Power Train Problems of Toyota Highlander - part 2

A wine and hard shifting, Toyota does not agree. I experience this issue several times a day. Taking it into the dealership again to try to diagnose.

See all problems of the 2019 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

The transmission is making a whining noise when accelerating. I took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership and they said the transmission needs to be replaced. And I asked why the Highlander only has 58 thousand miles on it. How is it already going out. And they couldn’t give me an answer.

See all problems of the 2021 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Transmission in our 2021 Toyota Highlander required a full replacement due to a known part defect (front carrier assembly front pinion shaft). Toyota will not cover any portion of the $8k cost. In looking into the issue, this is very widespread with even our dealership confirming four transmission replacements by customers in a short period of time. The transmission is also back ordered (ours took 3 months), but the dealership has seen up to six months. I am guessing this is do to the high demand.

The transmission has gone out on my 2021 Highlander. It was inspected by the Toyota dealer. I was told by them that this is a known issue with these trucks. There are no warning lights but just a whine when driving the car and I believe it does put my safety as well as other at risk as this could go out at any moment.

Transmission failure.

The transmission has a whining, grinding noise and occasional jerks vehicle. I had dealership look at the vehicle and they said it's a problem with this model but Toyota has not done a recall they issued a service bulletin. I was told it needs replacement but Toyota has been reluctant to work with owners outside of the service manufacturers warranty. This proved true, I was denied any goodwill assistance, and after several days of requesting why they denied any assistance, I'm not able to get an answer. This is a safety issue that they are aware of and not taking proper acceptance and assistance in rectifying. We carry our new born and toddler grandchildren in this vehicle as well as elderly parents. The thought of a total transmission failure on a busy highway or street is terrifying, I asked the dealership service manager about the safety of driving the vehicle and he recommended not operating it until it's replaced. In my[xxx] I haven't asked the government for anything, but I am asking you to look into this matter and if called for mandate a recall. . Thanks [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

My 2020 Toyota Highlander platinum started having the well-known "whining" sound at just under 60,000k. This is coming from the transmission. The vehicle is now just over 60,000k and I did not know that the noise was a cause for concern, let alone something that was an issue (I am not tech savvy - I'm just a regular person). I will not drive this vehicle again, as it is my only transportation for my children. Toyota issued a service bulletin about this issue for 2021 Highlanders only, but as I am now experiencing this problem, I see that this is something well known as a problem.

See all problems of the 2020 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Transmission makes whine noise upon accelerating. Cannot be fixed except with new transmission. The longer you drive, the longer it affects and damages other parts. Mechanic was amazed that my relatively new Toyota needed over $10k in repairs. Toyota denying there’s a problem.

Less than 95k miles. Dealer says transmission needs replaced and cooler. Bought new- owned 5 years and 2 months. Many other 2019 Highlanders online stating same problem.

• transmission failure. Inspection is available upon request. • we do not know if we are at risk if the transmission fails while driving. • certified Toyota dealership diagnosed and deemed failure – recommends full replacement • component was inspected by a certified Toyota dealership • no warning lights.

Routine maintenance was done 5000 miles ago. Routine maintenance. At 50,151 miles and routine 50,000 mile maintenance a whistling/whining sound was noted. I was told a new transmission is needed. Please make this a recall. Please make Toyota stop changing out transmissions at 50,000 miles on the regular. There is a known TSB, but so many VIN's are outside of this range experiencing the exact same issue that it is inconceivable that Toyota doesn't know they have a problem. Having a warranty that covers it is a band-aid. The wear and tear on the overall engine and parts due to transmission failure means they are knowingly selling cars that will fail. Why isn't it told to every buyer to expect transmission failure at 30-50,000 miles at the time of purchase? tell us and then let us decide if that is how we want to invest our money in our cars. My first Toyota and my last. And what is worse, the NHTSA knows about all these incidents and just lets it ride. We have lost the consumer in the values we hold as a country. Insurance doesn't mean insurance. Transmissions are only worth 30-50,000 miles when it should be 200,000+ by now. Quality standards are there for a reason. Having a powertrain warranty that protects the manufacturing is not how it was intended. Force Toyota to fix this issue. Stop selling cars with flawed transmissions. I feel taken advantage of and am stuck with a car I no longer want, (because as the service advisor said, "if it happens again, you will still be covered at no cost to you?!") - this is not ethical or technically sound.

Transmission making whining noise that increases with speed. Concerned about safety if transmission fails while driving diagnostic done at Toyota and confirmed transmission is failing and needs new replacement. There are no warning lamps. Noise has increased intensity over short period of time.

My transmission is failing in my 2021 Toyota Highlander. Has started making the high pitched whining noise. Fix is to replace the whole transmission. Dealer has confirmed and does have the transmission on order.

