Engine And Engine Cooling Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

Hello, it seems that my vehicle is having a whirling noise when accelerating at different rpms. When I researched, it isn’t an isolated incident because many others online are experiencing the same issue with most of them being told that the transmission must be replaced. And further investigation, I found that the issue could be the trans axle assembly component which can cause issues if not replaced.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

My 2021 with 73000 miles is now at a dealershop 700 miles away from home. I didn't drive far while away but a week into my vacation, I started hearing a whining sound upon accelerating. Sound seemed to get louder on second day of hearing the sound. Took it to a dealership in the leesburg virginia area. . . . They charged me 203. 00 for diagnostics and indicated need new transmission for near $11,000. Each time I went to my dealership in my area for an oil change, they indicated that I needed a transmission fluid change. I read that when Toyota installed a "sealed transmission system" these changes would not be needed or at least limited. . . . Because the so call system is sealed, only dealership techs can check your fluid levels. How do you know if, when they check it, do they replace what they took out and if they do this regularly and don't refill what they took out, your fluid would eventually be pretty low. . . There is no way to check because "sealed transmission system" is only check by the dealerships (no transmission fluid dip stick on 2021 Highlanders (and 2022, 2024, 2025). So you can't check it like an oil dip stick. We're [xxx]. . . . . Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Upon acceleration, the engine revved high and a whine sound started once the car (2019 Highlander xle) approached 25-40 miles per hour. It appears that this is a transmission issue that Toyota was aware about years before selling the 2019 (and later) Highlander and other models (according to consumer complaints online). The car has 92,700 miles on it and is thus out of warranty. It had a recall in 2020 though I do not know exactly what was allegedly fixed. Had Toyota disclosed these serious transmission issues, I would not have purchased the car. My local mechanic has advised that the transmission will need to be replaced at a high cost.

My car was parked in the driveway with the engine running. The engine was then turned off from outside the vehicle using the start/stop button. Once the engine stopped, the car moved backward down the sloped driveway and struck a pickup truck that was parallel parked on the street. I then entered the vehicle and attempted to shift into drive, but a warning appeared indicating the hybrid system was off and instructing me to put the car in park. Multiple attempts were made to drive the car forward, but instead, it was driving in reverse. The car would not move forward for approximately five minutes. I eventually turned the engine off and restarted it after a couple of minutes. After restarting, I was able to drive the car off the street.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Needs transmission at 90,000 miles - original owner - well maintained car- manufacture defect according to dealer according to various websites other 2019 Toyota Highlanders have had similar issues had 2009 Highlander that lasted til almost 200,000 with no issues.

Transmission, jolts when backing up, and hesitates in traffic. The dealership confirmed it's the transmission. No warning lights, just running poorly with hesitation, afraid of breakdown. First appear a month ago after my warranty expired. I have a 2021 Highlander with 80,000 miles and still owe $22,992. 84 on the vehicle. My warranty 60/60,000 is of is not any good. The issues is the transmission. The dealership is telling me it's not covered even though this is an issue with this model. For a another $11,000 they can install a new transmission. Toyota you are better then this, my camry I had almost 300,000 on it. I had another Highlander before this one. Very disappointed.

When the ac system is turned on, the idle increases from 740rpm to 760rpm. It engages the torque converter in the automatic transmission causing the car to move forward on its own. This makes it difficult, whether you are in traffic or at a stop light where there are vehicles stopped infront of you. The driver has to press hard on the brake pedal to keep it from moving forward. The local Toyota dealership (hendrick service manager and two service technicians) said it was fine. Toyota brand engagement sent eric who is their corporate regional engineer to inspect the car. He said it was fine. I have spoke with Toyota brand engagement several times and at various levels who all say it functions fine as the idle is within limits. I asked Toyota for an idle specification sheet but no one (the local Toyota dealership, engineer from Toyota brand engagement, or ceo office of Toyota brand engagement) is able to produce an idle specification sheet for the vehicle. They continue to state it is normal. Toyota executive office case xxx information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2021 Toyota Highlander experienced transmission problems mainly related to the transmission models. My vehicles reported issues such as whining or grinding noises, which were attributed to problems with the pinion shafts in the front carrier assembly.

At 76000 miles my 2020 Highlander water pump began to fail. 20 days after the water pump was replaced at kings Toyota dealership, the transmission is now failing at 79000 miles. The warranty only covers repairs on each up to 60000 miles. This car has been maintained by the dealership and no engine light ever came on. The water pump was $1200 to repair and I’m being quoted $10k to repair the transmission. I also don’t trust that dealership didn’t accidentally cause the transmission to fail bc they surprisingly have a new transmission in stock the day I came in. If it truly failed today, then Toyota needs to recall this car for safety reasons. It went from fine to not fine in just a few days of driving.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

[xxx] dear staff there are other people complaining of engine misfire also [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Dear staff, after several payments made for diagnostics I feel like I should commit suicide maybe because of this Toyota I can not afford to pay diagnostics every single day to hear the same story over and over I understand there is a engine check light, I need it repaired please instead of having to pay diagnostic fees which advance autoparts doesnt even charge and Toyota takes $172 diagnostic fees when they can not even themselves rule out the problem in their engineering or manufacturing please look out for similar issues, engine problems in 2gr-fks engines as more people experiencing issues will confirm its Toyota's fault they should either shut down their manufacturing in japan or bring back the standards of japanese automotives.

