general problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander - part 2

Whining noise when accelerating. Took it to Toyota dealership and confirm it was the transmission . Toyota corporate would not assist repair cost as my warranty is 7k miles pass warranty mark. . Did a research about the transmission and there is a class action law suit about the faulty transmission.

After my 75000 mile inspection at my Toyota dealership, which is required and I have been bring my vehicle in every 5,000 miles. I started hearing a slight whinny noise. I thought it was around my wheels or tires. Then I thought it must be a new wind noise. Which that is another issue. I took a short trip and by the time I got back it was louder. I took it to the dealership and the technician drove it and said I need a new transmission. I ask my service provider if he has seen any other vehicles having this problem? and I should not have any transmission issues at this mileage. My service provider stated that he knows of Highlanders having this issues.

Transmission gave out.

The vehicle’s transmission makes an audible whining noise during acceleration and intensifies as the car increases speed. The vehicle has been diagnosed and inspected at the original dealer where the car was purchased and confirmed that the transmission needs to be replaced. The vehicle’s powertrain warranty has just expired and this issue is a major problem and concern with similar model years.

Transmission is defective. I do have a warranty that I purchased but I am aware that this is a faulty transmission for the 2020 and 2021 Highlander and Toyota refuses to do anything about it. Transmission is 2 - 3 months backordered and Toyota will not provide a rental.

On September 2, 2025, the vehicle’s hybrid system shut down on cold start and the vehicle would not start. A dealer inspection reported coolant had entered cylinder #4, allegedly causing the engine block to warp, the cylinder head to crack, and the head gasket to fail. This was a sudden catastrophic engine failure on a five-year-old vehicle with no prior overheating warnings, no dashboard alerts, and no performance issues in the days leading up to the failure. It is highly unlikely for an engine block to warp without sustained overheating, yet the failure occurred on a cold start. The dealership itself described this as a “premature failure” in their service report. At approximately 26,000 miles, the vehicle’s coolant thermostat failed and was replaced under warranty. If the thermostat stuck closed even briefly, the engine could have experienced one or more silent overheat events that never registered on the dashboard. In aluminum blocks, even short bursts of high localized heat can create latent distortion that doesn’t cause immediate problems but can eventually lead to catastrophic failure years later. Safety risk: – vehicle became disabled suddenly without warning. – engine failure occurred without overheating symptoms, creating risk of sudden shutdown during use. Problem confirmation: – engine failure confirmed by a Toyota-authorized dealer. – dealer service report explicitly called this a “premature failure. ” warning lamps / symptoms: – a check engine light appeared briefly three days before failure, then cleared on its own. – no overheating warnings or drivability issues were observed prior to failure.

Road noise was very loud. I thought it was a bearing and I took it to the shop and found out that the 'transfer box' on the side of the transmission had to be replaced. I was told that not replacing it could lead to major transmission failure. This cost $6000. Mechanic said it's unusual. Upon reading the internet I'm learning that I'm not the only one this and similar problems.

Transmission whine owners of 2017–2022 Toyota Highlanders, 2017–2020 siennas, and 2018–2020 camrys are experiencing serious transmission issues—including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. These vehicles are equipped with the ua80f (awd) and ua80e (fwd) 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Transmission failure at 78,000 miles.

2020 Toyota Highlander l transmission. . Whining noise it gets louder when accelerating.

Transmission planetary gears in 2020 Toyota Highlander. Makes a "whining" noise when accelerating. No warning lights or other symptoms. Many reported problems with this model but no recall. Many people are needing to pay out of pocket due to the 60k mileage powertrain warranty.

My 2020 vehicle has 75,000 miles on it. It started making a high pitched sound when accelerating. I brought my vehicle to the dealership where I bought it, to have it inspected. I was assuming it would be a belt or an easy fix. The service agent walked over and cooly explained that I need a new transmission. He continued to say that this is a common issue with this make and model. He stated that at the beginning of the year customers were having to wait a couple of months of transmission parts, but now because of the demand due to the well known power train failure, that the current wait time for transmission parts are only two weeks. He stated several times, that this is a common problem, one that car owners are expected to pay $9,000. To fix. A quick google search brings up a plethora of customers having the same exact problem. Toyota needs to make this right and issue a recall on their faulty product.

On August 3, 2025, the vehicle developed a loud humming noise. After an inspection on August 12, heritage Toyota informed me that the transmission had failed and would require replacement at an estimated cost of $9,000. This failure occurred only days past the five-year warranty and just 8,834 miles beyond the 60,000-mile powertrain limit. I immediately contacted Toyota’s brand engagement center (case #250814000192). Despite speaking with multiple representatives over several weeks, my inquiries were repeatedly delayed, escalated, or dismissed. At one point, I was even informed that further follow-up on my case would be deleted through Toyota website. Ultimately, I was offered 50% coverage of the transmission replacement. While I appreciate this offer, it does not fully address the seriousness of a transmission failure occurring under such circumstances. I also contacted heritage Toyota directly to request assistance, but my calls to the service manager went unanswered, and the dealership declined to provide any additional support. I believe this situation raises concerns about both product quality and customer care. A transmission should not fail in under five years with fewer than 70,000 miles, especially on a well-maintained vehicle serviced exclusively by Toyota. I respectfully request that Toyota be held accountable for this failure and that further review be conducted to determine whether this issue represents a larger pattern of premature transmission failures in Highlanders.