When accelerating there is a whining noise coming from the front of the vehicle. There was no warning lamp that came on just the noise is what prompted me to take it to Toyota of hattiesburg to be diagnosed. The transmission is what malfunctioned. Yes Toyota confirmed the problem and said my transmission needs to be replaced. I am very disappointed because Toyota’s has the reputation to last forever. As this is my 3rd Toyota and I have been very happy until now because Toyota is not taken responsibility for this problem that is continuing to arise in the transmissions. I have attached the paperwork showing what Toyota said.

I am filing this complaint due to a severe transmission failure in my 2021 Toyota Highlander xse, which I believe poses a significant safety hazard. At approximately 70,000 miles, the vehicle’s 8-speed automatic transmission failed. Prior to this failure, I reported a persistent gear noise (described as a whining or grinding sound during acceleration and gear shifts) to my Toyota dealership [shore Toyota] when the car had less than 60,000 while the vehicle was under the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. The dealership dismissed the noise as “normal” and did not perform diagnostics or repairs, despite my concerns. The gear noise worsened over time, leading to more frequent noise and shifting, jerking, issue failure in may 2025. The noise occurres while driving from 0 to at 35mph. I later learned that the 2021 Toyota Highlander’s 8-speed transmission (ua80e/ua80f) has known issues, as documented in Toyota technical service bulletin (TSB) t-sb-0008-21 (issued February 2021). The TSB describes a whining noise identical to what I reported, requiring a full transmission replacement for affected vehicles. Numerous other owners have reported similar failures, with some experiencing delays of 3–6 months for replacement parts due to backorders. My vehicle’s symptoms match the TSB, and the dealership’s failure to address the noise during the warranty period likely allowed the defect to progress to catastrophic failure.

Transmission failure at 62000 miles. Toyota issued a service bulletin in Feb 2021. I bought the vehicle new in August 2021 and was not told of service issue. Also, I took vehicle to Toyota dealership for service every 5000 miles up to 55000. I was never told about service bulletin nor advised there could be a full imminent failure of the transmission.

Vehicle is displaying a whining noise, especially when reaching 3rd gear / 35+ mph. Per mechnical review, it is the transmission failing. Only option is to replace the transmission. Similar to an issue already reported on similar models for both 2021 and 2022 Toyota Highlanders. No current recalls exist.

See all problems of the 2022 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

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.

While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander (ua80f transmission), I began noticing a faint high-pitched whining noise between 25–45 mph around 63,000 miles. Over time, it progressively worsened, eventually including intermittent jerking and hard low-speed shifts, particularly during acceleration or uphill climbs. In wet conditions, the drivetrain lurches slightly under throttle, increasing risk of loss of control. I had a transmission fluid drain and fill service performed by a Toyota dealership at ~58,000 miles, along with full 4wd maintenance (differentials and transfer case). Despite this, symptoms developed shortly afterward. Toyota was notified and a corporate case was opened. I provided clear sound recordings, videos, and a full inspection history, and cited their customer support program zjc (pol19-04) for known defects related to ua80f whine and washer tab failures. Although my build date falls within the general failure range, Toyota refused coverage and claimed it was “operating to spec. ” tier 1 support initially confirmed zjc eligibility, but tier 2 reversed course with no follow-up. Dealership service also failed to elevate the case properly to my zurich warranty provider, who required dealer confirmation to proceed. Multiple other owners have reported similar failures around 60k–100k miles, and I believe this is a dangerous latent defect that Toyota is attempting to narrowly contain. Whining precedes jerking, and jerking precedes full failure. Many complainants, like me, are met with stall tactics, deflection, or no follow-through. There were no warning lights or diagnostic codes, but the safety risk is growing. I believe this transmission issue deserves expanded csp eligibility and potential recall investigation.

See all problems of the 2018 Toyota Highlander 🔎.

Transmission started making a whining noise. Auto shop confirmed it will need a new transmission.

Upon acceleration, the engine revved high and a whine sound started once the car (2019 Highlander xle) approached 25-40 miles per hour. It appears that this is a transmission issue that Toyota was aware about years before selling the 2019 (and later) Highlander and other models (according to consumer complaints online). The car has 92,700 miles on it and is thus out of warranty. It had a recall in 2020 though I do not know exactly what was allegedly fixed. Had Toyota disclosed these serious transmission issues, I would not have purchased the car. My local mechanic has advised that the transmission will need to be replaced at a high cost.

8 speed automatic transmission started whining at 45k miles (purchased new), has been inspected, dealer confirmed transmission is bad and part is on back order (date keeps moving out),.

2019toyota Highlander = transmission whine and hard shift at times, needs replacement transmission at 106,000 mile , no codes stored.