2gr engine family in general used in Toyota and Lexus, may have a manufacturing defect as per google about the 2gr-fe engine subtype yes, the Toyota 2gr-fe engine, a 3. 5l v6 found in many Toyota and Lexus models, is known to have a recurring issue with head gasket leaks, particularly where coolant leaks externally from the engine block due to corrosion around the cylinder head where the coolant port is located; this is considered a common problem with this engine type. Key points about the 2gr head gasket issue: leak location: coolant typically leaks outside of the engine block, visible as stains on the block surface, rather than internally into the combustion chambers. Cause: corrosion around the cylinder head near the coolant port, often exacerbated by road salt and old, acidic coolant. Prevention: regularly changing coolant and occasionally hosing down the engine block, especially if you live in a region with heavy winter road salt. Repair: replacing the head gasket usually requires removing the engine, making it a major repair job. So Toyota should be held liable for repair costs and labor as well as the pain and suffering a consumer has to go through, seeing all the drama of the Toyota.

We live on a farm so the fact there is rodents is no surprise. However strangest thing is the knock sensor harness has been chewed completely off two times in last two months. . When this happens it causes power loss. With the extra shielding the wire has tells me it gives off a low frequency that would irritate most animals and me at this point since the part is never available. If it actually gives off a frequency, it is absolutely unnecessary and a complete nuisance.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Engine check light coming on constantly cylinder 3 misfire reported under diagnostics of advance autoparts 500 rte 291, lee's summit, mo 64063 another workshop said no misfire however now it says engine misfire 1, 3, 5, 6 4 cylinders misfiring as per diagnostic on 02/15/2025.

Weather conditions were severe due to a snowstorm, causing ice buildup on the road, low visibility, and slippery pavement. Despite driving cautiously, I lost control of the vehicle, which resulted in going off the road, down an embankment, and crashing into a tree. Immediately after the impact, I called 911 emergency services for assistance. I attempted to exit the vehicle, but the driver’s door was blocked due to the position of the tree. I remained inside the vehicle until a passerby stopped and helped me get out. As a result of the impact, my vehicle sustained significant damage the shocking thing about it all is that the vehicle did not activate the airbags and that is worrying to me because it could have been unfortunate.

I have a faulty transmission that is now widely known. 2021 Highlander with the ua80 transmission. Out of warranty and Toyota wants to provide no help even know this is an ongoing issue with so many owners.

Vehicle makes a loud noise when under 65mph. Car shakes when breaking. Transmission needs to be replaced.

2019 Highlander has a winding sound coming from engine area, no warning lights turned on but winding sound only occurs when in drive and accelerating. Vehicle has 90000 miles and winding sound started around 80000 miles. I brought Highlander to Toyota service and they stated they heard the sound but didnt diagnose it.

We have been hearing whining coming from the front of the vehicle for months. Over the life of our time with this car, we have reported to Toyota multiple times about the sound, and about how sometimes the engine seems slow to shift. The whining increases as you press the gas pedal. Toyota is aware of this issue with Highlanders, but has told us they aren't going to fix it, as there is no recall on the issue. Turns out, there's a TSB related to the exact issue that we have with our Highlander. Now that we are out of warranty, we are looking at potentially replacing the transmission of a vehicle that Toyota has a record of intentionally avoiding to repair. Multiple independent service centers have confirmed the issue. They all have referred us back to Toyota because of the severity of the issue. There were no warning lamps or lights or the issue. However, the "whining" is audible every time in the vehicle.

My 21 Highlander has a wine noise coming from the transmission. There is currently a bulletin out by Toyota t-sb-000821 confirming that the transmission in this model needs to be replaced. I took my car to two separate mechanics who confirmed the noise is coming from transmission. I called Toyota this morning. Spoke with a lady and she told me she cannot locate the bulletin on my VIN number so pretty much there’s nothing they can do to help. I’m having the issue with my car that Toyota is aware about and has put out a bulletin regarding the issue. I think Toyota needs to take care of this. This is not something that should be VIN specific if I’m having the issue then fix it! at least send me to a Toyota dealership for you guys to confirm the issue and fix it!.

