2019 Toyota Highlander complaints

The rear air conditioning refrigerant lines on a 2019 Toyota Highlander SE failed due to excessive rust/corrosion, causing the A/C system to leak refrigerant and stop holding a charge. The failure affected the rear A/C lines that run to the rear of the vehicle. The problem was first diagnosed by an independent repair shop and then confirmed by a Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer documented that the rear A/C lines were leaking due to excessive rust/corrosion. The dealer recommended replacing the rear A/C lines/cooling lines as a set, evacuating and recharging the A/C system, adding dye, and checking system operation. The repair was completed by the Toyota dealer but not covered or reimbursed. The vehicle/component was inspected by an independent service center and by a Toyota dealer. Toyota corporate customer support was also informed of the dealer diagnosis. The failed component may no longer be available for inspection because the repair has been completed, but repair records, dealer diagnosis, invoice, and related documentation are available. Safety concern: The A/C system failure can affect occupant safety and visibility because air conditioning is used for windshield defogging/defrosting and cabin humidity control. Loss of A/C can reduce the ability to clear the windshield in humid or rainy conditions. It can also create a risk to rear passengers, including children, during hot weather because the rear A/C system is no longer functioning as designed. The failure also invol

My Toyota Highlander 2019 began to produce a whining noise that orginates in the transmission at about 89000 miles. An independent mechanic examined the vehicle and deteremined that the noise is well documented. After conducting research, I found that the issue is caused by improper assembly and the only repair is a complete replacement of the transmission. I also discovered that there is a recall on the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander due to the 8 speed transmission which is also used in my vehicle. The idea that the 2019-2022 Toyota Highlanders are NOT included in this recall is completely unreasonable. These vehicles utilize the same 8-speed transmission and the whining noise tends to surface after 60, 000 miles - about four to five years based on useage. The whining noise began without warning or symptoms. The vehicle drove without issues and we intended on driving this vehicle into retirement considering the reputation Toyota had on building reliable vehicles. I will never purchase or recommend the purchase of a Toyota vehicle! The idea that repeated transmission failures, without an univeral recall for all years affected, shows that the comsumer is not respected. I would enjoy understanding the logic and data that enabled Toyota to limit the recall to just three production year when the 8-speed transmission spanned six years of production (2017-2022). I am now forced to look into replacing the transmission with potentionally another faulty, improperly assembled 8-speed tran

8 speed transmission faulty

I am reporting a potential premature transmission failure in my 2019 Toyota Highlander AWD. At approximately 89,000 miles, the vehicle developed a noticeable and persistent whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area. The noise continued despite transmission service and has progressed to the point where the vehicle requires a transmission replacement. I have had the vehicle evaluated by three separate repair facilities, including transmission specialists. All three independently determined that the transmission has failed and requires replacement. Repair estimates range from approximately $7,200 to $12,000. A complete transmission failure at approximately 89,000 miles is unexpected and raises concerns about a possible design or manufacturing defect. A transmission failure while driving could cause loss of power, inability to accelerate, reduced control of the vehicle, or create a dangerous situation while merging, entering traffic, or traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle has been maintained and used normally. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this issue may affect other Toyota Highlander owners and should be investigated for a potential safety-related defect.

My 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE V6 developed a serious transmission-related safety problem that ultimately resulted in a sudden loss of propulsion while driving. For some time before the failure, I had noticed an unusual startup noise during cold starts and mentioned this concern during routine service visits at an authorized Toyota dealership. I was advised that the condition was normal. Prior to the major failure, the vehicle otherwise remained drivable. On December 2, 2025, the vehicle underwent scheduled maintenance at an authorized Toyota dealership, including a transmission fluid service. Within the following days, during cold weather conditions (approximately 35°F), the vehicle began exhibiting transmission shudder, RPM flare, harsh torque converter engagement, and illuminated both the Check Engine and Traction Control warning lights. I immediately returned the vehicle to the servicing dealership and reported that these symptoms had appeared following the maintenance visit. After inspection, I was informed that the torque converter clutch actuator had failed and that the transmission would require replacement or rebuilding. The vehicle was released to me, and I was not advised that it was unsafe to drive or that it should not be operated. On the morning of December 11, 2025, while driving home from work in approximately 31°F temperatures, the vehicle suddenly lost propulsion. The engine RPM increased, but the vehicle would not move under its own power. I narrowly avoided