When our vehicle reached about 70,500 miles (10,000 miles past when the powertrain warranty expired), the vehicle started making high-pitched whining noises when the gas pedal was depressed. We brought it to the Toyota dealership and were advised that the vehicle's transmission needed to be replaced and were quoted $9,700. This is for a vehicle that was only 4 years old!! we do not feel that this is a repair/issue that a consumer must bear the cost of! when we shared this with the Toyota technician, he stated that unfortunately, the Highlander's powertrain warranty expired at 60,000 miles. We understand that Toyota was aware of this issue and this should have been escalated as a NHTSA recall where the manufacturer should be responsible for the cost of repair and/or replacement, not the consumer. Please assist us with obtaining a satisfactory resolution with this.

The transmission started making a whirring and grinding noise so I took it into the mechanic who notified me that Toyota put out a TSB on this issue in February 2021. I leased this vehicle in April 2021 and it was never disclosed to me that I would experience a transmission issue down the line. At the end of my lease, I purchased the vehicle and again it was never disclosed to me of this issue. I immediately took the car into the Toyota dealership where they heard the noise and confirmed it is the transmission defect that Toyota previously identified. I am ordered to bring my four minor children from las vegas to los angeles minimum once a month and my fear is getting stuck on the 15 freeway at 75 miles an hour in the heat of summer. This is a huge safety issue and this matter should have been a recall. I understand from the Toyota service manager that Toyota did not redesign the transmission so even if I get a new transmission it will experience this issue again. At $11,000 for a new transmission or $4500 for the extended warranty, it isn't right that the consumer is on the hook for a defect Toyota knew about and didn't disclose. This is auto fraud and negligent. A car is a hefty investment and Toyota took advantage of the public. They should be held accountable.

2021 Highlander has 103000 miles. Transmission started a whine that only presents under acceleration. It follows the speed of the car, not the engine speed and is getting louder. My [xxx] granddaughter asked today what is that loud whining noise. It was diagnosed by my mechanic as another bad Toyota transmission. They stated it could stop working at the most inoperative time. Could cause death. I have to wait for more than 2 months to hopefully get a new transmission. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

Transmission was making a wine noise. Little grind but winey noise. Went away. Came back few min later at shifting and went away thank went home.

Transmission failure at approximately 80,000 miles dealer has confirmed diagnosis and recommended replacement on-line forums indicate this is a recurring problem with this model engine noises began at approximately 78,000 miles.

My 2020 Toyota Highlander is equipped with Toyota’s ua80 8?speed transmission. At around 62, 000 miles, a loud whining noise developed. The dealership confirmed the transmission is defective. Toyota has issued multiple technical service bulletins acknowledging this transmission defect across all 2020 Highlanders with the ua80, but they are refusing to cover my repair because I am slightly over the 60,000?mile powertrain warranty. Impact: this is a confirmed design flaw that affects every 2020 Highlander with the ua80 transmission. I rely on this vehicle as my only means of commuting to work—if the transmission fails, I will lose my job.

At approximately 85k miles my 2019 Highlander began to exhibit a high pitched “whirring” sound upon accelerating. The noise stops once you take your foot off the gas. I brought the vehicle to my local Toyota dealership to investigate the noise. They concluded that it is the transmission and I would need to replace the entire transmission. There are no warning lights or other indications aside from the sound. Transmission fluid is clear of any shavings or other indicators of an issue. Toyota service stated they could not tell me if or when the transmission might fail, just that it should be replaced. There are multiple reports of similar occurrences on online Toyota forums. There are also recalls for the exact same sound for the 2018 Highlander. I opened a case with Toyota customer service and was told there was nothing they could do to assist.

Transmission failed while driving down the highway almost causing an incident. These transmissions are very unsafe and should be recalled. Toyota refuses to take responsibility for this year Highlander although it is the same 80ua transmission that was recalled in the 2017 and 2018. While Toyota has said this problem has been remedied in the later years it is very false. Please do an investigation on this before people get hurt from accidents if they haven’t already.

A whinning noise can be heard from car while driving. Vehicle has just under 60k miles and dealer is saying the transmission is failing and it would need to be replaced. There was no warning lights or indication on display.

Transmission makes a whine noise and also experiencing some harsh shifting. Dealership confirmed the whine noise is an indication of transmission failure and they recommend replacing the transmission. Toyota needs to do a recall on this transmission!!.

A whirring and grinding sound from transmission when put into gear. Intermittent sluggish when accelerating.

Engine/transmission 'whining' noise upon acceleration. We cannot drive it, three places said we shouldn't - it will only get worse, and eventually fail. No one knows when. My wife was driving on interstate when it firsts occurred, she couldn't get to the side fast enough. My wife feels unsafe driving it alone and with our young son. We are receiving very high quotes - despite the fact that they don't seem to be doing any real diagnostics. It seems to be a well known problem that only Toyota can address, as their design seems to have caused this dangerous problem and their supply chain issues seem to be common knowledge to many in the industry. Toyota service tells us at least a two month wait for a new transmission to arrive. Then three of four days to install. My wife feels very unsafe driving this vehicle knowing it could just stop operation at any time.