2019 TOYOTA Highlander Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
376
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
POWER TRAIN
101 complaints
2019 Toyota Highlander with approx 178000 miles, UA80E transmission sudden failure while traveling approximately 30 mph, on city street. Manually pushed vehicle to safety away from traffic and unto a parking lot. That same evening drove vehicle about 20 feet to a more secure parking spot. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MOVED SINCE 12/15/25. No leaks, no spills etc EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
Dec 18, 2025
The transmission failed while going up a steep hill the car lost power and shut off. Could have caused seriously property and body damage if traffic or people were around. Luckily no accident happened but could certainly cause an accident if the circumstances are different. Please make an official complain so this could be fully investigated.
Dec 17, 2025
premature failure of UA80F transmission with 80,000 miles on vehicle which has been regularly serviced and maintained. Failure symptoms demonstrated match documented cases exactly resulting in the ultimate and complete failure of the transmission resulting in the vehicle being towed in to the dealer for a repair. Repair bill upwards of $10,000 however being told parts not available leaving me with a 40k vehicle that is unable to be repaired.
Dec 16, 2025
Our transmission is making a high pitched whining sound when accelerating.
Dec 16, 2025
At around 107,000 miles, we started hearing griding/whining noises from the engine compartment. After multiple inspections from 3 different auto shops a Toyota dealership confirmed the transmission and transfer case had failed and needed to be completely replaced. There were NO warning lamps, messages or other symptoms besides the griding/whinig noise prior to the failure. After the Toyota dealership diagnosed the issue, we stopped using the vehicle until Toyota could make the necessary repairs for the vehicle to be safely driven. The Toyota dealership made the necessary repairs that we paid for on 10/28/25. We are aware that this is a known defect by Toyota on the UA80 Transmission and Technical Service Bulletins have been released. We demand a recall and our out of pocket repair cost money back of $12,623.31.
Dec 13, 2025
+ 96 more complaints for this component
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
44 complaints
Check engine light has came on. Code p107b which is what the recall for this vehicle year has but doesnt incude my vin.
Jun 20, 2025
Vehicle just turned 12,000 miles. When fueling the vehicle gas gauge does not read correctly. This may cause an unexpected loss of control and accident if out of gas when driving. Vehicle has not yet been to the dealer for repair but going soon. As far as I can determine there are no warning lamps for a faulty fuel gauge.
Aug 27, 2024
lost power 3 times - each time making a left hand turn at low speed -Nov.23 2023 -- Dec. 20 2023 & Jan, 30 2024 Groove Toyota checked vehicle out on Dec.21 2023 couldn't find problem - took it to Groove Toyota again on Jan. 31 2024 - told to make another appointment to allow full day of testing - safety concern for family and other traffic - no warning prior to loss of power
Jan 31, 2024
Driving on 495 N Beltway car started stalling and then suddenly stopped accelerating/decelerating while engine was running. Almost was rear ended by fast moving traffic. Carefully glided to the shoulder and called Tow Tuck Incident on 12/18/2023
Dec 22, 2023
I went out into my garage 3:30 in the morning and heard a motor running very faintly tried tracking down the noise finally located under the car at the rear. It was the fuel pump running. I went in. got my key started the vehicle let it run about a half a minute shut it off. The noise was gone. I’m worried about this pump running for hours or possibly days then catching the car on fire the garage and the house I know there have been issues. With fuel pumps in these Toyotas, but I haven’t found this particular problem online. Possibly there may be a problem with the fuel pump relay?
Mar 19, 2023
+ 39 more complaints for this component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
40 complaints
My vehicle has noise in the transmission when accelerating. They should give a voletin. thanks
Nov 30, 2025
Loud ear-piercing noise when vehicle is started. Noise lasts about five seconds.
Nov 11, 2025
I called Toyota as I was concerned it was sluggish and was having trouble excelerating the appointment was given to me 2 weeks out but was told if anything happens to just bring her in. I had to bring her in the week of the appointment on a tow truck as she was not moving. I was told it’s a faulty transmission I asked if it’s covered by my extended warranty and because it’s over by 4 miles it’s not.
Nov 11, 2025
The AC stopped working on our 2019 Highlander. The vehicle has very little corrosion underneath or in the engine bay, yet the rear AC lines have corroded at a location where two different types of metal contact each other. This has been happening with many highlanders after 5 years, and the cost to replace is expensive.
Aug 17, 2025
My car only has just over 70,000 miles and my transmission failed. I get regular maintenance services when needed and never had any prior issues with transmission. I was driving when the transmission failed on me leaving me stuck on the road. I took the car to Toyota service center and was told it needs to be replaced and no further details.
Aug 05, 2025
+ 35 more complaints for this component
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE
16 complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted and operated as designed. The contact stated that on another occasion, after refueling the vehicle and driving, the vehicle jerked, lost motive power, and stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Sep 29, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. KOONS WESTMINSTER TOYOTA (375 BALTIMORE BLVD, WESTMINSTER, MD 21157, (410) 876-6400) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER AND DEALER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.*JB
Feb 04, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V682000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED TOYOTA OF BROOKFIELD (20655 W CAPITOL DR, BROOKFIELD, WI 53045) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
Dec 03, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED LARRY H. MILLER CHRYSLER JEEP DODGE RAM ALBUQUERQUE LOCATED AT 5995 ALAMEDA BLVD NE, ALBUQUERQUE, NM 87113, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND WAS UNABLE TO CONFIRM WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BECOME AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Jul 27, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS WERE AVAILABLE. *BF CONSUMER STATED FUEL PUMP WAS REPLACED BUT THE JARRING OF THE VEHICLE HAPPENED 2 MORE TIMES.*JB
Jul 02, 2020
+ 11 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
15 complaints
Intermittent EXTREMELY LOUD ear-piercing high pitched noise coming from speakers upon starting the vehicle. The volume of the sounds is extremely high, the loudest noise I've ever heard. The sound lasts about 5 seconds. I am concerned for the safety of our hearing, for my family, including our children. It has not been reproduced at the service center because it is intermittent. I have read online where others with the similar year/make/model experienced it and have varying success by re-subscribing to Toyota SOS Safety connect ($80/year), or replacing the Data Communication Module (DCM). If not uner warranty, this costs thousands of dollars. I have tried re-subscribing to the Safety Connect but it does not work, and the dealer wants me to pay additionally for them to see why this safety feature is not working in my car. There is no warning before this loud sound presents.
Oct 02, 2025
When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the SOS button only flashes red/green once. My wife, the primary driver of the car, has slowly developed tinnitus and this is the only loud, ear piercing, noises she have been exposed to. This noise can also bring on extreme headaches. I can't imagine the damage it could do to a child. We have tried to get this fixed at the mechanic and Toyota says the part is backordered. When we go to Toyota they state they have not heard of the issue. When we search the internet it is easy to find threads of this same issue on the same model, Toyota seems to be hiding this is a known issue.
May 28, 2025
Complaint Regarding DCM Module Failure in 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum Our 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum is experiencing severe audio system malfunctions, beyond simple Bluetooth and connectivity failures. The vehicle sporadically emits an extremely loud screeching feedback sound upon startup and at unpredictable times while driving. This deafening noise is highly distracting to the driver, posing a significant safety risk. Toyota has been aware of this issue for years and documented it in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0112-20, which identifies the faulty vehicle assembly locations. However, despite widespread reports from owners and the high cost of repairs, Toyota has failed to issue a recall. Given the clear safety hazards associated with this defect, I firmly believe Toyota should recall affected Highlanders and provide immediate replacements for the defective DCM module. Owners should not be forced to cover costly repairs for a known issue that compromises driver safety.
May 11, 2025
When starting the 2019 Highlander, the car would intermittently emit a screeching noise. This noise is startling and can potentially cause a crash if it is emit while driving. This is a known issue since it made to the Toyota Forum: [XXX] However, when I brought the car to the dealership, they’re stating that they don’t know about the issue, and want to charge $300 just to diagnose the problem without guarantee the fix or acknowledge the known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Dec 04, 2024
Upon starting the Highlander, there is a very loud screeching/feedback noise through the speakers- it appears to be coming from the DCM as described y a Toyota representative. . This happens upon stating the car at least once a day and frequency is increasing.
Oct 16, 2024
+ 10 more complaints for this component
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
9 complaints
Experience "dead zones" in accelerator pedal movement. Experience "no acceleration" with first 1-2 inches of travel from idle position. This is constant and does not vary noticibly with speed. I was driving in an suburban shopping area in York PA with three lanes of travel in each direction. I intended to move from the laft hand lane to the center lane. I indicated my intentions and waited for an opening. I was travelling about 35-40mph. When an opening came along, I steered into the indended lane, but depressing the accelerator to increase my speed, no acceleration occurred. I then panicked and depressed the pedal quicker, and the ensuing acceleration nearly catapaulted me into the semi truck in the center lane ahead of me. I missed the truck by inches. I have had this issue evaluated at Bennett Toyota in Lebanon PA, and the Lancaster Toyota, the dealer who sold me the vehicle in May of 2023, is aware of the issue. Bennett Toyota service department tried to fix the issue by replacing the brake switch. That did not alleviate the problem. I have had several other instances when pulling into traffic when the delayed acceleration caused me issues but no accidents. I believe this issue is related to the selectable "snow" driving function. I think the system is somehow stuck in the "snow" mode at all times. I may have substantiated this today when I experimented with the "snow" function while driving at about 45 mph. When I select the "snow" mode while driving, the accelerator "dead zone" actually gets worse. Bennett Toyota Service response is "it drives like any other Highlander". If that is so - this is truly a huge issue with "drive by wire" tachnology...!!! As a note, at Bennett Toyota I did drive a 2019 Highlander privately owned by the service manager and it did indeed have the dead zone in the acelerator - a fact that the service manager admitted to me verbally. I have read many instances of this issue in chats online.
Sep 09, 2023
Driving under "normal" weather conditions when the check engine light warning along with the hybrid maintenance warning light. The car stalled while trying to safely pull to the side of the road. The vehicle was towed to the nearest Toyota dealership. They confirmed fuel pressure codes p0087, p107b, p3190. I was told Toyota has not issued any updates for this problem. So I am stuck with a car that isn't safe to drive, especially long distances.
