Toyota Highlander Complaints

958 consumer complaints on file.

#11732621April 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
Rear power lift gate routinely malfunctions, stopping partway while opening or closing. Dealer recommends resetting the lift gate, which occasionally works to address the problem but is not a reliable fix. Issue has been ongoing for several years without remedy.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732479April 20, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, water was leaking from the overhead console on the driver's side, where the sunglasses holder was located. Additionally, water stains were on the headliner above the driver’s side rear third row seats. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fracture to the driver’s side roof rack attachment clip or a sealant interference. The vehicle was repaired with Part Number: 90467-08235. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732318April 20, 2026
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Vehicle smells like fuel after engine toggles on and off between the hybrid system. This issue is intermittent, but when it is taken to the dealership they smell the fuel, with no luck duplicating the issue. I have also noticed when the smell is present the vehicle seems to run rough.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732195April 19, 2026
AIR BAGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During start up SRS airbag system malfunction, front camera unavailable, pre-collision system malfunction and LTA malfunction lights and warnings came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732194April 19, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During start up LTA malfunction, Pre-Collision system malfunction and Headlight system malfunction lights and warning indicators came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732193April 19, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During start up Headlight system malfunction and Pre-Collision system failure lights and waring came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732007April 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious mechanical issue involving the transfer case on my 2022 Toyota Highlander. This problem raises concerns regarding the safety, reliability, and overall performance of the vehicle. While driving, I began hearing a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Concerned, I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic inspection. I was informed that there is a transmission-related issue and that the vehicle requires a transfer case replacement. At the time of diagnosis, the vehicle had approximately 77,000 miles and has been primarily driven locally under normal conditions. This type of major drivetrain failure at such mileage is unexpected and concerning, especially given that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure of a critical component such as the transfer case can significantly affect vehicle control and drivability, posing a potential safety risk. This raises concerns about a possible defect in the drivetrain system or a broader issue affecting similar vehicles. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern. If necessary, appropriate corrective actions should be taken to ensure consumer safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional documentation, including service records and diagnostic reports, upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731942April 17, 2026
POWER TRAIN
My automatic transmission failed per the dealership and is just outside of the warranty but is considered a premature failure based on the expected life of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731743April 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a premature transmission failure on a 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting a whining noise. When brought into the Toyota Dealership, I was notified that it needs a full transmission replacement. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership, which determined that the transmission has failed and requires full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,400. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. A transmission failing at this mileage creates a significant safety risk, especially when merging into traffic, accelerating from a stop, or maintaining highway speeds. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, with service performed through authorized Toyota dealerships. Despite this, Toyota has declined to provide assistance for the repair. This has caused a massive financial stress and strain. There is a documented pattern of similar transmission failures involving Toyota Highlander vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80 platform) across multiple model years.This appears to be part of a broader pattern of premature transmission failures that may indicate a defect affecting vehicle safety. The consistency of complaints across multiple vehicles and model years suggests this is not an isolated incident. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety defects and determine whether further action, including recall or manufacturer accountability, is warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731578April 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am an owner of a 2021 Highlander XLE AWD (bought new). In October of 2024 around 34000 miles the transmission started to make a whining noise and seemed to be surging/bucking , hesitation and hunting for gears. Toyota determined it fit the criteria of a TSB to have the transmission replaced. The dealership had my car for two months and then eventually replaced the transmission with a remanufactured unit. This “new” unit still has the issues of surging/bucking , hesitation and hunting for gears. I fear that this “new” transmission is in the process of failing again with less than 10k on it. Of course I will be out of warranty when it does and I’ll be on the hook for a $10000 repair. I’m appalled that Toyota has not done a true fix for this issue and has not even put an extended warranty on it either. I purchased this vehicle from Toyota on good faith that it would last and be reliable. 34k one transmission died and I’m sure this one will follow suite. Ultimately UA80 transmission is ticking time bomb and Toyota needs to be held accountable for this.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731434April 15, 2026