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a known defect in my 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid related to the high-pressure fuel system. My vehicle triggered a Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code P107B - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Range/Performance. This code appeared multiple times (3 stored faults). Toyota has formally acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0050-20 specifically for 2018-2019 Highlander Hybrid vehicles. This is a fuel system pressure issue that directly affects the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. A failure in the fuel rail pressure system can cause: •Sudden loss of engine power while driving •Unexpected stalling at highway speeds •Inability to accelerate when needed, creating a dangerous situation in traffic Despite Toyota acknowledging this defect through TSB T-SB-0050-20, Jim Coleman Toyota (10400 Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817, Phone: 301-618-0480) quoted me nearly $3,000 to repair this issue rather than covering it under warranty. I believe Toyota should issue a formal recall to protect all owners of affected vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and pressure Toyota to issue a recall covering all 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles affected by this known fuel system defect.

Transmission is whining on speeds between 25-55 mph. Pointing to pre-mature internal failure of components in Transmission.

Transmission is giving a whining noice when accelerating. Took it to Toyota dealer, they said the transmission needs to be changed and it will cost me $11,000 . There are many complaints online about these UA80 Transmissions and the root cause is listed to an assembly problem during production but Toyota will not accept this and will not help to replace it

My 2019 Toyota Highlander has taken on water from a leaking Panoramic Sunroof. Both times the dealership ran it through a car wash and it did not leak after cleaning the sun roof drains. Took my car in on 5/4/2026 after a thunderstorm and they cleaned (Tom O’Brien Toyota) the roof drains. Then on the evening of [XXX], we had a heavy thunderstorm which resulted in 3 quarts of water that my husband cleaned off the liner. It was also dripping inside on the armrest. Now I have a sagging liner with water stains. We took the car in again on 5/22/2026 and they cleaned the drains again.We are expected to have rain for the next 3 days. If I leave the liner back it could result in water pouring in the cabin, shorting out the electrical heat warmers on my console. What about MOLD and discoloration? Talk about safety concerns.!! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

When accelerating, started hearing a whining noise. Took to mechanic, said it was the transmission. Called Toyota and they had us bring it in for diagnostics. Also said we needed a new transmission. Quoted at over 13K - could fail at any time. This should not be happening in a 2019 vehicle and seems to be a known issue that Toyota is not doing anything to address.

Vehicle has experienced sudden stalling while driving and an intermittent Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P107B — Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance. This is the exact condition covered by Toyota Technical Service Bulletins T-SB-0050-20 and T-SB-009-23, and Customer Support Program 23TE04 (Denso low-pressure fuel pump settlement coverage, valid until July 15, 2036 or 150,000 miles). Timeline: • Late April 2026 (while driving ~300–400 miles from home): Vehicle stalled without warning at a red light. • May 5, 2026 (while driving on freeway ~50–75 miles from home): Check Engine Light illuminated. AutoZone scan and dealer diagnostic tool both confirmed DTC P107B. • May 5, 2026: Dealer performed health check using Toyota GTS+ tool (see attached screenshot taken at 15:58:01). Screen clearly shows “PERMANENT: YES” confirming a permanent stored fault code. • May 5–15, 2026: Crown Toyota (Ontario, CA) confirmed the code was present on arrival (Repair Order 2842115 dated 05/15/26). They later cleared the code, performed a short test drive, could not duplicate the fault at that moment, and closed the repair order as “inconclusive.” They refused the low-pressure fuel pump replacement under Customer Support Program 23TE04 even though corporate cases #260505002096 and #260515002110 had previously confirmed eligibility based on the prior pump replacement (9/11/2021, RO #1764477). The issue is known to be intermittent and occurs under load/highway c

Whining noise on a cold start and at acceleration. Transmission fluid was replaced less than 1000 miles ago and noise has gotten louder.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, on the highway. the contact notice an abnormal noise coming from the transmission. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and they informed him this will not b escalated and offered no further assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 133, 000.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH under a local under path the vehicles the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Previously the while driving at the same location the vehicle suddenly reduced speeds. The contact indicated that each time the failure had occurred the cruise control feature was activated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