Jul 15, 2021
My vehicle was not part of the fuel pump recall like the other 3.3M vehicles from Toyota. However, my vehicle exhibited the exact same symptoms as those cars and stranded me on the side of the road twice. This included pushing on the accelerator and getting no response from the car followed by numerous system warning lights including hybrid system malfunction, front collision system failure, and check engine light. Initially, the dealership could not find anything wrong when I first brought it to them. The second time it happened, I was able to bring the car in with the check engine light still on so they were able to diagnose it and are currently replacing the fuel pump. My car (and many others) should have been included in this recall, this is a huge safety issue as this had me stranded on the side of very busy highways twice plus not being able to accelerate in traffic.
Jul 08, 2021
ALTHOUGH MY CAR WAS NEW (ONLY 11 MONTHS OLD) AND LESS THAN 5000 MILES, IT HAD SHUT DOWN COMPLETELY WHILE I WAS PULLING OUT OF A PARKING LOT. I HAD TO GET IT TOWED TO THE NEAREST TOYOTA DEALERSHIP OVERNIGHT. THEY TOLD ME IT WAS MY FAULTY FUEL PUMP AND THAT THEY HAD NEVER SEEN THAT HAPPEN TO SUCH A NEW CAR BEFORE. CURRENTLY I HAVE MY CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON (MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 6200 MILES ON IT) AND IT ONLY GOES AWAY WHEN I PUT IN A FULL TANK OF GAS. AFTER I DRIVE ABOUT 2 MILES, THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT TURNS ON AGAIN. I AM TERRIFIED MY CAR ENGINE WILL JUST DIE ONCE I'M ON THE ROAD, OR WORSE, THE FREEWAY. I AM UNABLE TO DRIVE THIS CAR WITHOUT THAT FEAR. PLEASE SEE CULVER CITY TOYOTA RECORDS FOR PROOF OF MY FUEL PUMP PROBLEM AND ENGINE DYING. THEY ALSO HAVE RECORD OF MY TOWING TO THAT DEALERSHIP THE NEXT DAY ON SEPT 1, 2020.
Dec 23, 2020
MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN RUMBLING AND THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT ON. A DEALER TURNED IT OFF VIA RESET, BUT THE CAR IS STILL ACTING UP. WE JUST GOT A NOTICE FROM TOYOTA THAT THE VEHICLE IS AT RISK OF STALLING UNEXPECTEDLY AND WITH NO REMEDY FOR OVER A MONTH.
Feb 27, 2020
+ 4 more complaints for this component
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE
8 complaints
•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 during normal operation. No warning indicators were present. No ability to proceed to shoulder. Traffic hazard in middle of road. Possibility of being rear ended increased. Exiting the vehicle in traffic to determine fault increase probability of being struck. Two young children seated to the rear should vehicle be rear ended due to sudden stop could cause catastrophic injuries or death. •Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, vehicle was taken and diagnostic conducted by Glendora Toyota. Vehicle was kept overnight. Dealer determined that vehicle had a transmission failure. Multiple articles and bulletins by Toyota indicating and acknowledging transmission failures in 2019 Toyota Highlander. •Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Vehicle has only been inspected by Glendora Toyota service personnel. •Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning lights or indicators. Whining noise was heard prior and taken to Glendora Toyota for diagnosis. They advised no problems with vehicle.
Dec 02, 2025
The car only has 73, 000 miles on it and Toyota said it needs a new transmission. The car starting making a "whining" sound on acceleration so we took it into Toyota for diagnostic. We also found out that the Rav 4, Sequoia and Tacoma were all recalled for this same year for transmission issues. Toyota is trying to charge us $10,000 to have the transmission replaced since it is no longer under warranty.
Sep 20, 2025
Upon acceleration, the engine revved high and a whine sound started once the car (2019 Highlander XLE) approached 25-40 miles per hour. It appears that this is a transmission issue that Toyota was aware about years before selling the 2019 (and later) Highlander and other models (according to consumer complaints online). The car has 92,700 miles on it and is thus out of warranty. It had a recall in 2020 though I do not know exactly what was allegedly fixed. Had Toyota disclosed these serious transmission issues, I would not have purchased the car. My local mechanic has advised that the transmission will need to be replaced at a high cost.
May 15, 2025
Needs transmission at 90,000 miles - original owner - well maintained car- manufacture defect according to dealer According to various websites other 2019 Toyota Highlanders have had similar issues Had 2009 Highlander that lasted til almost 200,000 with no Issues
Apr 18, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated and disappeared later in the evening. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a winding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,471.
Nov 14, 2024
+ 3 more complaints for this component
AIR BAGS
8 complaints
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at low speeds in a parking area, she briefly lost control only coming to a stop after colliding with a light pole. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact and his wife were both transported to an area hospital by EMT. The driver was treated for injuries to her left hand and thumb, and the contact was treated for non-descript injuries to his head, face, and chest trauma. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer intended to inspect the vehicle but had yet to receive an update. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Mar 03, 2025
A safety alert popped up on my dash regarding an airbag malfunction. This would be similar to other recalled models of my vehicle but for some reason my vin is not on that recall. This is a huge safety concern for me and my family and looking to have our vin added to the recall.
Jan 28, 2025
2 weeks ago, the warning light in the dashboard turned on with a message that “SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MSLFUNCTION” I am not sure but I never had an accident and I donno why that warning is on. I asked Toyota but they said they do not have any recalls
May 13, 2024
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, she crashed into a large commercial vehicle. As a result, her vehicle went underneath the large vehicle and her air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The contact hit her head on the windshield as she later sought treatment at her urgent care facility for injuries to her head, back, neck and right knee. The other driver sustained no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent tow yard. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and an investigation was able to retain the vehicle's black box; the cause of the air bag failure remained under investigation. The vehicle was deemed a total loss due to the extensive front-end damage. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.
Jun 02, 2023
DRIVING ON HIGHWAY ON LEFT SIDE WAS HEAVY SNOWFALL AND TRUCK WITH TRAILER ON RIGHT SIDE SUDDENLY MOVED TO CROSS THE HIGHWAY FROM RIGHT LANE TO LEFT LANE HIT MY CAR PUSHED ME IN CONCRETE BARRIER CAR ROLLED OVER 2 TIMES.*DT*JB* TOTAL LOST CAR STRUCTURE DAMAGED AIR BAG NOT DEPLOYED I REQUEST TOYOTA TO DO INSPECTION AND THEY GET INFORMATION FROM BLACK BOX STILL WAITING RESPONSE.*DT*JB
Feb 25, 2021
+ 3 more complaints for this component
ENGINE
7 complaints
Started noticing a whining noise when accelerating. This appears to be drive shaft/transmission issue. Was quoted 7k to remove and replace. This should be an active recall for this issue what is Toyota doing?
Oct 10, 2025
Whining sound when when pushing the gas to accelerate. When you let go of the gas it stops.
Jun 19, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his wife was driving in a parking lot at approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the contact's wife having depressed the accelerator pedal. The vehicle crashed into a railing in the garage. The contact stated his wife had not noticed any warning lights. The vehicle had minor damage to the front grill and bumper there were scrapes and dents on the driver's side front fender and also to the passenger side front fender. The vehicle was drivable. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer, the vehicle had not been diagnosed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
Aug 25, 2022
Battery constantly keeps dying. I have already bought two new batteries. I have been stranded because my car would not start. For no reason and never know when it will happen but battery will drain and not crank
May 29, 2022
TWICE MY VEHICLE HAS DIED IN TRAFFIC. FORTUNATELY I WAS ON SURFACE STREETS AND NOT A FREEWAY. BOTH TIMES I HAD TO PHYSICALLY PUSH IT INTO A PARKING LOT.
Jun 21, 2020
+ 2 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
6 complaints
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Jul 16, 2025
The front bumper keeps popping out. I’ve returned it to the dealer 3 times, who says a clip has to be replaced. However, it’s not covered under the extended warranty and they will just replace it. The dealer told me to just push it back in when it pops out. It will push back in place, but it will not stay in place. It has not been damaged.
Oct 28, 2023
04/07/21 @ 11:30 AM, TEMP 47 F, OVERCAST, DRY, DRIVING 65 MPH, N. ON NEB. HIWAY # 77. RURAL LANDSCAPE, NO OTHER VEHICLES NEAR US, SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. ROOF HAD BEEN CLOSED. SUNSHADE WAS CLOSED WHICH KEPT US FROM BEING COVERED IN GLASS PIECES. NO MARKS ON ROOF FROM ANY OBJECT. SEE PHOTOS.
Apr 08, 2021
REAR SEAT GLASS SUNROOF IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT PHYSICALLY CONTACTED BY ANY OBJECTS. WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A FIRECRACKER/CHERRY BOMB GO OFF INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WE PULLED OVER AND NOTED THE DAMAGE TO THE SUNROOF. THE INTERIOR CLOTH CEILING WAS LEFT TOTALLY INTACT/UNDAMAGED.
Oct 01, 2020
THE ERGONOMIC FAULTY DESIGN OF THE 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED PLATINUM CAUSES EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE COMING INTO THE CABIN WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IT IS DISTRACTING AND ANNOYING. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED IN VAIN TO CORRECT WITH VARIOUS MINUTE TRIANGULAR ADDITIONS STRATEGICALLY ADDED TO POINTS OF CONCERN. AGAIN, IT DID NOT WORK!!
Feb 24, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
6 complaints
Was stuck in traffic on a highway for about 25 minutes going 0 miles per hour because of an accident about 5 miles away. Then the traffic started to clear and began driving on the road again. About five minutes later, the vehicle lost full drive abilities and the check engine light came on, traction control light on, brake light was on, ABS light was on, stability control warning light on, and then on the info screen the vehicle stated, "Hybrid System Malfunction Stop in a Safe Place, See Owner's Manual", screen then showed within 2-seconds, "Pre-Collision System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer", then in about 2 additional seconds later the info screen stated, "Check Engine Visit Your Dealer", then most every waring light turned on, and there was no power for drive with either hybrid or gasoline engine. The vehicle basically came to a sudden halt in the middle of traffic with steering wheel locked and no control. Had to get police involved and a tow to get off the road. Had vehicle towed to a local toyota dealership and they do not open until Monday at 9am. This incident occurred on Saturday around 3pm.
Sep 21, 2024
When running, after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates to go, kind of sputters. When turning the car on, the lights on the dash flicker and now the car won’t start. On days prior, you would turn the car key, but the car wouldn’t start on the first time. It sounded like it wouldn’t turn all the way on, like the battery died. I didn’t leave the radio on or anything that would warrant that.My safety was put at risk because I work in healthcare and get off work at midnight so if I broke down or stalled in traffic, this could cause an accident.
