Equipment Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

Air bags did not deploy during accident black box did not record any incident occurred and vehicle was totaled vehicle black box data was downloaded by manufacturer representative accident report was submitted on October 28 2025 a deer ran in front of us and we hit it at approximately 55mph vehicle was determined to be totaled after insurance adjuster reviewed sheriff deputy and tow truck driver both said air bags should have deployed. Upon receiving the pdf file of black box raw data, it states that no incident happened. I asked a relative who works for a major airline manufacturer and the opinion of their analyst for data recorders is that the computer seems to have been defective. Toyota however states the accident did not meet the parameters to register an incident. I find this answer highly suspicious at best.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The car was parked at work and noticed the shattered panoramic moonroof when I got into leave.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I was traveling on an interstate going home from work. My speed was approximately 65mph. I noticed traffic slowing up ahead. I began to drop my speed (cost down), as I was approaching the traffic the car in front of me was applying their brakes; I had already began to apply mine. I was applying more pressure to my brakes to slow down more as the person in front of me began to slow more quickly. The person in front of me then had to slam their brakes on and I was not able to stop in time to avoid collision with the car in front of me. That driver did not come in contact with any other vehicle. The impact was at approximately 50mph. I was then very quickly hit from behind by the car behind me. The vehicle behind me hit of center and more on the right back corner of my car. My vehicle sustained significant front-end damage; the hood was folded, the grill was gone, the radiator was pushed back. As I looked up after the impact and saw my hood folded I then noticed that my air bag had not gone off. How could the air bag have not gone off in an impact such as that. My safety was compromised by the possibility of hitting the steering wheel or worse such as impacting the windshield if the crash had been worse. I do not remember if my vehicle had side curtain air bags as well. No air bags deployed. Law enforcement was called by the driver of the car I rear ended as we agreed that she would. The driver of the vehicle that hit me I believe also called 911. Highway patrol responded along with state incident response vehicles to protect the scene. I have filed a claim with my insurance, and the vehicle was looked at and deemed a total loss. It is not available for inspection and was taken to a salvage yard per the insurance company. I did not notice any lights on on the dash after. I also did not encounter any issues before this. I had the vehicle just over a year.

See all problems of the 2016 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Some times when I request the rear hatch to open is does nothing but most of the time when I depress the close button, it moves less than an inch and then beeps. I have had to depress the button up to 6 times before the hatch closes. The car is only 3 years old as of this month and the problems stated more than 6 months ago but my mileage was over 36,000 6 months ago so it was out of warranty. This is a joke since my 12 year old SUV has no issues with its powered hatch. There are a lot of online complaints on the power hatches. It is a safety issue of the hatches don’t close. This is almost a daily challenge (it not closing when I ask it to be closed (fob, rear hatch button as well as dash hatch button).

The vehicle's tailgate motor has started to malfunction and is failing prematurely. When opening the tailgate it makes a loud squealing noise. When attempting to close utilizing all automatic features it will stop and beep twice. After multiple attempts the tailgate remains open is unable to be closed via automatic means. This is a safety issue as it compromises the closing an opening functionality if the tailgate itself and could lead to unsecured tailgates or vehicles with an inability to close their tailgates.

1. The 3. 5l v6 engine (2gr-fe) failed due to the subsequent loss of lubrication caused by the rupture of the oil cooler pipe (rubber component), a manufacturing defect known under TSB t-sb-0201-11 (ze2 program). The failed engine is currently available for inspection by request at the independent service center before it is disposed of. 2. The defect causes a sudden and severe loss of engine oil. This creates a high probability of the engine seizing (losing all power) while driving at highway speeds, resulting in a complete loss of propulsion and placing occupants at severe risk of collision. 3. The failure was confirmed, not reproduced. The vehicle was initially diagnosed with misfire codes (p0300, p0301). New spark plugs and ignition coils were installed in an attempt to resolve the issue. As the misfire persisted, the mechanic performed a compression test, confirming catastrophic zero compression failure in cylinders 1 and 2. Professional diagnostics then revealed critical codes: p1603 (ecm malfunction), p1604 (startability malfunction), and p1605 (rough idling). These codes confirm a severe internal engine issue, consistent with permanent damage sustained during the oil loss event caused by the ze2 pipe defect in July 2024. 4. No, not physically inspected by the manufacturer. The manufacturer (Toyota executive office case manager) was provided with certified documentation of the failure, including the photo of the faulty pipe, maintenance records during our ownership, and the dealership purchase statement for the replacement part. Toyota refused to authorize a physical diagnostic inspection of the failed engine at a dealership before denying goodwill assistance. 5. Yes. The initial lubrication loss event on July 4, 2024, was preceded by a message displayed on the dashboard (followed by a second failure event in October 2025 indicated by a flashing check engine light and the traction control light).

