NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
194 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Aug 27, 2023
Power Train
2019 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD - Transmission failing 106000 miles. Transmission has developed a whining sound while accelerating. Fayetteville AR Toyota dealer initial diagnosis was a loose heat shield and recommended a front end alignment, which was done. Noise continued. Independent transmission shop diagnosis was potentia…
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2019 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD - Transmission failing 106000 miles. Transmission has developed a whining sound while accelerating. Fayetteville AR Toyota dealer initial diagnosis was a loose heat shield and recommended a front end alignment, which was done. Noise continued. Independent transmission shop diagnosis was potentially failing bearing, but most likely transmission beginning to fail. Fayetteville AR Toyota dealer, diagnosis upon return, transmission failing, needing replacement. $7,000+ for parts, 5 week lead time to order. Recommended to not drive vehicle as transmission could fail while driving.
NHTSA ODI #11541046
Mileage unknown · Apr 7, 2023
Power Train
2019 Highlander has whining noise when accelerating so we brought it into the dealership. They stated it needs a new transmission assembly - $11,741.41. This is unacceptable for a four year old vehicle. I have contacted Toyota directly, they stated there is nothing they can do for us because we are over the 60,000 warranty.
NHTSA ODI #11515964
Mileage unknown · Sep 19, 2022
Power Train
My car was manufactured in 10/2018. My car is experiencing whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting and reduced power. This issue also appeared on previous year models from 2017-2018 and was taken care under bulletin "T-SB-0160-18". However, I called Toyota and they don't want to fix my vehicle under that …
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My car was manufactured in 10/2018. My car is experiencing whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting and reduced power. This issue also appeared on previous year models from 2017-2018 and was taken care under bulletin "T-SB-0160-18". However, I called Toyota and they don't want to fix my vehicle under that bulletin even though the issue my car faces is the same. I checked online and many Toyota Highlander Owners face the same issue. I can be contacted on [XXX] or [XXX] Thanks, [XXX] INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
NHTSA ODI #11485278
Mileage unknown · Sep 14, 2021
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
Our 2019 Highlander xle ( VIN [XXX]) is currently at the Lonestar service department. Service Rep ([XXX]), Assistant Sales Manager [XXX], and [XXX], were fully advised of the stall problems of our vehicle on 9/13/2031. Our paperwork on previous tall repairs were left with [XXX]. On 9/13/2021, we left our 2019, Highlander XLE…
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Our 2019 Highlander xle ( VIN [XXX]) is currently at the Lonestar service department. Service Rep ([XXX]), Assistant Sales Manager [XXX], and [XXX], were fully advised of the stall problems of our vehicle on 9/13/2031. Our paperwork on previous tall repairs were left with [XXX]. On 9/13/2021, we left our 2019, Highlander XLE in the Toyota Lonestar Service department, Lewisville, Texas, for stalling (would not drive) repairs. They were fully notified of several stall episodes. The most recent stall was while driving, 30 mph in Denton, Texas, in heavy traffic, in the middle of an intersection. My wife was terrified when the car stalled. The screen went black. Her car mileage was 9344 mileage at this most recent problem 9/2021. My wife when she starts the car leaving the house. She always going through the procedure to turn off the "start/stop" function, before leaving our residence ("manually turns off the auto stop-start feature"). This vehicle has stalled, several times, in heavy traffic while wife was driving, putting my wife in personal danger. The vehicle is very much at risk of a serious traffic accident. The Toyota dealer, in Denton Texas, has been made aware this problem, when it was returned for service repairs several times. They have not fixed this on going problem at all. This car is a "Lemon". This problem has occurred (stalls occurred on 3/16/2021, and 3/26/2021, 5/17/2019)The care was taken to Lonestar Toyota and Denton Toyota for repairs on these stall occasions. My wife says there were additional stall episodes. The Denton Police have a report of my wife being stalled on I-35 in heavy traffic on 3/5/2021. We waited in a police car for four hours for a tow truck, because of dangerous fast traffic. My wife says two other police departments have similar reports of these stall episodes, when police responded, (Flower Mound Police was one she recalled. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defec INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.
