2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER
554 complaints filed with NHTSA.
NHTSA Safety Rating
Complaints by Component
| Component | Count |
|---|---|
| POWER TRAIN | 147 |
| FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | 81 |
| UNKNOWN OR OTHER | 69 |
| ENGINE | 64 |
| ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | 51 |
| FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE | 17 |
| SERVICE BRAKES | 15 |
| AIR BAGS | 14 |
| STRUCTURE:BODY | 12 |
| VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | 10 |
| STEERING | 8 |
| SEAT BELTS | 6 |
| ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC) | 5 |
| FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING | 5 |
| SEATS | 4 |
Recalls (3)
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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,
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
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, 20
Recent Complaints
Iâm concerned that my transmission was defective. My vehicle has 94K miles and was told by dealer I needed a new transaxle. We have never used our vehicle to tow or ever been stuck. It just doesnât make sense why it would be defective. I was able to locate a Toyota bulletin regarding this.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission. Later, while the contactâs wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated unexpectedly. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a failure with the torque converter. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repai
Mileage: 128,000
Upon expiration of the SOS Subscription the DCM creates a loud feedback noise that goes through the passengers speaker and is causing hearing loss every time the vehicle is turned on. Has been documented many times on Reddit from other owners of 2019 highlanders
Upon expiration of the SOS Subscription the DCM creates a loud feedback noise that goes through the passengers speaker and is causing hearing loss every time the vehicle is turned on. Has been documented many times on Reddit from other owners of 2019 highlanders
Transmission failure. Unexpectedly failed while driving. Failure to accelerate before total failure. Repaired with used transmission since new ones are unavailable. Called Toyota to report the failure. No acknowledgement of any failure mechanism.
While driving down the road about 30mph on a paved road, heard a loud bang from the back. Stopped and inspected. The stability button shot off the door into the door jam, the door panel coming off, and the weather stripping separating from the door. The passenger rear airbag went off. Nothing visible on outside. Everything mechanically like it should be. 55,000 miles on car. Bought new from dealership. Done all maintenance and safety recalls. Vehicle is at dealership getting inspected.
While driving, my vehicle experienced a sudden transmission failure. The vehicle began to lose power and was unable to shift properly, making it difficult and unsafe to continue driving. I had the vehicle inspected and the transmission is currently being rebuilt. The mechanic performing the rebuild has stated that the failure was caused by a faulty build and a manufacturer defect, not normal wear and tear. I am currently awaiting written documentation from the mechanic confirming this, which wil
My Toyota was just in the shop for 100,000 mile service and investigation of whining noise upon acceleration. Was notified that the transmission needs replaced and will cost over $7500 . Transmissions are supposedly on back order. Upon further investigation, discovered there is a known issue with 2017-2019 Highlander transmissions that Toyota failed to issue a recall and failed to notify owners of these models. Repairs have not been made as transmissions are on backorder due to the magnitude
On Sunday, February 1st 2026 during sub-freezing temperatures The vehicle's 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80) experienced a complete mechanical failure while driving. This resulted in a sudden and total loss of vehicle propulsion, requiring the car to be towed. Prior to the failure, the vehicle's AWD system indicator light was illuminated. The failure was diagnosed by Alexandria Toyota on February 3rd of 2026 as a catastrophic internal transmission failure requiring full replacement of the t
Transmission starting making a whining noise failing at 106,950 miles. Inspection by transmission shop shows issue related to UA80E/F transmissions. Concerns or increased inspection for transmission were never mentioned during prior maintenance with dealerships or any notices sent out to owners. No warnings or codes recorded on system ECO. â¢Toyota Tech Tip T TT 0410 â¢Bulletin T SB 0160 18 â¢Bulletin T SB 0008 21 â¢Bulletin T SB 0122 20 â¢Bulletin T SB 0087 23
Transmission has High pitch when accelerating
Bought car in April 2025. Has 80,000 miles. Transmission failed.
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? System: Power Train: Automatic Transmission Specific Component: UA80 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Internal Failure) Available for Inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While merging onto the highway, the transmission failed to upshift, resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of acceleration. The vehicle could not reach or maintain highway speeds (speed limit). Thi
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? System: Power Train: Automatic Transmission Specific Component: UA80 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Internal Failure) Available for Inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While merging onto the highway, the transmission failed to upshift, resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of acceleration. The vehicle could not reach or maintain highway speeds (speed limit). Thi
1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned? System: Power Train: Automatic Transmission Specific Component: UA80 8-Speed Automatic Transmission (Internal Failure) Available for Inspection: Yes, the vehicle is currently available. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While merging onto the highway, the transmission failed to upshift, resulting in a sudden and unexpected loss of acceleration. The vehicle could not reach or maintain highway speeds (speed limit). Thi
The transmission is whining and is going out it is shifting hard now.
Transmission failed catastrophically at 133,000 miles while vehicle was in operation at a busy intersection. Vehicle became immobilized and unable to move. Unable to safely exit vehicle due to traffic. Stranded for 60-90 minutes with multiple vehicles nearly striking the disabled vehicle, creating a serious safety hazard. Police were called but failed to show up. Prior to failure: Vehicle exhibited loud whining noise during initial startup that would sometimes lessen or stop. This symptom appea
128,000 Miles and the transmission is making a whining sound that progressively gets worse with acceleration. Also has occasional erratic shift associated with no throttle response. Sound is obnoxiously loud on the freeway deeming it almost undriveable.
The car started making a wining noise while accelerating. The car was brought to my local dealer where I always have my service done and they said I need a new transmission. The cost will be approx. $9,300.00. The car has less than 84,000 miles on it and is just 6 years old. Every recommend service has been done to date.
Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power and severe hesitation from a stop. Acceleration is extremely weak from approximately 0â20 mph, then returns to normal once moving. Traction control system automatically disables itself and check engine light illuminates. Vehicle feels unsafe when pulling into traffic or intersections due to delayed acceleration. Diagnostic trouble codes retrieved: P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch Actuator Stuck On), P0745 (Pressure Control Solenoid A Stuck Off), and P271