2019 Toyota Highlander electrical system problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Sep 14, 2026MOElectrical SystemTransmission & Drivetrain

   My 2019 Highlander was driving totally normal, when all of a sudden the transmission started slipping and then would no longer accelerate. I was on a windy back road in Alaska with no service, so after letting it sit for a bit I tried to drive it again. It then drove maybe 1/2 more miles before slipping completely and no longer accelerating. No check engine lights came up. I got it towed to my house where a mechanic took a quick scan and said there was a number of…

   NHTSA complaint #11764218 · source
2. Filed Mar 26, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngine

   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.

   NHTSA complaint #11727156 · source
3. Filed Mar 18, 2026MDElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11725158 · source
4. Filed Mar 12, 202686,530 miFLElectrical System

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11723947 · source
5. Filed Feb 17, 2026CTElectrical SystemOther / Unknown

   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

   NHTSA complaint #11718433 · source
6. Filed Jan 18, 2026ALElectrical System

   Radio head unit keeps resetting. While using navigation. Disturbing driving. Something it will continually loop resetting. Can not determine consistent cause. Would like a free replacement and or upgrade including navigation

   NHTSA complaint #11711732 · source
7. Filed Jan 15, 2026CAElectrical SystemEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

   Transmission failure resulted in sudden loss of power while driving, creating a safety risk in traffic. Vehicle was unable to accelerate and required immediate repair. Put myself and my children at risk, as the car suddenly died while I was driving it. Prior to this, there were not issues. Has been routinely maintained and only has approx 83k miles. Toyota agreed that the transmission is the only issue with my car but won't cover the cost to replace it (10k) or the cost of a…

   NHTSA complaint #11711297 · source
8. Filed Dec 21, 2025NJElectrical System

   What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 12V battery How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle unable to start. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or…

   NHTSA complaint #11706399 · source
9. Filed Dec 21, 2025NHElectrical SystemEngineFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

   The car randomly shuts off, while waiting in line or when the break is depressed. The vehicle won’t start, battery is completely dead and then comes back randomly.

   NHTSA complaint #11706378 · source
10. Filed Nov 30, 2025MDElectrical SystemSteeringTransmission & Drivetrain

    Issue 1: I reported transmission issued to the dealership/service center where I purchased the car. They assured me its just the electronic transmission trying to find the right gear while driving. Continued to complaint about the jerks and shifting. Dealer warranty expired, then they agreed that I needed a new transmission. Fortunately I had an outside extended warranty otherwise they'd probably would have waited until that ended too. Status post the transmission, tuning,…

    NHTSA complaint #11702125 · source
11. Filed Nov 16, 2025AZElectrical SystemFuel, Hybrid & EV Propulsion

    This is the second time this year 2025 my Toyota Highlander 2019 stalled fist in the middle of of intersection and second on the drive thru in in&out. Suddenly my car died. Tried to turn on followed the on screen instructions but the car failed to turn on. The first time it happened in the middle of the intersection while waiting for the light to change, after the issue I when straight to a car shop and oreilly they have this machine to check any possible issues and he said…

    NHTSA complaint #11699693 · source
12. Filed Oct 13, 2025VAAirbagsElectrical System

    Clog of evaporator box caused water intrusion into vehicle. Water leaked onto Airbag ECU causing malfunction and requiring replacement of Airbag ECU.

    NHTSA complaint #11693031 · source

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology