Electrical System Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

Extremely loud high pitched noise when the vehicle starts. The problem began early October 2024 and has continued. It happens every time the car turns on.

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When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers. It's so loud you instinctively close your eyes and put your hands on your ears, ignoring whatever you were doing before (like maybe putting the car in gear). It lasts a second or two then stops. It doesn't happen every time, more like every 10 starts. I called Toyota and they said take it to the dealer. I'm still waiting to get their feedback.

Intermittent extremely loud ear-piercing high pitched noise coming from speakers upon starting the vehicle. The volume of the sounds is extremely high, the loudest noise I've ever heard. The sound lasts about 5 seconds. I am concerned for the safety of our hearing, for my family, including our children. It has not been reproduced at the service center because it is intermittent. I have read online where others with the similar year/make/model experienced it and have varying success by re-subscribing to Toyota sos safety connect ($80/year), or replacing the data communication module (dcm). If not uner warranty, this costs thousands of dollars. I have tried re-subscribing to the safety connect but it does not work, and the dealer wants me to pay additionally for them to see why this safety feature is not working in my car. There is no warning before this loud sound presents.

Was stuck in traffic on a highway for about 25 minutes going 0 miles per hour because of an accident about 5 miles away. Then the traffic started to clear and began driving on the road again. About five minutes later, the vehicle lost full drive abilities and the check engine light came on, traction control light on, brake light was on, abs light was on, stability control warning light on, and then on the info screen the vehicle stated, "hybrid system malfunction stop in a safe place, see owner's manual", screen then showed within 2-seconds, "pre-collision system malfunction visit your dealer", then in about 2 additional seconds later the info screen stated, "check engine visit your dealer", then most every waring light turned on, and there was no power for drive with either hybrid or gasoline engine. The vehicle basically came to a sudden halt in the middle of traffic with steering wheel locked and no control. Had to get police involved and a tow to get off the road. Had vehicle towed to a local Toyota dealership and they do not open until Monday at 9am. This incident occurred on Saturday around 3pm.

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 mph, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing. The contact related the failure to NHTSA campaign number: 18e107000 (electrical system, visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.

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[xxx], while driving on a [xxx], my 2021 Highlander platinum unexpectedly shut down without any prior warning or indication of a malfunction. This abrupt failure put my safety, as well as that of my passengers and other motorists, at considerable risk. As a longtime Toyota customer, I have always valued the reputation of Toyota vehicles for their reliability and safety. However, this incident has significantly shaken my confidence in that reputation. I trusted that my vehicle, particularly one as recent as the 2021 Highlander, would perform safely and effectively in all driving conditions. The complete and sudden failure of the vehicle on a busy highway is not only unacceptable, but also alarming. I now find myself questioning whether I can continue to rely on this vehicle or the brand itself. After having the vehicle towed from obstructing a busy lane of traffic, the battery was jump started to get the car running again. I had never had any issues with battery and all regular services had been completed at a Toyota service center, but several codes appeared on the dashboard after this incident advising the vehicle be taken to a dealer. Vehicle was taken to Toyota service center [xxx] for a diagnostic check, but they couldn’t find any error codes or issues with the vehicle. I contacted Toyota to thoroughly investigate this matter and address the underlying issue that caused the shutdown, so that I can regain confidence in its safety and dependability. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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The rear hatch of the vehicle started malfunctioning right when the three year manufacture's warranty was expiring on 08/2024 (very convenient). It would only open part way, barely or sometimes not open at all. One instance, my dog's tail got stuck in the hatch and it would not open. I had to force it open and thankfully I am able to do that. January of 2025 I took the car into will's Toyota in twin falls, id (where I purchased it new) and they told me that my option was to replace the hydraulic struts that were $1000 for the service. I took the car in on 10/23/25 due to the issue getting worse to have them replace the hydraulic struts. The dealership said they've had a lot of cars with the same issue. I just do not understand how a company can sell a car and a major part of the car fail conveniently when the warranty is to expire. Oh and I called Toyota customer service to complain and they said they don't keep track of this kind of thing. . .

