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2018 Toyota Highlander

Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations

Similar to other model years

Owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Highlander do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 186.5.

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When problems were reported

Mileage at the reported incident

110 reports with mileage · 155 unknown

NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.

What to inspect

Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.

  • Power Train. Review the 65 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Service Brakes. Review the 53 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
  • Engine. Review the 33 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →

NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.

23 crash reports1 fire reports15 injury reports

Power Train complaints

65 reports
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Mileage unknown · Feb 10, 2026
Power Train

My 2018 Toyota Highlander with 143k miles has poor acceleration shift lag and a whining noise from transmission. Dealer diagnosed and found transmission is failing and in need of replacement. They quoted $9624.00 to replace and the part is on backorder and could take months to get. Toyota customer assistance has declined any ass…

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My 2018 Toyota Highlander with 143k miles has poor acceleration shift lag and a whining noise from transmission. Dealer diagnosed and found transmission is failing and in need of replacement. They quoted $9624.00 to replace and the part is on backorder and could take months to get. Toyota customer assistance has declined any assistance with the repair even though they have a extended warranty program and a customer support program for the same year vehicle and with the exact same symptoms offering complete repair coverage regardless of mileage but declined my saying I'm not eligible due to the production date of my vehicle. I feel this vehicle is now unsafe to drive due to the possibility of complete transmission failure possibly at any time on the roadway.

NHTSA ODI #11716924

Mileage unknown · Feb 8, 2026
Power Train

Transmission was slipping and hesitating from 50,000 miles up until it went completely out at 96,956. The day it went out, I pulled out onto the highway and there was no acceleration, it wouldn't move. It was flashing "traction control turned off" "check engine visit dealer" "check awd system" and the check engine light was on a…

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Transmission was slipping and hesitating from 50,000 miles up until it went completely out at 96,956. The day it went out, I pulled out onto the highway and there was no acceleration, it wouldn't move. It was flashing "traction control turned off" "check engine visit dealer" "check awd system" and the check engine light was on as well as the orange triangle with explanation point. Toyota said my vin wasn't covered under the TSB, so my extended warranty paid for most, but not all, of the transmisson and parts. They put in a new transmission but the new one does the same thing. It hesitates and slips with currently only 10,000 miles on the new one.

NHTSA ODI #11716517

Mileage unknown · Feb 4, 2026
Power Train

Failed UA80/F Transmission needs replacement for poor manufacturing

NHTSA ODI #11715664

98,340 miles · Jan 28, 2026
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly with an abnormal sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission fail…

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The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was idling roughly with an abnormal sound. The vehicle was driven to the shoulder of the road. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact ordered the parts to repair the transmission but was informed that the parts were not available nationwide. The contact stated that the failure was a known failure. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,340.

NHTSA ODI #11713985

Mileage unknown · Jan 20, 2026
Power Train

Transmission starting making a wining noise, and was told it will fail. Toyota is well aware of this issue.

NHTSA ODI #11712116

85,000 miles · Jan 20, 2026
Power Train

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. While operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was also heard through the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was n…

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The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. While operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The sound was also heard through the dashboard. The vehicle was taken to the local mechanic, who diagnosed that the transmission was faulty and needed to be repaired or replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed of an unknown TSB related to the failure. The failure mileage was 85,000.

NHTSA ODI #11712082

Mileage unknown · Jan 17, 2026
Power Train

TANSMISSION DIED AT 102,000 MILES, 2,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY. Toyota said it will pay $6,000 for parts. I HAVE TO PAY TAX AND LABOR. I have been waiting over a MONTH for the parts, while my HIGHLANDER SITS ON THE Toyota DEALER'S LOT IN RIVERHEAD, NY. My wife took the car there, since the "check engine" light had turned on. A…

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TANSMISSION DIED AT 102,000 MILES, 2,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY. Toyota said it will pay $6,000 for parts. I HAVE TO PAY TAX AND LABOR. I have been waiting over a MONTH for the parts, while my HIGHLANDER SITS ON THE Toyota DEALER'S LOT IN RIVERHEAD, NY. My wife took the car there, since the "check engine" light had turned on. After the inspection, We were afraid to take it out of the parking lot. Code P275614 torque converter presure control solenoid; faulty transmission problem. Recommended a new transmision for $11,303 plus tax. Many class action suits are being filed about TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS in HIGHLANDERS!