Around Halloween 2025 my Toyota’s Transmission started slipping. I called a few places and no one except Toyota would address the issue except a local shop in [XXX] , Ridge Auto Repair who after checking out the vehicle said they can’t repair it because the parts are not available November 6th, 2025, The Shop LAG LLC was recommended to me by a family member, and they came to check out the Toyota, and they were convinced it was the Torque Converter and wanted $1300 to fix it. I paid them and after a few weeks they claimed it was the Transmission and wanted more money which they were paid. Weeks went by and no updates from them and they weren’t responding to my messages. When they finally responded they started saying the starter was bad, the differential, the fly wheel, etc, Again, we paid them more money, and again weeks went by without any updates. We paid a total of $9000.00 Their last attempt to fix the vehicle also failed and I’m left with a vehicle with no transmission, the entire front end taken apart and scattered all over my property and this was their last response. “Oh lord. So the original place we got the transmission from denied the warranty, but at the time it wasnt a problem we have insurance. So we summited a claim and thats why it was going to be shipped from another place. Well they kept telling me that it was coming this day then that day. I got a letter denying the claim Instead. I have tried to fight it, but they ended up dropping us after that. We are wi

My car all of a sudden has this sudden humming/high pitch sound. I had mechanic checked and he said coming from the transmission. I checked the Toyota forum and there's a widespread issues with their transmission. The issue started with the year 2017, These vehicles are equipped with the UA80F (AWD) and UA80E (FWD) 8-speed automatic transmissions. My 2019 is equipped with the UA80E. Toyota already recognized that they have problems with the transmission but only issued a recall for vehicles 2017-2018. They need to include Toyota highlander 2019.

This vehicle safety complaint is regarding my 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE, VIN [XXX] . A Toyota-authorized dealership, Sansone Toyota in Avenel, New Jersey, documented that the front driver axle is prone to freezing in the differential. This is a serious safety concern because if the axle seizes while the vehicle is in motion, it could cause sudden loss of control. This vehicle is used regularly as our family vehicle, including to transport our family of 6 with our young children. I am extremely concerned about continued operation of the vehicle while this documented condition remains unresolved. In addition to this safety-related axle issue, this vehicle has a broader history of serious mechanical problems. On May 13, 2022, after a recent service visit at DCH Brunswick Toyota, I reported that when I pressed the gas the vehicle was making an unusual noise like an old car, that the car delayed to speed when I pressed the gas, that I had to press the gas all the way in order for the car to move faster, and that it was not like this prior to service. At approximately 25,000 miles, I also asked that the brakes be checked because when we drove the vehicle and used the brakes, the car made a startling sound. In 2023, I also reported hard/heavy steering and jerking while driving. I reported transmission-related abnormal noises and drivability concerns while the vehicle was still within Toyota’s powertrain warranty period, but the condition was not properly diagnosed at that time. The

Hi. I have a Toyota 2019 Highlander EXL. My problems is the transmission started to have the small whining noise every time I accelerates and I it's happened over 18 months ago and I didn't know that is the issues until I brought it to the Toyota Dealer for 75k maintenance. The Dealer has told me that the noise was abnormal and it's from the transmission and it's will cost me $13 K to replace with a new one. I believe in Toyota quality but now I will have to really think about it again for the next purchase ?. I don't understand why Toyota has known this issues because of many reported but never intend to fixed it. I'm not so happy with this . Please ask ToyoTa Corp to answer and do take the responsibility before someone is getting hurds Thanks Tom le

Traveling at approximately 60-65 mph on interstate 95 in Wakefield the vehicle suddenly downshifted causing a rapid deceleration to around 40 mph. It would not upshift requiring us to pull into the breakdown lane.

A wining started on my 2019 Toyota highlander. I took to mechanic and they confirmed it was transmission. There was no warning.

Loud whining noises from transmission, repeated unpredictable shifts making pulling out/merging unsafe

I own a 2019 Highlander at just barely over 55,000 miles. I began hearing a humming noise while accelerating and brought it into Toyota. They told me that bearings are worn in the transmission and I need a new transmission replacement, which will cost $11,569.21. I am shocked Toyota has not issued a recall and corrected this well-known issue. I am disappointed in Toyota, being a loyal customer over the years, if they can't guarantee quality or assist in the issue they know about, I will not trust Toyota again.

