2020 Toyota Highlander

My wife was driving on the highway, felt a bump and the engine RPMs spiked. The check engine light came on as well as a error message that the secondary collision braking system was disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealership and we were told there was a internal failure in the transmission. The vehicle has approximately 80K miles.

In reference to NHTSA Recall no. 23V-720 I have made several attempts to have the recall remedied at a certified dealer, dealership is 4hrs away, round trip. On 3 separate occasions I made appointments online for maintenance plus recall. In between 2nd and 3rd remedy attempt lower bumper detached on the highway into traffic. My own vehicle ran it over, several cars swerved on the roadway to avoid the obstacle, some successful and some hit it head on sending it across multiple lanes, it was lastly struck by a semi truck and unrecoverable. On the 3rd attempted I questioned why the recall was not being completed. I was told recalls need to be on a separate appointment. 4th attempt was for the only recall and was turned away because of damage on the upper bumper. Damage was chipped paint and a slight crease near the fog lamp hole. Damage was caused by the upper bumper flapping in the wind while driving since it was no longer braced by lower bumper. I was provided a flow chart by the maintenance manager stating that I needed to repair my bumper before the safety recall could be performed. I showed my recall notice that stated if damage was found on the upper bumper, both upper and lower would be replaced. I asked if my vehicle was going to be evaluated and was told no. A few days later I received a voicemail(missed the call) that my parts had arrived and an appointment had been made for me. I did not ask them to order the parts, I did not plan on returning to them because of their flippant attitude towards my safety. I felt obligated and trapped to return to them since they ordered the parts. I replaced my bumper but did not paint it yet. I figured since the chipped paint was a deciding factor to my safety it would be better not to have it in case other paint damage occurred. (why does paint matter on a safety recall?) Went to 5th attempt and was turned away because my upper bumper was unpainted. I have made appt with new dealer. This is not a reasonable time-frame.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that upon turning off the vehicle and locking the vehicle with the key fob, the doors were intermittently unlocked upon returning to the vehicle. The contact stated that over the years, the failure had become more frequent, but had become constant. The contact called two dealers and informed the dealers about the failure and was informed that a callback would be returned; however, the contact had yet to receive the callback. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 11,000.

At approximately 72,000 miles, my 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum was diagnosed by my dealership with a failing transmission that requires full replacement. I first began hearing a high-pitched whining noise during light acceleration shortly after a routine oil change, at some point between 60,000 and 70,000 miles. I did not immediately recognize it as a drivetrain issue until the symptoms worsened. This model uses Toyota’s UA80 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been the subject of Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 and a Customer Support Program (ZJC) for earlier Highlander models due to similar internal component failures. Despite clear continuity in the symptoms and transmission design, Toyota has not extended coverage or issued a recall for 2020 models like mine. The failure occurred shortly after the end of the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but symptoms began while the vehicle was still within warranty range. Toyota has not responded to my formal escalation through Customer Care for nearly three weeks. I am deeply concerned Toyota is not addressing what appears to be a systemic and known defect in a critical drivetrain component that can jeopardize vehicle safety. There was no warning light or dashboard alert at the time the failure developed, making this both a mechanical and safety concern. While this issue does not involve a catastrophic failure like the Takata airbag recall, Toyota’s lack of response to a known, widespread transmission issue raises broader concerns about safety, transparency, and accountability. A sudden transmission failure—particularly at highway speeds—could result in loss of power or control. Given that several owners have filed similar complaints, I respectfully urge NHTSA to investigate this issue further and assess whether Toyota should issue a recall or expanded service campaign for 2020 Highlander models equipped with the UA80 transmission, particularly in light of prior coverage for earlier model years.

76,000 miles on my 2020 Highlander. Car was made in September 2020, less than 5 years old. Started to hear whining noise from transmission. Over past few days it has gotten louder. Took to Serra Toyota dealer today in Birmingham, Alabama. They confirmed a problem with transmission and told me I needed a new one for $8600. None are even available. I refuse to pay Toyota any money for this. This is a KNOWN issue with the UA80E transmission. The transmission may completely stop working at anytime now. Dealer was unwilling to do anything to help me since car is out of 60,000 mile warranty, and no TSB's or recalls are for my particular year 2020. There is a TSB for 2021 UA80E transmissions. I am so angry about this. This is a clear manufacturing defect. When this transmission dies which will be sooner than later the car will be worthless with no transmissions available.

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.

I brought my 2020 Toyota Highlander to Round Rock Toyota in 09/2024 for a failed transmission, referenced in TSB T-SB-0008-21. As of today, the vehicle has been in Toyota’s possession for over 10 months and remains unrepaired. My assigned case manager (Case #241003001730) has confirmed that Toyota has no ETA for the replacement part. I’ve also confirmed through Toyota’s customer support line that their parts department cannot provide a timeline. Toyota acknowledged the issue is tied to a known defect, yet there is no resolution. I was denied a loaner vehicle until escalating the issue to the dealership’s upper management. Toyota’s delay has caused significant personal and financial hardship. This is a clear breach of their powertrain warranty and represents a systemic breakdown in their ability to support affected customers. I am seeking immediate federal review of this issue, as it affects vehicle safety, value, and reliability.

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, there was abnormal whining sound coming from underneath the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission assembly. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to Customer Support Program: POL 19-04. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 129,000.