NHTSA ODI #11711651

Mileage unknown · Jan 12, 2026
Power Train

The transmission has started making a whining sound just like the cars/transmissions effected buy the TSB from Toyota related to 8-speed auto transmission failures. My dealer said they have seen a lot of them and mine sounds like it, but they claim I'm not part of the TSB allowing for replacement. Toyota has a real problem wit…

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The transmission has started making a whining sound just like the cars/transmissions effected buy the TSB from Toyota related to 8-speed auto transmission failures. My dealer said they have seen a lot of them and mine sounds like it, but they claim I'm not part of the TSB allowing for replacement. Toyota has a real problem with the transmissions in 2018 highlanders but they refuse to fix the problem.

NHTSA ODI #11710548

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026
Power Train

Transaxle (Transmission) failure. Whining noise then failed while driving freeway. Towed to dealer/mechanic and confirm failure. There was a whining sound but no engine light warnings prior to complete failure. Toyota put out a TSB for this but was never informed - POL19-04. Toyota needs to expand CSP ZJC coverage to all UA8…

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Transaxle (Transmission) failure. Whining noise then failed while driving freeway. Towed to dealer/mechanic and confirm failure. There was a whining sound but no engine light warnings prior to complete failure. Toyota put out a TSB for this but was never informed - POL19-04. Toyota needs to expand CSP ZJC coverage to all UA80F/UA80E-equipped vehicles exhibiting symptoms, regardless of VIN range.

NHTSA ODI #11709292

Mileage unknown · Jan 6, 2026
Power Train

1)The following components failed:Symptoms and Diagnostic Trouble Codes TRANSMISSION P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2757 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2714 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Performance/Stuck Off P2817 - Pressure Control So…

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1)The following components failed:Symptoms and Diagnostic Trouble Codes TRANSMISSION P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2757 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2714 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Performance/Stuck Off P2817 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'H' Performance/Stuck Off P08BB - Pressure Control Solenoid 'L' Performance/Stuck Off P0740 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit/Open P08BA - Pressure Control Solenoid 'L' P2116 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor 'E' Minimum Stop Performance P2713 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' P2756 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid C1241 - ABS Hydraulic Pressure Differential Switch Input Short Circuit To Ground 2)My family safety was put at risk because the car stopped moving forward suddenly on the freeway traveling from New York to New Jersey during a family trip. This occurred at 11:45 PM and we were stranded for 1.5 hours waiting for a tow truck. 3) Yes see advisory notes from Aamco: "internal failure, fluid burnt" similar diagnosis provided by Island Toyota in Staten Island. 4)Yes, AAA Auto Repair in Fairfax VA serviced the transmission a month prior after initial gear slipping. 5)The car did not change gears smoothly at about 7 PM during at arrival in NY. At 11 PM during drive back, it stopped accelarating and would not climb inclines. No major warnings, such warning lights until the car stopped shifting in gear on highway.

NHTSA ODI #11709274

Official recalls

4

20V682000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Nov 4, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.

20V012000 · Fuel System, Gasoline:delivery:fuel Pump

Jan 13, 2020

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.

18V211000 · Service Brakes, Hydraulic:power Assist:vacuum

Apr 3, 2018

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018 Toyota Camry and Highlander vehicles, 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles and 2017 Lexus RX350 vehicles. During the manufacturing process, the oil galley in the rotor for the brake booster vacuum pump assembly may have been improperly machined possibly resulting in a sudden loss of brake assist.

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: A sudden loss of braking assist can increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the brake booster vacuum pump, free of charge. The recall began on May 9, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371, or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0K/JLD.

17V831000 · Equipment:other:labels

Dec 20, 2017

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2017-2018 Toyota 4Runner and Tundra, 2018 Toyota Highlander, RAV4 and Lexus GX460 and 2017 Toyota Sienna and Tacoma vehicles. These vehicles may have incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Consequence & remedy

Consequence: An incorrect load information label can result in the operator overloading the vehicle and increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with corrected labels, free of charge. The recall began on January 23, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are H0Z for Toyota vehicles, and HLF for Lexus vehicles.

Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗

NHTSA investigations

0

No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.