Equipment 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 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 🔎.

Transmission is making a wheezing noise.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The component that failed is the roof rail clips that hold the roof rack to the vehicle (Toyota service bulletin t-sb-0040-24). The clips under the rail fail and cause water to leak into the headliner and down the a-pillars on both sides of the vehicle. It presents itself by causing water staining where the headliner meets the a-pillar cover. This issue presented itself in January of 2023, a few months after we bought the vehicle. Toyota bountiful (utah) tried to tell us that it is the sunroof drain lines that are clogged and required a $100 service to clear them which is an annual service. After some push back they found the problem with the roof rack clips. However, they only replaced the passenger side and neglected to repair both sides. April of 2025 the driverside failed and Toyota bountiful once again confirmed that the driverside clips failed. This creates a danger to the front occupants of the vehicle by allowing a possible mold issue within the cabin. Secondly, it allows water into the front curtain airbags of the vehicle.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Faulty transmission that Toyota doesn’t want to cover fixing.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Transmission failure; see attached customer support program bulletin no. Pol19-04 [xxx] (for 2018 Highlanders). My vehicle is a 2019, same body style, same transmission type, etc. Toyota dealership diagnosed my vehicle today and confirmed that the issue is the same as listed in the bulletin. I filed a case with Toyota (corporate). I have located thousands of other customers online reporting the same issue as described in this bulletin. I'm requesting that Toyota modify the bulletin or create a specific one for 2019. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

1- most of the time my rear hatch will not close unless you use the inside button - cost 1,198. 10 to repair. 2- my car started making a whining noise on acceleration. Took it Toyota and they said that I need to replace my transmission that it has an internal failure. Of course my warranty was of no use b/c it stopped at 100,000 miles. At the time of the inspection I was at 104,000. To get a new transmission it will be 7,425. 60 (not including the labor). I really wish the dealership could have been honest about this year model transmissions failing. I would have passed on this car.

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.

While driving my hybrid system malfunction, check awd, check engine, and pre-collision system malfunction all came on simultaneously, it also said to put in p. It wouldn’t accelerate so I had to have it towed to the dealer since it had only been 3 days since I bought it. It was sent to a Toyota service center where it took 3 weeks for them to diagnose and replace the high pressure fuel pump. I got the vehicle back, it drove fine for a week until the same thing happened again. It stopped accelerating, said to shift into p-only the hybrid system malfunction, check engine, and pre-collision system malfunction came up this time. I had it towed back to the Toyota service center since the problem clearly wasn’t solved and am awaiting a new diagnosis.

Toyota continues to knowingly not remedy an airbag sensor issue. My vehicle has the light on indicating it is suffering from the same recall. I bought this car from them in 2024 and they sold it to me with the knowledge that there was a safety issue. I’ve tried to find a solution as this is a major safety issue. Toyota took my money in full for the car, yet can only offer me a loaner for 25 days. They said in CA, it most likely won’t get fixed until the end of 2026. I don’t have money. I have one car and I need a vehicle to transport to work and kids to school. This is not right and this is not safe. A remedy for people in CA that won’t be fixed for two more years that is an actual safety issue , is not right. This is to document the safety complaint as the dealership continues to ignore the issue, and the 1-800 Toyota line continues to ignore it. All bbb complaints shows I’m not the only one. I can’t take a rental because they won’t pay me back, it’s not guaranteed, and I’m out another $40,000. They put people in impossible situations. The manager at the service center it’s your fault if you walk out of here without taking a loaner. You’re choosing to put your family at risk. And I said no, you’re offering me a loaner and you can’t guarantee a vehicle that will fit my family. I don’t know what to do.

The dictation had stopped working, can not longer send messages while driving.