May 27, 2022
2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. TODAY EXACTLY ONE YEAR FROM PURCHASE IT STALLED ON A BUSY PUBLIC ROADWAY FOR THE 4TH TIME. WITH THE 4 INCIDENTS IN JUNE, JULY, & SEPT 2020, THE CAR, WITHOUT WARNING 1."POWERED DOWN" ALMOST IMMEDIATELY TO A DANGEROUS SLOW POINT WITH NO ACCELERATION IN RESPONSE TO PRESSING GAS PEDAL IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: A HIGH TRAFFIC MAJOR URBAN BRIDGE(40MPH); INTERSTATE HIGHWAY(75MPH); COMING INTO BUSY CITY INTERSECTION(5 -10MPH); COUNTRY HIGHWAY (45MPH) 2.POWER STEERING WAS SLOW AND DIFFICULT. 3.MASTER WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATED. AUDIBLE TONE/CONSTANT BEEPING ACTIVATED. "HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION., PULL OVER TO SAFETY, CALL DEALER, CHECK ENGINE, PCS" , AND MULTIPLE OTHER WARNINGS. 4.WITHIN MOMENTS THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED (BEFORE I COULD SEEK LEGAL AND/OR SAFE PARKING.) SAFE PARKING REQUIRED MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. IN JULY (ILLINOIS) THE CAR REQUIRED TOWING OFF VERY BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. ASSESSED AS "NO ISSUES". WITHIN ONE HOUR A MINI-SERIES OF SPUTTERING, CHOKING, STALLINGS IN CITY INTERSECTION, DEALERSHIP THEN KEPT OUR VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. MORE LENGTHY DIAGNOSTICS "THREW" FUEL CODES. BAD GASOLINE? TODAY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOWED BUT TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DENIED MY VIN & PHONE# EXISTED IN THEIR DATABASE. HOME DEALERSHIP CONFIRMS I AM, WITHOUT DOUBT, IN DATABASE. DURING HOUR+WAIT FOR ASSISTANCE, DASH CLEARED OF ALL WARNINGS W/ IGNITION. HOME DEALERSHIP ADVISED DRIVING TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP.5 MILES. MY CAR CURRENTLY SITS IN A MISSOURI TOY. DEALERSHIP W/ FUEL PUMP SUSPECT. I WAS TOLD REPAIRS COULD TAKE UP TO A WEEK. 97 FUEL PUMPS CURRENTLY BACK ORDERED IN PARTS SYSTEM. 20,500 MILES/ALL SERVICE PLAN REQUIREMENTS MET PROMPTLY. I HAVE ALL INSPECTION FORMS/SERVICE RECEIPTS. NO ABILITY TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS NOW BUT WOULD LIKE TO BE CONTACTED BY NHTSA FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SHARE SERVICE DOCUMENTS.
Sep 19, 2020
WHILE DRIVING IN A CITY WARNINGS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON: "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED", "ALL WHEEL DRIVE FAILED", "TAKE CAR TO THE DEALER", AND THE CAR STOPPED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. FOLLOWING DAY THE DEALER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT EVERYTHING IN THE CAR CHECKED OUT OK AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, I'M NOW VERY WEARY OF TAKING THE CAR ON A TRIP BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT MAY QUIT AGAIN. THE CAR JUST TURNED 10K MILES.
Jul 25, 2020
VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY CHUGS AND STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS. WHICH RESULTS IN POOR FUEL MILEAGE. VEHICLE HAS ALSO STALLED 3 OTHER OCCASIONS WITHOUT CHUGGING AND NOT IN MOTION, ALL 3 TIMES WAS WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN. LOOSES POWER WITHOUT ENGINE MIL LIGHT DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE HYBRID SYSTEM HAS OVERHEATED 4 TIMES WITH NO ABILITY TO DUPLICATE. VEHICLE ALSO HAS HAD THE STEREO FLIP THROUGH NUMEROUS SCREENS WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. AT ONE POINT WHEN IT STALLED THE VEHICLE STATED ' HYBRID SYSTEM INACTIVE ,PARK SAFELY', BUT IT WAS IN AN INTERSECTION. LUCKILY IT RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED.
Mar 04, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SEATS
5 complaints
I have captain seats in the middle. Driver side seat has 4 bolts that secure it to the vehicle floor. The front two bolts were ready to fall out. Caused a squeak that only my wife could hear due to my hearing impairment. I tightened that bolts and the squeak is gone. Pretty serious issue if only 2 of the 4 bolts holding the seat in place are tight.
Sep 16, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while adjusting the driver's seat, the control was making an abnormal buzzing sound. The contact stated that the seat was not moving forward or backward, and the seat back was not moving forward or reclining as needed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000.
Jul 16, 2024
My rear drivers side seat was not properly bolted down. I have been hearing a squeak for the past few years, that only went away when my child was sitting in the seat. We thought it was the car seat squeaking, but recently removed it since our child had grown big enough to no longer need it. I finally inspected the seat and noticed that the seat was moving when I put pressure on it. I took off the covers to the bolts on the front and noticed that I could literally remove them with my had. There was about a 1/16 to 1/8 inch of play in the seat. This is scary that my child has been riding in the unsafe seat for who knows how long. I do have videos of how loose they were, I could spin the washer freely.
Sep 02, 2022
THE 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE SECOND ROW HEADRESTS LACK LOCKING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS! YES YOU HAVE JUST READ THIS CORRECTLY! THEY ARE NOT LIKE THE FRONT ROW LOCKING HEIGHT INCREMENTS. THEY DO NOT LOCK WHEN THEY ARE EVEN PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN! THE ONLY HEIGHT TO LOCK THEM AT IS WHEN THE HEADREST IS ABOUT 2' FROM THE CEILING! NOT ALL PEOPLE RIDING IN THE SECOND ROW ARE 6'4' TO USE SUCH AN EXTENDED ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVELY. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THE CASE # IS 2001250569. WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING, THE HEADRESTS MOVE UP AND DOWN WITH EVEN RESTING YOUR HAD ON THE HEADREST, UNLESS IT IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION BY THE CEILING. NOTE: THE SECOND ROW HEADRESTS DO NOT HAVE LOCKING INCREMENTS LIKE THE FIRST ROW HEADRESTS. THEY ARE NOT SAFE FOR YOUNGER AND/ OR SHORTER PEOPLE. SUCH A DESIGN FLAW CAN ONLY COMPOUND NECK/HEAD INJURIES IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION! AS NO-ONE HAS SAT BACK THERE IN OUR CAR EARLIER, I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS, OR I WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.
Jan 25, 2020
WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20MPH, I WAS REAR ENDED BY SOMEONE GOING 55+MPH. DURING THE ACCIDENT, MY DRIVERS SEAT RECLINED AND THE HEADREST BROKE. ONE POST BROKE IN HALF AND THE OTHER SIDE PULLED OUT OF THE SEAT
Nov 18, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
When starting the vehicle, and extremely loud feedback noise is emitted from the front right speaker. This happens intermittently. Sometimes it's every 5th time you start it, and sometimes every 29th start. This started happening after the dealer-provided SOS Safety subscription expired. The noise is extremely loud and very disturbing especially for individuals like our daughter who has special needs. I would not be surprised if it is damaging our hearing. It would likely be especially harmful to children! It has been confirmed by the dealer and is currently back at the shop whule they are further investigating the cause.
May 13, 2025
When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers. It's so loud you instinctively close your eyes and put your hands on your ears, ignoring whatever you were doing before (like maybe putting the car in gear). It lasts a second or two then stops. It doesn't happen every time, more like every 10 starts. I called Toyota and they said take it to the dealer. I'm still waiting to get their feedback.
Nov 27, 2024
Extremely loud high pitched noise when the vehicle starts. The problem began early October 2024 and has continued. It happens every time the car turns on.
Oct 11, 2024
I have a sporadic high pitch screeching beep when I start my car. It started about 3 months ago. It is so LOUD and glad I don’t have little kids or older adults I have to transport. I have noticed my SOS consistently blinks green and red.
Mar 23, 2024
THE ENTIRE VOICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE ON MY ONE WEEK OLD 2019 HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM. NO AUDIBLE VOICE OR BEEPS WITH NAVIGATION ASSIST, NO PHONE ASSIST,, NO EYES-FREE ASSIST, NO DRIVER ANNOUNCE TO REAR CABIN VOICE, NO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM VOICE ASSIST. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD ELIMINATING HANDS FREE DRIVING, AND NO NAVIGATION GUIDANCE. I WAS ON UNFAMILIAR ROADS IN THE DARK OF NIGHT, ALONE, UNABLE TO OPERATE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT WHICH PROVED TO BE UNRELIABLE. I JUST LEARNED THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TOYOTA FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, YET NEW VEHICLES ARE DRIVEN AWAY FROM DEALERSHIPS BY UNSUSPECTING NEW OWNERS AFTER PAYING GOOD MONEY FOR A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. DECEITFUL, UNETHICAL, AND UNSAFE! WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE? WHY ARE VEHICLES NOT FIXED BEFORE BEING SOLD AS NEW?
Aug 08, 2019
SERVICE BRAKES
5 complaints
While at a stop sign fully stopped the car rolled forward on several occasions. My warranty had just expired a month prior. My car has always been maintained and maintenanced. I was stuck paying a lot of money and no car should be moving when you have your foot on the brake. The dealership said master cylinder/ brake booster went out.their is a recall on the hybrid for the same exact thing but not my car.
Feb 10, 2025
I got the message: BRAKING POWER LOW and the Engine Check light is ON I couldn't turn it on.
Jul 28, 2023
Approximately two weeks ago, my brakes began to fail. When i press the brakes, I receive a warning message on the steering wheel portion of the dashboard that says "breaking power low" and an orange triangle with an exclamation point illuminates. The extremely weakened brakes almost made me rear end a vehicle traveling in front of me. Since then, I have taken my vehicle to a local mechanic/autobody and also to a Toyota dealership in Hackensack, NJ. The local mechanic advised me that he could not find anything physically wrong with the vehicle that would be causing the problem, which he also experienced. Hackensack Toyota, after having my vehicle for over two hours, could not make a diagnosis of what was wrong with my vehicle and also wanted to charge me a substantial amount of money for something that should be an immediate hazard and saftey concern. This issue also sounds like a manufacturer defect that should be treated as a recall since there was no action or incident that led to or caused this brake failure. Since this is my only vehicle, it forces me and my family to take significant risks by traveling in it.
