Power Train Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

This vehicle has a ua80 8-speed transmission that has prematurely failed. This is a known issue to Toyota and they have refused to provide a fix. It is a safety hazard when all acceleration stops when attempting to merge into heavy traffic (as had happened to me last week) or on a highway traveling at top speed. I have only 27,000 miles on this automobile and it failed with no warning! within a very short time frame the following occurred: the check awd system, trac off, check engine and the transmission fluid at a high temperature lights appeared on the dashboard. Shortly thereafter I experienced a burning smell, suddenly no acceleration with a high tac response and vehicle jerking. My transmission is toast. This would have ended very badly for me as it failed on a highway at speed with heavy traffic. Toyota needs to address this and recall and replace. Shame on you Toyota!.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

High pitched whirring from engine when accelerating. Took to mechanic who diagnosed worn internal transmission bearings that could lead to transmission failure. No warning lights or indicators. Toyota is aware of this issue (see Toyota technical service bulletin t-sb-0008-21) but is doing nothing in response.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

My Highlander started making a whining noise while accelerating. Took it to my local dealership and was told I need a new transmission. I have 87,000 miles on it! total cost = $8,000.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The transmission has failed due to a defect within the transmission. Toyota is aware of the defect but refusing to assist owners claiming warranty expiration despite the transmission failure occurring due to a defect and not normal wear and tear. Toyota service bulletin accepting the defect. T-sb-0008-21.

See attached document for complaint.

See all problems of the 2023 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Toyota refuses to issue a recall for a well known issue with the ua80 transmission that fails around 5 years on many Highlanders. I follow [xxx] and there are countless posts about this issue. Mine failed at one month before my warranty was up and replacement was covered but it was replaced with the same transmission which I assume will also fail after 5 years or another 50,000 miles. There is a service bulletin for repair from Toyota so they're half admitting the issue but there needs to be a recall and a revision to the ua80 transmission to make them safer. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

I would like to report a transmission problem with my 2018 Toyota Highlander xle which I purchased in xxx with 108,000 miles. Since about mid-xxx it has been making a noticeable whine under acceleration in the speed range of about 35-50 mph. I had the noise diagnosed on xxx at the Toyota of [xxx] dealership; they confirmed it and said it cannot be fixed except to replace the entire transmission at a cost of $9900 (estimate attached). I also called the national Toyota customer service center and was told there is no recall, customer support program, or warranty extension available for my vehicle. It is a ua80f (awd) transmission which have a history of failing prematurely in a variety of Toyota vehicle models, beginning with the whining noise and progressing to grinding and mis-shifting before failing completely. Although my transmission is still functioning adequately despite the whining noise, I am concerned that it may break down well before the expected lifespan of the vehicle. In financial terms, the repair cost is quite onerous and the resale value is now substantially less than it should be. The biggest concern is that it could cause a safety hazard if a failure occurred in conditions such as extreme hot or cold weather, remote or hilly or curvy terrain, or while driving in busy highway speed traffic. As such, I believe that Toyota should bear the responsibility to address these transmission issues and a recall should be issued. Thanks for your consideration. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2019 Toyota Highlander has the same ua80 transmission that Toyota was required to fix under customer support program zjc, which covers 2017-2018, the transmission has the same whining noise and shifting issues. Toyota must accept responsibility for their manufacturing error where the washer tab was not bent properly, allowing a nut to loosen leading to the whining noise. I expect the nhts to require them to cover their 2019's as well, as a consumer we are getting screwed here.

