Automatic Transmission Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 1

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 40 mph, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The dealer was contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 49,729.

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The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, there was a back log on the part. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

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The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, he heard an abnormal sound emanating from the engine compartment. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the sound was emanating from the transmission but was unable to diagnose the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 100,100.

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The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 30 mph the vehicle accelerated without any warning at high speed. The contact desperately pushed on the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop, causing the vehicle to drive into traffic and striking several vehicles causing front damages to the contact vehicle. The contact was unsure if anyone was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 98,000.

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I was backing out of the garage when the car accelerated. I kept hitting the brake and it finally stopped. I put the car back into drive and it accelerated again. I tried hitting the brake and it wouldn't stop until it hit the garage door. I don't know how fast it was going, but it seemed like it was going at an excessive speed.

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My 2005 limited edition Toyota Highlander has multiple issues. The right caliber is sticking, which has caused heat and warping in the hub system and affected the abs sensor. These will both need to be replaced at a cost of over $1000. The front struts are leaking. The largest problem is with the transmission which has some type of interior problem. It is suggested that I replace the transmission. The cost to repair this, based on what the Toyota shop said was $3400-$4600. My car has about 94,000 miles on it. The brake issues with the caliber, roters, and hub system will get replaced next week. The transmission repair will not be repaired at this time unless the Toyota goodwill petition goes through. The cost is too great.

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Car hesitates and suddenly surges forward. The is the 2nd time this has occurred in the past 3 months. The first time was near my garage and fortunately the car only traveled several feet forward before hitting the corner of the garage and coming to a stop. Last Sunday, I was leaving a parking lot. I was turning left when the car hesitated and suddenly surged forward at a rapid speed. Before I was able to regain control, the car had traveled approximately 20-25 feet forward, ran up on a median and crashed into a tree. I called the police about filing a report but as it occurred on private property, they declined,.

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The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact applied to brakes but the vehicle began to accelerate. The contact tried several ways to stop the vehicle (shifting into neutral, using the emergency brake) but the vehicle continued to rev. The tires also were spinning. The contact shifted into neutral again and turned the vehicle off which stopped it. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the transmission dropped and the extra floor mat caused the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 90,000. Updated 03/24/lj.

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The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. While the vehicle was parked the contact stated that it started moving on its own. The gear shift does not have to be in park in order to turn the vehicle on since it was turned off by pressing a button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated that there were no repairs needed and that was the way the vehicle was designed. Updated 3/22/11 updated 04/25/11.

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The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. While stopped a stop sign and the rpms begin to increase excessively. When the contact attempted to pull off she was unable to drive forward or in reverse. A mechanic came and was able to drive the vehicle to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who stated that the transmission dropped out of the vehicle because the front axle had broken. The vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 12000. Updated 01/24/11 the dealer stated the driver side axle broke in half and half of the axle became stuck in the transmission. Also the camshaft position needed to be replaced. Updated 03/16/11.

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The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph and depressing the accelerator, the vehicle was hesitant to respond. The failure would occur most prominently when the vehicle was first started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000 and current mileage is 93,000.

My 2004 Toyota Highlander v6 at time has very rough shifts. The transmissions seems to hesitate and lag when I try to accelerate during normal driving speeds. This has happened when I was going 20 to 60.

Transmission went out in the middle of a busy interstate. Just a week earlier, the dealer told me they cold find nothing wrong with the vehicle.

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S10 appropriate handling re complaint against Toyota motor corporation and jay wolfe Toyota of west county fm owner of a 2004 Toyota Highlander. After driving the vehicle for a few weeks, it became apparent there was a problem with the shifting with the automatic transmission. The condition was most noticeable during sharp acceleration periods. The engine would rev up, but it did not gain speed relative to the amount of pressure applied to the accelerator. The engine would sound as if it was under stress and it would then shift with a severe jolt. The dealer informed the consumer Toyota was aware of the transmission flaw, but there was no fix. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.

Ever since we purchased our 2006 Toyota Highlander we have randomly experienced acceleration problems. After slowing down, we slowly accelerated and would experience a sudden thrust but could slow it down by lessening the pressure on the gas pedal or by braking. This would happen at random 2 or 3 times per year. We both thought it was our fault until we read about the Toyota acceleration problems. Now, we don't believe it is our fault and is a built-in problem. We recently have talked to the Toyota service department and they referred us to the Toyota headquarters for filing a complaint with them. We were told this car is not on the recall list. Since our problem does not seem as bad as other year's car, it may be that this is the year the problem developed in Toyota and got progressively worst as adjustments were made to the car's programming or engine. The last incident involving this acceleration was in late February or early March, 2010. We hope this information may be of some help to you and us in solving our problem.