Jul 13, 2023
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. Yes, both parts will be available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Brakes either lock up or won't stop short without skidding. The vehicle's hybrid system also shuts down. 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? Dealership only at this point. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Before the brakes locked up, warning lamp said Hybrid System Stopped. BSM not available.
Mar 11, 2023
Suddenly very difficult to use the breaks. Car then stalls and can’t be started. Had happened twice. Dealer said it was the battery but I don’t believe it
Jan 16, 2022
SEAT BELTS
5 complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while her grandkids were attempting to latch the rear seat belts, the seat belts independently unlatched. The seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V877000 (Seat Belts). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000.
May 29, 2024
Seat belt refused to retract and was pressing on our son's belly 911 was called and notified of the issue, Policeman had to cut off the seat belt for my son's safety Insurance was notified and we were informed that insurance will cover the repair cost but we have a $ 500 deductible Toyota gave us a quote for $ 470.12 plus sales tax 19.29 for a total of $545.73
Aug 17, 2023
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the 2nd row passenger’s side seat belt had started to fray at the top and near the buckle halfway through. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the seat belts needed to be replaced; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and the contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 30,000.
Sep 26, 2022
THE RIGHT REAR SEATBELT (2ND ROW SEAT IN VEHICLE WITH 3 ROWS) RIPPED FROM BASIC USE FROM A CHILD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW FROM TOYOTA SUDBURY, MA AND OWNED APPROXIMATELY 1-YEAR. IN LATE DECEMBER 2019, MY CHILD NOTICED THE REAR SEATBELT WAS RIPPED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA WELLESLEY, MA FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR AND STATED THE SEATBELT WAS INTENTIONALLY CUT BY US. NOW WHY WOULD WE INTENTIONALLY CUT A SEATBELT USED BY OUR CHILDREN JUST TO PAY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED? SINCE TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX, AND WE REQUIRED A SEATBELT TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY, WE HAD TO FIX AND PAY TOYOTA $429. CLEARLY WE DID NOT CUT THE SEATBELT AND THE PICTURES CLEARLY INDICATE IT WAS NOT CUT BUT IT WAS RIPPED AND FRAYED FROM USE OR DEFECT. WE WANT TO REPORT THIS DEFECT MATTER AS I BELIEVE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND ONE IN WHICH TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN WANT TO INVESTIGATE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS HOW THEY VIEW SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES. I KEPT THE OLD SEATBELT IN CASE IT IS NEEDED FOR TESTING.
Apr 30, 2020
THE RIGHT REAR SEATBELT (2ND ROW SEAT IN VEHICLE WITH 3 ROWS) RIPPED FROM BASIC USE FROM A CHILD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW FROM TOYOTA SUDBURY, MA AND OWNED APPROXIMATELY 1-YEAR. IN LATE DECEMBER 2019, MY CHILD NOTICED THE REAR SEATBELT WAS RIPPED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA WELLESLEY, MA FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR AND STATED THE SEATBELT WAS INTENTIONALLY CUT BY US. NOW WHY WOULD WE INTENTIONALLY CUT A SEATBELT USED BY OUR CHILDREN JUST TO PAY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED? SINCE TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX, AND WE REQUIRED A SEATBELT TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY, WE HAD TO FIX AND PAY TOYOTA $429. CLEARLY WE DID NOT CUT THE SEATBELT AND THE PICTURES CLEARLY INDICATE IT WAS NOT CUT BUT IT WAS RIPPED AND FRAYED FROM USE OR DEFECT. WE WANT TO REPORT THIS DEFECT MATTER AS I BELIEVE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND ONE IN WHICH TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN WANT TO INVESTIGATE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS HOW THEY VIEW SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES. I KEPT THE OLD SEATBELT IN CASE IT IS NEEDED FOR TESTING.
Apr 30, 2020
TIRES
4 complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Geolandar HT-G056, Tire Size: 245/60/R18, DOT Number: TCCI2Y889. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the contact noticed that the rear seats were vibrating. The contact also noticed that the rear tires were sliding. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the dealer performed a diagnostic test. The dealer inspected the rear suspension and rear springs. The dealer performed an alignment and balanced the tires. The contact was informed that the failure was due to defective rear tires. The contact had purchased the tires from Town Fair Tires. In addition, the contact stated that it was the second time the brand of tires was purchased, and the tires were defective. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Nov 10, 2025
NOT a tire issue, TPMS issue, had 2 replaced due to corrosion and slow leaks. These came with a certified used vehicle. Mettalic stems and NitroFill. From Dealer IRA toy of Danvers Mass. 245/60R18 tires. There was no tire damage Dash light came on before driving. TPMs sensors were replaced 6 months apart. The other 2 are still on the car and holding air for now. High cost for replacement With new style rubber stems. Not warranted but should be before they snap off on Road and cause accident. Manual says if catastrophic fail TPMs dash may not Light. Toyota should replace metal with new rubber non-corroding stems and sensors. Tire are important and the safety devices to check this should be of better safety Than the item being monitored.
Jul 08, 2024
Goodyear Reliant All-Season 245/60R18 105V All-Season Tire [XXX] going to Orlando, FL on [XXX]. Speed about 72MPH. A bunch of motorcycles were passing us and thought sudden sound was their engines. Car begin to shake hard to control. Pulled over side and saw side wall had separated from main body of tire. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Mar 19, 2024
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA, TIRE SIZE: P245/60/R18 TIRES, DOT NUMBER (NOT PROVIDED). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREADWEAR ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE WEARING AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON WET SURFACES, THE TIRES PERFORMED LIKE DRIVING ON ICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TREADWEAR AND QUOTED THE TREADWEAR AT 7/32NDS WHEN THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED AT 4/32NDS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE TIRES WERE NOT COVERED BY THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERED TIRE DEFECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BRIDGESTONE TIRE SHOP AND IT WAS STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PLACED A SECOND CALL TO THE MANUFACTURER AND INFORMED THE REPRESENTATIVE WHAT THE BRIDGESTONE TIRE SHOP STATED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.
Aug 10, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
4 complaints
The car turns off when driving which was supposed to be corrected by recall. It doesn’t appear the recall has been successful in correcting the issue. I actually am not 100% sure they actually swapped out the recall part so I’d like that checked. I also purchased a new battery from the dealer about 3 weeks ago and the problem actually got worse in that it stalls while driving or resets the computer while driving at least once a week.
Oct 22, 2023
This is a 2019 hybrid Highlander and the vehicle continually stalls or won’t start and we get a warning message that the hybrid system has stopped working and to put car in Park and restart. While this is happening regularly during startup, fortunately this has only happened once with the vehicle in Drive but represents a serious safety concern for us! We were being assigned to Germany and reported the issue to our local Toyota dealer who couldn’t duplicate the problem and said that the Toyota engineers said it couldn’t happen. Since arriving in Germany, the problem during startup has occurred on almost a daily basis. Last occurrence was this evening, 12 Dec 22.
Dec 12, 2022
I was driving and stopped at a red light on 4 lane intersection (very busy). I went to press on the gas and my car would not move. I put it in park and and then back in drive. It still did not move. It "died". I looked at the dash and it said "electrical system - move over to a safe place". My car would not start - I could not move it. I was stuck in the middle of the street -scared out of my mind. I had to call 911 and they told me someone already called for me and the police were on their way. When the police came he told me to stay in my car and he would stay behind me. There were no warning lights or anything to let me know that this was going to happen. If there was, I would not be in the middle of a 4 lane road. Toyota states it is the start-stop battery system. This is completely unsafe.
Nov 30, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE IGNITION START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OXMOOR TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 8003 SHELBYVILLE RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40222, (502) 565-0086) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300.
Jul 11, 2019
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaints
Our 2019 Highlander xle ( VIN [XXX]) is currently at the Lonestar service department. Service Rep ([XXX]), Assistant Sales Manager [XXX], and [XXX], were fully advised of the stall problems of our vehicle on 9/13/2031. Our paperwork on previous tall repairs were left with [XXX]. On 9/13/2021, we left our 2019, Highlander XLE in the Toyota Lonestar Service department, Lewisville, Texas, for stalling (would not drive) repairs. They were fully notified of several stall episodes. The most recent stall was while driving, 30 mph in Denton, Texas, in heavy traffic, in the middle of an intersection. My wife was terrified when the car stalled. The screen went black. Her car mileage was 9344 mileage at this most recent problem 9/2021. My wife when she starts the car leaving the house. She always going through the procedure to turn off the "start/stop" function, before leaving our residence ("manually turns off the auto stop-start feature"). This vehicle has stalled, several times, in heavy traffic while wife was driving, putting my wife in personal danger. The vehicle is very much at risk of a serious traffic accident. The Toyota dealer, in Denton Texas, has been made aware this problem, when it was returned for service repairs several times. They have not fixed this on going problem at all. This car is a "Lemon". This problem has occurred (stalls occurred on 3/16/2021, and 3/26/2021, 5/17/2019)The care was taken to Lonestar Toyota and Denton Toyota for repairs on these stall occasions. My wife says there were additional stall episodes. The Denton Police have a report of my wife being stalled on I-35 in heavy traffic on 3/5/2021. We waited in a police car for four hours for a tow truck, because of dangerous fast traffic. My wife says two other police departments have similar reports of these stall episodes, when police responded, (Flower Mound Police was one she recalled. https://www.consumerreports.org/car-recalls-defec INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Sep 14, 2021
LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS IN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP; SLUGGISH RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS SLOWER MOVING VEHICLES; HAVE NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MORE THAN ONCE WHEN TURNING/PULLING OUT INTO TRAFFIC WITH PLENTY OF SPACE BUT UNABLE TO ACCELERATE CORRECTLY. ALSO UNEVEN SHIFTING; TRANSMISSION JERKS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS.
