is meant to last the life of the vehicle and regular flushes should not be required. Certainly this appears to not be the case. There were no warnings of obvious symptoms that I could appreciate as a lay person. Toyota is quoting me close to $9000 for the transmission replacement, and I am also currently incurring considerable expense from rental vehicles while I figure out the outcome.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11769592October 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that driving the vehicle lost power and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission and the vehicle lunged forward and unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the transmission was on back order from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768514October 2, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The vehicle has a loud whining noise coming from the front of the car. The noise is only heard when I am pressing the accelerator but once I let off it goes away. I took the car into the dealership for inspection and was told it was the transmission that needs to be replaced. Toyota is refusing to assist with the repair because it is out of warranty. Even though they know this is a known issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11768266October 1, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I was driving on the highway and the car stopped allowing me to accelerate which almost caused major issues with an accident. I was luckily able to pull off and coast to a safe area to stop. No warning lights ever came on. It appears to be a transmission failure. I’m very lucky it didn’t occur 5 minutes prior. Currently at dealership for inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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