Power Train Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 1

The transmission on my 2018 Highlander is failing prematurely at 80k miles in alignment with known/published customer support program zjc. My car is not a VIN covered by the program today. Symptoms include a growing whining sound coming from the transmission and confirmed by two Toyota dealership service centers.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Transmission is making a loud whine when accelerating. Dealer says the transmission cannot be repaired and must be replaced.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

My car does have a similar transmission as the one that was recall in siannas, and camrys. I have experience the same 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.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Bearly 60 k miles and transmission is going out I got a Toyota because it was reliable did all the required maintenance and Toyota won’t even help.

2019 Toyota Highlander xle with 94,000 miles. This past Friday, the transmission started slipping. . . Slow to move while pushing the gas pedal. After about 20 minutes, was slipping less. Pulled code p2757 off of obd. By Monday, the car wouldn't move despite revving up to 3500-4000 rpm. Reverse would work, but not first gear. Called aaa and had it towed to a shop. Shop didn't give me codes, but said there were several. They reported that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt.

Transmission when the car first starts up is slipping. No dipstick for checking transmission fluid.

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph uphill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard a grinding sound and smelled an odor coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.

2021 Highlander xle started making a whining noise when accelerating. Noise stops when you let off the gas. Took it to Toyota who said the transmission needed to be replaced. Although everywhere you look this is apparently a known problem, Toyota has yet to cover it or recall the part making the owners have to pay 9k to replace a transmission.

My car was having trouble shifting gears and then every single light came on indicating a big problem. The check engine light came on, it said abs off and went through a bunch of different things saying they all turned off and would barely roll at 2mph. I took it in and it needs a full transmission replacement at barely 73,000 miles. Upon looking into it, I saw online that this is a common issue that Toyota still has not issued an official recall for despite it being a very common issue. It’s a 2019 Toyota Highlander xle and should not be having these issues this early on.

Engine revs up to 5k rpm by itself and barely moves forward when stepping on the accelerator. When it does move it’s only up to 40 miles per hour only and the engine will rev up to 5k rpm without moving any faster.

The car started making whining noises when pressing the gas pedal. Toyota reported "noise from transaxle final drive. Recommend replace. Vehicle ok to drive but noise will continue until transaxle is replaced. " there are no warning lights, messages or other symptoms prior to the sound starting or currently. This is a known issue with its 8-speed automatic transmission (ua80e/ua80f) that can cause whining, erratic shifting, and premature failure. This issue is the subject of a customer support program (csp zjc) and several lawsuits, but the program has limited coverage for vins, leading to owner complaints about a lack of assistance from Toyota.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

There is a known transmission issue with some 2021 Toyota Highlanders, avalons, and camrys. Toyota bulletin t-sb-008-21 from February of 2021 states 'some 2021 model year avalon, Highlander, and camry vehicles equipped with ua80e or ua80f transmissions may exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission. This condition may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts'. I have a 2021 Highlander with 127,000 miles that started to show this whine noise. Local transmission shop confirms that a new transmission is needed. I am taking it to a local Toyota dealer next week to confirm. I started a case online with Toyota USA, and since I'm over warranty, they started that will not assist with reimbursement. My complaint is how came a recall was not done on this? why did Toyota do nothing and now many of their customers with these vehicles face costly repairs ($7,000 - $12,000)? Toyota should at least reimburse their customers for some of the cost of the repair needed for this, even if out of warranty.

I am filing a complaint with the NHTSA regarding persistent transmission slipping in my 2020 Toyota Highlander le equipped with the ua80-e 8-speed automatic transmission. Since reaching approximately 55,000 miles, I have experienced noticeable slipping, characterized by delayed acceleration, erratic shifting, and occasional lurching, which align with documented defects in the ua80 platform as outlined in over 430 NHTSA complaints and Toyota’s technical service bulletins (e. G. , t-sb-0160-18 and t-sb-0008-21). These issues stem from a known manufacturing flaw involving a washer tab failing to secure the counter drive gear’s retaining nut, leading to gear movement, internal wear, and symptoms like mine. This defect, prompting Toyota’s customer support program zjc for 2017–2018 models and reported in later years like 2020, compromises vehicle safety and reliability, as slipping can cause unpredictable handling. I urge the NHTSA to investigate further and hold Toyota accountable for addressing this widespread issue across affected models.

The 2019 hylander started whining when pressing the gas pedal. I had it checked out and found that it needs a new transmission but it is so prevalent of an issue with this vehicle that the transmission is on severe back order. Every complaint on the department of transportation website about this vehicle are about this issue save a handful. We should not be liable to pay for this repair nor for a rental car for months while we wait for the parts.

Hearing a whining noise when I step on the gas pedal. The Toyota dealership informed me I need a new transmission on a 4 year old vehicle with about 88,000 miles on it. Toyota said because there is no recall, they will not cover the replacement.

Unknown, dealers are reporting 1-2 2020-2022 Highlanders are needing completely transmission replacements at 8-10k in cost. They are all failing and Toyota knows this.