Oct 28, 2020
2019 HIGHLANDER PURCHASED 12/2019. I GUESS I AM LUCKY, MINE HAS NOT STALLED YET. VERY POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE. TAKEN TO AUTIO NATION TOYOTA FT MYERS 3 TIMES INCLUDING HAVING A REGIONAL REP THERE. HE CLAIMS MINE IS OPERATING WITHIN FACTORY SPECS. SUPPOSEDLY MINE IS NOT A PART OF THE FUEL PUMP ISSUE. NOT THAT IT MATTERS TOYOTA SAYS THE PARTS ARE NOT AVAILABLE. FACTORY REP SAYS MINE HAS 41 COMPUTERS. WHAT COULD POSSIBLY GO WRONG? YEH RIGHT LOOK AT THIS WEB SITE AND SEE THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ACROSS THE TOTAL TOYOTA LINE INCLUDING LEXUS. WARNING IF YOU HAVE THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE (LDA) BE EXTRA CAREFU. IF THE LDA ACTIVATES AND YOURS IS ONE WITH THE LACK OF THROTTLE RESPONSE, IT MAY END UP MOVING YOU INTO ANOTHER LANE OR OFF THE ROADWAY.IT HAS HAPPENED TO ME. ACCCELRATER SHIFTED WAT DOWN AND ALMOST PUT ME IN ANOTHER LANE. LUCKILY NO OTHER VEHICLES PRESENT HOW MANY BODY BAGS WILL IT TAKE TO FORCE THE FEDS TO ACT? OH I FORGOT. THEY ARE NEEDED ELSE WHERE. TOYOTA WINS Y MORE LIKE A THUNDERSTORM. IF YOU BOTHER TO SCAN THIS FED WEB SITE YOU WILL SEE ALL TH ALL I KNOW IS TO THE CAR BUCKS, FAILS TO RESPOND TO NORMAL ACCELERATION, OR OVER DOWNSHIFTS. SO FAR I HAVEN'T TAKEN OUT ANY OTHER VHICLE ,PERSON, OR ME. IF YOUR VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THE LANE DEPARTURE FEATURE (LDA) WATCH OUT IF YOU TRYING TO ACCELERATE, MINE LDA ACTIVATED, AND ALMOST PUT ME IN ANOTHER LANE. LUCKLY THERE WASN'T ANOTHER ANOTHER CAR THERE. READ ALL THE SIMILAR COMPLAINTS ON THIS FEDERAL WEBSITE COVERING ALL MODELS OF THE TOYOTA BRAND (LEXUS INCLUDED) WITH THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION AND SEE NOTHING IS BEING DONE BY TOYOTA OR THE FEDS. I WONDER IF THE FEDS NEED A BODY BAG COUNT TO TAKE ACTION. OH I FORGOT THE BAGS ARE NEEDED ELSE WHERE AND TOYOTA WILL WIN.
Aug 24, 2020
I OWN A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, IT HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES DURING BUSY COMMUTE TO OR FROM WORK. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, THAT I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT TO ANY DESTINATION LONGER THAN 50 MILES. I NEED THIS CAR REPLACED, I HAVE THREE YOUNG CHILDREN, AND I PAYING FOR AN UNSAFE, UNRELIABLE CAR. I WOULD LIKE FOR TOYOTA TO REPLACE THIS VEHICLE.
Apr 17, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
3 complaints
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 nothing shows in his machine but he think it’s the battery but I told the guy my battery and on the car shop Midas same result no major issue found and one of the technicians says It could be the auto shot off features, that must be manually turn off since this will automatically turn on. The second incident in In&Out the car died suddenly, tried to turn the car but it was on Drive so change to stop then tried to turn on multiple times but faulted , the crews decided to help us push the car out of the drive thru since we are blocking all the customers car, the steering wheel so stiff could hardly turn. We can’t change gear from stop, I was told to push off and on manual break foot pedal and this this help able to change gear to neutral, so we can push the car out of the drive thru. No message or failure message in the screen. We just push the car in the parking lot. Tried to turn on but failed. One of in&out staff was so kind to help us, he has a portable jumpstart and the car able to start. Able to drive home safe. Now I’m afraid to turn on my car or drive far distance due to this issues.
Nov 16, 2025
I have had my vehicle for a little over 3 years, with about 35K miles on it. At first, I realized my vehicle jerked a bit, but I dismissed it because it never stopped. However, I did notice that my battery was dying quickly. I was changed once by the dealership because they said the battery was defective. After they changed that battery, the next battery also went bad. While driving with my children and mother, my vehicle began sputtering and a message that said, "Check Engine Reduced engine power" came on along with "Traction Control turned off" and my engine light. My vehicle barely accelerated as I was trying to cross the intersection thankfully I managed to get out of the way of oncoming vehicles. Somehow, the vehicle ran smoothly after I turned it off and turned it back. After that issue, I then experienced an error message in reference to the Start/Stop system along with the check engine light. That issue also cleared when I turned my vehicle on and off. I then experienced another power loss issue, at which time I traveled to my local Toyota dealership but they were unable to help me then due to a battery issue. The issue then cleared itself somehow again; however, the issue came back the next day. I managed to get my vehicle to the side of the roadway at which time the vehicle stalled. I tried starting the vehicle again; however, it would not turn over. After being on the roadside for about 2 to 3 hours, I tried starting my vehicle again, and it drove fine until I reached the dealership. My vehicle was placed on a machine where they received the code for a fuel rail issue along with a misfire. I was then advised that this issue is not covered under warranty. I was also told that the problem would cost me over 4K for the part which does not include labor. I have been doing my research since and I now find that there is a recall on my vehicle.
Aug 21, 2022
On occasion I have been walking around this car while its just parked in my garage and I hear a a humming sound like a electric gas pump. This is 4 hours after it was used last. It is a faint sound coming from the the rear seating area. Just before I started to write this I went out to check it again and its not doing it. This is not a one time event and its concerning since I believe its electric and may be involved with gas in a parked garage. The vehicle is in like new condition and had one minor cosmetic type accident while in its first year of use. Scratches to driver side panels and front bumper. I will call the dealer tomorrow to see what they have to say. Thanks in advance for any info you can share on this issue, a fire in my garage would bad.
May 09, 2022
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
3 complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle began to loose automotive power and stalled. During the incident, several warning messages were activated which included the check engine light and the ABS warning. While inspecting the vehicle smoke and fire began to stream from under the engine hood and moments later the frontend of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,200.
Aug 15, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the crankshaft sensor. The contact was informed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available.
Jul 17, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
3 complaints
[XXX] Dear staff there are other people complaining of ENGINE MISFIRE also [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Feb 19, 2025
Dear Staff, after SEVERAL payments made for DIAGNOSTICS i feel like I should commit suicide maybe because of this TOYOTA I can not afford to pay DIAGNOSTICS every single day to HEAR the SAME STORY over and over I understand there is a ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, I need it repaired PLEASE instead of having to pay DIAGNOSTIC FEES which ADVANCE AUTOPARTS doesnt even charge and TOYOTA takes $172 DIAGNOSTIC FEES when they can not even themselves RULE OUT the PROBLEM in their ENGINEERING or MANUFACTURING PLEASE look out for similar issues, ENGINE problems in 2GR-FKS engines as more people experiencing issues will CONFIRM its TOYOTA's fault They should either shut down their manufacturing in Japan or BRING BACK the STANDARDS of JAPANESE AUTOMOTIVES
Feb 18, 2025
Since having recall work done my vehicles computer system has not been functioning the same. My vehicle has been stalling out and saying braking power low,stop in a safe place, charging system malfunction. I’ve reached out to Haley Toyota 8301 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235 where the diagnostic was done and let them know of the error code I was given ( P0335) Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit. I took it in for diagnostic there and they told me they couldn’t find any issues with my vehicle , ( picked up Oct.3, 2021). It’s Oct.4 , 2021 and here I am at Sams Club trying to leave but my vehicle will not start. I contacted Toyota again and let them know of the same issue and they said to once again bring it in for diagnosing. I asked the gentleman on the phone if they had previously had it for a week and didn’t seem to find any issues with it after doing diagnostic then what were they planning on doing differently. My vehicle is under warranty and I’m trying to figure out who and where I can take it to to get some answers.
Oct 05, 2021
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
3 complaints
AHB, which is part of Toyota's TSS (total safety system) fails intermittently and because the system is run by a sensor, headlight may or may not be illuminated during periods of darkness. Given the intermittent nature of the failure, it seems like there should be something to indicate to the operator that the lights are either on or not on, but the green light indicator goes on and off without any warning, meaning lights are on or off, operator has no way to remedy the issue at highway speed, causing an extremely dangerous situation.
Jan 02, 2025
The headlamp socket is melted. This is the same issue as other Toyota vehicles. There was a recall of the Toyota Tundra for the same problem in 2021.
Nov 14, 2024
WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARKNESS MY HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT GIVING ME ENOUGH LIGHTNING SO I CAN SEE CLEARLY. I JUST PURCHASED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE ON 10-10-2020
Oct 11, 2020
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
3 complaints
My car is leaking into my interior. It has come out of the electrical component areas. I worry it has infiltrated airbags & what could happen if they get wet (go off due to damage or not go off when supposed to). Have taken to dealership 3 times with no resolution
Dec 05, 2024
I was turning into Starbucks at a low speed when the next thing I knew the car jumped forward and hit the car in front of me not one time but three times. I was finally able to get the car stopped but had Damage to both cars. I believe the accelerator was stuck causing the accident. I want to know if there is a recall on the accelerator petal that it would have caused the highlander to do this because to me this was a frightening site to go through.
Jul 29, 2023
OBNOXIOUS WIND NOISE!!! DEALER SERVICE MGR ACKNOWLEDGED IT WAS LOUD BUT SAID ALL ON HIS LOT WERE LOUD, MINE WAS MUCH LOUDER BUT TOLD IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS. HUGE DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING ANYTHING OVER 30 MPH. IT'S LITERALLY WIND NOISE NOT ROAD NOISE. THEY WILL NOT EVEN TRY TO REPAIR IT ... TOO BAD YOU SPENT $50,000 JUST LIVE WITH IT.
Jan 17, 2020
VISIBILITY/WIPER
3 complaints
November 7, 2023: While driving across the California desert at 70 miles an hour, temperature was 71°, and freeway traffic was light, without any other outside influences, the sun roof spontaneously exploded, blowing outward, as though someone had put an explosive between the glass and interior of the vehicle. it sounded like a shotgun blast. I pulled over and examined the vehicle; the remaining glass in the sunroof was blown out, arched above the roof of the vehicle, with a spray of shattered glass inside and on the roof of the car. There were no vehicles around me, no impact, and I’m returning home, I reviewed my dash cam looking for other signs (like a bird crashing into the roof). There was nothing. Upon searching this mystery, I found that many others have experienced the same thing. The car is now at the dealership. The car is well cared for, and the roof/glass, prior to the explosion, was undamaged.