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While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander limited, the check engine light began flashing off and on. I was near an exit and drove off the freeway. I could feel the car (near the gas pedal) start shaking, then the power went down quickly. . . As I was trying to find a safe place to go. The farther I drove, there was less power until the car was going about 2 miles an hour. The check light continued flashing as I pulled into a parking lot. This was very scary as I'm sure the car would have just stopped on the freeway if I had not been near an exit as it just simply had no power left. (the check engine light has been on over a year and I took it to three different mechanics. Not one could fix it. This car wiped out my savings and now sits at a Toyota dealership)!.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander platinum is experiencing a transmission issue consistent with a known problem affecting the ua80 eight-speed transmission used in 2020–2024 Highlander models. The vehicle is currently at greentree Toyota in [xxx] for diagnosis. This failure is occurring at 63,913 miles, only about 3,900 miles past the vehicle's 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. I have opened a case with Toyota (case #xxx) and am requesting this be documented as part of a broader pattern reported by other 2020–2024 Highlander owners, including other 2021 platinum trim owners information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Vehicle is a 2017 Toyota Highlander (VIN [xxx]) experiencing the ua80 8-speed transmission whine defect (t-sb-0160-18) upon acceleration. An authorized Toyota dealership test drove and officially verified the transmission failure and recommended a full replacement. However, Toyota corporate is refusing to honor the zjc customer support program warranty extension due to an arbitrary VIN cutoff. The failing internal transmission components pose a safety risk as they can lead to harsh shifting, slipping, or a sudden loss of motive power while driving in traffic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

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This vehicle experienced transmission failure at 43,000 miles. There is a technical bulletin regarding a known manufacturer defect for this make/model/year (TSB-008-21) and we were told by our Toyota service technician that our vehicle displayed all of the same symptoms as those identified in the technical bulletin. Unfortunately the serial number for our vehicle was not included in the bulletin and we were four months outside of the power train warranty, therefore Toyota refused to cover the costs of replacing the transmission. We are requesting that TSB-008-21 is reviewed and expanded to cover additional vehicles including ours that were affected by this manufacturer defect that caused both a safety risk as well as a financial hardship for our family.

The transmission can suddenly fail even at very early mileages. This is almost certainly related to t-sb-0008-21 that has defined a narrow number of transmissions though it appears to affect many more than outlined. This could cause sudden failure while operating the vehicle at any point in time and potentially lead to a crash without much if any warning. Toyota brand engagement is denying any assistance due to external service history from a prior owner rather than addressing the failed part outlined in the TSB. Failure reasoning cannot be provided from the dealership as Toyota does not allow the dealer technicians to open the transmission and instead mandate a full replacement.

The component that malfunctioned is the vehicle’s automatic transmission. The transmission developed a progressively worsening humming/whining noise during acceleration. The transmission is no longer available for inspection because the vehicle has been taken to an independent transmission repair shop for diagnosis and repair. The problem creates a safety concern because the transmission developed significant internal wear or damage and could potentially worsen or fail while the vehicle is being driven. A transmission failure could result in loss of power or unexpected changes in vehicle operation, increasing the risk of an accident, particularly while accelerating or merging into traffic. The problem was reproduced and confirmed by a Toyota dealership. The dealership diagnosed the noise as coming from the transmission and determined that the transmission requires replacement. The dealership recommended replacing the transmission rather than repairing the specific internal component causing the noise. The vehicle was inspected by the Toyota dealership. It is now at an independent transmission repair shop for repair. No police or insurance inspection was involved. There were no warning lights or warning messages on the dashboard before the problem. The first symptom was an unusual whining noise from the transmission area. The noise later changed into a more noticeable humming sound that increases with acceleration and vehicle speed. The vehicle continued to operate, but the abnormal transmission noise persisted and progressively became more concerning.

**component/system:** automatic transmission — 8-speed (ua80e/ua80f), Toyota Highlander **description of the problem:** my 2021 Toyota Highlander (approximately 116,000 miles) has developed a high-pitched whining noise a while ago, that occurs during acceleration, consistent with the symptom described in Toyota's own technical service bulletin t-sb-0008-21 (issued Feb 9, 2021) for whine/grind noise in the transmission on this model. The vehicle has not yet been formally diagnosed by a dealer or independent shop as of this filing; I am submitting this report proactively given the volume of documented failures in this transmission platform and to add to NHTSA's record before the condition potentially worsens. I am aware, through Toyota's own TSB and multiple pending class-action lawsuits (including pallaya v. Toyota motor sales u. S. A. , case no. 2:25-cv-10613, c. D. Cal. , and leboutheller v. Toyota, case no. 4:25-cv-01389, e. D. Tex. ), that this transmission (ua80e/ua80f, used in 2017-present Highlander and related Toyota/Lexus models) has a documented pattern of premature failure nationwide, often presenting first as this same whining noise, and in a number of owner-reported cases progressing to sudden power loss, shifting into neutral, or stalling — creating a serious safety risk to occupants and other drivers, particularly at highway speeds.