See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Lift gate stuttering at 49k bought new. Available for inspection. Have yet to bring to dealer because they need the vehicle for the whole day. No warnings etc just loud opening. Concerned it could give way when I am grabbing groceries at any time. Seems like a widely reported issue.

During rain, the a-pillar and headliner show evidence of a leak. Open source research found this is likely due to faulty or poor quality components used in the roof rail system. My vehicle is completely stock with no additions or installations on the roof, just the factory rails.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

While waiting for a traffic light to change, I pressed the pedal to accelerate, and the car would not move. Like my pedal was dead. I have experienced this issue three times. I have also experienced bucking or jerking issues.

See all problems of the 2025 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I have another issue that has never happened to me before. The front passenger door just popped open while I was sitting at a red light. I had just driven for over 2 hours with it closed and locked and it made a weird sound and shifted. The light on my dash came on and I had to unlock the doors and reach over to try to open and shut the door while I was at an intersection. Help.

The screen is going out. The back tailgate hangs up and doesn’t go down.

The front bumper assembly has come off our 2023 Highlander twice since purchase 2 years ago, the first time the entire bumper was pulled off while on the freeway(terrified my wife) and we had to pull it off and put it in the back on the Highlander and bring it to the dealership. Courtesy Toyota of brandon . This was supposedly fixed with Toyota recall campaign 23ta12 . Approximately one year later we noticed it was coming off once again, this time I tried to push it back myself but was unable to hook it up correctly and brought into the dealership. While they do recognize the vehicle is unsafe , and that there was a recall for this issue , they say it is not covered in the safety recall. I believe this is incorrect, and the recall either does not properly rectify the issue or this is a new safety concern.

Glass in sunroof exploded, loudly, while driving on interstate, at 65 miles an hour, showering passenger and driver in shards of glass. There was no impact to the sunroof. Just a loud explosion. Heavy traffic at high speed while covered in glass had to make emergency stop. Glass could have easily gotten in our eyes. Thank goodness the two of us were wearing a ball cap and a visor. Would gladly have car available for inspection upon request. We will take pictures.

Tailgate struts failed within 2k miles of the 3/36k warranty. Even with the power back door feature "off", the struts are not simply converted to normal manual hydraulics. To lift the gate and close the gate it takes significant effort and I injured my shoulder while trying to lift it while holding items I didn't want to get wet on the ground during a rain event.

My vehicle has noise in the transmission when accelerating. They should give a voletin. Thanks.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

My Toyota Highlander 12. 3 inch display of the instrument panel may be blank at startup. Operating the vehicle with this display blank reduces the ability to see certain malfunction indicators. This safety recall that has been active since September 11, 2025. The problem been acknowledged and confirmed by millers Toyota, in anaheim, California and Toyota in bueno park, California dealers. Their answers, Toyota currently does not have a remedy as of to date, February 17, 2026. The screen goes blank every time I start my car, while driving, or trying to access the applications on my screen. I would greatly appreciate help regarding this recall.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? emission recall remedy not available. 2. 3 in display of the instrument panel may be blank at start up. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk?/operating the vehicle with this display blank reduces the ability to see certain malfunction indicators remedy not available. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? yes, dealership Toyota of anaheim and buena park. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? yes, Toyota of anaheim and buena park. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? none.

Lift gate not closing car gas a whining noise upon acceleration.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The part that failed is the driver side mirror cover. It has never been struck by anything and just flew off the side of the car while driving on the highway. This part flying off the car could cause an accident if striking a motorist, motorcycle, pedestrian. I do not have the part that flew off because I can't go back and pick it up off the highway. This just happened today. I have called a body shop to order a new part. The plastic part can only be replaced by purchasing the whole $1500 side mirror assembly. There was no sign that it was going fly off the car as there has never been struck by anything. It was in perfect shape just as the rest of the car.

My driver side rear door handle comes off when I open the door. I am having the dealership look into this on 8/28/2025.

