Power Train Related Problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander

Table 1 shows three common power train related problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander. The number one most common problem is related to the power train (59 problems). The second most common problem is related to the noises during shifting (two problems).

Table 1. Power Train related problems of Toyota Highlander


Recently reported Power Train problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander

The Power Train problem

This vehicle has a ua80 8-speed transmission that has prematurely failed. This is a known issue to Toyota and they have refused to provide a fix. It is a safety hazard when all acceleration stops when attempting to merge into heavy traffic (as had happened to me last week) or on a highway traveling   Read details...

The Noises During Shifting problem

Guest states her vehicle is whining during accelleration, will stop whining for a moment when vehicle upshifts and then return. Guest has been in contact with service manager. Noise confirmed in drivetrain, noted sublt but it does occure test drove on back hill. Please have checked advise.   Read details...

The Transmission Shudder problem

Steering wheel leather is peeling and causing issues with grip. Have a 5 year old and feel very unsafe driving our Highlander with 20k on it that Toyota claims is cosmetic issue. Transmission shudders very badly going up hills and almost stalls out.   Read details...


Power Train related problems in other Toyota Highlander model year vehicles:



Highlander Service Bulletins
Highlander Safety Recalls
Highlander Defect Investigations