2021 Toyota Highlander complaints

Vehicle is experiencing a distinct, high-pitched mechanical whine or grind sound from the transmission during acceleration that increases in pitch with vehicle speed. The noise does not happen while cruising or coasting. This symptom aligns directly with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 ('Whine or Grind Noise From Transmission'). I am concerned about a premature, catastrophic internal bearing or gear assembly failure of the UA80 8-speed transmission while driving at highway speeds, which poses a severe sudden loss of propulsion safety risk.

My transmission started to have a noticeable whine at 53k miles. It became noticeably louder during acceleration. It was diagnosed at the Toyota dealership as a failing transmission. My vehicle was a few months out of warranty. I was told to contact Toyota corporate to ask for assistance. I was told since I did not have a service record at the dealership, they would deny my claim. I advised them the transmission was a sealed unit with no dipstick. My vehicle has been meticulously maintained with records. They said sorry, and the conversation ended.

High pitched whirring from engine when accelerating. Took to mechanic who diagnosed worn internal transmission bearings that could lead to transmission failure. No warning lights or indicators. Toyota is aware of this issue (see Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21) but is doing nothing in response.

On July 25, 2026, while driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at high speeds on the freeway, the vehicle experienced a sudden loss of drive power accompanied by a check engine light and a severe hybrid system error warning. The failure occurred without any prior warning or degradation in performance, forcing an immediate emergency maneuver through traffic to reach the shoulder. The vehicle was towed to Toyota of El Cajon for diagnostic evaluation. The dealership service invoice details the following findings: - Primary Failure: Primary fuel injector failure (direct injection system). - Diagnostic Behavior: The engine experienced severe cylinder misfires under load at freeway speeds when the direct injectors were commanded on. - System Impact: Engine misfires triggered a hard safety shutdown of the hybrid system, immediately cutting motive power to the wheels. - Repair Executed: Replacement of the failed fuel injector assembly Safety Concern: A primary fuel injector failure at highway speeds causes an instantaneous engine misfire under load, which immediately triggers a hard hybrid drive system shutdown. Cutting motive power suddenly in heavy traffic without advance warning creates an extreme hazard for rear-end collisions. I am requesting NHTSA document and investigate this failure mode and its automated system shutdown logic.

This vehicle was purchased new in 2021 with 4 original miles. Today it has 58,000 miles and has been maintained, per manufacturer recommendations, a certified Toyota dealership. At around 56,000 miles we noticed a slight whine in first gear. This was attributed to normal noise that we simply had not noticed. by 58,000 miles the while had extended to all gears and become more prominent. Research online shows that this is a known issue with the UH80 transmissions and has been since at least 2017. Toyota has a TSB for it (TSB-0008-21). This was not mentioned at the time of purchase or any of the various maintenance appointments in the last 5 years. This KNOWN issue WILL lead to complete transmission failure. This can happen while parked or in motion and can include the transmission shifting out of an active gear, locking into a gear and being unable to shift to another or park/neutral and there is no way to avoid it. I called Toyota corporate about this because I was not made aware of the TSB until July of 2027 and was advised that, although I was below the 60,000 mile allowance, I had surpassed the 60 month coverage period by two months and would not be granted a warranty exception (Toyota case number: 260710000821). Due to a known defective part on a vehicle that Toyota sold without advisement of said known issue, I am expected to pay $8,000 in repair fee's for a 40,000 dollar car that I have already spent over $20,000 on. The dealership confirmed the issue on 7/28/2026 and ar

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 25 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the engine. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure due to a pinion shaft failure. The dealer determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 62,300.

Transmission is shifting very hard including a clunking noise from first gear.

The transmission has failed due to a defect within the transmission. Toyota is aware of the defect but refusing to assist owners claiming warranty expiration despite the transmission failure occurring due to a defect and not normal wear and tear. Toyota service bulletin accepting the defect. T-SB-0008-21

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken for oil filter maintenance and a spark plug change, and after the maintenance, the vehicle made an abnormal sound each time while accelerating. The dealer was contacted and diagnosed the vehicle with transmission failure. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and stated that the vehicle was out of warranty. The failure mileage was approximately 59,000.