At around 75000 miles (less than 5 year old vehicle) the transmission exhibited a noticeable whine. After further research I presented the vehicle to the local Toyota dealer service department. An active technical service bulletin t-sb-0008-21 that describes a manufacturing defect with the front carrier assembly pinion shaft (essentially a catastrophic transmission failure) was matched to the symptom the vehicle was exhibiting. Further, my transmission serial number is directly within the affected production defect list. Failure to replace this transmission at significant cost (should not normally be routine maintenance on a highway driven vehicle at this age and mileage) could result in total loss of power and control causing the potential for a severe traffic hazard or accident.

Loud noise when accelerating. Noise is gone when let go of gas pedal. Noise like internal gears from transmission.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 25 mph, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure due to a pinion shaft failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,300.

2022 Toyota Highlander 8 speed transmission started making noise at highway speed. Vehicle has 61,000 miles on it. Also has erratic shifting. Toyota dealer said it needs a new transmission. Just out of warranty so Toyota only agreed to pay 25% of the bill.

Vehicle started making a high pitched noise when accelerating at around 98,000mi. I took the vehicle in for the 100,000mi service at 100,854mi and had them also look at this issue. I was told that there was a failure in the front carrier pinion shafts and they recommended replacing the transaxle assembly and rear main seal for $8,354. The vehicle was certified with a 100,000mi power train warranty, but it was just out of warranty. I discovered that there is a class action lawsuit against Toyota for knowingly installing transmissions in 2017 to present vehicles that were known to fail prematurely.

In March 2026, a sound was noticed at coasting speed. At regular servicing in June 2026 at 74,226, service department was informed of sound and stated that it might be wheels/ brakes. A further service appointment stated that the transaxle assembly will need to be replaced at a quoted cost of $10,657. 97. At regular service 62,981 and 68,217 the multi-point inspections showed transmission/ transaxle, differential and transfer case all marked “ok”. At regular service 74,226, after informing service department of the sound, the multi-point inspection shows “sealed transmission, fluid not checked”. Nothing was marked with differential or transfer case and everything “under vehicle”- driveshaft, drive, axle hub and bearing, steering linkage, suspension, fluid leaks, exhaust system, fuel lines were all marked “ok”.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander is experiencing the documented transmission issue impacting vehicles with the ua80e transmission. Our transmission whines and experiences a hesitation or jerks the vehicle. Especially under acceleration. My vehicle was purchased brand new from Toyota. Serviced at a Toyota dealership since purchase.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for oil filter maintenance and a spark plug change, and after the maintenance, the vehicle made an abnormal sound each time while accelerating. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected transmission failure in my 2020 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle experienced a major transmission malfunction without any prior warning signs, dashboard warning lights, diagnostic messages, or noticeable drivability issues. The failure occurred suddenly when the vehicle would no longer shift into reverse. When placed in reverse gear, the vehicle does not move. Additionally, when placed in drive, the transmission slips significantly, resulting in a loss of power and unsafe operation. The vehicle is no longer reliable or safe to operate on public roadways. At no time prior to the failure were there any illuminated warning indicators, check engine lights, transmission warnings, abnormal noises, or other symptoms that would have alerted me to an impending transmission problem. The lack of warning created a hazardous situation, as the vehicle's ability to accelerate and maneuver could be compromised without notice. The vehicle has been diagnosed as requiring major transmission repairs or replacement, with estimated repair costs approaching $7,000. Given the severity of the failure, the absence of any warning to the driver, and the significant financial burden associated with the repair, I believe this issue may represent a safety-related defect that warrants investigation. I am concerned that other owners of 2020 Toyota Highlanders may experience similar sudden transmission failures that could result in a loss of vehicle control, inability to maneuver safely, or exposure to hazardous traffic conditions. I respectfully request that NHTSA review this matter and determine whether a broader investigation into transmission failures affecting 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles is warranted.

