Toyota Highlander Complaints

958 consumer complaints on file.

#11622096October 26, 2024
SEATS
My vehicle was rear-ended while stopped by a 2014 Toyota Corolla that was estimated to be traveling between 60-70 miles per hour. During the crash, the driver seat failed, resulting in the partially reclining into the second row passenger. The failure mechanism appears to be internal to the seatback, as the seat twisted during the failure, causing me to lean more towards the passenger side of the vehicle.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11621001October 21, 2024
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front lower bumper cover had detached. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front lower bumper cover separated, flew underneath the vehicle and into traffic, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that there was a cost for the repair of the front lower bumper prior to the recall repair. The contact declined to pay for the repair because it was a minor bump. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620788October 19, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
We have noticed that when we brake the vehicle, it intermittently LURCHES FORWARD very fast while you are breaking and trying to stop! This is extremely unsafe! We need to stop and brake and not go forward. It does this unexpectedly with no notice and does not always do it consistently but we have noticed it is getting worse and worse and we are worried we will hit another car in front or even a person because the car will not stop on time. When I looked online, this is a well known issue on Toyota Highlanders, especially hybrids like ours and Toyota has done nothing to fix this dangerous problem. They have even told car owners to drive slower but I can tell you it doesn’t seem to matter if I’m going 25 mph or faster or slower- the car gives no notice and goes FASTER while you are trying to stop!!!!! Please help us Toyota Highlander owners!!!! This car gives us no warning whatsoever. It is not consistent. But when it does this it is VERY scary!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620576October 18, 2024
POWER TRAIN
The car started making a whining.humming sound only while pressing the gas. Took to mechanic and they advised it was TSB 0008-21. I need a new transmission. I drive this daily with my own kids, and several that aren't mine. If the transmission were to go out, I would not be able to accelerate and the care would stop moving. I can't even imagine this happening on a high with hundreds of cars speeding or a busy road. This could cause a bad accident, injury or death. No warnings etc. The noise just started and took right to mechanic. I gave the mechanic a copt of power train warrant and hoping it gets covered and fixed.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11620010October 15, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Regarding Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21, ‘Whine or Grind Noise From the Transmission’, issued February 2021: Some 2021 model year Avalon, Highlander, and Camry vehicles equipped with UA80E or UA80F transmissions may exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission. This condition may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. This is a widespread problem with these specified transmissions. The noise generally starts around 60-70k miles, just outside the warranty period. Toyota knowingly continued to sell vehicles with these defective transmissions. Repair estimates range from $8.5k-$13k.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619981October 15, 2024
AIR BAGS
The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (AIR BAGS) however, the part to do the repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. Parts distribution disconnect.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619524October 13, 2024
TIRES
I am writing to bring to your attention a serious issue regarding my Toyota vehicle, which is still under warranty. While my wife was driving to work, the front passenger tire exploded unexpectedly, without any warning lights or messages. This is particularly alarming as the car is new, purchased just 11 months ago, and has only 7,000 miles on it. After contacting AAA for assistance to replace the damaged tire with the spare one, I reached out to Toyota customer service. They advised me to visit the dealership for an inspection. However, upon arrival, the service advisor refused to honor the warranty and informed me that they did not have the tire brand and or model in stock, requesting a full payment of $370 to replace the damaged tire with a new one from a different brand. Concerned for my family’s safety, I opted to replace all four tires at America’s Tires, incurring the expense myself. I believe the original tires may have been defective and pose a risk if such an incident were to occur again. I did report the issue to Micheline without any resolution yet. I kindly request your assistance in addressing this matter. Thank you for your prompt attention to this critical issue.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619196October 10, 2024
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure at 70,000 miles waited 3 months for replacement transmission.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619178October 10, 2024
AIR BAGS
SAFETY RECALL 23TA15 (Interim Notice 23TB15) was issued December 20, 2023 - almost one year ago. Toyota does not yet have a remedy for this potentially serious safety issue. For several months, Toyota's website has had the following verbiage regarding this "Toyota estimates the remedy can be available in Quarter 3, 2024, but this is subject to change based on parts availability." I cannot continue to drive people with this potentially serious safety issue. When will a remedy be available?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11619170October 10, 2024
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
The contact owns a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the odor of gasoline was present inside and outside of the vehicle. The contact indicated that the failure had occurred intermittently after refueling the vehicle on extremely hot days. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who was unable to duplicate the failure and the cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 40,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618826October 9, 2024
STRUCTURE:BODY
Water leaking into the A pillar where airbags are located due to faulty seals in roof rails.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618808October 8, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle smells like gas/fuel sometimes. I brought it to the dealership and was advised that they cannot duplicate my concerns since they can't smell anything when I dropped it off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618505October 7, 2024
