*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
Power train
Transmission whining, rough shifts at lower gears. Dealership says my car doesn't fall under the secondary csp even though it has the same symptoms.
Oct 16, 2026Power train
Transmission failure after whining noise, taken to Toyota multiple times with no diagnosis. Today was informed the transmission is failing by another mechanic. 193,000 miles.
Feb 6, 2026Power train
2017 UA80F AWD Toyota Highlander Transmission Failure at 145,000 miles with regular maintenance. Starts off delayed shifting and jerking when accelerating, accompanied with faint whistle/whirring sound from under the dash. with Transmission falls under the Toyota Customer Support Program ZJC TSB 016018. my VIN did not fall in their ViN Database ârangeâ. Multiple reports on same issue posted online from other Highlander and Sienna models who were also denied free coverage, free replacement, or free repair as stated in Customer Support Program and quoted over 15,000 for repair. This is an extremely expensive repair and is a safety issue that can lead to multiple crashes, operating…
Aug 31, 2026Power train
Our Toyota Highlander XLE which has 137000 miles on it has the very well documented "whine" issue with the UA80 transmission. This "whine" issue/failure has resulted in at least two TSB's to be generated by Toyota and is considered the beginning stages of a total transmission failure. It impacts 2017 through at least 2022.The symptoms (whine sound/grinding sound/DTC codes/rough operation/unexpected slippage) are identical in all years. Toyota covered a small subset of the total number of failures suggesting an improperly installed "washer" was at fault. The online community impacted by this failure, most of which are outside of that serial number range, clearly do not feel the same way.…
Aug 10, 2026Power train
customer support program ;; ZJC....Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, , in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above. i.ve been having this issue with my transmission for a couple of years. my issue started ,when i first got this highlander back in 2017 .when coming to a stop ,i would get a thumping sound…
Apr 2, 2017Unknown or other
The transmission had to be replaced. A warning message was displayed and we took the vehicle in and were told the transmission had to be replaced. Toyota Highlander transmission problems are most prominently reported in 2020â2022 V6 gas models using the UA80E 8-speed automatic transmission, as well as specific 2017â2019. The repair shop was aware of the issue and had replaced the transmission for other customers. Shop said "Toyota should have done a recall on this." Toyota Highlander models equipped with the Direct Shift 8-speed automatic (UA80E/UA80F) transmissionâprimarily 2017 to 2022 V6 gas modelsâare most prone to transmission failures, whining noises, and erratic shifting. No,…
Feb 24, 2026Power train
About a few weeks back we started noticing a whining noise while accelerating. For safety reason we are not using the truck for long distance driving. Yes, the problem was able to reproduce by an independent mechanic and confirmed. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other. There are no warning lights on the dashboard.
Aug 4, 2026Engine
My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing cover oil leak on the passenger side. After further research I learned this is caused by premature failure of the factory applied FIPG sealant at the timing coverâs T junction. This is well documented as a known, widespread defect in the V6 engine used across multiple Toyota and Lexus models between 2014 and 2019. This failure is not due to wear, neglect, or misuse. It is the result of a documented manufacturing flaw that requires full engine removal and carries an extremely…
Aug 26, 2026
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.