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2005 Highlander v6 awd. Has a surging effect since day one. Also surges slightly when applying brakes. In traffic stop and go situation, vehicle does not respond for a few seconds and then lunges forward. Very dangerous when trying to change lanes. Dealer said nothing wrong with vehicle. Toyota said at time to contact dealer.

I've owned a 2005 Toyota Highlander since new, once in a while this condition would occur, now it is all the time. It just turned over 80k miles. I have not been notified of any recalls, not even Toyota no. 60f. When you are coming to a stop,at normal speeds,normal braking pedal pressure, just before the vehicle stops, it launches forward with your foot pressure on the brake pedal. When you apply more pressure as if there was an emergency, it is worse. My wife and I have learned to compensate by coasting then stopping. I emailed Toyota. Com about this twice, no answers.

At 108k miles, my 2002 Toyota Highlander transmission went out and had to be replaced. Whatever happened to Toyotas lasting to 200k miles, like in the commercials? I'll never be able to jump up and be the one proclaiming how many miles my Toyota has now! I'm very disappointed, as I bought this vehicle expecting to drive it well beyond 100k miles and with further research, apparently I'm not the only disappointed Highlander owner with the same issue.

2004 Toyota Highlander v6 - auto (2wd) since we've purchased the t-highlander, the car will occasionally suddenly jerk forward uncontrollably when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and when the shift takes place between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm when in 2nd gear. We have brought this in to the Toyota dealership on numerous occasions only to be told this is a "programming" issue and the car is trying to figure out how to shift based on different drivers. I've looked online and on forums and other owners have the same problems. I think it's Toyota trying to save $$. My concern since we've brought the car in to the Toyota dealerships is the same concern that I want the NHTSA to be aware of now and that is, there is a problem with the car and there is a potential for an accident here due to something that is clearly defective with the transmission and/or the "programming" of how the computer shifts. This complaint is being filed because all of the other Toyota problems that have surfaced have reaffirmed what I've known all along, that there are problems with Toyotas and in our case, not having complete control of the vehicle when driving. However, I was made to feel that I had no basis for my complaints when in fact, I do. I hope that even if nothing is done to fix my t-highlander as I have given up on it (short of legal action, which might be worthwhile now) that the NHTSA does do something to ensure that no one is injured as a result of this "programming" issue.

Have a 2004 Toyota 3. 3l 2wd Highlander that has had a surging problem when taking off from a start since I had it new. . . . Dealer recalibrated computer but didnt fix the problem. . . . They told me this is normal. . . . . It is not normal and is very dangerous. . . . Being they dont want to fix it, I guess it will come down to a law suit if something happens. . . . . There are all kinds of post on this problem and Toyota should be recalling and fixing. . . . . . Wont never buy Toyota again if something isnt done because they still seem to be having this problem in other makes and models in Toyota line. . . . And Lexus. . . . . . . .

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. While turning at approximately 5 mph in snowy conditions, the vehicle became stuck in the snow. The vehicle was able to reverse but would not accelerate forward. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced at that time. The failure and current mileages were approximately 11,000. Updated 11/03/10 updated 11/04/10.

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My 2005 Toyota Highlander v6 4wd, which I purchased new, has been experiencing a hesitation/shifting problem for nearly as long as I have owned the vehicle. While the problem does not always occur, it is quite pronounced when it does and has resulted in very dangerous situations. The problem has been brought to the direct attention of Toyota motor sales in California, and their response has been disturbingly poor. The Toyota dealer that has been servicing my vehicle has been very helpful, but apparently cannot take action to correct the problem without corporate authorization. Here is a summary of the problem: the vehicle cannot always decide when to accelerate from a stop - there have been many instances of initial hesitation/lack of adequate power upon applying the gas pedal. For example, I have experienced a delay of a second or two when applying the gas pedal to proceed. This has resulted in some very close calls with oncoming traffic. Also, there are occurrences where the vehicle cannot seem to decide between gears (it will sometimes jump up/down between the lower gears, such as 1st to 2nd gear and/or 2nd to 3rd gear). Furthermore, I have noticed a general lack of adequate acceleration/gas pedal response, especially during city driving (ie. Lower speeds). My local Toyota dealer has records of the problem since approximately 16,000 miles (the vehicle now has about 44,000 miles). I believe the issue is the ecm, which was reprogrammed but the problem returned. Based on my research, I believe the ecm may be defective and that replacing the unit may solve the problem. Toyota will not replace the ecm. About a month ago, the Toyota dealer was able to verify the hesitation problem during a service visit. However, they could not duplicate it later with the scan tool attached - they had the vehicle for two days trying to get a snap shot because the Toyota field service technician told them "no repairs are to be made until the problem occurs more often. ".