Nov 08, 2023
The windshield has developed a rapidly lengthening crack from the bottom to the top at the center of the glass. There is no evidence of an impact anywhere along this crack.
Nov 04, 2022
WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE THE COLD WATER FROM THE HOSE CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE ROOF. VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN PRIOR TO THIS. VEHICLE HAD JUST SPEND TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE SIGN AND NO MENTION WAS MADE OF A PRIOR CRACK OR CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD. *TR
Jun 15, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
There is a potential of a serious accident concerning this car. The engine shuts down completely when you are emerging into traffic. I consider this a death trap. Out dealer in Lima, Oh does not want to fix it. I don't seem to be able to get this problem fixed. I appreciate hearing from you as the problem is getting worse.
Aug 27, 2025
THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ISSUED ON THIS VEHICLE FROM 13 JAN 2020. THERE IS NO REMEDY YET. THE ISSUE HAS TO DO WITH THE FUEL PUMP MALFUNCTIONING, WHICH CAN LEAD TO LOSS OF POWER AND INCREASED RISK OF ACCIDENTS. HAVING BEEN IN A VEHICLE BEFORE WITH LOSS OF POWER IN RUSH HOUR TRAFFIC, I'M UNLIKELY TO WALK AWAY FROM THE SAME TYPE OF MALFUNCTION IF IT WERE TO HAPPEN AGAIN. I CAN'T DRIVE MY VEHICLE WITH ANY CONFIDENCE IT WILL BE SAFE. IT'S BEEN 2 MONTHS AND NO REMEDY IS YET AVAILABLE. THIS IS RIDICULOUS.
Mar 12, 2020
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
Hello, it seems that my vehicle is having a whirling noise when accelerating at different RPMs. When I researched, it isn’t an isolated incident because many others online are experiencing the same issue with most of them being told that the transmission must be replaced. And further investigation, I found that the issue could be the trans axle assembly component which can cause issues if not replaced.
May 15, 2025
While driving my car, the check engine light turned on and my car listed hybrid system malfunction as a flashing indicator. It lost all power in the middle of the road and I was unable to drive and move vehicle. This is the third incident with the same problem since purchasing.
Jun 26, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
2 complaints
2GR engine family in general used in Toyota and Lexus, may have a MANUFACTURING defect as per google about the 2GR-FE engine subtype Yes, the Toyota 2GR-FE engine, a 3.5L V6 found in many Toyota and Lexus models, is known to have a recurring issue with head gasket leaks, particularly where coolant leaks externally from the engine block due to corrosion around the cylinder head where the coolant port is located; this is considered a common problem with this engine type. Key points about the 2GR head gasket issue: Leak location: Coolant typically leaks outside of the engine block, visible as stains on the block surface, rather than internally into the combustion chambers. Cause: Corrosion around the cylinder head near the coolant port, often exacerbated by road salt and old, acidic coolant. Prevention: Regularly changing coolant and occasionally hosing down the engine block, especially if you live in a region with heavy winter road salt. Repair: Replacing the head gasket usually requires removing the engine, making it a major repair job. So TOYOTA should be held liable for REPAIR COSTS and LABOR as well as the PAIN and SUFFERING a consumer has to go through, seeing all the drama of the TOYOTA
Feb 18, 2025
REAR HUMMING/BUZZING SOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF.
Oct 31, 2019
VISIBILITY
2 complaints
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the moonroof glass suddenly shattered, raining glass down on the occupants inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000.
Jul 19, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH and while the sunroof was closed, the sunroof glass exploded. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet taken to an independent mechanic or local dealer for diagnosis or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 60,000.
Feb 03, 2023
STEERING
2 complaints
Poser steering failed momentarily. I was at the drive-thru window of CVS and was afraid my mirror would hit the pole when I pulled forward. I tried to turn while backing up slowly from a full stop. The car momentarily resisted my attempt to turn the wheel. There was no safety risk at the time. I have not had the problem investigated. The problem quickly corrected (within 2 seconds(?), o I did not notice or look for any warning lamp or message. I have read of steering failure on highways in the 2019 Highlander and am concerned that this is a harbinger.
Feb 14, 2024
2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE. AT 1230 MILES EPS FAILURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA UNIVERSE IN NEW JERSEY. RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER. THE NEXT DAY THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. I WAS PULLING OUT OF MY GARAGE. WHEN I PUT THE VEHICLE IN DRIVE THE WARNING DISPLAYED AND STEERING WHEEL WOULD NOT TURN. *TR
Apr 17, 2020
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
I was using the adaptive cruise control on I-68 in Western Maryland. I was in the fast lane (on the far left of three uphill lanes). A dump truck was in the center lane going well below the speed limit. The road curved to the left at the point where I got up to the dump truck. There was no one in front of me in my outside lane. My car sensed the presence and speed of the dump truck and slowed me abruptly. There was considerable risk to me and to the driver of a white pick-up truck that was behind me, and who was also driving at passing speed. We were both going approximately 75 mph when my car slowed--a slowing that does not display brake lights. The cruise control has not been inspected. It is the default setting on ignition. I routinely disable it, opting for regular cruise, each time I use it, but the potential is always there for me and for other owners. If there was any sort of warning (I don't remember) it would have been inadequate to prevent an accident. The alertness of the pick-up truck driver saved us both a collision.
Feb 14, 2024
DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD FOLLOWING A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. CRUISE IS ON AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IS NOT AFFECTING MY SPEED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TURNS LEFT INTO THEIR DRIVEWAY AND IS COMPLETELY OFF THE ROADWAY. MY CAR BRAKES VERY HARD LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING IN FRONT OF ME. THEIR WAS NO ON COMING TRAFIIC. I'VE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN BUT THE OTHER CAR WAS TURNING RIGHT. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OFF THE ROADWAY AND AGAIN MY CAR STARTS BRAKING VERY HARD. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY THE CAR BEHIND ME.
Apr 13, 2021
SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
2 complaints
Display screen Brake fluid low. Stop safety. Engine stop to start..
Aug 06, 2023
While driving threw a construction zone the car upfront of me stopped. Upon applying the brakes nothing happened. There was a tractor trailer beside us and I was at the reR and another car was at the front plenty of time to stop. Brakes didn't activate until right before impact and the nose dove down. ABS never activated and the collision avoidance never activated. I was traveling with my wife and two young kids lucky no one was hurt and I had no avenue of escape due to cement barriers and 18 wheeler.
Sep 11, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
VEHICLE IS SLOW TO RESPOND AND/OR HAS INTERMITTENT PERFORMANCE WHEN ACCELERATING OR MOVING FROM COMPLETE STOP. THERE IS LAG TIME IN THE VEHICLE'S RESPONSE TO DRIVER ACCELERATION WHICH MAKES IT CHALLENGING TO ENTER (FROM ROADWAY OR DRIVEWAY) ONCOMING TRAFFIC OR MERGE INTO INTERSTATE/FREEWAY TRAFFIC. THE DELAY IN THE RESPONSIVENESS AND INCONSISTENT PERFORMANCE CAUSES DRIVER TO NEED EXTRA TIME AND DISTANCE WHEN ENTERING THE FLOW OF TRAFFIC. THE FRONT END ALSO BECOMES JUMPY AND ENTERS WITH A SKID/PULL FORCE CAUSING THE NEED TO STEER INTO THE VEHICLE AND COURSE-CORRECT. VEHICLE ALSO DOES NOT ACCELERATE WELL OUT OF A RIGHT-HAND TURN ON 90DEG TURNS AND LAGS TO ACCELERATION PAST APEX. THIS PARTICULAR VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED 07/25/2020 WITH 4,278 MILES. TOYOTA ISSUED A RECALL FOR LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP IN 01/2020 AND ADDED THIS MODEL TO THE RECALL LIST IN 10/2020. AN INTERIM SAFETY RECALL NOTICE STATING THE VEHICLE COULD STALL WHILE DRIVING INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH, PARTICULARLY AT HIGH SPEEDS. AS OF 02/15/2021, TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A REMEDY TO THIS SAFETY RECALL WHICH HAS BEEN OPEN, IN TOTAL, FOR MORE THAN A YEAR. AS A DRIVER WHO RELIES ON FREEWAY TRAVEL IN ARIZONA, THIS IS DISTURBING AND THE ADDITIONAL ERRATIC PERFORMANCE IN-TOWN DURING NORMAL TRAFFIC IS EQUALLY UNSETTLING. THIS VEHICLE IS STILL BEING USED IN NORMAL CONDITIONS DUE TO THE OWNER BEING IN AN ESSENTIAL INDUSTRY DURING THE PANDEMIC, BUT RECREATIONAL DRIVING IS BEING LIMITED DUE TO THE OPEN AND UNRESOLVED SAFETY RECALL ISSUED BY TOYOTA. I ALSO CONTACTED MY SERVICE WRITER AT TOYOTA BEFORE RECEIVING THE LETTER, SHORTLY AFTER PURCHASING THE VEHICLE TO ASK IF THE ACCELERATION DELAYS AND INCONSISTENCY WERE NORMAL IN THIS VEHICLE BECAUSE THE DRIVER EXPERIENCE IS SUBPAR TO WHAT SHOULD BE EXPECTED WITH A NEW, LOW-MILE XLE VEHICLE.
Feb 15, 2021
SEVERE HESITATION WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND INSTANT POWER/QUICK ACCELERATION NEEDED. ALSO NOTED WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, AFTER CAR HAS SLOWED DOWN BELOW 5 MPH TO MAKE THE CORNER. GAS IS APPLIED WITH HESITATION. NOTED MORE WHEN CAR IS AT A COMPLETE STAND STILL/MOVING AT SLOW SPEED THEN GAS APPLIED TO MOVE FORWARD. CAR DOES NOT MOVE/REACT INSTANTLY. I NOTICE THIS PROBLEM ON A WEEKLY (AT LEAST) BASIS.
Sep 11, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Adaptive cruise control issue and transmission issue transmission is whining. Vehicle taken to the dealer and I am told nothing is wrong with the vehicle.