When starting the 2019 Highlander, the car would intermittently emit a screeching noise. This noise is startling and can potentially cause a crash if it is emit while driving. This is a known issue since it made to the Toyota forum: [xxx] however, when I brought the car to the dealership, they’re stating that they don’t know about the issue, and want to charge $300 just to diagnose the problem without guarantee the fix or acknowledge the known issue. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While driving the car at approximately 40 mphs the car suddenly jolted and stopped moving. Luckily no one was behind and I pulled over also noticing check engine light came on. I immediately called Toyota and was able to drive it to them. I spent $140 diagnosis fees for them to say it was ignition coil b. After replacing the coil the light and same problems continued. We took the car to another mechanic, spent $600 diagnosis fees to find out it is the ecm. We then contacted the Toyota dealer asking about previous recalls that were on the ecm for 2018 Toyota Highlanders which is our car. They stated our car based off the VIN has no recalls. How could this recall be for 2018 Toyota Highlanders but not for our 2018 Toyota Highlander with the same issues? our car only has 80,000 miles.

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The battery was leaking fluid, smoke was visible and rotten smell from the battery. Electrical secondary brake system came on the dashboard.

The start/stop operating system failed. When the engine cut off while waiting for train to pass, the engine went to turn over and completely stopped the vehile. Although the car would not start, I was unable to cut the car off completely. It would say ignition on. The lights in vehicle were on. Running the ac caused the car to say high power consumption but there was no way to cut vehicle off without removing the battery to reset the vehicle. Caused the car to malfunction while sitting at a complete stop. Also cause the parking break to engage and I was unable to disengage parking break. A message came across saying parking break unavailable. My safety and others were put at risk because had it happened at any other time a crash would have been caused. It caused a roadway to be blocked off which caused confusion and near accidents.

The check engine light came on and I took it into Toyota of downtown dealership where I was receiving periodic maintenance. After 2 days, they said the light was out but they hadn't found the cause. I could either leave if for a few more days or take it and bring it back if the light came on again. This was early August. I chose to take the car & when the check engine warning light came on again, I took it in on Aug 15, 2024 before I left to portland to give them more time. I returned on Monday & couldn't reach them. The next day they informed me that while on a test drive, there was a loud bang, it started smoking and by the time 911 arrived it was on fire. After a 2 month investigation by Toyota's engineering analysis fire inspection, they concluded Toyota was not involved. The dealership has not provided me with the report although I've requested it but they aren't accepting responsibility either although it was in their possession when the fire occurred.

2017 Highlander with the auto start/stop. It will sometimes go completely dead when idling, like at a stop light. Completely dead meaning zero electricity - no lights. This will last a couple of seconds. But one day, the car died at a stop light right. No power. Completely dead. Couldn’t turn on my hazard lights gears were stuck. Couldn’t shift gears.

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The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 70 mph in the fast lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed while attempting to turn to the left or the right. Additionally, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder, and the vehicle shut off. The contact called roadside assistance and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 17,781.

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The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, and the battery was replaced, as recommended by the local dealer; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where it was diagnosed that the start/stop system was draining the battery. As a result of the failure, the start/stop system was turned off. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

Loud screeching noise from stereo speakers. Very loud.

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Subject: urgent safety concern - recurring issues with Toyota Highlander hybrid models dear national highway traffic safety administration, we owned the car since almost new, after repeated attempts with Toyota, like others 300k customers from their own site, I am writing to file a formal complaint regarding persistent safety issues with Toyota Highlander hybrid models, specifically between the years 2004 and 2007. Despite previous reports and numerous attempts to seek assistance from Toyota, the response has been unsatisfactory, with the company deflecting responsibility rather than providing a resolution. **vehicle information:** - make: Toyota - model: Highlander hybrid - year: 2007 - VIN: jtehw21a570043517 **description of the issue:** 1) the primary concerns involve the hybrid a) brake actuators failing/loosing braking power 2) the electrical inverters, which have shown a pattern of failure across many vehicles, including my own. 3) leaky blow back from engine into intake. 4) seat belts are not properly retracting, these failures could compromise the safety of the vehicle but also risk to the driver, passengers, and others on the road. **previous reports:** I have previously reported these issues to Toyota, but the attempts to resolve the matter have been met with deflection of blame. It is imperative to note that these issues are not isolated incidents but are widely reported by other owners of the same model. **impact on safety:** the malfunctioning of critical components such as the braking system has led to near-miss incidents that could have resulted in severe injuries or fatalities. It is unacceptable for such critical safety issues to remain unaddressed. **request for action:** I urge the NHTSA to investigate these reports thoroughly and take appropriate action to hold Toyota and its ceo accountable. The safety of countless drivers and the integrity of our transportation system depend on your prompt attention to this matter.