See all problems of the 2024 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

All at once the windows, moon roof, blinkers, reverse lights, running lights and brake lights stopped working - also the automatic headlight function stopped working and we must turn on and off the headlights or risk draining the battery. It's interesting to note that the flashers work, but the blinkers do not. The wipers, radio, cruise control, etc. Are all fine. It appears all fuses associated with these items are intact - I don't know how to check the viability of the relays, but have been told it could be a relay and or a ground wire. I've purchased a new multifunction blinker headlight replacement switch and a master window replacement switch to see if this will resolve the issue - but the fact that it happened all at the same time concerns me that it could be electrical or wiring. All the wires under the dash are intact.

See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Whining noise upon accelerating. Diagnosed as bad transmission by a Toyota dealership. No warning indicator 62,500 miles.

The side mirrors (more on the drivers side) have a vibration in them no matter how smooth of a road in which I am driving. This causes the visual to be blurred and makes me dizzy. I have been driving for 30 years and not one other vehicle I have ever driven or owned has had this problem. I see that there are many other complaints online about this issue and this needs to be a recall as my dealership won’t deem it a problem under my warranty. This is a significant problem.

Adaptive cruise control issue and transmission issue transmission is whining. Vehicle taken to the dealer and I am told nothing is wrong with the vehicle.

Went to close the right rear passenger door and heard splashing. Door is leaking from somewhere and running down to the bottom of the door filling it with water on the inside.

Transmission. I believe the transmission is defective. A lot of customers has complained that Toyota Highlander 2021 transmission is defective I was driving my car and the transmission went bad, I could not move my car again. I had to tow it to a mechanic and they diagnose that the transmission is bad.

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.

While driving, I began noticing a high-pitched whining or buzzing noise when pressing the accelerator, particularly at low speeds. The sound resembles an electric or remote-control car and rises in pitch with engine rpms. The noise disappears when I release the gas pedal. A mechanic initially suspected a wheel bearing, but after further inspection, it appears the noise is coming from the transmission or drivetrain. I later discovered that this issue is widespread among 2017–2020 Toyota Highlander models equipped with the ua80e/ua80f 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been associated with internal gear and pump whine. Toyota has issued customer support program pol19-04 and technical service bulletin t-sb-0008-21 addressing similar transmission whine and gear damage, but my vehicle is outside the standard 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and was not included in the extended coverage list, even though the symptoms match exactly. The problem appears to be a design or component defect within the ua80-series transmission, leading to premature wear and potential failure. This can affect drivability, safety during acceleration, and could result in transmission failure without warning.

The power back door struts were not completely operational for about 6 months or more from the date of repair on 2/26/26. Therefore, the back hatch would not close without manipulating it by starting the vehicle and using the inside button to close it. There was also a loud grinding/whining noise each time we opened and closed the hatch. The dealer said it's a common problem and maybe the struts were blown out because we had to open the rear hatch to get a mobility scooter in and out . Since we were concerned that eventually the hatch would be stuck in the upright position permanately, we relented and paid to have the Toyota dealer replace the struts. The dealer said it may become a recall because it's so common.

My car only has just over 70,000 miles and my transmission failed. I get regular maintenance services when needed and never had any prior issues with transmission. I was driving when the transmission failed on me leaving me stuck on the road. I took the car to Toyota service center and was told it needs to be replaced and no further details.

Instrument cluster.

3 of the 4 door lock actuators do not work properly. Some don't lock and some don't unlock. The only door that currently works is the driver's door. If I don't realize that a door did not lock someone can break into my vehicle.

The ac stopped working on our 2019 Highlander. The vehicle has very little corrosion underneath or in the engine bay, yet the rear ac lines have corroded at a location where two different types of metal contact each other. This has been happening with many Highlanders after 5 years, and the cost to replace is expensive.

The sunroof glass on our 2021 Highlander unexplainably shattered on our ride home on 7/20/25 at approximately 12:30pm. Sky was overcast, and the temperature was in the mid 80's. We had just entered the highway and were still accelerating to highway speed. We were not near a pedestrian overpass where a rock could have been tossed from above. Broken glass edges are pointing upward. The sunroof was in the fully closed position and not tilted. Safety would have been at extreme risk if we did not have the inner slide closed. The vehicle has not yet been inspected by the Toyota dealership or insurance.

Upon expiration of the sos subscription the dcm creates a loud feedback noise that goes through the passengers speaker and is causing hearing loss every time the vehicle is turned on. Has been documented many times on reddit from other owners of 2019 Highlanders.