I bought the vehicle used from a Cadillac dealer in Orlando with 72700 miles on it. At approximately 75000 miles my wife and I noticed a faint whine coming from somewhere. As it worsened, I researched the issue to find that Toyota has a TSB for a manufacturing defect in the transmission. As I understand it, the transmission can fail suddenly causing a serious safety concern. I need to fix this problem as soon as possible for my family’s safety but since I am out of the warrantee period and there are class action law suits in progress I am starting here. The cost of the repair, I am told will be $9000 a $11000. There should be a safety recall for this.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander Platinum is experiencing a transmission issue consistent with a known problem affecting the UA80 eight-speed transmission used in 2020–2024 Highlander models. The vehicle is currently at Greentree Toyota in [XXX] for diagnosis. This failure is occurring at 63,913 miles, only about 3,900 miles past the vehicle's 60,000-mile powertrain warranty. I have opened a case with Toyota (Case #XXX) and am requesting this be documented as part of a broader pattern reported by other 2020–2024 Highlander owners, including other 2021 Platinum trim owners INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Our Transmission is failing on our 2021 Highlander. It has a little over 76,000 miles on the vehicle. 2021 and 2022 seem to have many issues with the transmission failing. The dealership's estimate is almost $11,000! We only buy Toyotas and never had this issue with our Sequoia, sienna, avalon, Rav 4 with lots of miles and never needed a new transmission!

The Automatic transmission is making a whining noise when you press the accelerator. I took it to the dealer and they confirmed it needs a new transmission. the vehicle started making noise at 58,000 miles. When I was able to bring it in it had 60,200 miles on it. They would not cover it under warranty because the 5-year portion of the warranty was up a few month prior. I filed for a goodwill replacement with Toyota and they denied me. Dealer estimate for a replacement was over $8,100 dollars. No warning lights, the problem started with a gentle hum or whine much like a bad pulley bearing then got progressively worse.

A known issue with this transmission. It started whining and had to be replaced at around 40,000 miles. Was replaced with a rebuilt transmission instead of a new one.

At 109,000 miles the car started having a whining sound with accelerating. When inspected by the Toyota dealer were told we would need a new transmission. Upon further searching there have been many many reports of transmission failure with the UA80 8 speech automatic transmissions. Toyota is aware of this issue but only a few vehicles have been recalled. It is thought to be a problem with manufacturing.

Experiencing high pitched whine noise at approximately 65k miles. Local Toyota dealer test drove vehicle, also noticed high pitched whine, and diagnosed as transmission going bad due to issues noted in T-SB-0008-21. Transmission can fail without warning at any time and leave driver stranded or in dangerous traffic conditions with inability to shift gears correctly to get out of harms way.

The back hatch of the car has issues closing regularly. Nearly half of the time you push the button to shut the back hatch when it is open it will not close and has to be shut manually. Typically, it shuts an inch or two and then beeps at you and when you push the button again nothing happens but beeping. This is an issue because it is very difficult to close. Even as a 6' 200+ lb man who does strength training regularly, shutting the back hatch is difficult to do manually let alone for my much smaller wife. This has let to her having to ask for help from strangers in a parking lot to help close the door which is unsafe, particularly since we have small children. Toyota has acknowledged that this is a known issue and have stated that there is nothing that they can do to fix it. This acknowledgement came when the car was very new and my father was the owner and again just a few months ago when we brought up the issue again with Toyota.

Vehicle started making a high pitched noise when accelerating at around 98,000mi. I took the vehicle in for the 100,000mi service at 100,854mi and had them also look at this issue. I was told that there was a failure in the front carrier pinion shafts and they recommended replacing the transaxle assembly and rear main seal for $8,354. The vehicle was certified with a 100,000mi power train warranty, but it was just out of warranty. I discovered that there is a class action lawsuit against Toyota for knowingly installing transmissions in 2017 to present vehicles that were known to fail prematurely.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander is experiencing the documented transmission issue impacting vehicles with the UA80E transmission. Our transmission whines and experiences a hesitation or jerks the vehicle. Especially under acceleration. My vehicle was purchased brand new from Toyota. Serviced at a Toyota dealership since purchase.

Have been having issues with my 2021 highlander power liftgate strut failure. It will not open at times unless you have to repeat pressing the button. It makes a noise that you know it is definitely not working right. This has been going on for three years and the service department keeps telling me it is working fine for right now...

2021 Toyota Highlander UA80 transmission failed at 100,000 miles. Codes P2808, P0741. Matches Toyota TSB-0160-18 and T-SB-0008-21. Dealer Alexander Toyota and TMS Brand Engagement denied goodwill. TMS rep stated "TSBs don't matter" despite pending class action Pallaya v Toyota, Case 2:25-cv-10458, which cites these TSBs as proof Toyota knew of defect. Toyota refusing to honor documented defect. Transmission slip/loss of power is safety issue. Request investigation.

The transmission is in the whining stage of transmission failure. It has been confirmed by Cumberland Toyota in Cookeville, TN. There were no warning lamps, etc. however Toyota did post a Technical Service Bulletin (TSB) on February 09, 2021 that my vehicle would have transmission issues. My warranty expired the last of April 2026 and I am over the mileage warranty by 800 miles. I recognized the whining on June 21, 2026 and reported to Toyota on June 22, 2026. Toyota knew this transmission was going to fail and most are being reported just outside the 60,000 mile warranty. I have asked for help and assistance from the local dealership as well as corporate, but both have declined to assist.

Transmission started to whine and act erratically during driving. These effects put safety of those in the vehicle at risk by causing distractions to whomever was driving the vehicle, taking their focus off driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who confirmed the transmission needed to be replaced due to an internal failure. They said they were able to quickly diagnose this problem because "they saw it a lot." There were no warning lamps or messages from the vehicle.

After just passing 100K miles, there is now a whirling noise upon acceleration. After taking to an auto repair shop, they narrowed it down to the transmission and said it was a known problem (referenced T-SB-0008-21) and suggested I take it to the dealership. I took to the dealership where a service manager offered to ride with me to confirm and he confirmed the issue was in fact the known problem noted from the technical service bulletin. The Toyota dealership assistant service manager stated that the noise (which he said was coming from a final drive gear bearing) would continue to get progressively worse and that despite being a known issue, there was no remediation available aside from replacing the transmission completely. He said that he saw no reason that I could not continue to drive the car without complications and without the transmission going completely out for at least a couple more years, but that the noise would get progressively louder until you could no longer tolerate the noise level and would need a new transmission at that point (despite it just beginning last week (or my just noticing it), you can hear it over the the radio when at a low to moderate volume). If this is a "known issue," (ie: a defect that is only in some of the cars per the T-SB-0008-21 notice) this does not seem like a reasonable answer to 'just wait until you can't stand the noise level with acceleration and then completely replace your transmission as there is nothing we can do for you

Transmission needed! 76,000 miles and Toyota will not address the issue! We have owned Toyotas for 30 some years! Sienna, Avalon, RAV4, Sequoia, and now the Highlander!!!!! There is a massive issue with the transmission across the board in the 2021 and 2022 Highlander and Toyota will not replace.

I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 127k miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining/whirring noise during acceleration. The noise appears to originate from the drivetrain/transmission area and has become increasingly noticeable over time. The condition occurs every-time during acceleration and is present under normal driving conditions. I am concerned that this may indicate a transmission or drivetrain-related issue that could affect vehicle reliability and safety. I have found reports from other 2021 Toyota Highlander owners describing similar symptoms involving whining noises during acceleration. The vehicle has been inspected by a Toyota dealership. And is certified through Toyota. The vehicles was bought new from the Toyota dealership and has had all service done through Toyota. I am submitting this complaint so NHTSA can evaluate whether this condition is part of a broader pattern affecting similar vehicles as a defect in the original transmission built in the SUV.

I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 93,000 miles. The vehicle developed transmission symptoms including whining noise. A Toyota dealer diagnosed internal transmission failure and recommended complete transmission replacement at a cost of approximately $9786.31. Toyota declined repair assistance. I am concerned because a transmission failure at this mileage is unexpected and appears similar to other owner complaints involving the 2021 Toyota Highlander transmission.

Transmission makes a metallic whining sound when you accelerate. Associated and confirmed to be transmission failure. Vehicle has 65,000 miles on it and failure is considered premature. The specific transmission, UA80, is known to have manufacturing defects that cause this problem

The front lower bumper detached while driving on the PA turnpike. The vehicle was traveling in the left lane approximately 75 MPH and was bumping on the road until we were able to pull over all the way to the right lane for approximately 1-2 miles. This hanging bumper dragging on the floor causing some damage to upper bumper as well. This was extremely unsafe for everyone in our vehicle and put the safety of all other driver around us at risk of accidents. No warning lights were present before bumper detached. Toyota dealership looked at it and refused to do anything about it, saying that they see damage to upper bumper and that is not part of recall. I told them the damage to upper bumper was caused by lower bumper falling off and being dragged at speeds of 75MPH until we could safely pull over. They stated that the recal only offered a repair kit to lower bumper. I will include a picture of bumper after lower bumper detached and upper bumper still firmly attached. I had no option and had the bumper repaired by a auto body repair shop. This should have been fixed by toyota and i would like to be reimbursed by toyota. There should be punishment to toyota corp for endagering the public and not keeping their word to correct recalls when they are known about. On June 8, 2026 i received a text message from toyota informing me that there was a recall on my vehicle for front bumper detaching. I responded that is exactly what happened to my vehicle. Needless to say they did not resp

The transmission in my 2021 Toyota Highlander began producing a whining noise during acceleration between approximately 15-50 mph at around 80,000 miles. The noise stops when the accelerator is released and has progressively become louder. The vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership. I was informed that the condition is a known issue affecting some Toyota vehicles, but no repair was offered because the vehicle is outside the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty. There are currently no warning lights or diagnostic trouble codes. I am concerned that the transmission may fail while driving, resulting in loss of power or propulsion and creating a safety risk for myself and other motorists. The vehicle remains available for inspection.

