general problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander - part 1

Transmission began making a whining noise around 70,000 miles. Transmission completely failed at 90,000 while driving on the highway and lost all forward gears and neutral. Only reverse gear works.

Transmission failed at early miles around 90k.

I have been hearing a high pitched whirling noise. I took it to my dealership and the diagnostic report said it was an internal transmission problem. They said there was no code identified when they ran the diagnostic test, but they could also hear the noise. There were no other symptoms of an issue other than the noise I heard. I have done all scheduled maintenance for this car since I leased, then purchased it in 2019. When I researched the issue further, I found that vehicles from 2019 are known to have been built with faulty transmissions. I did not know this at the time of purchase.

Transmission began making high pitch whining sound with hard shifting to second gear. Within one year the transmission completely went out and was stuck in third gear.

I’m concerned that my transmission was defective. My vehicle has 94k miles and was told by dealer I needed a new transaxle. We have never used our vehicle to tow or ever been stuck. It just doesn’t make sense why it would be defective. I was able to locate a Toyota bulletin regarding this.

My Toyota was just in the shop for 100,000 mile service and investigation of whining noise upon acceleration. Was notified that the transmission needs replaced and will cost over $7500 . Transmissions are supposedly on back order. Upon further investigation, discovered there is a known issue with 2017-2019 Highlander transmissions that Toyota failed to issue a recall and failed to notify owners of these models. Repairs have not been made as transmissions are on backorder due to the magnitude of the issue.

On Sunday, February 1st 2026 during sub-freezing temperatures the vehicle's 8-speed automatic transmission (ua80) experienced a complete mechanical failure while driving. This resulted in a sudden and total loss of vehicle propulsion, requiring the car to be towed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle's awd system indicator light was illuminated. The failure was diagnosed by alexandria Toyota on February 3rd of 2026 as a catastrophic internal transmission failure requiring full replacement of the transmission assembly with cooler (see attached quote). This defect causes an unreasonable safety risk by potentially stranding the vehicle in moving traffic or causing a crash due to unexpected loss of power.

Transmission starting making a whining noise failing at 106,950 miles. Inspection by transmission shop shows issue related to ua80e/f transmissions. Concerns or increased inspection for transmission were never mentioned during prior maintenance with dealerships or any notices sent out to owners. No warnings or codes recorded on system eco. •Toyota tech tip t tt 0410 •bulletin t sb 0160 18 •bulletin t sb 0008 21 •bulletin t sb 0122 20 •bulletin t sb 0087 23.

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? system: power train: automatic transmission specific component: ua80 8-speed automatic transmission (internal failure) available for inspection: yes, the vehicle is currently available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? while merging onto the highway, the transmission failed to upshift, resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of acceleration. The vehicle could not reach or maintain highway speeds (speed limit). This created an immediate hazard as I was unable to keep up with the flow of traffic, forcing me to make an emergency exit across multiple lanes while moving significantly slower than other vehicles. The loss of motive power increased the risk of a high-speed rear-end collision. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer? yes. The problem was confirmed by heritage Toyota service. The technicians confirmed an internal transmission failure. A secondary consultation with a transmission specialist (aamco) also identified the failure as a known mechanical defect common to this transmission model. 4. Has the vehicle been inspected by the manufacturer. . . Or others? yes, it has been inspected by the authorized Toyota dealership listed above. I have also reported the issue to Toyota brand engagement (national), but a corporate field inspection (dspm) has not yet been performed. 5. Were there any warning lamps. . . Or other symptoms? symptoms: a distinct whining noise from the engine/transmission area that increased with vehicle speed. Prior events: the vehicle was taken to the dealer specifically for this noise. The dealer performed a fluid change and released the vehicle. The catastrophic failure (loss of power) occurred less than 24 hours after leaving the dealership. No dashboard warning lights illuminated prior to the loss of power.

Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power and severe hesitation from a stop. Acceleration is extremely weak from approximately 0–20 mph, then returns to normal once moving. Traction control system automatically disables itself and check engine light illuminates. Vehicle feels unsafe when pulling into traffic or intersections due to delayed acceleration. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved: p0740 (torque converter clutch actuator stuck on), p0745 (pressure control solenoid a stuck off), and p2713 (pressure control solenoid d stuck off). Dealer recommended full transmission replacement costing over $11,000 at only 79,000 miles. Dealer stated this failure is common on this model. Similar failures have been reported by other owners of Toyota vehicles equipped with the ua80 8-speed automatic transmission. No recall currently exists for this issue. This condition presents a safety concern due to delayed acceleration when entering traffic and loss of traction control functionality. Vehicle is being driven minimally until repaired.

The transmission is whining and is going out it is shifting hard now.

