Two problems related to noises during shifting have been reported for the 2018 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2018 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2018 Highlander.
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. Comments: verified reported sound. Like make and model comparison vehicle did not exhibit sound. Traced source of sound to transmission. Replacement of transmission needed to address reported sound. Warranty company sent independent inspector out, warranty company approved replacement with oem remanufactured transmission. Car has been at dealer for since July 18, 2026 (1 month and counting) and still waiting for replacement transmission to be available from Toyota. Repair estimate: $9681. 80 original approved: $0. 00 total approved: $9681. 80.
When hit breaks hard. . . I hear a bang/noise from rear of my highlanger. ( dealership admit this is abnormal sound but they can't do anything about it). Transmission shift roughly, not smooth shifting. If car is in drive and im holding breaks car rear starts making banging noise n start shaking. So far my car has only 20k miles on it . Suspension is pretty stiff doesn't help while driving over post holes.
| Power Train problems | |
| Noises During Shifting problems | |
| Transmission Shudder problems |