Dec 02, 2025
STEERING,POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
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, sensor replacements, spark plug replacement, and TPMS replacements all in one service. Prior to my warranty expiring, AWD, engine light and hard transmission shifts began with the new transmission. Returned repeatedly from April to November with no resolution. However, they did have me pay to replace sensors I had replaced in April several times and obtain a new battery. Issue 2: After "new" batter the car's electrical issues worsened resulting in a power failure while driving at 75 miles an hour and losing complete control of the vehicle. The power failure shut down the electronic shifter, power steering, All Wheel Drive, Traction control in raining conditions and ultimately the power assisted brakes. returned the vehicle to the service department for additional "testing" after taking a video of the fault messages were the car electrical systems shut down to auto start stop function warning light. I'm a skill driver and was able to avoid crashing during the incidents. The photos are from the latest day I dropped the vehicle off for review I took a video of the vehicle powering down for their records. They are now stating since they can't figure it out maybe I should pay them to replace the electrical wiring harnesses throughout the vehicle; a cost which exceeds the vehicle's worth to me. I'm convinced now more than ever they knew there was an electrical issue with the vehicle but waited me out and if I would have crashed and died all the blame would have been on me.
Nov 30, 2025
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
While driving, I began noticing a high-pitched whining or buzzing noise when pressing the accelerator, particularly at low speeds. The sound resembles an electric or remote-control car and rises in pitch with engine RPMs. The noise disappears when I release the gas pedal. A mechanic initially suspected a wheel bearing, but after further inspection, it appears the noise is coming from the transmission or drivetrain. I later discovered that this issue is widespread among 2017–2020 Toyota Highlander models equipped with the UA80E/UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been associated with internal gear and pump whine. Toyota has issued Customer Support Program POL19-04 and Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 addressing similar transmission whine and gear damage, but my vehicle is outside the standard 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and was not included in the extended coverage list, even though the symptoms match exactly. The problem appears to be a design or component defect within the UA80-series transmission, leading to premature wear and potential failure. This can affect drivability, safety during acceleration, and could result in transmission failure without warning.
Oct 23, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
Clog of evaporator box caused water intrusion into vehicle. Water leaked onto Airbag ECU causing malfunction and requiring replacement of Airbag ECU.
Oct 13, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I had just driven up a steep driveway and made a slightly sharper than 90 degree turn at a very low speed to pull into a home parking spot when the car lunged forward suddenly and slammed into the stone wall of the house at a high speed. The section of this driveway after the turn is only 2.5 car lengths, but the car picked up enough speed to smash the front of the car in. The car was totaled and driver and side curtain airbags all deployed. I do not know why this happened as there is no way I would have hit the gas hard while pulling up to a building to stop. I also would not have slammed on the gas thinking it was the brake since there would have been no reason to slam on the brake when I was only going 5-10 miles per hour max around the tight turn. My shoe was not caught on a pedal, both sandals were still on my feet after the accident. I am not a two footed driver. I feel that it was an accelerator malfunction, as the gas pedal had always been a little strange with a delayed response, but may have also involved the transmission after driving up the steep hill and then returning to a short but flat stretch leading up to the house. I was very bruised up, particularly my shins and ankles. Two months later, I still have some visible bruising. I also had injuries from the seat belt on my chest and what appeared to be a powder burn from the airbags. I was quite traumatized by the sudden acceleration and violence of the crash and not understanding how or why it happened. If someone had been standing in front of the house to greet me on my return, they would have been killed. The car was towed away and totaled by the insurance company, so the problem hasn't been reproduced or confirmed. There were no warning lamps or messages that I'm aware of prior to the incident, except that the gas pedal has always felt inconsistent concerning when it engages. My phone self-dialed 911 and law enforcement came out to do an accident report.
Aug 06, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
3 of the 4 door lock actuators do not work properly. Some don't lock and some don't unlock. The only door that currently works is the driver's door. If I don't realize that a door did not lock someone can break into my vehicle.
Jul 22, 2025
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT coming on constantly Cylinder 3 misfire reported under DIAGNOSTICS of ADVANCE AUTOPARTS 500 Rte 291, Lee's Summit, MO 64063 another workshop said NO MISFIRE however now it says Engine Misfire 1, 3, 5, 6 4 cylinders misfiring as per diagnostic on 02/15/2025
Feb 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while responding. There was an abnormal humming noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was replaced, but the failure recurred. While driving 71 MPH and merging into traffic while accelerating, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no fault codes retrieved. The mechanic at the dealer reported that during the test drive, there was hesitation while downshifting. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
Aug 05, 2024
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly and failed to shift back to the intended gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was recorded; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving uphill. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged unexpectedly. The contact stated that while driving on a level road surface and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard; however, while driving uphill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travel distance was reduced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake line was bled; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer determined that the brake pedal was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up within 3 to 4 days. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000.
May 14, 2024
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while attempting to make a turn in a parking a lot, the accelerator pedal became stuck on the mat, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that as she was approaching a guard rail, she turned off the vehicle. The vehicle jerked and the front end of the vehicle crashed into the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that she sustained pain on the right foot and underwent surgery later. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer collision center, where the vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000.
Apr 26, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
Originally, 2019 Toyota Highlander lost engine power, steering, and braking on U.S. Route 30, a very busy highway. Managed to pull off side of road AND WAITED. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS CAR STARTED AND RAN AS EXPECTED.Took to local dealer who had the car for several days, but couldn't identify the problem. This instance was 2020/2021. Fast forward to this past September 26th. Pulling out of a private parking lot the car stalled exactly as it had previously.This complete failure of engine is going to get me killed. Further I now notice my dash lights are dimming for no reason then coming back to bright. Now I read where other Highlander are doing the exact thing. I have a car, I'm afraid to drive.
Sep 30, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,LANE DEPARTURE,BACK OVER PREVENTION
1 complaint
The interior lights stopped working and the drive side sun visor won’t stay up and the beep never worked when I back up to something to close
Sep 15, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While I am driving my Toyota Highlander XLE 2019 in a parking lot to park my car, I stopped to yield to people crossing and I slowed down and applied brake , but my car stopped and unable to restart as car display showing an error - Braking Power Low I unable to star the car and ended up towing to Toyota Dealer ship in Plano,TX I am still waiting for Dealer to check on and advise on the issue I feel this is huge safety issue as car can stop in middle of traffic or on busy highway with out any warning and can cause a serious accident I am really pissed off at Toyota quality
Jul 09, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
Vehicle check engine turned on to check AWD system after about 2 days when filling with gas the engine wouldn't start and had Low brake power message on dashboard. Checked code and got P0171 and P0174 which mean engine's air/fuel mixture becomes too lean for the Engine Control Module (ECM) to correct within its normal operating range there are many posts and threads about same issue on highlanders as old as 2017 please look into this issue that could potentially cause a hazard. will take vehicle in for inspection 06/13/23 at Toyota of Naperville
Jun 13, 2023
FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER
1 complaint
2019 Toyota Highlander- Consumer is asking for any help that can be offered in reference to recalls. Legal Notice-Class Action Settlement, recall notice, online recall search documents, invoice for repair, mechanic repair contract, pictures of accident, accident report, and collision summary supplement of record attached.
May 19, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
There is a “squeak” type noise that sounds like fluid or air is being forced through a crack when the brakes are applied. It is intermittent as brakes remain applied, however it happens every time the brakes are applied and lasts until they are released. The local Toyota dealer diagnosed it as a failed brake master cylinder. After repair, the same noise continues. The dealers “master technician” was able to hear and reproduce the noise, but claim that it is from pressure building to help breaking. The young “master technician” stated that he works feel safe in the vehicle, but they don’t know why it’s making that sound. The sound began 1 year after I purchased the vehicle (I bought it v used in 2022). Warning lamps flashed very briefly indicating something about brakes, although it was difficult to read, as it happened very quickly and has not happened since.
Feb 08, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
The door locks will not unlock or lock. Had to replace two so far and now the other side is doing the same. Pre collision, Lane departure, cruise control and traction have malfunction. Unknown as to why at this moment.
Jan 03, 2023
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floor; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle to reduce forward motion and stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that a similar failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 27,500.
Jul 28, 2022
AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
Ever since I bought this car i have been having an issue where the SRS airbag Malfunction light comes on and my airbags are off seatbelts don't get recognized as buckled in. I have taken this car to the dealership numerous times to get it checked out but they cant seem to find a problem or solution. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE and I would really like someone to get involved in this issue and help me figure out my next steps because of what they tell me is that they just reset the modue and it never comes back on until 2-3 months from after they chekc it out and reset it. Please help me
Jan 27, 2022
STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
Vehicle constantly drift to the left which make it very unsafe because the driver is in a continuous correction mode to remain in one lane - can inspect anytime, alignment and tire rotation has been complied with at least 8 times within the last 3 months by Toyota Dealer and Firestone conclusion alignment is OK sometimes with minor correction. I'm constantly holding pressure on the steering to the right and left to remain in my lane doesn't matter about the road. The problem is worst on multi - lanes in the same direction with tractor trailers passing due to air current.
Jan 19, 2022
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
Erratic steering - Steering response is unpredictable when changing lanes, especially at highway speeds. Stall out on hard acceleration - such as accelerating from an entrance ramp onto an interstate. Glare on navigation screen - creates hazard when shading screen by hand to see it while driving.
Nov 21, 2021
STEERING,SUSPENSION
1 complaint
While entering a business park's parking lot, my vehicle suddenly and immediately stopped all forward movement. I was thrown against the steering wheel, injuring the right side of my chest and scraping the skin off my right forearm which was covered with the sleeve of my shirt. I was dazed, had no idea what happened, and thought that I had hit something but yet no airbags had deployed. When the vehicle stopped it was near a light post which I assumed I had hit. Upon exiting the vehicle I noticed the front tire was blown and the wheel was sitting on the ground at an odd angle. Walking around the vehicle showed no other body damage other that a few small strips of yellow paint from the base of the light post. When the tow truck driver was placing the chains to load it onto the flatbed, he called my attention to the fact that the drivers side control arm had failed. See the attached pictures for further detail. I am very grateful that I was not in traffic on a major highway as this would have been a horrific accident. Pictures show the control arm had a crack with exposed rust on edges of a fracture in the control arm. This vehicle has only been serviced at Toyota authorized dealerships and has undergone their multipoint inspections during these visits that include the front and rear suspension. I will not feel comfortable driving this vehicle again!