My 2019 Toyota Highlander started making a whining noise from 0mph to 40mph-- and at times would shift hard. I took it to first mechanic who stated it was definitely a transmission issue. I took it to a transmission shop who also confirmed it was a transmission issue. I had vehicle towed to Toyota dealer who performed a multipoint inspection and vehicle was placed on a scanner. The codes indicated "internal failure" on transmission and quoted me $10,500 to remove and replace. Parts are backordered for 8 weeks+. Current transmission is only at 63,000 miles and I am the 2nd owner.

Transmission failed catastrophically at 133,000 miles while vehicle was in operation at a busy intersection. Vehicle became immobilized and unable to move. Unable to safely exit vehicle due to traffic. Stranded for 60-90 minutes with multiple vehicles nearly striking the disabled vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Police were called but failed to show up. Prior to failure: vehicle exhibited loud whining noise during initial startup that would sometimes lessen or stop. This symptom appeared sometime within the last 1,000 miles of operation. Toyota dealer service at 132k miles noted transmission fluid was "ok" during routine maintenance. At 133k miles transmission failed catastrophically. Independent transmission service center reports burnt-smelling transmission fluid indicating severe thermal damage and transmission failure. Problem confirmed by two independent service centers. Transmission is available for inspection upon request. Vehicle is not drivable.

Ua80 transmission failed.

High pitch wine when accelerating.

Transmission began to manifest gear shifting issues. Took to mechanic shop to have diagnosed and found premature wear. The recommendation was to replace this transmission. However there are no factory replacements for this transmission and the only alternative is a used transmission replacement. Parts can't be sourced for even a rebuild. This vehicle has 96k miles on it. In review of recommended, routine services for this vehicle, transmission service is not recommended due to being a "sealed" transmission. Apparently this is a known issue as documented by Toyota under TSB "csp zjc". In this particular situation there have not been any warning lights. Replacement quote for a used transmission was $15,000 on 01/12/2025.

Transmission has high pitch when accelerating.

Transmission failure. Unexpectedly failed while driving. Failure to accelerate before total failure. Repaired with used transmission since new ones are unavailable. Called Toyota to report the failure. No acknowledgement of any failure mechanism.

Transmission stopped working while I was driving. Could not drive the car.

Good morning, I purchased a 2019 Toyota Highlander at a Toyota dealership and the transmission has died at 68,000. It died while driving in heavy traffic with my kids in the car. Toyota has completed an inspection of the transmission and determined that it needed to be replaced. They also said that because the transmissions are in back order due to all of the failures, I would have to wait 45-60 days to get a remanufactured transmission. I've also heard that they are replacing these transmissions with the same ones that are failing and only offering a 1 year warranty. Ive already spoke with Toyota brand engagement and they told me that there was nothing that they could do.

We began to hear a whine coming from the front of our 2019 Highlander. The tone of the whine got higher as we picked up speed. We went immediately for a preliminary review at the dealer who indicated that it was a known transmission problem in several model years, and the whine would only become more pronounced. We further understood that the very same transmission in our 2019 Highlander has been covered by a recall in years just prior and after 2019, but not for our particular VIN. Nevertheless, it is obvious to even the Toyota dealer mechanic that it is the same issue. The car has been carefully used and maintained since purchasing it new--it only has approximately 74,000. We expect our transmission fix or replacement to be covered.

While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden transmission failure. The vehicle began to lose power and was unable to shift properly, making it difficult and unsafe to continue driving. I had the vehicle inspected and the transmission is currently being rebuilt. The mechanic performing the rebuild has stated that the failure was caused by a faulty build and a manufacturer defect, not normal wear and tear. I am currently awaiting written documentation from the mechanic confirming this, which will be submitted once received.

The transmission failed while going up a steep hill the car lost power and shut off. Could have caused seriously property and body damage if traffic or people were around. Luckily no accident happened but could certainly cause an accident if the circumstances are different. Please make an official complain so this could be fully investigated.

2019 Toyota Highlander with approx 178000 miles, ua80e transmission sudden failure while traveling approximately 30 mph, on city street. Manually pushed vehicle to safety away from traffic and unto a parking lot. That same evening drove vehicle about 20 feet to a more secure parking spot. Vehicle has not been moved since 12/15/25. No leaks, no spills etc extremely dangerous.

On Monday December 15, 2025 our transmission failed as we began to drive up a small grade in between two sets of railroad tracks at the intersection of cary, ushers and coons crossing road in the county of saratoga, NY. If it had failed on one of the two sets of tracks it may have endangered us. On December 17, 2025 northway Toyota in latham, NY diagnosed the transmission failure at their dealership. I had attached the appropriate documents. The only warning for failure was a whining sound a few days leading up to the failure, but we thought it was a normal sound from the engine which we have subsequently learned was a sign of a failing transmission as we investigated prior complaints from others.

