Three problems related to transmission failure have been reported for the 2002 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2002 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2002 Highlander.
I have had recurrent transmission problems that cost th ousands to fix but yet are not completely resolved. L just had my transmission completely fail after being serviced 17 months ago. Since replacing it, I still have problems with clunking dirt thing in the morning when it tries to change gears. Now there is a vibration and I have to take it back to the shop. The recurring problems are affecting my job which involves a lot of driving and I have to rent cars at my expense each time it goes for repairs at 2 to 4 days each event. Please look into this. My car is paid for and I cannot afford to buy ano th erbone.
With only 106,000 miles on my Highlander, the transmission has failed and needs to completely be replaced. A $4600 repair right before christmas. I am in tears. The dealership didn't seem very surprised that this would occur. Ironic? but the transmission specialist I went to for a second opinion said this should never have happened. He advised even proper maintenance wouldn't have prevented this kind of failure. It's just bad equipment. He repeatedly stated how abnormal this was and Toyota used to have a great reputation on the transmission and reliability. I purchased my Toyota based on that reputation. And have had nothing but problems. At 35,000 miles I was a victim of the "sludge engine" issue too. Before the recall was issued on that. The entire engine had to be replaced. Before they were willing to fix it, I had to prove that I had changed the oil regularly. They accused me of not doing this. Toyota knows there is a major problem with this vehicle transmission and from what I see, this is happening to others. It is happening in the rav4's too. They need to step up and take care of their customers and take care of these vehicles. This is the first and last Toyota I will ever own.
Toyota 2002 Highlander automatic transmission failed at 77,754 miles. Replaced by dealer under extended warranty after paying $50 deductible. This is a common problem and needs a recall. Toyota refuses to acknowledge that they have a problem. Cost to replace without warrantee would have been $4290. The car now has 138,235 miles on it and based on other drivers' experience and history I could be facing another auto trans problem very soon.