2019 Toyota Highlander transmission & drivetrain problems

Related recalls

No recalls on file.

What owners say

1. Filed Oct 7, 202674,000 miNJTransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that driving the vehicle lost power and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission and the vehicle lunged forward and unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet…

   NHTSA complaint #11769592 · source
2. Filed Oct 7, 2026PATransmission & Drivetrain

   While driving along, the car suddenly begun not too shift in the middle of an intersection. Fortunately for me, this occurred in the middle of the night when there were not many cars around, otherwise serious injury would likely have occurred since it was in a busy area. I had the car towed to an independent shop first who indicated that the problem was likely a transmission failure. I subsequently had it towed to the Toyota Dealership in Wilkes-Barre PA (Motor World), who…

   NHTSA complaint #11769486 · source
3. Filed Oct 2, 2026NCTransmission & Drivetrain

   The vehicle has a loud whining noise coming from the front of the car. The noise is only heard when I am pressing the accelerator but once I let off it goes away. I took the car into the dealership for inspection and was told it was the transmission that needs to be replaced. Toyota is refusing to assist with the repair because it is out of warranty. Even though they know this is a known issue.

   NHTSA complaint #11768514 · source
4. Filed Oct 1, 2026OHTransmission & Drivetrain

   Catastrophic mechanical transmission failure in 2019 Toyota Highlander. Diagnosed by Toyota dealership. Said to be the same issue as the recalls submitted for 2018 and 2021 Highlanders due to them having the same transmission

   NHTSA complaint #11768407 · source
5. Filed Oct 1, 2026TXTransmission & Drivetrain

   I was driving on the highway and the car stopped allowing me to accelerate which almost caused major issues with an accident. I was luckily able to pull off and coast to a safe area to stop. No warning lights ever came on. It appears to be a transmission failure. I’m very lucky it didn’t occur 5 minutes prior. Currently at dealership for inspection.

   NHTSA complaint #11768266 · source
6. Filed Sep 29, 2026NHTransmission & Drivetrain

   2019 Toyota Highlander XLE, 137K miles. Always maintained, never any issues whatsoever, family loved our 'forever' car, UNTIL the dreaded whining noise began underneath the front floorboard. No warning, no indication, just started while driving on the highway and increasingly became louder over the two additional months I drove it. Quick online search indicates this is a very common issue. Brought to a local dealership in Southern NH, where it was quickly diagnosed as a…

   NHTSA complaint #11767910 · source
7. Filed Sep 29, 2026WITransmission & Drivetrain

   The transmission developed a faint whining noise, first noticed September 2026 around 84,000 miles, along with some hesitation during operation. A Toyota dealer diagnosed internal bearing failure inside the transmission and recommended full replacement. An independent shop also quoted full replacement. Estimates ranged $8,500–$10,000. Vehicle not yet repaired; available for inspection. Safety risk: the noise is faint enough that a driver could reasonably dismiss it as…

   NHTSA complaint #11767679 · source
8. Filed Sep 28, 2026NYTransmission & Drivetrain

   Stated hearing a whining noise when accelerating. Research shows this is a known issue witg 8 speed transmission especially Around 60k-80k miles.

   NHTSA complaint #11767580 · source
9. Filed Sep 28, 202680,000 miGATransmission & Drivetrain

   The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. Additionally, the vehicle experienced hard, rough, and jerky shifting. The check engine warning light illuminated later and the message "Traction Control Off" was displayed. The vehicle was immediately driven to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission…

   NHTSA complaint #11767343 · source
10. Filed Sep 24, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

    When I accelerate my car makes a whining noise. I had the transmission flushed and it did not help. My Toyota dealership said to drive it until it gets worse.

    NHTSA complaint #11766733 · source
11. 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
12. Filed Sep 8, 2026MITransmission & Drivetrain

    UA80 Transmission failure. Was driving on highway when the transmission failed and lost power to the vehicle. Car was taken to Sunshine Toyota (Batte Creek MI) in 2022 and the transmission was recommended to be replaced due to a defect at 67,000 miles. The car was then sold off, and I acquired it through another dealer.

    NHTSA complaint #11762738 · 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