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The contact owns a 2016 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk power switch failed to function as intended. The contact stated that the trunk power switch was enabled to unlock, however the trunk door did not unlock. The contact stated that the trunk power switch failed to unlatch the trunk door and the trunk door was stuck. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with battery failure due to a lack of voltage. The contact was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure reoccurred. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that a representative provided remedy options over the phone. The contact stated that the failure reoccurred intermittently. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

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Car fire (total loss of vehicle) after hybrid malfunction. My family and I were traveling west bound on interstate 74 near crawfordsville indiana on April 8th, 2024. Trooper chelsey smith from the indiana state police (cad # 2024-00177352) came to the scene. Our car was traveling westbound at about 70 mph when I got a notification of "a malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected" - I acknowledged the alert and kept driving, then it showed again 30 seconds later and acknowledged again. About 30 seconds later I received a "hybrid system alert" stating "a malfuction in the hybrid system has been detected. Stop in a save location and contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected". The vehicle then notified me that it was reducing power output and we went from 70 to 20 mph in a few minutes. Then while we were going about 20 mph, the vehicle notified me that its going to come to a stop and shut off its power. I engaged the brakes and before coming to a full stop, thick brown smoke came out from the hood on the drivers side. Vehicle cam to a stop and we all jumped out of the vehicle. Within 30 seconds, the car had flames coming out of hood and front drivers side quarter panel. The fire then moved through the vehicle. Fire department came about 10 min later, but worked on it for 30+ mins to put out.

The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. While stopped at a gas station with the engine on, the contact's wife smelled an abnormal, burning odor coming from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact's wife saw flames shooting from the dashboard near the infotainment system; the contact's wife and children immediately exited the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact's wife suffered minor burns on her right hand but did not seek medical attention. The contact had the vehicle towed back home where it remained in the contact's possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.

My Highlander had a strange burning smell and we couldn’t find where it was coming from. We took it to a shop where they checked everything over and suggested that the smell was our brakes. They lubricated the brakes and replaced my tires and struts. When I went to pick up the vehicle I still noticed the strange smell, and I had the mechanic come out and check. He suggested that it was the leather conditioner that our detailer had used. I left and headed for home and in about 5 miles the control for the drivers heated seat started smoking and about 30 seconds later the plastic around the control began to melt and flames were coming out of the area next to the control. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. All of the heated seat components were original and we haven’t had any work done to it. The obvious safety concern here would be fire in the cabin of the vehicle while in motion. The fire and sheriffs departments showed up to the scene and the incident report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a shop where we are awaiting insurance adjuster to look at it. There were not any warning lights or signals of any kind; only the smoke very shortly before the visible flames.

Hi- I have always upkeep the maintenance on my vehicle and take pride taking care of it . But now out of nowhere my vehicle throttle was loose the mechanics can’t explain why and now the transmission is not working I have explained to them them driving the car does seem to stop them feels like it wasn’t to accelerate while driving. I don’t know if anyone else have reported this issue but it doesn’t make sense that for a vehicle le that’s been greatly taken care of the transmission is went out .

I have a sporadic high pitch screeching beep when I start my car. It started about 3 months ago. It is so loud and glad I don’t have little kids or older adults I have to transport. I have noticed my sos consistently blinks green and red.

While braked at a red light, my vehicle completely turned off. The engine would not restart, and all electrical panel light indicators did not come back on. I could not even turn on my hazards. The whole car was dead. After about a minute, I was able to restart the vehicle, but it took 5 attempts. I changed my battery two months ago, and just had my car checked by a mechanic and nothing was found to be the problem. No warning lamps or other messages were displayed. About 6 months ago, my car did something similar to this and stalled on the freeway in bumper to bumper traffic. However, this time the electrical panel light indicators came back on. No warning messages displayed. The car restarted after only one try. This is really dangerous to have a vehicle loose all power and completely die out!.

