2019 Toyota Highlander

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly and failed to shift back to the intended gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was recorded; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving uphill. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged unexpectedly. The contact stated that while driving on a level road surface and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard; however, while driving uphill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travel distance was reduced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake line was bled; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer determined that the brake pedal was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up within 3 to 4 days. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.

My Highlander currently has 91,700 miles. Over the last 60 days, it has developed a high-pitched whine during acceleration under power. The sound starts at about 20 MPH and continues. I presented it to the dealer 30 days ago and they suggested new tires, front and rear brakes and an alignment. Those repairs have all been completed and the noise continues and may have gotten worse. A second diagnostic visit revealed the need for a new transmission at a cost of $11,005. The part number involved is T030510-48601-84. Safe operation of the vehicle is at risk as I could be stranded or worse as I wait for a part that is on back-order. There are no warning lights or check engine lights.

In driving my vehicle the RPM stayed high I took it into the Toyota dealer in Albany Ga and was told that the transmission was stuck in 3rd gear and the transmission needed to be replaced. My vehicle currently has 66k mikes on it so it is not covered by a warranty. I read where the 2018 Highlander had reported issues with their transmissions. I checked to see if one of the 2018 transmissions were put in my 2019 model and all I was told was there was not a recall on my vehicle. Yet if I were to order a new transmission through Toyota they told me they are on back order for anywhere of two weeks to two months. Sounds like they are having issues if they have none in stock.

The engine can be turned off while the shift (automatic) lever is not in Park. If the driver does not realize the failure to put the lever in Park, the car can roll freely. My car is available for inspection, but I was given to believe by Toyota service that this is a standard feature on all 2019 Highlanders. Safety is continually at risk because the car can roll and cause injury to an exiting passenger, another car, or a pedestrian. The car has not been inspected for this since Toyota does not believe this is a problem. There is a warning lamp triangle ! but no sound. The message says "Shift to P before exiting vehicle" . While proper parking is my responsibility, I have not seen the in any other type of vehicle in which I have ridden or driven, Honda, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge Aspen--all owned and driven by me. This is an ongoing "condition", not an "incident".

Took the vehicle twice to Toyota to check on console vibration originating from possible drivetrain (normally in cold weather). This was done under extended warranty. Also had transmission fluid replaced. Service department noticed fluid low even though there was no transmission leak. Service department couldn't duplicate issue but failed to attempt start of vehicle in early mornings as requested. About 10K miles after last attempt to get issue fixed, the transmission failed with no caution, no warning and no error codes. Symptoms included little to zero acceleration from a dead stop and inability to accelerate to higher speeds when necessary (main safety issue). Eventually, vehicle was not able to accelerate. This vehicle does have the 8-speed AT Transmission that lawsuits are being filed against.

Both the right and left constant velocity axels are making noise. The dealer tells us it is under warranty and will be repaired. However, there are no repair parts available and on national back order. The dealer parts department indicates that there have been problems with the 2019 Highlander cv axels, and all replacement parts have been used. My question is how many highlanders have bad cv axels? Is there more of a problem than just a back order. The dealer indicated we could continue to drive the car until it starts to vibrate.