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
This appears to be a fuel pump or something with the fuel issue on a 2021 Toyota Highlander L series. While driving it would stop and switch off at stop lights and stop sign. The codes that come up have to do with fuel being lean. However this also affects the braking system and causes it to be very hard to steer with this issue. The problem I have is that it cuts off without even you knowing what's happening and I was almost rear-ended twice. My car is now sitting outside unable to start. It doesn't even have 85,000 miles on it with all these issues. I believe it also said something about my transmission but unsure because the codes were flashing off and on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731278April 15, 2026
POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
Transmission has failed as have many others of the same year make and model without acknowledgement of a manufacturer defect
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731272April 14, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Failure. Had to have it replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730788April 13, 2026
Other/I am not sure
I am submitting a formal complaint regarding a safety defect in my Evenflo Revolve 360 car seat. The white foam headrest component has completely detached due to what appears to be a failure in the original adhesive. This issue occurred despite proper use and adherence to all manufacturer guidelines. This component is part of the headrest system and plays a role in impact protection. Its detachment raises serious concerns about the structural integrity and crash performance of the seat. As a result, I no longer feel it is safe to transport my child in this car seat. I want to be clear that I am not comfortable attempting any at-home repair, including gluing the foam back into place, as modifications may compromise the seat’s compliance with federal safety standards and manufacturer specifications.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730642April 12, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Safety Recall remedy not fixed in a timely manner
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730329April 10, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, POWER TRAIN, ENGINE
The vehicle experienced a transmission failure at approximately 62,000 miles, which required a transmission replacement. Toyota replaced the transmission with a rebuilt transmission. Immediately after the repair, the vehicle began experiencing multiple issues that were not present prior to the repair. The vehicle initially would not reverse, and the battery was drained shortly after the repair was completed. Following the repair, the vehicle has continued to experience ongoing electrical malfunctions, including dashboard warning lights, system alerts, and dash lights flashing during remote start. The vehicle has also developed a rattling noise underneath the vehicle. The exact failed component has not been clearly identified. The dealership has provided changing diagnoses and has not provided written diagnostic documentation despite requests. The vehicle has been inspected by the dealership multiple times; however, the issues have not been resolved. During a recent diagnostic, the dealership stated that the catalytic converter is now the issue, but this does not address the ongoing electrical problems. These issues raise safety concerns due to unpredictable vehicle behavior and potential failure of critical systems while driving. Warning lights and system errors began appearing after the transmission repair and have continued since that time. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11730318April 10, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Rear lift gate doesn't fully open or close sometimes. I have to manually assist in opening or closing after trying the key fob, inside push button and rear switch above the license plate. I have attempted to reset the height adjustment thinking it would fix it, with no success. I have made sure that the gasket is in place, lubricated the struts and tried opening a closing with the car running and again without success. I'm asking this be investigated due to my concern that this is going to be a safety issue if it doesn't open after an accident, to exit the vehicle if needed. Thank you.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729993April 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
The struts for the tailgate appear to be a problem for these cars. Mine are failing intermittently and so if the technicians don’t witness it, they refuse to cover it under warranty. If I crash and the trunk is the only way out, I willl die. The trunk gets stuck and won’t open or close unless forced. This is a disaster and should be recalled. I see multiple complaints all over the internet about this issue and the dealers are NO help. I have gone 4 separate times and they have wasted my time because there was no resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729882April 8, 2026
ENGINE
When accelerating at all, the engine emits a whining noise. The only time the whine stops is when the foot is removed from the pedal. It does not whine at idle. I believe it is the transmission going bad. The problem has been confirmed by a local service center. No warning lamps or messages have appeared.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729765April 7, 2026
POWER TRAIN
A whining noise was observed at around 78k miles. Brought to the dealer and they indicated parts in the transmission are failing and it requires replacement. They said this has been happening more frequently on 2021 Highlanders (also see T-SB-0008-21). It's also a well-documented issue online. My contact with Toyota was that they did not intend to cover any repairs as the vehicle is out of warranty, even though it's not an isolated issue. They would not disclose how many vehicles have reported this issue. I believe it has reached safety recall-level.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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