Power Train Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

Loud whining noises from transmission, repeated unpredictable shifts making pulling out/merging unsafe.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Description of defect: my 2017 Toyota Highlander experienced a complete transmission failure under normal driving conditions. The vehicle began showing symptoms including delayed shifting, hesitation when accelerating, and eventual loss of proper drivability. The issue was diagnosed by an authorized Toyota dealership, which confirmed internal transmission failure. The estimated repair cost provided by the dealer was approximately $9,000. I opened a case with Toyota customer experience and submitted an escalation request, but no assistance was provided and the claim was declined or ignored. My car had a history of regular maintenace done by a certified Toyota dealers my case # :xxx due to the urgency of transportation needs and lack of manufacturer support, I have been forced to proceed with an independent transmission replacement. Which will cost me anywhere between $6,000 and $7,500 this failure occurred without warning severe enough to prevent continued safe use of the vehicle and raises serious safety concerns regarding sudden loss of power and drivability. Safety impact: the transmission failure caused unsafe driving conditions including hesitation during acceleration and potential loss of power while in traffic, which could increase risk of collision. Additional information: VIN: [xxx] mileage at failure: 168000 dealer diagnosis confirmed transmission failure manufacturer case opened and escalated with no resolution I am submitting this complaint to document a potential systemic defect and to support ongoing safety investigation and consumer protection review. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2017 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander equipped with the ua80 transmission developed a whining/grinding noise under acceleration around 73,000 miles. Toyota diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended full replacement costing approximately $9,000. Toyota issued TSB t-sb-0008-21 acknowledging defects involving the front carrier assembly pinion shafts in these transmissions. This defect creates a potential safety hazard due to possible loss of power or drivability during highway operation. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate the widespread transmission failures affecting 2021 Highlanders and related Toyota vehicles.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

This vehicle safety complaint is regarding my 2019 Toyota Highlander xle, VIN [xxx] . A Toyota-authorized dealership, sansone Toyota in avenel, new jersey, documented that the front driver axle is prone to freezing in the differential. This is a serious safety concern because if the axle seizes while the vehicle is in motion, it could cause sudden loss of control. This vehicle is used regularly as our family vehicle, including to transport our family of 6 with our young children. I am extremely concerned about continued operation of the vehicle while this documented condition remains unresolved. In addition to this safety-related axle issue, this vehicle has a broader history of serious mechanical problems. On may 13, 2022, after a recent service visit at dch brunswick Toyota, I reported that when I pressed the gas the vehicle was making an unusual noise like an old car, that the car delayed to speed when I pressed the gas, that I had to press the gas all the way in order for the car to move faster, and that it was not like this prior to service. At approximately 25,000 miles, I also asked that the brakes be checked because when we drove the vehicle and used the brakes, the car made a startling sound. In 2023, I also reported hard/heavy steering and jerking while driving. I reported transmission-related abnormal noises and drivability concerns while the vehicle was still within Toyota’s powertrain warranty period, but the condition was not properly diagnosed at that time. The transmission has since been confirmed by authorized Toyota dealerships to require full replacement. The vehicle also has a documented engine oil leak, leaking shock absorber, and prior recall history involving a stalling condition. I've filed this complaint with NHTSA due to the axle-related safety risk. Toyota is now on written notice of that condition. Mileage: approximately 101,000 documenting safety issue: sansone Toyota, avenel, NJ please review this potential safety defect. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information.

I have a 2020 Toyota Highlander limited, at 140k my car began whining with acceleration, I took it to the dealership and a new transmission and was quoted 9,790 alone for a new transmission. I have had Toyotas since I began driving, I have never put more than breaks and battery’s in them. It seems this transmission has been a constant problem and failing early in life. I am not sure how there is not a recall for as many reports that there is.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

I am reporting a documented safety defect in my 2018 Toyota Highlander (VIN: [xxx] ). On March 31, 2026, a certified technician at groove Toyota (work order #xxx) performed a diagnostic inspection to investigate a severe 'airplane whine' noise. The technician verified the noise and used a stethoscope to pinpoint the source as 'very loud coming from final drive,' officially recommending a full transmission replacement at an estimated cost of $8,475. This failure is a direct mechanical match for a known factory assembly error (insufficiently bent locking tab) acknowledged by Toyota in technical service bulletin t-sb-0160-18 and customer support program zjc. Despite the technician's formal diagnosis that the vehicle is mechanically unsound and requires immediate replacement for safe operation, Toyota corporate denied my request for assistance (case #xxx) on April 8, 2026. Toyota cited my vehicle's VIN does not fall into the customer support program, although it's essentially the same transmission, effectively refusing to remedy a documented manufacturing defect. This vehicle has excellent service records, and Toyota’s refusal to honor the spirit of the zjc program leaves me with a documented safety risk that the manufacturer refuses to address. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