POWER TRAIN
My wife’s Highlander started whining under acceleration. I am not a trained mechanic but know enough about vehicles that I k ew it was the transmission. I checked Google for 2021 Highlander complaints and found hundreds of them. The vehicle has 90k on it but luckily we bought the extended warranty through Toyota. I took the vehicle in for service and told them the transmission was whining and needed replaced and would be covered under my warranty. They looked at me strange and said ok sure, we’ll check it out. 4 hours later they called to confirm I needed a new transmission. They estimate it to take be 4 weeks before they receive the transmission. Apparently so many being replaced they are on back order. Luckily we bought our vehicle as a “Certified Pre-Owned” so we get a loaner the entire time. Just sad to see Toyota quality going down hill like it has.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11618473October 7, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I purchased a brand new 2024 Toyota Highlander Limited on [XXX]. On September 12th, we were going on our first road trip with our [XXX] son to Wilmington, NC (~209 miles from where we live). I bought this car as it was bigger and with a newborn wanted to feel safe. Approximately 15 miles out, as I was gassing the car on the highway, the speed limit was slowly dropping. After I released the gas, there was a slight jolt and then I was able to safely pull over on the side of the highway. To say I felt unsafe with cars flying by going 70 mph and the car slowing down out of my control with a newborn in the car is an understatement. With less than 300 miles on the car, Toyota of Wilmington confirmed it was a faulty transmission. In addition to the poor quality and safety concern, customer service and the disconnect between areas - dealership, corporate, and financial when trying to get any resolution has been ridiculous. When I asked my sales rep if the issue was a concern he informed me my gear was probably wrong and assured me I would be fine making it back to Charlotte. When I called Toyota of Wilmington, despite me telling them I was there for the weekend and needed to get home Sunday they said they could see me the following Thursday, despite the issue at hand. It wasn't until I told them it was undriveable after trying to drive again and had it towed there that they magically fit us in. I am now a month without a car, given a smaller size rental car with no ETA on being able to get a new one and unable to get in touch with anyone in Financial to discuss the car payment they are still billing me for. This was our first and last Toyota we will purchase. 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
#11617952October 3, 2024
STRUCTURE
See attached document for complaint.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11617332September 30, 2024
AIR BAGS
The contact owned a 2023 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his friend was driving at 45 MPH, he failed to yield when exiting the interstate at an exit ramp. As a result, the driver t-boned the passenger side of another vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contacts insurance provider. A police report was filed and injuries were reported. The contact transported himself to his physical therapist and was treated for a nondescript injury to his left shoulder. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 26,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
1
Deaths:
0
#11617056September 28, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES
When braking the brakes will occasionally “quit”, causing unexpected acceleration. They kick back on if I stomp hard on the brake, causing the occupants to jolt forward. It could easily cause a collision if an unexpected vehicle or pedestrian were in the way, and could cause a rear end collision were I to have someone following close behind and hard brake unexpectedly. This has been reported to the dealership but they have been unable to replicate it. It happens intermittently, primarily when braking on a slight downhill slope. The issue has been since the vehicle was new. No warning lights or alerts activate inside.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616994September 28, 2024
AIR BAGS
On or about 9/22/24 I was driving on a parkway and was alerted by a high pitched alarm in the vehicle’s dashboard that the airbag had a malfunction and that the seatbelt was not engaged. I removed my seatbelt and clipped it back in but that did not stop the alarm. The vehicle continued to beep and say the airbag was malfunctioning. I made an appointment with Toyota service for 9/26/24 and when I arrived I was told they do not do diagnostic tests on Thursdays. They proceeded to give me a new appointment for today 9/28/24, and when I arrived they once again turned me away explaining that today was not a good day for a diagnostic. They mockingly told me that my vehicle warranty was about to expire. Furthermore, the Toyota has refused to fix the recall issue, and now is refusing to even run a diagnostic test to see what the problem is with the airbags. I am afraid the airbags will fail if I am in an accident. This is a very dangerous situation. Please help me!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11616455September 25, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I am writing to complain about the app called experience Drive connect. It is a push ad for a subscription that I do not want it interferes all the time, and is a safety issue. I can be using a navigation app like Waze and this blue ad will pop up, taking the place of my Waze app. It will also pop up if I am listening to a podcast and want to make a change. I always have to delete it to make it go away, but then it comes back again within a minute or so. It is driving me crazy And making me hate Toyota since there doesn’t seem to be anyway to get rid of it. Please help as this is a dangerous safety issue. I have reported it to the branding service at Toyota and encouraged other people to also report it. Thank you for your help Aloha, [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
#11616208September 24, 2024
POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
As my wife had the wheels turned and was pulling up to the curb stop in a parking spot the car suddenly lurched forward without putting the accelerator on and went up and over the curb. Stop and hit a pole. my thoughts are is that the engine possibly changed from hybrid to gas or vice versa and as my wife’s foot was let off on the brake to inch forward to the curb stop it suddenly lunged forward as previously stated.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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