My wife was driving on the highway, felt a bump and the engine rpms spiked. The check engine light came on as well as a error message that the secondary collision braking system was disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and we were told there was a internal failure in the transmission. The vehicle has approximately 80k miles.

The contact's wife owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that soon after purchasing a new set of tires, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound upon acceleration. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, and the contact was informed that no defect was found on the vehicle. As the failure persisted, the vehicle was taken back to the shop, where the tires were purchased. The contact was informed that there was no defect in the tires, and the failure might be related to the differentials of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was offered partial financial assistance towards the purchase of a new engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

A dealership has confirmed that the transmission in my 2020 Toyota Highlander is bad. It has 101k miles on it currently. I purchased this vehicle with the mindset that I would get 200,000 or 300,000 miles of use with it. I am now having to decide if I am going to trade it in or pay $9,000 to have the transmission replaced. I have been told that there are other 2020 Toyota Highlanders having this same issue. Has there been anything to determine what is causing this issue with the transmissions and will there be a recall?.

76,000 miles on my 2020 Highlander. Car was made in September 2020, less than 5 years old. Started to hear whining noise from transmission. Over past few days it has gotten louder. Took to serra Toyota dealer today in birmingham, alabama. They confirmed a problem with transmission and told me I needed a new one for $8600. None are even available. I refuse to pay Toyota any money for this. This is a known issue with the ua80e transmission. The transmission may completely stop working at anytime now. Dealer was unwilling to do anything to help me since car is out of 60,000 mile warranty, and no TSB's or recalls are for my particular year 2020. There is a TSB for 2021 ua80e transmissions. I am so angry about this. This is a clear manufacturing defect. When this transmission dies which will be sooner than later the car will be worthless with no transmissions available.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, there was abnormal whining sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to customer support program: pol 19-04. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 129,000.

Ua80e or ua80f Toyota transmission require a complete replacement at 65k miles. Not covered under warranty or technical service bulletin t-sb-0160-18, t-sb-0008-21.

Whining noise upon acceleration, replacement transmission recommended by Toyota dealer. Defective ua80f installed.

At approximately 72,000 miles, my 2020 Toyota Highlander platinum was diagnosed by my dealership with a failing transmission that requires full replacement. I first began hearing a high-pitched whining noise during light acceleration shortly after a routine oil change, at some point between 60,000 and 70,000 miles. I did not immediately recognize it as a drivetrain issue until the symptoms worsened. This model uses Toyota’s ua80 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been the subject of technical service bulletin t-sb-0008-21 and a customer support program (zjc) for earlier Highlander models due to similar internal component failures. Despite clear continuity in the symptoms and transmission design, Toyota has not extended coverage or issued a recall for 2020 models like mine. The failure occurred shortly after the end of the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but symptoms began while the vehicle was still within warranty range. Toyota has not responded to my formal escalation through customer care for nearly three weeks. I am deeply concerned Toyota is not addressing what appears to be a systemic and known defect in a critical drivetrain component that can jeopardize vehicle safety. There was no warning light or dashboard alert at the time the failure developed, making this both a mechanical and safety concern. While this issue does not involve a catastrophic failure like the takata airbag recall, Toyota’s lack of response to a known, widespread transmission issue raises broader concerns about safety, transparency, and accountability. A sudden transmission failure—particularly at highway speeds—could result in loss of power or control. Given that several owners have filed similar complaints, I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate this issue further and assess whether Toyota should issue a recall or expanded service campaign for 2020 Highlander models equipped with the ua80 transmission, particularly in light of prior coverage for earlier model years.

My 2020 Toyota Highlander platinum started having the well-known "whining" sound at just under 60,000k. This is coming from the transmission. The vehicle is now just over 60,000k and I did not know that the noise was a cause for concern, let alone something that was an issue (I am not tech savvy - I'm just a regular person). I will not drive this vehicle again, as it is my only transportation for my children. Toyota issued a service bulletin about this issue for 2021 Highlanders only, but as I am now experiencing this problem, I see that this is something well known as a problem.

All of the sudden around 70k miles, the transmission started to make a "whining" noise. It does not sound right and I'm afraid the transmission could fail while I'm driving. I took it to the dealer and they acknowledged that it's a known issue but that in my case the noise is not loud enough to warrant replacing the transmission. A quick research on the internet revels that this is a very common problem.

At approximately 75,000 miles the vehicle had a whining noise coming from the engine area. Took it to the dealer and they tested it, listened to it and determined that the transmission needed replaced. They confirmed the t-case oil is in good condition and level. No maintenance issues or concerns. Just that the transmission had gone bad. Toyota wants $8,000 to replace a transmission with low miles for a 2020 vehicle.