There is a known issue with the transmission in my 2017 Toyota Highlander that causes premature failure. This is noted in a Toyota customer support program bulletin. The issues symptoms are the same as those my car has: a whining noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination. I have contacted Toyota and explained this to them, but they have told me that my car's VIN number does not match the identified vehicles. I am reaching out as I believe there are vehicles with this problem that Toyota has not identified, and it could be a dangerous issue.

The ua80 8-speed automatic transmission failed catastrophically without any prior warning symptoms while driving on the highway. During normal acceleration to pass another vehicle, the engine revved to 5,000 rpm as the transmission slipped, then dropped to 3,000 rpm coasting. After exiting the highway approximately one mile later and coming to a stop at a red light, the transmission would no longer engage in any forward gear. The engine revs freely when placed in drive and the accelerator is pressed. Reverse still functions. The vehicle had to be towed from the roadside. This created a serious safety hazard. The driver was stranded on the side of a busy road and lost all forward propulsion without warning while operating at highway speed. The failure occurred suddenly with zero prior symptoms. The vehicle was operating normally around town earlier the same day. The driver had no advance warning of any kind, no warning lights, no unusual noises, no shifting irregularities, before the catastrophic highway failure. This is consistent with reports from other ua80 owners who describe sudden, total transmission failure at similar mileage. The loss of forward propulsion at highway speed posed an immediate safety risk to the driver and surrounding traffic. The driver had to navigate to the shoulder and then reverse off the roadway to reach a safe location to wait for a tow truck. I contacted Toyota customer experience at 800-331-4331 and was assigned a case number. Goodwill assistance was denied twice. I was told the system would not allow the representative to proceed. I was disconnected twice during attempts to escalate to a supervisor. My case was then closed without resolution. Over 430 NHTSA complaints have been filed regarding ua80 transmission failures across multiple Toyota and Lexus models from 2017-2024. The pattern of failure is well documented. I am requesting NHTSA investigate this transmission platform and the adequacy of Toyota's limited csp zjc coverage.

A whining noise was observed at around 78k miles. Brought to the dealer and they indicated parts in the transmission are failing and it requires replacement. They said this has been happening more frequently on 2021 Highlanders (also see t-sb-0008-21). It's also a well-documented issue online. My contact with Toyota was that they did not intend to cover any repairs as the vehicle is out of warranty, even though it's not an isolated issue. They would not disclose how many vehicles have reported this issue. I believe it has reached safety recall-level.

Currently at 113k miles. VIN # is not on the recall or extended warranty list for transmission issues, shift lag has been noticed way before 100k miles. Vehicle is making squealing noise on drive, and when gas petal is press. Since no recall, but per research, I may have a faulty transmission that is left out of the customer support program zjc, t-sb-0160-18.

Transmission has failed as have many others of the same year make and model without acknowledgement of a manufacturer defect.

Transmission developed a "whine" just before 87,000 miles resulting in the transmission and torque converter needing to be replaced as the transmission was failing.

My car all of a sudden has this sudden humming/high pitch sound. I had mechanic checked and he said coming from the transmission. I checked the Toyota forum and there's a widespread issues with their transmission. The issue started with the year 2017, these vehicles are equipped with the ua80f (awd) and ua80e (fwd) 8-speed automatic transmissions. My 2019 is equipped with the ua80e. Toyota already recognized that they have problems with the transmission but only issued a recall for vehicles 2017-2018. They need to include Toyota Highlander 2019.

I own a 2019 Highlander at just barely over 55,000 miles. I began hearing a humming noise while accelerating and brought it into Toyota. They told me that bearings are worn in the transmission and I need a new transmission replacement, which will cost $11,569. 21. I am shocked Toyota has not issued a recall and corrected this well-known issue. I am disappointed in Toyota, being a loyal customer over the years, if they can't guarantee quality or assist in the issue they know about, I will not trust Toyota again.