The vehicle transmission has a distinct whine noise as previous models have had. This is a known issue with these transmissions.

On XXX, I was driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander at approximately 55 mph when a deer entered the roadway and I had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. My [XXX] daughter was properly seated in the second-row seat and was properly restrained by her seatbelt. During the braking event, the second-row seat unexpectedly folded forward while she was seated in it. As a result, my daughter experienced rib pain and soreness that lasted several days. After the incident, the seat was returned to the upright position and appeared to latch normally. The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the second-row seat. I contacted Toyota Customer Care on XXX, and Toyota provided a rental vehicle on XXX, while the recall issue is being addressed. I am reporting this incident because the recalled seat failed during an emergency braking event and resulted in injury to a child passenger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Right after the manufacture warranty of 60K miles, the car began to make a humming noise. I took the car into the dealership with 65K miles on 13 Jun 2026, and the Toyota dealership stated that the humming is caused by the transmission and we will need to replace the entire transmission. The cost would be $9,447.29. This issue is known by Toyota and Toyota put out Toyota Service Bulletin (T-SB-008-21) but failed to issue recall for this defective transmission.

On two separate occasions I was traveling approx. five to ten miles an hours and had to change lanes. Traffic was heavy and I had to accelerate quickly to do the lane change. The vehicle engine started to rev high and I was barely moving. It was like the transmission didn't know what to do. I had to let my foot completely off the gas for fearing I was going to blow something up. I advised Toyota On Nicholasville several times and they totally ignored me. Also occasionally the transmission will make a clunking noise when shifting in reverse. While this isn't as much of a safety concern as needing your vehicle to respond in traffic and it doesn't. It's very difficult to get Toyota dealers even to document what your concerns are. The way they see it, if wasn't documented, then it didn't happen. The transmission in this vehicle is not safe. You can't rely on the transmission to respond if you are put in a dangerous situation.

Four days after I took delivery of this used vehicle (April 25, 2026), multiple warning lights appeared at once: BRAKE, ABS, PARK, Check Engine, Blind Spot Monitor Unavailable, and RCTA OFF. An independent Toyota dealership diagnosed the vehicle April 27-28, 2026 (approx. 109,000 miles) and found (1) water leaking into the rear hybrid battery area through a sunroof drain "installed incorrectly," causing a Brake System Control Module low-voltage code, starting issues, a headlight only partially functioning on one side, possible air in the brake system, and a musty HVAC odor; and (2) blind spot monitor fault code C1AC2 (Slave Module Horizontal Axis Misalignment) - the blind spot and rear cross-traffic monitoring systems do not function reliably. At a second visit on May 4, 2026, recalibration was unsuccessful; per Toyota procedure the only remaining option is replacing the right-rear blind spot sensor. The technician wrote the cause is a mystery, "whether it be body damage related or electrical short." Toyota service records show the same C1AC2 code was documented during the selling dealer's own pre-sale inspection, and that in December 2024 another Toyota dealership pulled the rear bumper and found the RR blind spot sensor bracket bent, causing incorrect readings - a recurring safety defect that prior calibrations and repairs have not resolved. Separately, federal safety recall 23V865 (occupant classification sensors; the passenger airbag may not deploy as designed) was open a

Transmission makes whining noise

My vehicle has 67,100 miles. A whining/whistling noise recently started and the dealer has diagnosed that a new transmission is needed at a cost of $6,000-$8,000 and it is out of warranty. Researching this shows that this is a known manufacturing defect referred to under T-SB-0008-21. I am concerned that my transmission will fail while I am operating the vehicle.

Our transmission is whining during acceleration.