I am writing to you as a deeply loyal Toyota customer who is facing a distressing and financially significant situation with my 2019 Toyota Highlander. Our family has been committed Toyota owners for several decades. Over the years, we have owned a Toyota Corolla, Camry, and multiple Highlanders — and we currently drive two Toyota vehicles. We have consistently chosen Toyota over other brands because of the trust we place in your engineering, reliability, and the value Toyota stands behind. We even replaced all of our Honda vehicles with Toyotas because of that trust. We purchased our 2019 Toyota Highlander during the COVID-19 pandemic, paying above market value because we believed in the Toyota brand and its long-standing reputation for durability. We have never regretted that decision — until now. At approximately 95,000 miles, our Highlander began exhibiting a high-pitched humming noise and gear slippage. We brought the vehicle to our Toyota dealership, who diagnosed the issue as a complete transmission failure. The repair estimate provided was $17,000. We were also informed that this repair would not be covered under any existing warranty. We are not only shocked by the severity and cost of this failure on a well-maintained, 7-year-old vehicle — we are also deeply concerned by what we discovered in our research. There appear to be hundreds of complaints from other Toyota Highlander owners reporting the exact same transmission issue, across the same model years, suggesting

Hi Dear My car doesn’t report crash.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The independent mechanic replaced the transmission fluid; however, the failure reoccurred. The vehicle was towed back to the independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact was informed that parts were on back order. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 128,669.

At 138,000 miles my 2019 Toyota Highlander's transmission failed. I noticed a whining sound when I pushed on the accelerator, so I scheduled a service appointment to have it looked at. The day I brought it into the mechanic it began stalling at stop signs. I was driving my children to school when the vehicle began stalling, fortunately I was able to get it looked at that day. My local mechanic diagnosed it as a failed transmission having to do with something inside the transmission. I called Toyota and they said in order to qualify for support through their service program I needed to have the vehicle diagnosed by at a Toyota dealership. I had the vehicle towed to the dealership, where they too confirmed the transmission had failed due to something inside the transmission, which they diagnosed with a telescope. They quoted me $12K for a new transmission! I had routine maintenance performed throughout the life of the vehicle, primarily at the Toyota Service Center. Just 20 months prior to this happening I had the suggested transmission services completed at the dealership. The only services I had completed outside of the dealership over the last 20 months were regular oil changes and tires. The transmission in my 2019 Highlander is the same failed transmission as the ones in the 2017-2018, which Toyota issued a bulletin on, the same transmission Toyota has received numerous complaints about. The same transmission with hundreds of other customer's have filed incident reports on

My Wife drove to work yesterday with no issues. After her shift she stops at the local gas station by her job, she puts the car in park but the car continues to roll forward( as if it was in neutral). Applies the brake and puts the E-brake on(car is now stationary). Puts in some gas, turn car back on, puts in drive and the car is makes a grinding like noise. We get the car towed home, jack it up, drain the fluid. The color of the fluid was darkish but still had a reddish tone to it, very slight sparkle look to it..didn’t see or feel any metal shavings to it.. highly confused on what failed for the transmission to be like that. Haven’t gotten it to the shop yet but a lot of research is showing something internal. No leaks, maintenance has always been serviced on time.

Transmission. Taken to dealership immediately. Notified that the transmission was going to have to be replaced. Notified there were no transmissions available or re-manufactured transmissions available, that our warranty was up 3 months prior to this date and we would have to spend in the range of $8500-$12,200 to get it fixed when a transmission was available. Warranty company did decide to cover some of the cost, but we were out of pocket almost $4000. This problem did not gradually appear, it was instant on the date the incident occurred. Filed a complaint with Toyota, they will not take responsibility and reimburse us any money. This should not be a problem with a Toyota with this many miles on it and they should take responsibility.

My transmission is now missing the 3rd gear and left me and my kids stalled in traffic as I was turning in oncoming traffic. Toyota dealership confirmed that was the problem upon inspection.

Rough switching between gears since purchase; Whining noise in transmission when pressing on the gas.

I heard Whining Noise from Drivetrain side under Engine Room first time about a month ago. There is a possibility sure It was generated early that Noise longer than when I heard it. and I visited Toyota Dealership Vacaville CA about this issue, Requested to Diagnosis my Highlander 2019 XLE Gas type Vehicle. Technician said, "FOUND WHINE COMING FROM TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY INDICATING INTERNAL FAILURE". Service Advisor recommended to replace "UA80E TRANSAXLE ASSEMBLY + TORQUE CONVERTER AND RECHECK". And I found Issue about There is a Document (TSB 0008-21) about this my Highlander 2019 XLE. I did not receive any information or recall or contact from TOYOTA until When I realized it.