Driving to take my son to work. Check engine light came on said check and system. Hard shifting put in manual drive and made it to destination.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Wife was driving and out of nowhere axle to the transfer case broke leaving her stranded in the middle of the road. Seems like transmission had been a common issue in these vehicles around the same year.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The water pump on my 2016 Toyota Highlander xle disintegrated while I was driving in heavy traffic. The pulley came loose from the water pump shaft. I have the water pump. Our safety was at risk because this happen in heavy traffic and it could have effected my control of the vehicle if it had came off completely. The pulley was wedge between the wheel well and fame. I sent a claim to Toyota and it was rejected due to the vehicle be out of warranty. I'm saying this is a manufacturing defect. No warning before it happen.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The vehicle pulls/jolts foward as I slow down at a stoplight. At first, I thought this was normal, but over the past year, I've noticed something unusual, possibly with the gear shifting. It has become more noticeable over time. It has happened enough where I almost get into a fender bender with the car in front of me. I started researching this issue and it's a common complaint among other Highlander vehicle owners. . Read more...

My husband took my car from the carport and parked it in the driveway near the water hose to wash the car. When he finished, it would not start. The message “braking power low” , “stop in a safe place”, “ see owner’s manual”showed up. Of course, we could not find anything in the large owner’s manual concerning that! I checked with my VIN to see if mine was included in the recall regarding this same matter, but it was not, just as all other Toyota Highlander 2018 owners who complained were told!!! we will find out tomorrow and pray it won’t be a lot of money. We have a thanksgiving trip planned to see our grandchildren. Today is Sunday and we planned to leave on Tuesday. I shudder to think what could have happened if it suddenly stopped on interstate 20 with all the holiday traffic. My husband was looking to buy a car after the first of the year and was going to buy a Toyota. After this, he has reconsidered. Toyota needs to see all these complaints and how many were not included in the recall!!! something’s not right!.

I was in a school line waiting for my children. I went to hit the gas to move and the car said “maintenance required” and then flashed other warning lights “low power steering fluid and engine light. ” then the car turned off and screens were flashing. I tried to restart the car but the steering column was locked and brake pedal was locked. I checked all fluids and they were full. I had someone jump the car and it turned back on. I figured maybe a bad battery. Had aaa come look at the car and all diagnostic testing was normal. Next day, car does it again in the middle of an intersection.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated and disappeared later in the evening. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 40 mph, there was a winding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,471.

My car out of no where once it hit 60k miles (which makes it fall off warranty) I start having transmission problems. It’s a 2021 which is very weird for that to happen. Bought it brand new. I was driving with my kids in the car on the highway and the car decelerates and I freaked out. I see that I’m not the only one that is having this issue and it looks like it’s 2020-2021 models that are having transmission issues and I think this needs to be something to get checked. Automatically after driving the car decelerates and you don’t know where or when it can be the rpm drops. Took it to the dealership they said it’s transmission but a brand new car right when it hits 60k miles then this happens.

Engine cam tower oil leak due to the manufacturer's inadequate assembly of the engine parts. The mating surfaces were not adequately prepared and/or application of a contaminated sealant did not adhere to the surfaces creating a small oil leak that eventually became larger and finally noticed. The car care nut automotive shop performed this repair and documented in the video: [xxx] the 2018 engine (3. 5l dohc v6 d-4s engine with dual vvt-I direct shift) with 52,500 miles has by now (2024) developed a large oil leak coming from the cam tower seal, and requires replacement. I'm the original owner with the car always being garaged and maintained by the book at the dealer. Toyota of America is refusing any assistance with the defective engine component even though it is under the 60,000 miles powertrain warranty, but past the 60 months warranty period. The leak likely has been there since leaving the factory floor, but was not noticeable until after five years of use. Leaking engine oil on hot components of the engine bay may result in smoke, burning odor, and even fires. This vehicle has a concurrent vehicle safety complaint NHTSA id number: 11611353 information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

On 10/21 the vehicle accelerated on its own. At a stoplight behind another automobile, when I only slightly lifted my foot from the brake, the car lurched forward and the auto safety stop system lit up. I never touched the accelerator pedal. I pushed back down on the brake. This was not the first time this happened.

The 2018 Toyota Highlander has less than 100k miles on it and has been diagnosed with an $11k repair for essentially a new engine! the dealership (coughlin Toyota, heath OH) has said it needs cylinder head assembly for $10,684. 20. The error message we are getting is a "check engine" light "take vehicle to dealership" and the awd/ traction control shuts off. When searching online forums, there are many people experiencing the same problem, apparently a well know issue with Toyota (not just Highlanders). We have only owned this vehicle for a few years and believe this is a manufacturer error that desperately needs investigated. Please.

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.

The vehicle has erratic acceleration. It will either be extremely slow and jerky or it will jump forward with great speed and force. This is dangerous and may cause an accident. You have no control when it comes to acceleration whether you are leaving a stop light or trying to avoid an accident.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was an abnormal winding noise detected while accelerating. The failure increased over time. While her husband was driving at approximately 60 mph attempting to accelerate, the vehicle lost motive power. While shifting to park, there was an abnormally loud, high-pitched winding sound detected. The vehicle was slow to shift from first to second gear. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who determined the cv joint needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to a transmission center, where the transmission was rebuilt and then it was replaced. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 130,000.