At around 45,000 miles, my 2020 Toyota Highlander started making a whining noise on acceleration. This condition seemed to get worse (whining got louder) I took it to a Toyota dealership and they said there are no codes left by the vehicle but the repair technician knows that this whine is related to a total transmission failure so the recommendation is to replace the transmission at a cost of approximately $8000, Toyota said the vehicle is out of warranty (by 4 months) so they will offer nothing to assist with the repair. Looking on the internet and this website, it is very clear that this is a common issue with this model of vehicle. Dealer said I can drive it but eventually the transmission will fail, leaving me stranded on the roadside.

66,564 miles, transmission slipped and caused a delay in power, now it has a big high pitched whine and continues to do it. This looks to be a big problem across the board for 2021 Highlanders.

Transmission failure causes vehicle to not accelerate in low gears. Toyota has a csp for this issue on the same model year but this "VIN" is not a part of it. This is a major safety issue.

Whining noise when accelerator is pressed. Potential failed transmission.

A couple of days ago, I started hearing a faint whining noise coming from my vehicle when I pressed on the gas pedal. When I brought my vehicle into the dealership today for my 100,000 mile service, I advised them of such. After raising the concern, I was told that there was an issue with my car's transmission and that it was not covered by the warranty as the warranty for that part ended at 75,000 miles. After looking up this issue and the cost to replace, I learned that this transmission issue is a prevalent issue with 2017-2021 Highlanders with over 60,000 miles. This issue is so prevalent that there is a huge backorder for parts needed to fix this specific issue. I have owned multiple Toyotas because of their reliability. I had a 4 runner that I used past 225,000 miles with no issues. The fact that I'm having an issue with a transmission issue with a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles on it that I always service every 5,000 miles at the Toyota dealership I bought the vehicle at is huge red flag and is making me reconsider my allegiance to the Toyota brand. The dealer has quoted me a price of $7,500 to fix the issue. I believe that Toyota should make this right as it is clear that this is a known and prevalent issue with the Highlanders. In fact, I'm surprised given the number of people complaining online that it is not the subject of a recall. As a lawyer, this sounds like an issue ripe for a class action. That being said, I am hoping that Toyota will work with me and pay for the repair and/or furnish me with a new car credit.

The transmission is experiencing harsh and sometimes delayed shifting and sometimes reduction of power. This can result in unpredictability when going from a stop and then crossing traffic. If the transmission fails while I am making an unprotected left turn it pups leave me vulnerable to side impact from on coming traffic. The dealer was able to reproduce the issue when I took it in and quoted me $11k for repair. Toyota is an aware of issues with this specific transmission (ua80) and issued a service bulletin for it. My transmission fell within the serial number range for replacement but didn’t pass the third gate for coverage related to a speed sensor issue. That said, there is massive back order on this transmission highlighting a much broader problem with the part. To answer the final question, I never saw a warning light.

Transmission began producing a whine sound at 58k and slipped several times. . A transmission that slips could cause a wreck involving all passengers. Requires replacement. No warning lamps. Show some integrity Toyota and stand behind your products.

Noticed 2021 Toyota Highlander start whining around 85000 miles. Did some research on the sound and found that Toyota ua80f transmissions have all had the same issue and issued a TSB to their dealerships but not people who purchased the car. Warranty runs out and now you are on the hook for an 10k transmission replacement or risk your car breaking down at any point on the road. Car was inspected today by Toyota to receive the quote to fix at 10400 with no discussion of possible remedies for their defective transmissions. The exact quote would be "that's not our problem, you have to take it up with Toyota office, bud". So now we have a ticking time bomb on the road with the only remedy to pay 10400 to replace a defected transmission that was covered in other recalls by the same company.

,at approx. 76,000 miles, we begin to hear a whine with acceleration. We also begin experiencing slight hesitation? it was diagnosed at the williams Toyota dealership in big flats new york 9/22/25. The dealership indicated the final drive gear bearing is starting to fail and we need to replace the transmission at the cost of $7472. 00 plus tax. We are aware of the several class action lawsuits that have been filed against Toyota regarding the ua80e/f 8-speed automatic transmissions. The litigation covers multiple Toyota models 2017 model year and onward including the Highlander.

Ua80f/e transmission in the 2018-2022 Toyota Highlander are defective. Mine has a loud whistle while accelerating. Problems have been acknowledged by Toyota however they’re refusing to fix.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

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.

The car only has 73, 000 miles on it and Toyota said it needs a new transmission. The car starting making a "whining" sound on acceleration so we took it into Toyota for diagnostic. We also found out that the rav 4, sequoia and tacoma were all recalled for this same year for transmission issues. Toyota is trying to charge us $10,000 to have the transmission replaced since it is no longer under warranty.

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 whine at 63k miles.

Transmission failure. Car will not drive or reverse. Engine turns on. I’m told that transmissions are on back order with no eta.

Slipping and whining transmission while driving in the ozark mountains on [xxx]. I didn't feel I had full control of the vehicle. No warnings of any kind. Took the vehicle to saint charles Toyota service department on 10/2/25 where a bad transmission diagnosis was confirmed. Regards, [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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.