NHTSA ODI #11432853
11 miles · Mar 26, 2021
Electrical SystemFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW WITH ABOUT 11 MILE ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION IMMEDIATELY HAD SHIFTING ISSUES AS IT COULD NOT DECIDE WHAT FORWARD GEAR TO GO INTO AND SHIFTED HARD AND FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING INTO TWO GEARS AT ONE TIME AND AFTER A SHORT DRIVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING DISPLAY INDICATED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING TH…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW WITH ABOUT 11 MILE ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION IMMEDIATELY HAD SHIFTING ISSUES AS IT COULD NOT DECIDE WHAT FORWARD GEAR TO GO INTO AND SHIFTED HARD AND FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING INTO TWO GEARS AT ONE TIME AND AFTER A SHORT DRIVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING DISPLAY INDICATED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHEATING AND ACTED AS IF THE ENGINE WAS STARVING OF FUEL AS IT SURGED AND DID NOT DELIVER POWER TO GO BEYOND 35 MPH. AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE DEALER REASSURED ME AT LEAST THREE TIMES THAT THE CAR WAS OKAY AND THAT THIS IS THE WAY THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. I REPEATEDLY HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT AND THE DEALER REASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NO TROUBLE CODE AND NO PROBLEMS FOUND ALTHOUGH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHOWED TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING AND THEY FIXED A WIRING CONNECTOR TO TRY AND FIX THE RUNNING PROBLEM. A CLASS ACTION SUIT CAME OUT FOR THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE RECALL AND THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE ARE TRYING TO HIDE. AFTER 13 MONTHS AND 2,800 TOTAL MILES THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED, BURNED UP THE INTERNAL CLUTCH SET AND I NOW HAVE NO FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS. I FEEL THAT THE SURGING AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE A SOFTWARE DEFECT AS THE SHIFTING DEFECT COMES AND GOES AND VASTLY PROMOTED IF I DRIVE IT VERY GENTLY FROM A COLD START. ONCE WARMED UP IT DOES NOT ACT UP AS OFTEN EXCEPT WHEN TWO GEARS SEEM TO BE ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME. THE KEY ALSO INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO START AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO SHOWS TRAC LIGHT , ABS FAILURE LIGHT, BSM NOT AVAILABLE, SMART KEY FAILURE, AND COMPLETE BLACK OUT OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND SHOWN TO THE DEALER MECHANIC AND SERVICE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHED AND VIDEOTAPED FOR DOCUMENTATION AND IN THE REPAIR ORDERS.
NHTSA ODI #11404938
13,000 miles · Jan 13, 2021
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW COUNTRY TOYOTA OF CLIFTON PARK (202 RTE 146, MECHANICVILLE, NY 12118, (518) 670-4332) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND TEST DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAS INF…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE DECELERATED AND JERKED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NEW COUNTRY TOYOTA OF CLIFTON PARK (202 RTE 146, MECHANICVILLE, NY 12118, (518) 670-4332) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AND TEST DRIVEN. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THERE WAS NO FIX FOR THE TECT TIP WHICH FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT NO RESOLUTION WAS SET FOR THE ISSUE HOWEVER, AN INVESTIGATION WAS STARTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 13,000.
NHTSA ODI #11387843
12,600 miles · Oct 30, 2020
Power Train
WHEN I AM DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SEARCHES FOR THE CORRECT GEAR. IT'S VERY ROUGH AND AT TIMES HAS MADE DRIVING UNSAFE. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT LOWER SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI #11372465
6,250 miles · Oct 28, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS IN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP; SLUGGISH RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS SLOWER MOVING VEHICLES; HAVE NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MORE THAN ONCE WHEN TURNING/PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC WITH PLENTY OF SPACE BUT UNABLE TO ACCELERATE CORRECTLY…
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LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS IN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP; SLUGGISH RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS SLOWER MOVING VEHICLES; HAVE NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MORE THAN ONCE WHEN TURNING/PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC WITH PLENTY OF SPACE BUT UNABLE TO ACCELERATE CORRECTLY. ALSO UNEVEN SHIFTING; TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS.