Experiencing high pitched whine noise at approximately 65k miles. Local Toyota dealer test drove vehicle, also noticed high pitched whine, and diagnosed as transmission going bad due to issues noted in t-sb-0008-21. Transmission can fail without warning at any time and leave driver stranded or in dangerous traffic conditions with inability to shift gears correctly to get out of harms way.

The transmission is in the whining stage of transmission failure. It has been confirmed by cumberland Toyota in cookeville, TN. There were no warning lamps, etc. However Toyota did post a technical service bulletin (TSB) on February 09, 2021 that my vehicle would have transmission issues. My warranty expired the last of April 2026 and I am over the mileage warranty by 800 miles. I recognized the whining on June 21, 2026 and reported to Toyota on June 22, 2026. Toyota knew this transmission was going to fail and most are being reported just outside the 60,000 mile warranty. I have asked for help and assistance from the local dealership as well as corporate, but both have declined to assist.

Transmission stalls in situations where speed is needed. For example when merging into traffic all of a sudden no power then when gear finally engages there a huge thump and feels like being hit from behind.

Transmission started to whine and act erratically during driving. These effects put safety of those in the vehicle at risk by causing distractions to whomever was driving the vehicle, taking their focus off driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the transmission needed to be replaced due to an internal failure. They said they were able to quickly diagnose this problem because "they saw it a lot. " there were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle.

The transmission in my 2021 Toyota Highlander began producing a whining noise during acceleration between approximately 15-50 mph at around 80,000 miles. The noise stops when the accelerator is released and has progressively become louder. The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership. I was informed that the condition is a known issue affecting some Toyota vehicles, but no repair was offered because the vehicle is outside the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There are currently no warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes. I am concerned that the transmission may fail while driving, resulting in loss of power or propulsion and creating a safety risk for myself and other motorists. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

After just passing 100k miles, there is now a whirling noise upon acceleration. After taking to an auto repair shop, they narrowed it down to the transmission and said it was a known problem (referenced t-sb-0008-21) and suggested I take it to the dealership. I took to the dealership where a service manager offered to ride with me to confirm and he confirmed the issue was in fact the known problem noted from the technical service bulletin. The Toyota dealership assistant service manager stated that the noise (which he said was coming from a final drive gear bearing) would continue to get progressively worse and that despite being a known issue, there was no remediation available aside from replacing the transmission completely. He said that he saw no reason that I could not continue to drive the car without complications and without the transmission going completely out for at least a couple more years, but that the noise would get progressively louder until you could no longer tolerate the noise level and would need a new transmission at that point (despite it just beginning last week (or my just noticing it), you can hear it over the the radio when at a low to moderate volume). If this is a "known issue," (a defect that is only in some of the cars per the t-sb-0008-21 notice) this does not seem like a reasonable answer to 'just wait until you can't stand the noise level with acceleration and then completely replace your transmission as there is nothing we can do for you' but it was suggested that I could take it to a body shop that would rebuild transmissions and they may could replace that part.

Transmission failure at 106,000 miles, full replacement under extended warranty and new transmission is begging to fail at 109,000 miles.

I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle developed transmission symptoms including whining noise. A Toyota dealer diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended complete transmission replacement at a cost of approximately $9786. 31. Toyota declined repair assistance. I am concerned because a transmission failure at this mileage is unexpected and appears similar to other owner complaints involving the 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission.

Transmission makes a metallic whining sound when you accelerate. Associated and confirmed to be transmission failure. Vehicle has 65,000 miles on it and failure is considered premature. The specific transmission, ua80, is known to have manufacturing defects that cause this problem.

The transmission (the ua80) has been known to have several issues and my transmission has normal driving on it, has had its fluids replaced, and is now experiencing the same issue that others are experiencing.

The vehicle transmission has a distinct whine noise as previous models have had. This is a known issue with these transmissions.