My wife drove to work yesterday with no issues. After her shift she stops at the local gas station by her job, she puts the car in park but the car continues to roll forward( as if it was in neutral). Applies the brake and puts the e-brake on(car is now stationary). Puts in some gas, turn car back on, puts in drive and the car is makes a grinding like noise. We get the car towed home, jack it up, drain the fluid. The color of the fluid was darkish but still had a reddish tone to it, very slight sparkle look to it. . Didn’t see or feel any metal shavings to it. . Highly confused on what failed for the transmission to be like that. Haven’t gotten it to the shop yet but a lot of research is showing something internal. No leaks, maintenance has always been serviced on time.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander was my first car I purchased that I saved up for and has had a sudden issue accrue with a winning sound out of now where. I took it to the dealer ship and they told me I need a new transmission. My vechile only has 73k miles and I noticed this sound is getting worst and worst. I don’t know what to do so I turned to the internet and I was blow away to see how many people have this same issue with the same year and it’s been happing to so many people. I am a father of a special needs child and I sport my family on my own I can not afford to replace this and they won’t do anything for me. I beg anyone that reads this to please help us out cause this is not fair they we pay our hard earned money to get hit with this unexpected issues that they obviously know about but want do anything cause it will ruin there rep.

At 138,000 miles my 2019 Toyota Highlander's transmission failed. I noticed a whining sound when I pushed on the accelerator, so I scheduled a service appointment to have it looked at. The day I brought it into the mechanic it began stalling at stop signs. I was driving my children to school when the vehicle began stalling, fortunately I was able to get it looked at that day. My local mechanic diagnosed it as a failed transmission having to do with something inside the transmission. I called Toyota and they said in order to qualify for support through their service program I needed to have the vehicle diagnosed by at a Toyota dealership. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, where they too confirmed the transmission had failed due to something inside the transmission, which they diagnosed with a telescope. They quoted me $12k for a new transmission! I had routine maintenance performed throughout the life of the vehicle, primarily at the Toyota service center. Just 20 months prior to this happening I had the suggested transmission services completed at the dealership. The only services I had completed outside of the dealership over the last 20 months were regular oil changes and tires. The transmission in my 2019 Highlander is the same failed transmission as the ones in the 2017-2018, which Toyota issued a bulletin on, the same transmission Toyota has received numerous complaints about. The same transmission with hundreds of other customer's have filed incident reports on. The transmission they knew was problematic yet continued to put into new vehicles. I've been a loyal Toyota customer, this is my 5th Toyota. I can't believe that there is nothing Toyota is willing to do to support their customers. I thought Toyota prides itself on being a trusted brand with loyal customers, because they make vehicles that last and take care of them when they don't. I was wrong.

Power training went out I-70 in warren county mo where all the construction is. It put my 4 autistic kids in danger. No insurance looked at the vehicle. However a mechanic did look and diagnosed it which look over a week for. Kaizen auto in wentzville mo diagnosed it.

Transmission failure @110,000miles and a $9000. 00 replacement cost. Service advisor at Toyota dealership indicated they have seen other similar failures on this Highlander platinum model at their dealership but unit is out of warranty by a few thousand miles.

Noticed a sound coming from the car. I took it to the dealership which they said I would need my transmission replaced. They could only get me a refurbished one, which after parts and labor, it would cost 10,000 dollars. Upon talking with the technician, the transmission my car uses has been known to be faulty and having issues, usually after the warranty. So much so that Toyota did a recall on previous car years to extend the warranty for the transmission. The technician said they are replacing them often, which is why the supply is so low. These transmissions are the ones Toyota has been using since 2016, which have had many defects and causing issues. If this was known for years, why did Toyota continue to use them?.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

To whom it may concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious mechanical issue involving the transfer case on my 2022 Toyota Highlander. This problem raises concerns regarding the safety, reliability, and overall performance of the vehicle. While driving, I began hearing a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Concerned, I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic inspection. I was informed that there is a transmission-related issue and that the vehicle requires a transfer case replacement. At the time of diagnosis, the vehicle had approximately 77,000 miles and has been primarily driven locally under normal conditions. This type of major drivetrain failure at such mileage is unexpected and concerning, especially given that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure of a critical component such as the transfer case can significantly affect vehicle control and drivability, posing a potential safety risk. This raises concerns about a possible defect in the drivetrain system or a broader issue affecting similar vehicles. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern. If necessary, appropriate corrective actions should be taken to ensure consumer safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional documentation, including service records and diagnostic reports, upon request.

Car was making whining sound with acceleration at 62k miles. Dealer told me I need to spend 8k on a replacement.

During acceleration above 25 mph a noticeable whining sound is heard from the transmission. When not acceleration the sound goes away. The vehicle only has 72300 miles.

I am reporting a premature transmission failure on a 2022 Toyota Highlander le at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting a whining noise. When brought into the Toyota dealership, I was notified that it needs a full transmission replacement. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership, which determined that the transmission has failed and requires full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,400. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. A transmission failing at this mileage creates a significant safety risk, especially when merging into traffic, accelerating from a stop, or maintaining highway speeds. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, with service performed through authorized Toyota dealerships. Despite this, Toyota has declined to provide assistance for the repair. This has caused a massive financial stress and strain. There is a documented pattern of similar transmission failures involving Toyota Highlander vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (ua80 platform) across multiple model years. This appears to be part of a broader pattern of premature transmission failures that may indicate a defect affecting vehicle safety. The consistency of complaints across multiple vehicles and model years suggests this is not an isolated incident. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety defects and determine whether further action, including recall or manufacturer accountability, is warranted.

The transmission began making a wheezing sound. The dealership looked at the vehicle and determined it needed a new transmission. This is a known problem. Toyota issued a service bulletin on the issue in February 2021. I purchased the vehicle a few months after that. T-sb-0008-21.

60k miles on the car and the transmission needs to be replaced out of pocket due to a gear pinon wearing down. This is a 10k dollar repair and just happens to be after the warranty has expired.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at 35 mph, depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle to respond as intended and the contact could smell smoke while stopped. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to where the diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, as the shift selector switch was replaced. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and offered to cut five thousand dollars off the cost of repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 41,800.

Vehicle makes a whining noise like a siren when accelerating at 40mph or more when you let go of the accelerator the noise stops. I've been told by a mechanic its the transfer case or related transmission component. Toyota should declare a recall since it can cause an accident if the car stops in the middle of the highway.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The independent mechanic replaced the transmission fluid; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,669.

March 5th purchased a battery from autozone z net fit match that caused cascading electrical and life -safety risk while traveling from hewitt, TX to washington DC for our families spring break trip including 4 minor children. Component: 12-volt battery / electrical system / power steering / service brakes summary: vehicle suffered catastrophic failure of power steering and braking systems while in motion due to the installation of an incompatible lead-acid battery recommended by autozone’s 'z-net' catalog. Despite Toyota technical service bulletin t-tt-0523-19 (Jan 2019) stating this VIN requires an enhanced flooded battery (efb/agm) for its stop-start system, the retailer’s database continues to misidentify standard batteries as compatible. This mismatch causes a voltage drop that disables critical safety modules ('limp mode'). I have video evidence of the catalog error. This is a systemic misrepresentation affecting 2017+ Toyota Highlander safety compliance.

My 2020 Toyota Highlander experiences transmission jerking and hesitation during low speed acceleration. The issue was first reported to the dealership while under warranty but was not diagnosed. The vehicle now requires transmission replacement 7k miles over the warranty despite the issue being reported during the warranty. Toyota has refused a repair under warranty and has violated their terms of powertrain warranty. This 8 speed transmission commonly has issue during production years 2017-2022 and Toyota has admitted to a production defect. Despite that they have refused a goodwill repair or a warranty repair.

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The dealer stated that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. After the vehicle was parked and turned off, there was transmission fluid leaking from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the head gasket had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The contact then noticed fluid leaking from the transfer case while the vehicle was parked and turned off. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transfer case had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 74,700.

2018 Toyota Highlander awd. Whining noise when gas is pressed. Whining stops when gas pedal not engaged. Started at 116000 mileage. Regular service done at dealer. Slippage/ delay in gear shifting (automatic). No light on dash to show there may be an issue. Bought a Toyota, because they are supposed to be great cars that run long time. Not real happy to hear that they know they have quality and training issues that can seriously hurt people, and they are not doing anything about it. And “their”consumers have to eat the cost for their mistake. I hope NHTSA files another motion to cover move of the vehicle having the powertrain issue.

The component that has been deemed in need of replacement is the ua80 8-speed transmission. It is available for inspection as of today's date, April 1, 2026. My and my family's safety has been put at risk of the transmission failing, especially at highway speeds. The problem was reproduced and diagnosed at both a local repair garage in westwood, MA and the nucar Toyota dealership in norwood, MA. Both facilities inspected the transmission, heard a high-pitched whining noise, and determined it was irreparable and needs to be replaced. This high-pitched whining noise is a known and well-documented problem with these transmissions and needs to be included in a widespread manufacturer's recall.

Transmission began making a whining noise around 70,000 miles. Transmission completely failed at 90,000 while driving on the highway and lost all forward gears and neutral. Only reverse gear works.