My wife was driving here Highlander at freeway speeds when the vehicle started slowing and would not respond to the throttle. No warnings lights. It would drive but not accelerate to any reasonable speed. She pulled off the freeway and found a parking lot to test, restart car, etc. Again, no warning lights. Once in park, the vehicle would not shift into gear but only revved. The vehicle could not be driven and towed to a Toyota dealer and after a number of tests, it was diagnosed as a blown transmission. It was replaced at great expense. I do not know what the dealer did with the transmission but it was not tested. The safety issue is the sudden and expected loss of power/drive train on a freeway. The vehicle has been well maintained. At 100k, plugs and transmission fluid were replaced. Although the vehicle had around 130k miles, the transmission should not have failed in my opinion.

With under 80,000 miles, my 2019 Toyota Highlander xle needed a full transmission replacement. Noticed some rough gear changes for about 2-weeks (mostly changing from park to drive), then on my drive home from work, the rpm spiked high and all the sensor lights came on (awd, check engine, etc). I drove the rest of the way with hazard lights in limp-mode. Took my car into a Toyota dealer service center (kenosha WI), they did not make any repairs - just disabled the sensor lights and did a test drive - ended up keeping a 2nd day and replaced transmission fluid since they were seeing oddities with shifting. Within 1 week, the same thing happened. This time, I could hardly make it above 20 mph, basically no acceleration. Received 2 quotes from independent transmission specialists / repair shops - both confirmed I needed a new transmission. They said the car is unsafe to drive until it is replaced. This was right near my 6-year 100,000 warranty. Perhaps a few months beyond 6 years. Toyota opted not to make any repairs / improvements. Left the car in unsafe condition for me and my kids. Toyota then quoted $16,346 for a new transmission. Other quotes I received were $10,000 less than Toyota, using new Toyota parts. Seemed like price gauging to me.

Transmission failure resulted in sudden loss of power while driving, creating a safety risk in traffic. Vehicle was unable to accelerate and required immediate repair. Put myself and my children at risk, as the car suddenly died while I was driving it. Prior to this, there were not issues. Has been routinely maintained and only has approx 83k miles. Toyota agreed that the transmission is the only issue with my car but won't cover the cost to replace it (10k) or the cost of a loaner vehicle. I have been without a car for almost a month while the (refurbished) transmission is on backorder.

Transmission problems at 62000 miles high pitched whine with acceleration.

The vehicle is relatively new 2019 and mileage is low 45000 car was humming for no reason for a day or two and its well maintained, today at busy thoroughfare it stalled at intersection of Ave u and another street and was behaving erratically due to know manufacture defect of Toyota transmission ua80e/f that causes sudden stall and thank god have. I stalled on highway it would have been a catastrophe. I want NHTSA to acknowledge danger this poses to drivers if suden loss of power occurs suddenly hoping for a solution to this dangerous manufacture defect.

•what component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? transmission and power train failure during normal operation. Vehicle was occupied by mother and two small children. Vehicle produced a whining noise, delay in shifting and power failure. No warning lights appeared to give any indication of failure prior to occurring. Vehicle is available for inspection. •how was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? vehicle stalled during normal operation. No warning indicators were present. No ability to proceed to shoulder. Traffic hazard in middle of road. Possibility of being rear ended increased. Exiting the vehicle in traffic to determine fault increase probability of being struck. Two young children seated to the rear should vehicle be rear ended due to sudden stop could cause catastrophic injuries or death. •has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, vehicle was taken and diagnostic conducted by glendora Toyota. Vehicle was kept overnight. Dealer determined that vehicle had a transmission failure. Multiple articles and bulletins by Toyota indicating and acknowledging transmission failures in 2019 Toyota Highlander. •has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? vehicle has only been inspected by glendora Toyota service personnel. •were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? no warning lights or indicators. Whining noise was heard prior and taken to glendora Toyota for diagnosis. They advised no problems with vehicle.

Premature failure of ua80f transmission with 80,000 miles on vehicle which has been regularly serviced and maintained. Failure symptoms demonstrated match documented cases exactly resulting in the ultimate and complete failure of the transmission resulting in the vehicle being towed in to the dealer for a repair. Repair bill upwards of $10,000 however being told parts not available leaving me with a 40k vehicle that is unable to be repaired.

My vehicle was taken into Toyota dealership for diagnostics after experiencing a whine noise from transmission after driving. Toyota confirmed that I will need a new transmission. After researching I found that there is a defect in the transmissions for my specific type. It has been reported for years but Toyota has not addressed. Since it is a transmission failure this could lead to a breakdown while driving on highways and could risk my safety and other drivers. The estimated repair cost are currently above $8k.

Transmission failure. Vehicle is at this time still operational however the transmission has developed the ever so common whining sound and sluggish shifting. Upon fluid inspection metal filings can be seen and replacement has been recommended by repair shop. The whining has been evident for some time but after investigating this issue decided to have inspected. This inspection was just completed on 11/14/25.

The car started making a wining noise while accelerating. The car was brought to my local dealer where I always have my service done and they said I need a new transmission. The cost will be approx. $9,300. 00. The car has less than 84,000 miles on it and is just 6 years old. Every recommend service has been done to date.