Car has stopped while pumping gas seems to be specifically after rain. There was a heavy rain and immediately after while pumping gas car was not able to start. Received message steering power low. Happened 3 times after first incident while pumping gas. Car was checked by a mechanic and believe it might be a defect with a part called purge flow ? After part was inspected all check engine lights and alerts on cars went away for a few weeks. Once again we had light rain and the same issue restarted , with unable to power car after pumping gas

2021 Highlander began with whining noise around May 15, 2026 and just outside the warranty. Had the vehicle inspected at the Toyota dealer for repair. They informed me the transmission failed and needs replaced for a price of $9600. Found on the internet that many folks are having the same transmission issue on several Toyotas made in 2021 with a UA80E or UA80F transmission. Toyota issued a Technical service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) on FEBRUARY 9, 2021! We received no warning until the whining noise. We attempted a “goodwill case” to get Toyota to help pay but were denied for the simple reason we used our own mechanic. This has absolutely no effect on this transmission failure. Since Toyota was always aware of this issue I feel they should be held accountable. This is a major faulty product.

Transmission leak requiring torque converter replacement

The transmission on the 2021 Toyota Highlander failed at only 5 1/2 years old (66,000 miles). This is a known issue from Toyota and they should be held responsible to cover items just barely out of warranty for well maintained vehicles.

We purchased our 2021 Highlander XLE in the spring of 2024. It came with a powertrain warranty up to 60,000 miles. Unfortunately for us, we're at 65,000 miles and recently started hearing a high-pitched, whining noise when we accelerate. We took it to the Toyota dealership and they told us we need the transmission replaced. A new transmission is around $9,000, before taxes and service fees. We haven't had any other issues and haven't had an accident. There's already a class-action lawsuit against Toyota regarding their Highlander models having UA80 transmission issues. Because of this, we called corporate in hopes they will pay for it under their Goodwill Assistance program. However, because we never had the Highlander serviced at a Toyota dealership before, they told us they won't cover anything. We've routinely serviced this vehicle. We happened to purchase it at a Nissan dealership, so getting maintenance at Toyota didn't cross our minds. Regardless of where we got the car serviced, it's obvious there's a recurring problem with the Highlander's transmission that Toyota has refused to acknowledge, which is costing consumers around $9,000 apiece. We feel cheated by Toyota, and we hope they eventually have to make things right.

Subtle issues showed early when trying to accelerate to get on the freeway, the transmission would stall. It was intermittent so, difficult to show at the dealership. At around 50,000 miles I began feeling a drag in the transmission, like it was put in downhill mode. Again, it happened intermittently. At 60,000 it would lunge slightly forward when I put it in park. At 63,000 I started hearing a whining sound at acceleration. The dealership did not address my concerns until it was out of warranty and then they said I needed a new transmission.

My 2021 Toyota Highlander was making a high pitched whine sound upon acceleration with the sound level holding steady at a consistent speed. We took the vehicle to a Toyota dealership to have it looked at and were told the transmission needs to be replaced. No other warnings were received. We are concerned about our safety if the transmission goes out while on the road.

I own a 2021 Toyota Highlander with approximately 100,500 miles. The vehicle has developed a noticeable whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area that continues to worsen over time. The noise is most noticeable during acceleration and while driving at highway speeds. I brought the vehicle to Toyota for inspection and was informed that the issue is related to the transmission. However, Toyota denied repair assistance because the vehicle is outside the powertrain warranty period. After researching the issue, I discovered multiple similar complaints involving 2021 Toyota Highlanders equipped with the UA80 transmission, including Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 regarding “Whine or Grind Noise From the Transmission.” The symptoms described in the bulletin closely match the symptoms my vehicle is experiencing. Toyota appears aware of this transmission-related issue, yet many owners outside the warranty period are being denied coverage despite similar failures and complaints. I am concerned this may represent a broader transmission defect that could lead to premature transmission failure, unsafe driving conditions, hesitation, loss of power, or expensive repairs for consumers. I believe this issue should be investigated further by NHTSA due to the growing number of similar complaints involving whining transmission noises and transmission failures in Toyota Highlander vehicles. At this time, the vehicle has not yet experienced a complete transmission f

My 2021 Toyota Highlander makes a whining sound when driving. Took vehicle to dealership and was told it is a $10,000 repair and repair is critical.

My car start with a noise and just lost power in the middle of the road causing almost an accident. This was caused due to the manufacture issue for the transmissions with my car model and brand.

The parking sensor bracket has failed twice now and the sensor keeps falling through. There are no signs of scratches or bumps on the bumper. The dealer said that’s not something they will fix. I have had it fixed once before and now it’s happening again.

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? - Transmission is in the process of failing. Yes it is available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? - Loss of power train while driving could put the operator and the public at risk. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? - Yes, I've been told by two separate Toyota dealers that my transmission needs to be replaced. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? - Yes. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? - No.