2020 Toyota Highlander

Vehicle: 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE Purchased: August 2020 Owner: Original owner Transmission: UA80F Dealer quote for “Transmission assembly remove and replace: $8,666.22 +tax The vehicle is experiencing delayed acceleration (lagging power) and a loud whirring noise from the transmission when the accelerator pedal is pressed. The whirring noise immediately stops when the accelerator pedal is released. The Toyota Highlander had just exceeded the 60,000 mile/5 year powertrain warranty. Vehicle has 68,079 miles and is 5 1/2 years old. The delayed acceleration creates a serious safety hazard, particularly when starting from a complete stop while attempting to make a turn into traffic. On multiple occasions, the vehicle failed to respond promptly when the accelerator was pressed, placing the vehicle at risk of being struck by oncoming traffic. On February 17, 2026, Oakbrook Toyota diagnosed the vehicle with a failed/bad transmission after charging a $200 diagnostic fee to investigate the whirring noise and power delay. This failure occurred on a vehicle that has been properly maintained and has not been modified. Upon searching the Internet, there are many, many complaints regarding the UA80 transmissions failing between 60,000 and 70,000 miles. There are also multiple lawsuits filed for failed transmissions.

My 2020 Toyota Highlander, with 83k miles, started making a whining noise when accelerating. I took the vehicle to a local auto shop and they advised there was a transmission issue. There were never any warning signs of issue. I then took the vehicle to Antwerpen Toyota in Clarksville, MD (where the vehicle was purchased) and paid $185 for a diagnostic appointment. On February 20, 2026, The dealership provided a written estimate for “Replace automatic transmission assy” with a total cost of $9,403.77. I am very concerned for the safety of myself and others continuing to drive the vehicle without proper repair. The vehicle is otherwise in great condition and I keep up with all regular maintenance.

At approximately 120,000 miles, the vehicle began exhibiting a pronounced shudder or vibration between 40–50 mph under light acceleration or steady cruising. The condition progressed to delayed shifting and intermittent loss of acceleration response. The most concerning issue is hesitation and reduced acceleration when attempting to merge into traffic or increase speed. On multiple occasions, the vehicle failed to respond promptly to throttle input, creating a potential safety hazard due to loss of propulsion. The vehicle was evaluated at two authorized Toyota dealerships. Both indicated that the condition is consistent with torque converter or transmission failure. Full transmission replacement was recommended at an estimated cost of approximately $9,000. No whining or grinding noises are present; symptoms primarily involve shuddering and hesitation. The vehicle has not been driven since October 21, 2025, due to safety concerns and to prevent further damage. The vehicle has been regularly maintained at Toyota dealerships and has not been used for towing. This complaint concerns loss of acceleration, transmission shudder, and potential premature failure of the 8-speed automatic transmission.

Our 2020 Highlander with 45,000 miles started making a whining noise when accelerating. After the Toyota garage looked at it we were told that we needed a full transmission replacement. No warning lights came on alerting of us of problem. We were also told by the service depart that they are not surprised there hasn’t been a recall due to how many transmissions they have replaced on these vehicles and especially this type of transmission. Upon researching this particular issue, It is a wide known issue with class action lawsuits. New transmissions are also only carrying a 1 year warranty. That is hardly a warranty on a costly repair. It will cost us out of pocket $8,000 for a vehicle that is meticulously maintained and with only 44,000 miles. These vehicles are still being sold putting myself, my family and many more Americans as risk.

I have experienced ongoing transmission problems, including but not limited to rough shifting, delayed acceleration, jerking while driving, and abnormal noises. These issues have significantly affected the safety, reliability, and drivability of my vehicle. This transmission failure significantly undermines Toyota’s long-standing reputation for reliability and has substantially reduced the value of my vehicle.

Whine noise when you accelerate coming from the automatic transmission. Car is hesitant in shifting gears when needing to accelerate causing safety issues/concerns while driving due to the inconsistency. Toyota dealer as inspected the vehicle and recommended a transmission replacement. Dealer has filed a claim with Toyota to see if it will be covered or not. Total price of repair quoted from dealer was $8700.00. I am also being told there is a back order on parts related to the repair of the vehicle and that the amount of vehicles with this issue are increasing in numbers each day. I purchased this vehicle new in 2020 and have been the sole owner.

The contact's wife owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that soon after purchasing a new set of tires, the vehicle made an abnormal rattling sound upon acceleration. The vehicle was taken to a dealer for an oil change and tire rotation, and the contact was informed that no defect was found on the vehicle. As the failure persisted, the vehicle was taken back to the shop, where the tires were purchased. The contact was informed that there was no defect in the tires, and the failure might be related to the differentials of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The manufacturer was then notified of the failure, and the contact was offered partial financial assistance towards the purchase of a new engine. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

My 2020 Highlander developed a whining or grinding noise consistent with the Technical Service Bulletin. I took it to a Toyota Dealership for diagnostic and they confirmed the whining and hissing sound. They said it would cost $9,000 to repair. I called Toyota to request a goodwill repair and they denied me. Toyota case number: 251229000423. The car does not feel safe to drive. We worry that at any moment the car could break down with our children inside. The problem was reproduced at a dealer and inspected. There were no warning lamps or messages, just the obvious sound coming from the transmission.