Transmission making whining noise that increases with speed. Concerned about safety if transmission fails while driving diagnostic done at Toyota and confirmed transmission is failing and needs new replacement. There are no warning lamps. Noise has increased intensity over short period of time.

8 speed automatic transmission started whining at 45k miles (purchased new), has been inspected, dealer confirmed transmission is bad and part is on back order (date keeps moving out),.

My 2020 Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota’s ua80 8?speed transmission. At around 62, 000 miles, a loud whining noise developed. The dealership confirmed the transmission is defective. Toyota has issued multiple technical service bulletins acknowledging this transmission defect across all 2020 Highlanders with the ua80, but they are refusing to cover my repair because I am slightly over the 60,000?mile powertrain warranty. Impact: this is a confirmed design flaw that affects every 2020 Highlander with the ua80 transmission. I rely on this vehicle as my only means of commuting to work—if the transmission fails, I will lose my job.

Toyota Highlander 2020 less than 5 years 63,000 miles started making noise dealer where I bought it; said my warranty expired with 60,000 miles , so I have to pay transmission replace close to $9,000 , obviously this is a Toyota fabrication problem they need to assume responsibility .

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 30 mph, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The failure mileage was 78,000.

The transmission is making a whining noise at 104;368 miles. We own another 2020 Toyota Highlander and it had to have the transmission replaced for the same reason. It is available for inspection. It’s a safety hazard because it’s a bearings in the transmission that’s failing. The transmission will eventually stop working. The issue was confirmed by a Toyota dealer and one of our transmissions has already had to be replaced. Toyota has a service bulletin out for this known problem. There were no warning signs for the transmission noise.

It’s been a known issue that Toyota Highlander has transmission problems under 100k miles from 2016-2021 or later (social media sites confirmed such). My vehicle require a trans axle replacement as well as the struts are leaking oil and my vehicle has less than 62k miles and is only 5 years old. This is being covered under my extended warranty but parts are on back order after doing research many owners complain about a whining noise showing acceleration of vehicle . If left unfixed this leads to transmission gears slipping and eventually needing an entire replacement some owners also complain about leaky struts. My car has an issue with leaky struts and is being fixed under warranty some owners say they need an entire new transmission and after that is replaced the rear transaxle goes and needs replacement Toyota is not putting a recall on this but it’s a known issue. Owners are asking to have this put out as a recall by toy. All parts are on back order and takes several months before transmission can be repaired or replaced. This tells me there are hundreds if not thousands of Highlander’s having the same issue this is a Toyota problem and is related to building transmission in the factory. . Recall the older vehicles and do better in the factory.

Whining noise from the transmission after 66k miles - change fluids still no improvement - known issue with ua80 transmission . Dealers knew of the issue but still sold cars.

Around 90,000 miles, the transmission has started to whine really bad. This seems to be a common problem with this 2018 to 2021 Highlanders, but 2020 has no recall or service bulletin. My mechanic priced a transmission from a dealership and was told it would be 3 months at least to get a reman transmission. There is a good chance of catastrophic failure before we can get a new transmission installed.

At around 61,000 miles, I noticed a whining sound in the vehicle when accelerating. I took the vehicle in to a Toyota dealer for diagnostics and their technicians indicated that my vehicle had transmission failure and it needed to be completely replaced - quoted at $8,000 to do the replacement. Diagnostic appointment also cost $174. Parts are on back order and no one could tell me when parts would come in - guess was one month. In reality, parts are now finally in (I'm about to take it in to be fixed) after 2 months. I was told by the dealership that I could drive it at my own risk of failure - if it were to fail, I would be stranded wherever that may be putting my family and those around me at risk due to the unknown nature of when that could happen. This failure is recorded for the same model and same ua80 transmission on several online forums: [xxx] the vehicle has been inspected by a Toyota dealer as I stated previously. Diagnostic report says "internal component failure. Recommend transmission" no other warning lights or messages from the car to warn me of this problem even now. Just the whining sound from the failure itself. Keep in mind, Toyota's powertrain warranty period is 5 years or 60,000 miles - this vehicle just surpassed both of those limits as this problem came about. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

2020 Toyota Highlander l developed a whining noise and after extensively researching this sound it seems like its common on Highlanders with the ua80 transmission and leads to transmission failure. There is a Toyota forum where owners have gathered about this issue not only for this year Highlander but early models when the specific transmission above started being used. Quotes to replaced this transmission range from $6,000-$13,000 at the dealer. Toyota has been called and they have been of no help to anyone. Even worse it seems all places are backordered on these transmissions and owners are left without a car. To quote a Toyota member who called to get hemp with the issue, this is what Toyotas response was: “ Toyota refuses any support stating that "we can't predict an average life expectancy for any specific part of component", this only means life expectancy on their parts does not exist? shouldnt they have a target life expectancy on parts? a lot of dissatisfied Toyota owners as Toyota is hiding from this issue.