My 2019 Toyota Highlander started making a whining noise from 0mph to 40mph-- and at times would shift hard. I took it to first mechanic who stated it was definitely a transmission issue. I took it to a transmission shop who also confirmed it was a transmission issue. I had vehicle towed to Toyota Dealer who performed a Multipoint Inspection and vehicle was placed on a scanner. The codes indicated "internal failure" on transmission and quoted me $10,500 to remove and replace. Parts are backordered for 8 weeks+. Current transmission is only at 63,000 miles and I am the 2nd owner.

Check engine light came on without warning, car started losing power, idling roughly, stalling out, and not wanting to start. Had my battery, alternator, and starter checked and they are all fine. Diagnostic test showed it was to do with how much fuel/air the vehicle is getting. The check engine light goes off and on as I’m still having to try and drive my vehicle to and from work due to not having other transportation.

UA80 transmission problems like everyone else. Just paid it off and it’s under 100k and the transmission gave out. It’s $11k to fix it. I have it l the proper maintenance at Toyota.

Transmission whining sound

Sporadically, when starting up the vehicle, from the overhead console, it emanate a loud, ear piercing sound that is painful to one's ears. Apparently, this is a KNOWN issue with 2019 Toyota Highlanders in the Limited Platinum trim level. This issue has been presented to the dealership numerous times (DARCARS Toyota Frederick) with their claim they could not recreate the issue. I have provided video evidence but still no action was taken. Now out of warranty, it occurs more frequently now with this piercing noise.

Transmission began making high pitch whining sound with hard shifting to second gear. Within one year the transmission completely went out and was stuck in third gear.

My wife was driving here Highlander at freeway speeds when the vehicle started slowing and would not respond to the throttle. No warnings lights. It would drive but not accelerate to any reasonable speed. She pulled off the freeway and found a parking lot to test, restart car, etc. Again, no warning lights. Once in park, the vehicle would not shift into gear but only revved. The vehicle could not be driven and towed to a Toyota dealer and after a number of tests, it was diagnosed as a blown transmission. It was replaced at great expense. I do not know what the dealer did with the transmission but it was not tested. The safety issue is the sudden and expected loss of power/drive train on a freeway. The vehicle has been well maintained. At 100K, plugs and transmission fluid were replaced. Although the vehicle had around 130K miles, the transmission should not have failed in my opinion.

Our 2019 Toyota Highlander currently has 54,605 miles. In August 2025, when the vehicle had 50,236 miles, we brought it to the Toyota dealership to address a whining noise coming from the transmission. At that time, the vehicle was still under the manufacturer’s warranty. The dealership performed a transmission service during that visit. Within the following weeks, however, the whining noise returned, and the vehicle began experiencing hard and delayed shifting. Our children and grandchildren have recently moved to Washington, and we had planned to drive there to visit them. Unfortunately, we are now reluctant to drive the vehicle due to safety concerns, as we have been advised that the transmission may be failing. The dealership has now recommended a full transmission replacement. Because the original concern was reported while the vehicle was still under warranty, we believe the issue should have been properly diagnosed and resolved at that time. However, the problem was not addressed, and the vehicle is now outside the warranty period, with Toyota declining to cover the cost of the replacement transmission. Given that the problem was first reported while the vehicle was under warranty, we are requesting that Toyota reconsider covering the transmission repair or replacement.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle stalled; the contact shifted the vehicle into park(P) and restarted the vehicle for the vehicle to return to normal operation. No warning lights were illuminated; however, the “Auto START/STOP Failure” and “See Dealer" messages were displayed on the instrument panel. The failure reoccurred on several occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, where it was diagnosed, and determined that the wiring harness needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 86,530.

High pitch wine when accelerating

Vehicle hesitates and sputters upon acceleration, loss of power, and stalls during operation. Trouble codes P0191, P0171, P0174, and P0107B have generated in combination.

Transmission began making a whining noise around 70,000 miles. Transmission completely failed at 90,000 while driving on the highway and lost all forward gears and neutral. Only reverse gear works.

Transmission failed at early miles around 90k

Tramision it no good make nose and power go off transmisión lose power and make smoke

Ua80 transmission failed.

I have been hearing a high pitched whirling noise. I took it to my dealership and the diagnostic report said it was an internal transmission problem. They said there was no code identified when they ran the diagnostic test, but they could also hear the noise. There were no other symptoms of an issue other than the noise I heard. I have done all scheduled maintenance for this car since I leased, then purchased it in 2019. When I researched the issue further, I found that vehicles from 2019 are known to have been built with faulty transmissions. I did not know this at the time of purchase.

I’m 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 doesn’t 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 contact’s 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 repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 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