NHTSA ODI #11366807
4,000 miles · Oct 13, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower TrainUnknown Or Other
WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN THERE IS A HESITATION FROM WHEN I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND WHEN THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATES. IT HAPPENS FROM A COMPLETE STOP SOMETIMES ALSO. SOMETIMES THE CAR JERKS WHEN IT DOES THIS. THE PASSENGER CAN FEEL IT ALSO
NHTSA ODI #11364068
2,800 miles · Aug 24, 2020
EngineFuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
2019 HIGHLANDER PURCHASED 12/2019. I GUESS I AM LUCKY, MINE HAS NOT STALLED YET. VERY POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE. TAKEN TO AUTIO NATION TOYOTA FT MYERS 3 TIMES INCLUDING HAVING A REGIONAL REP THERE. HE CLAIMS MINE IS OPERATING WITHIN FACTORY SPECS. SUPPOSEDLY MINE IS NOT A PART OF THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE. NOT THAT IT MATTERS TO…
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2019 HIGHLANDER PURCHASED 12/2019. I GUESS I AM LUCKY, MINE HAS NOT STALLED YET. VERY POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE. TAKEN TO AUTIO NATION TOYOTA FT MYERS 3 TIMES INCLUDING HAVING A REGIONAL REP THERE. HE CLAIMS MINE IS OPERATING WITHIN FACTORY SPECS. SUPPOSEDLY MINE IS NOT A PART OF THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE. NOT THAT IT MATTERS TOYOTA SAYS THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. FACTORY REP SAYS MINE HAS 41 COMPUTERS. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? YEH RIGHT LOOK AT THIS WEB SITE AND SEE THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE TOTAL TOYOTA LINE INCLUDING LEXUS. WARNING IF YOU HAVE THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE (LDA) BE EXTRA CAREFU. IF THE LDA ACTIVATES AND YOURS IS ONE WITH THE LACK OF THROTTLE RESPONSE, IT MAY END UP MOVING YOU INTO ANOTHER LANE OR OFF THE ROADWAY.IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. ACCCELRATER SHIFTED WAT DOWN AND ALMOST PUT ME IN ANOTHER LANE. LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES PRESENT HOW MANY BODY BAGS WILL IT TAKE TO FORCE THE FEDS TO ACT? OH I FORGOT. THEY ARE NEEDED ELSE WHERE. TOYOTA WINS Y MORE LIKE A THUNDERSTORM. IF YOU BOTHER TO SCAN THIS FED WEB SITE YOU WILL SEE ALL TH ALL I KNOW IS TO THE CAR BUCKS, FAILS TO RESPOND TO NORMAL ACCELERATION, OR OVER DOWNSHIFTS. SO FAR I HAVEN'T TAKEN OUT ANY OTHER VHICLE ,PERSON, OR ME. IF YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE (LDA) WATCH OUT IF YOU TRYING TO ACCELERATE, MINE LDA ACTIVATED, AND ALMOST PUT ME IN ANOTHER LANE. LUCKLY THERE WASN'T ANOTHER ANOTHER CAR THERE. READ ALL THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS FEDERAL WEBSITE COVERING ALL MODELS OF THE TOYOTA BRAND (LEXUS INCLUDED) WITH THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND SEE NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY TOYOTA OR THE FEDS. I WONDER IF THE FEDS NEED A BODY BAG COUNT TO TAKE ACTION. OH I FORGOT THE BAGS ARE NEEDED ELSE WHERE AND TOYOTA WILL WIN.
NHTSA ODI #11350939
Official recalls
3Nov 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.
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.
Mar 27, 2019
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. 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: If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