I had my battery replaced about 3 days ago at the Toyota dealership . Yesterday, I was stopped at a red light and when I attempted to drive, the vehicle stalled. “braking power low” message on the dashboard and the car would not restart. I was able to jump start it after about 30 minutes. I got towed to a local repair shop who could not identify or duplicate the issue. I had no warning indicators other than failing to start the morning of getting the battery replaced 3 days ago.

While accelerating onto highways, my Toyota Highlander suddenly misfires, causing rough engine and a natural response to decelerate instead of continuing to accelerate. The ignition coil was blamed, I replace and then a week later it happens again while trying to accelerate on the highway. Another replacement and then it happens again a third time. There was a known issue under Toyota’s TSB 0148-19, where engine computers were reprogrammed and all coils replaced. My vehicle model year and engine model but doesn’t show this TSB. I am aware tsbs are not recalls, but the sudden repeat engine misfires, all in a year, while accelerating to highway speeds, is a concern.

2016 Toyota Highlander le model v-6 cylinder. The fuel pump runs after engine has been turned off for several hours, even up to as many as 8 hours. This situation can be heard in a closed in garage, in the completely quiet of night time, and at multiple times during the same time period. It happens intermittently with various levels of gas in the tank. The length of time fuel pump can run can be as little as 10 minutes to over 60 minutes.

2012 Toyota Highlander was locked & battery was dead. Could not unlock using either the key fob or the mechanical key in the fob. Was told even the mechanical key requires battery power.

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When I start my 2019 Highlander there is a loud screech that startles you and makes you jump out of your seat. It’s a very loud feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the sos button flash multiple times. This happens very often but intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the sos button only flashes red/green once. This happened after the sos trial service had expired. I called the sos service and they told us to talk to the dealership. There needs to be a recall of the sos module or whatever is causing this.

This is the second incident with this vehicle in the past 4 months. When going to start my vehicle, it would not start. It gave me this error message: braking power low, stop in a safe place, see owners manual. There is nothing about this in the owners manual. The first time I thought it was battery related and after 3 different chargers on my vehicle, it finally started. Tonight I proceeded to push the button without the foot pedal and the radio came on, so it is definitely not the battery. I've tried several times to start and to no avail. Problem has not been reproduced as I cannot drive my vehicle at this time. No inspection as of yet. No warnings or symptoms prior to failure. Research shows it may have to do with a fuel pump pressure issue. I have paperwork on this issue under a customer support program 23te01. Hoping this can become a recall and I can get this fixed .

The car turns off when driving which was supposed to be corrected by recall. It doesn’t appear the recall has been successful in correcting the issue. I actually am not 100% sure they actually swapped out the recall part so I’d like that checked. I also purchased a new battery from the dealer about 3 weeks ago and the problem actually got worse in that it stalls while driving or resets the computer while driving at least once a week.

The vehicle has accelerated suddenly when I apply the brakes. It has happened on multiple occasions in different circumstances. I was heading up a hill into a slow stop at a stop sign and once I applied the brakes it suddenly jolted forward for a second until I slammed on the brakes more over riding it. I have had the car for a week and thought it could be just happen stance but it has happened multiple times. The first time there was a car in front of me as I applied the breaks and it is terrifying as I almost crashed into them.

I bought my car used. Only had it for 3years and already had to replace the battery twice. Once I was stopped at light turning left, yeild to oncoming traffic, since my foot was on brakes battery just dyed in middle of light, police had to come made sure I didn't get hit. 2nd time car cutt off at mcdonald's drive thru and battery went dead again. Something is wrong with batteries that make them go bad, n it's unsafe bc I've got stranded twice in not. So good places. .

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the sos button flash multiple times. This happens intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the sos button only flashes once.

Originally, 2019 Toyota Highlander lost engine power, steering, and braking on u. S. Route 30, a very busy highway. Managed to pull off side of road and waited. After a few moments car started and ran as expected. Took to local dealer who had the car for several days, but couldn't identify the problem. This instance was 2020/2021. Fast forward to this past September 26th. Pulling out of a private parking lot the car stalled exactly as it had previously. This complete failure of engine is going to get me killed. Further I now notice my dash lights are dimming for no reason then coming back to bright. Now I read where other Highlander are doing the exact thing. I have a car, I'm afraid to drive.