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact was backing out of the residence driveway on a slight incline. The driver stepped out of the vehicle while the gear shifter was placed in the reverse position and within three seconds the vehicle rolled over top of the driver. The ambulance was called to the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital and sustained severe injuries to the left leg and chest area. There was no damage to the vehicle. The cause of failure has not been determined. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 4/5/10 the consumer stated she stepped out of the vehicle not realizing it was in gear. It stayed stationary for several seconds before running her over. Updated 05/11/10.

My 2009 Toyota Highlander with keyless start allows the vehicle to shut off when not in park and the vehicle starts moving. It also will turn off in reverse, or neutral and will turn back on in neutral and will also turn off in drive. This does not feel safe and should be immediately investigated. The vehicle should have to be in park to turn off and start like all other cars with keys to start the vehicle. Local dealer investigated but said all keyless start vehicles operate this way and didn't indicate there was a fix to the situation.

We bought a new 2009 Toyota Highlander in July,2009. Immediately, it demonstrated a huge vibration in reverse, and now in drive. When I stop at a light, it feels like it will bolt when I take my foot off the brake. We went through arbitration, but they claimed, since we couldn't prove it was a safety hazard, we had no case. I think these vehicles should also be investigated. I have read similar complaints on the internet from other Highlander owners. I am really fearful to drive my family in this vehicle. For Toyota to tell me that, yes there is a severe vibration, but there is nothing wrong with the vehicle is absolutely preposterous. Toyota says they don't know what is wrong with it, so they say nothing is wrong with it. Our own mechanic says that he believes it will join the other recalls at some point. But I really hope you will look into it soon. Thank you.

My Toyota Highlander 2007 (7 seats) stalls since the day I bought it. I thought it was normal but it is becoming very dangerous since it stalls for a sec or 2 everytime you slow and try to accelerate afterward. It stall mainly at yield sign, when slowly trying to cruise intersections and when you try to pass on highways. I read many story on the internet with the same problem.

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Automatic transmission is forcing fluid out through vent causing loss of fluid and possible damage to transmission. Dealer said it is caused by bearing going bad in the transmission. Vehicle has almost 90,000 miles. Dealership said problem is covered under extended warranty since it was a certified used vehicle.

2008 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle will roll forward when the vehicle and transmission are positioned in reverse, if the front of the vehicle is on a downward slope.

When the front of the car is on a downward slope and it is shifted into reverse it will roll forward the same as a manual transmission will do when the clutch is depressed. The brake has to be applied with one foot while the other foot is pressing on the accelerator. The could cause injury and or property damage if parked close to person or property. The slope angle does not have to be a steep incline for this to occur. The Toyota dealership was notified of the issue and stated they were not aware of this as a problem and it was a normal occurrence for the car to roll forward.

2003 Toyota Highlander v-6 with 66450 miles. Driving home going 40 to 45 mph, car transmission started to skip, engine would surge then buck and engine would hesitate. Drove on to dealer for diagnosis.

I have a Toyota Highlander 2005 v6 4wd, which suffers from a transmission shift delay and hesitation ,which normally occurs when upshifting or downshifting between 2nd and 3rd gear. This shift delay is not only a headache, but a safety concern to me and many other fellow Highlander owners as seen on various online forums. While driving my vehicle I have to constantly try to anticipate how it might react in order to prevent an accident from happening,while in traffic. It seems as if this problem has been known by Toyota since 2000 and they have not done enough to get it fixed.

My Toyota Highlander limited [2007] has a problem with acceleration. It is not in the current recall. I reported the problem 6/5/08. When I am in cruise control, then brake, then press the cruise control mechanism to return to cruise control, the car sometimes surges ahead at speeds much faster than the set cruise control speed. I do not touch the accelerator pedal at all when this happens. Has happened 10 - 15 times. The car currently has about 19,500 miles. The Toyota dealer went on a test drive with me in June 2008 but the surging did not happen on the test drive. I mentioned it to the dealer again but since it was not happening at the time I brought the car in for service, I was not written up. Has only happened when I use cruise control to resume speed. All instances have been in highway driving at highway speeds. It seems electronic to me. |occurrence is erratic.

2008 Toyota Highlander with transmission problems. Consumer states that the vehicle will roll forward when the vehicle and transmission are positioned in reverse, if the front of the vehicle is on a downward slope. He also states that the hill holder feature doesn't work on a downward slope.

The contact owns a 2005 Toyota Highlander. While the contact shifted the gear into the park position, the transmission began to jerk with hesitation. The failure occurred intermittently. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 29,000.

When shifted to reverse gear from parked condition car accelerated and caused crash to the rear of the car to wall.