2019 Toyota Highlander engine problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Jul 17, 2026MDEngine

   I am writing to formally document a series of unresolved mechanical issues with my vehicle, culminating in a complete transmission failure, and to request assistance in resolving this matter. The timeline of events is detailed below: *Winter 2024: I first noticed a persistent buzzing sound originating from the engine compartment. Because this symptom primarily occurred during low ambient temperatures, I initially attributed it to the cold weather. The mileage on this vehicle…

   NHTSA complaint #11751157 · source
2. Filed Jul 11, 2026MAEngine

   The car is was a 2019 Toyota Highlander with approximately 125,000 miles. White Smoke started appearing in the exhaust. Quickly after that, the check engine light appeared and started blinking, meaning the engine was misfiring. We brought to the dealership, and they found that cylinder 4 of the engine was damaged (scoring on the inside of the cylinder wall). The engine was releasing metal particles in the oil. Further, the cylinder would not hold oil or coolant pressure, and…

   NHTSA complaint #11749690 · source
3. 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
4. Filed Mar 12, 2026TXEngine

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11723801 · source
5. Filed Jan 28, 2026VTEngineAcceleration & Cruise ControlTransmission & Drivetrain

   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…

   NHTSA complaint #11713876 · source
6. Filed Jan 21, 2026NJEngineOther / UnknownTransmission & Drivetrain

   2019 highlander has a winding sound coming from engine area, no warning lights turned on but winding sound only occurs when in drive and accelerating. vehicle has 90000 miles and winding sound started around 80000 miles. i brought highlander to toyota service and they stated they heard the sound but didnt diagnose it.

   NHTSA complaint #11712316 · source
7. Filed Jan 20, 2026CAEngine

   In early January 2026 there was rough/delayed shifting, whining noises, and fluid leaks. Probably linked to the faulty UA80E/F transmission type. The check engine light came on 1/15/26, I took it into a local repair shop. The mechanic flushed and changed the transmission fluid, replaced all of the spark plugs and the serpentine belt. I picked it up on 1/16/26. There was still shuddering, strange sounds (whining/grinding), and hesitation. On 1/20/26 I drove it and the…

   NHTSA complaint #11712131 · source
8. 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
9. Filed Jan 10, 2026KYEngine

   Initially had issues with acceleration with RPM’s going high with car moving very slowly. Five days after that started, car broke down 3 times in one trip & would not drive or go in reverse. Per dealership, the car needs a new transmission even though it’s only a 2019 with 110,000 miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11710131 · source
10. Filed Dec 22, 202559,000 miMITowedEngine

    The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the contact heard abnormal buzzing sounds coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not able to be replicated. The contact stated that a day or two days later, while stopped at an intersection, and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. There were no warning lights…

    NHTSA complaint #11706566 · source
11. 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
12. Filed Dec 2, 2025CAEngineTransmission & Drivetrain

    •What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? Transmission and power train failure during normal operation. Vehicle was occupied by mother and two small children. Vehicle produced a whining noise, delay in shifting and power failure. No warning lights appeared to give any indication of failure prior to occurring. Vehicle is available for inspection. •How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle stalled…

    NHTSA complaint #11702607 · 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