Driver's side mirror has been vibrating since vehicle purchase. The issues causes vibration / shaking of the driver's side rearview mirror creating blurry traffic (in the mirror) at highway speed and is a serious safety concern. Dealership claims it is due to attachment of a blind spot mirror on my vehicle. However there are hundreds of posts online of other people discussing / complaining about this exact same issue on Toyota Highlanders and rav4. Other people are also reporting dealers claiming there is no fix. The issue can be fixed quiet easily by using a glue / tacky adhesive (or double sided tape) between the rearview mirror glass assembly and the backing plate of the mirror motor. Toyota should issue a recall since the issue is obviously prevalent and poses a safety hazard. Here are some links to other people complaining about the same issue since 2020: [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The rear hatch has been causing me issues for quite a while. Last year, I would have to hit the close button once or twice for it to close. It would close a few inches, beep, and then stop. It has become much worse the last six months. I have to manually close the hatch myself because it won't go down all the way using the button. We took it to cedar rapids Toyota and they said this is a very common issue in this vehicle. They adjusted the hatch and lubricated it. Once they were done, they said it doesn't work any better. It costs over $1,000 to replace the parts and they can't get the parts until June because so many people are having the same issue. This vehicle needs to be recalled. Thanks,.

The sos speaker squeals very loudly when starting the vehicle about 7 out of 10 times and is available for inspection. Problem is known by Toyota. [xxx] no. No warning indication or messages. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My trunk will not open or close properly faulty sensors.

[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.

Subject: transmission issue – 2021 Toyota Highlander dear NHTSA, I am reporting a serious transmission issue with my 2021 Toyota Highlander (82,000 miles). I recently took it to the dealership for an unusual noise, and they diagnosed a transmission failure, quoting over $9,000 for replacement and service. After researching, I discovered Toyota has known about transmission issues in the 2021 Highlander since at least 2021. I have always serviced my vehicle at the same dealership, yet they never informed me of this known defect. Instead, they waited until my warranty expired to disclose the issue, despite my repeated maintenance visits where I reported the noise. I also found a 2021 Toyota document acknowledging transmission problems in this model, and many other owners have reported the same issue. It seems dealerships avoided addressing this until warranties expired, leaving owners with massive repair costs. This raises serious concerns about Toyota’s handling of known defects. I urge the NHTSA to investigate and take action to protect consumers from unfair repair costs and potential safety risks.

The seat belt alarm goes off for no reason while driving, is loud and distracting and the only way to reset it is to turn off the car and restart it. Luckily, I was on a local street and was able to safely pull over. I've had this vehicle for 18 months and the alarm has gone off over 6 times now. P. S. I'm not the only one. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

While pulling onto highway I heard a loud pop and scratching noise. Pulled off road and looked at vehicle from outside. When I looked on top I saw that the glass from sunroof had a hole and had shards like it had exploded from inside pressure.

I own a Toyota Highlander 2018 le. I have been servicing it regularly at authorized Toyota delaership service centers. I have around 28000 miles on it. While trying to start the car this morning, the car wouldn't start, the brake feels hard and won't depress, and the dashboard displays the message" braking power low stop in a safe place see owner's manual".

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Unable to clear a screen on the navigation/media center. It has a pop-up for drive connect(a monthly fee based service from Toyota) that covers the screen about every 10 minutes while driving. It requires at least 2 touches to the screen to clear, but comes back in a few minutes. It's very distracting while driving especially when using the map function from my phone. I called Toyota support and they said the pop-up cannot be disabled if you dont buy the service. I asked if there was a firmware update and they said no. This is ransomware.

When starting the vehicle, and extremely loud feedback noise is emitted from the front right speaker. This happens intermittently. Sometimes it's every 5th time you start it, and sometimes every 29th start. This started happening after the dealer-provided sos safety subscription expired. The noise is extremely loud and very disturbing especially for individuals like our daughter who has special needs. I would not be surprised if it is damaging our hearing. It would likely be especially harmful to children! it has been confirmed by the dealer and is currently back at the shop whule they are further investigating the cause.

2012 Toyota Highlander blizzard white paint peeling I need help!!! I noticed paint peeling on a side panel 2 months ago and then followed up the peeling to find the entire top of my car is totally peeled! please, help!!! [xxx] [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2012 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I was driving on road going speed limit during the day, came around a curve, vehicle was stopped, slammed on brakes and turned wheel but still hit rear of vehicle. No collision warning or auto brakes engaged.

While driving on the freeway in the evening about 10 minutes into the drive, a loud bang was heard like a shotgun and the front portion of the panoramic sunroof had shattered. Small shards of glass entered the cabin but fortunately no one was injured inside the vehicle. No sign of a rock hitting the vehicle or defect in the panoramic had occurred prior to this incidence. It appears to have occurred spontaneously. There was a large hole in the glass with an outward projection like the pressure inside the vehicle somehow blew out the sunroof. The passengers in the vehicle were at risk of being covered in small shards of glass including a small child in a rear facing carseat who was sitting behind the driver's side. The driver and front passenger would have been impacted as well if the glass gave away. This occurred at high speeds on a freeway where if the glass would have fallen inside the cabin could have caused the driver to be covered in glass, injured while driving at high speeds and caused a wreck. The incident was reported to the highway patrol who could not place a formal report because they said it was not a mechanic defect and the Toyota corporate office said that they could not report because it was a glass issue. Insurance has not been informed yet as we are waiting from the local dealership to see if they can assist. There were no warning messenger prior to this problem and it occurred spontaneously.

My car has integrated carplay installed for mapping. When used wirelessly with all mapping services (apple maps, waze, goole maps) my car will appear in fields, the wrong streets, in houses. I will be given directions to turn on streets that are not where I physically am. First I worked with apple customer care for over 15 hours. They have determined it is not an apple issue. They believe it is an issue with the gnss module in the car. I took the car twice to the dealerships service departments. The first service department did not duplicate this issue. They told me I had to plug the phone in to not have the problem. My vehicle is bluetooth, it works wirelessly! the second dealership told me they didn't need to duplicate the issue because I was the second car in for service that day for the same problem. Their solution is for me to plug my phone in for correct mapping. This sometimes works, but only is I do it in a specific order after starting the car - start the car, let it boot up the radio/entertainment/integrated map, unplug the cable, replug the cable, then plug my phone it. This is all with a bluetooth enabled car. I have requested for the dealership to test the gnss module or replace it and they have not. They have said they are waiting for the investigation. Meanwhile, I drive around and my car is given directions through backyards and fields. It is a hazard! this all started when the car was three days old.

The multimedia center keeps poping up "experience drive connect". This covers up the map and to try and remove the ad you have to take your eyes off the road push multiple buttons on the screen to return to the map. This is dangerous at any speed. The dealer states this ad is part of a subscription service and cannot be removed. This will cause wrecks. The multimedia screen is a disaster.

Trunk keeps malfunctioning. During lift would not open all the way or at all and sometimes once open will not close.

See all problems of the 2015 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

There is a very loud feedback noise through speakers intermittently when start and the red and green lights at the sos button flash multiple times. The noise is loud enough to damage hearing of an adult or child.

Air conditioning lines eroded and needed to be repaired after 26,000 miles/ 3 or 4 years. A/c line repair cost was $2500. Vehicle is garage kept and cleaned regularly during winter, it should not be having rusting problems, especially in this good of condition.

When I start my car it makes an ear piercing screeching noise. It doesn’t happen everytime but I never know when it is going to happen. I took it to a dealer and 5 guys said they never heard of it. If you look online numerous people have this complaint with out any recalls. Thank you, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I purchased a 2019 Highlander platinum limited a few weeks ago and it started making an incredibly loud feedback sound from the speakers every 10-15 times I start the vehicle. I do not have a subscription but I currently have a free trial thru sirusxm radio (not sure if this has anything to do with it or not). The loud beeping noise at startup is extremely loud causing my right ear to ring. Luckily I do not have small children in the car to experience this.

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.