Oct 04, 2021
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
I was involved in an accident that I believe was caused by sudden unintended acceleration (sua). In a very busy commercial parking lot, I was pulling into a parking space proceeding at a very slow speed, when there was a sudden surge in acceleration accompanied by a grinding/acceleration sound. I hit the brake to no effect, and the vehicle jumped the curb and hit a building shop and entered the shop. The air bags did not deploy, and I was shaken up but not injured. Thankfully, there was no one at the front desk area of the business. The car was not drivable and was towed to a body shop.
Sep 19, 2021
FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL
1 complaint
2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE RECALL LIST AS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.
Aug 13, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
Problems: 1) Check Engine Light lit up. 2) "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning on heads-up display. 3) "Pre-Collision System Failure" warning on Heads-Up Display. 4) Gasoline engine stalls after an intentional deceleration and is unable to come back up to speed. First Event: On July 4th, my wife and I were driving on an interstate highway. We entered an exit ramp interchange to merge onto another highway and when trying to accelerate the car suddenly became sluggish, and gave messages for problems 1), 2), and 4) stated above. Problem 3) did not occur during this event. Messages stated to pull over in a safe location. We parked on the shoulder and immediately shut the car off, waited 5 minutes and then started the car again. We were able to drive to the next off-ramp to a city street (about 100 yards) before the engine started becoming sluggish again and lurching, error messages remained throughout the event. OBD codes stated simply "faulty engine" on a car with 16,000 miles. Dealership was unable to find a cause, but did find a code for ignition failure. They checked some things but did not do any repairs, and were unable to replicate the issue as it seemed to have cleared. Diagnosis was "vapor-lock" and no explanation for why. Second Event: On August 6th, my wife was driving the vehicle to visit family, when pulling onto an exit ramp, was unable to accelerate again afterwards. All the same warnings popped up, but this time also had problem 3). Engine stalled when warnings appeared and did the same sluggish lurching. After pulling off in a safe area, Shut the car off and tried to restart 4 times, warning did not clear. Gasoline Engine does not operate when pedal is pressed. Shut the car down for 2 hours and tried to restart afterwards, warnings still present, engine now runs when pedal is pressed, but stalls when idle. Shutdown for another hour while waiting for a tow, warnings still present, still stalls when idle. Waiting on callback from dealership.
Aug 07, 2021
AIR BAGS,SERVICE BRAKES,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
While driving onto an exit ramp I applied my brakes to my 2019 Toyota Highlander but the engine just roared up, took my foot off the brake and applied both feet to the brakes and the engine roared up again, I then came up right behind a car at the intersection and the front end collision did not stop me so I survived to the left lane but then I was headed into the highway and was T-boned by another Toyota Highlander and came to a stop on the right side of the highway. All the air bags deployed in the other SUV but none deployed in mine. The fireman had to use the jaws of life to get me out of the SUV. My wife and I were very shook up but had no serious injuries. But my brakes, the front-end collision, and the airbags all failed in the Toyota. My Highlander was totaled by my insurance company but they will not investigate the failures.
Jul 27, 2021
SUSPENSION,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE ON 1/8/21 AT TOYOTA OF SCRANTON FOR REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. THEY HAD REPLACED ARM AWAY, TRAILING. WE CALLED AGAIN FOR DEVICE IN FEBRUARY 2021 FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE ON MARCH 20,2021, WHICH TOYOTA OF SCRANTON DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. IN JANUARY 2021, TOYOTA MENTIONED NOTHING OF THE PENDING FUEL PUMP RECALL. WE RECEIVED NO CALLS FROM TOYOTA AT ANY TIME FOR A RECALL. WE BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL AFTER WE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IN FEBRUARY. TOYOTA HAS STILL NOT RESOLVED THE FULL PUMP RECALL.
Mar 27, 2021
POWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
I BOUGHT THIS CAR NEW WITH ABOUT 11 MILE ON IT. THE TRANSMISSION IMMEDIATELY HAD SHIFTING ISSUES AS IT COULD NOT DECIDE WHAT FORWARD GEAR TO GO INTO AND SHIFTED HARD AND FELT AS IF IT WAS GOING INTO TWO GEARS AT ONE TIME AND AFTER A SHORT DRIVE THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER WARNING DISPLAY INDICATED A CHECK ENGINE LIGHT AND WARNING THAT THE TRANSMISSION WAS OVERHEATING AND ACTED AS IF THE ENGINE WAS STARVING OF FUEL AS IT SURGED AND DID NOT DELIVER POWER TO GO BEYOND 35 MPH. AFTER I BOUGHT IT THE DEALER REASSURED ME AT LEAST THREE TIMES THAT THE CAR WAS OKAY AND THAT THIS IS THE WAY THAT THE TRANSMISSION SHIFTS. I REPEATEDLY HAD THE DEALER CHECK IT AND THE DEALER REASSURED ME THAT THERE WAS NO TROUBLE CODE AND NO PROBLEMS FOUND ALTHOUGH THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT WAS ON AND THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER SHOWED TRANSMISSION OVERHEATING AND THEY FIXED A WIRING CONNECTOR TO TRY AND FIX THE RUNNING PROBLEM. A CLASS ACTION SUIT CAME OUT FOR THE FUEL PUMP FAILURE RECALL AND THE 8 SPEED TRANSMISSION. I FEEL THAT THIS IS A VERY COMMON PROBLEM THAT THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURE ARE TRYING TO HIDE. AFTER 13 MONTHS AND 2,800 TOTAL MILES THE TRANSMISSION OVERHEATED, BURNED UP THE INTERNAL CLUTCH SET AND I NOW HAVE NO FORWARD AND REVERSE GEARS. I FEEL THAT THE SURGING AND TRANSMISSION PROBLEMS ARE A SOFTWARE DEFECT AS THE SHIFTING DEFECT COMES AND GOES AND VASTLY PROMOTED IF I DRIVE IT VERY GENTLY FROM A COLD START. ONCE WARMED UP IT DOES NOT ACT UP AS OFTEN EXCEPT WHEN TWO GEARS SEEM TO BE ENGAGED AT THE SAME TIME. THE KEY ALSO INTERMITTENTLY DOES NOT ALLOW THE CAR TO START AND INSTRUMENT CLUSTER ALSO SHOWS TRAC LIGHT , ABS FAILURE LIGHT, BSM NOT AVAILABLE, SMART KEY FAILURE, AND COMPLETE BLACK OUT OF THE INSTRUMENT CLUSTER AND SHOWN TO THE DEALER MECHANIC AND SERVICE WRITERS AND PHOTOGRAPHED AND VIDEOTAPED FOR DOCUMENTATION AND IN THE REPAIR ORDERS.
Mar 26, 2021
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
1 complaint
A MONTH AGO, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH SNOW SHOWERS UP TO NH TO GO SKIING, WITH OUR NIFTY ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN I REALIZED THAT WE WERE ACCELERATING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. I ASSUMED THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WAS COVERED IN SLUSH, TOOK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND DROVE MANUALLY. ONLY ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER DID THE DASHBOARD ALERT NOTIFY ME THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WASN'T WORKING. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HERE'S THE PROBLEM: THE CAR SAYS "TRUST ME. IF YOU USE MY COOL SAFETY SYSTEMS, I'LL KEEP YOU FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU...AND SHOULD SOMETHING DISABLE THE SENSOR THAT CARRIES OUT THIS FUNCTION, I'LL LET YOU KNOW, SO THAT YOU WON'T DEPEND ON ME." BUT THAT'S NOT TRUE. AND, A DRIVER WHO ASSUMED THAT THE CAR WAS KEEPING ITS PROMISE, AS IT DOES MOST ALL THE TIME--MIGHT NOT HAVE REALIZED THAT IT WASN'T UNTIL THEY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM.
Mar 13, 2021
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
RECEIVED NOTICE OF RECALL MORE THAN 60 DAYS AGO, NHTSA NO.20V-682 "LOW PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MAY STALL VEHICLE AND CAUSE CRASH" CALLED BOTH MY DEALERSHIP AND TOYOTA WITH RESPONSE OF: "NO DATE FOR REMEDY" I HAVE TRAVEL PLANNED AND THIS 2019 HIGHLANDER SHOULD NOT BE ON THE ROAD FOR FEAR OF CRASH. WHY NO POSITIVE RESULT YET?
Jan 25, 2021
SUSPENSION
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CONICELLI TOYOTA LOCATED AT 860 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.
Oct 23, 2020
WHEELS
1 complaint
BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW IN NOV 19 AND IN THE FIRST HEAVY DOWNPOUR DRIVING AT MORE THAN THE NORMAL STREET CRAWL AT 35MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED SEVERELY WHILE MERGING FROM A HIGHWAY UNTO ANOTHER. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE AWD SYSTEM COULD HAVE BEEN BAD. I HAVE ASKED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR HELP AND I HAVE 2 CASES OPEN AND YET TO GET ANYTHING BACK. THE LOCAL DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING INCLUDING CALLING ME BACK AFTER THE INITIAL CALL. LEFT 2 VOICE MAIL MESSAGES. IN SHORT NO ONE AT TOYOTA SEEMS CONCERNED AND IT IS VERY SAD, SINCE THEY DO HAVE AN OVERALL GREAT PRODUCT. THESE TIRES WERE PUT ON THE CAR BY TOYOTA AND THEY NEED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR CHOICES. TIRES ARE FINE IN THE DRY WEATHER BUT WORTHLESS IN THE RAIN. THIS TIRE, THE TOYO A20 HAS TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SCORES IN VARIOUS ONLINE INDEPENDENT SOURCES (IE TIRE RACK). THE TIRES AT THE TIME HAD ABOUT 7000 MILES ON THEM WITH NO SIGNS OF ANY WEAR ISSUE AND ONCE AGAIN IN DRY WEATHER THEY HAVE BEEN OK. WHY WOULD TOYOTA USE AN INFERIOR TIRE ON SUCH A VEHICLE WHEN THEY NORMALLY USE BRAND NAME TIRES IN TIER 1? THE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE IN MID AUGUST ON A SATURDAY MORNING AFTER DROPPING OFF MY SON AT WORK, IT COULD HAVE BEEN THAT WEEKEND OR THE ONE BEFORE.
Oct 19, 2020
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN THERE IS A HESITATION FROM WHEN I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND WHEN THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATES. IT HAPPENS FROM A COMPLETE STOP SOMETIMES ALSO. SOMETIMES THE CAR JERKS WHEN IT DOES THIS. THE PASSENGER CAN FEEL IT ALSO
Oct 13, 2020
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,VISIBILITY
1 complaint
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED
Jul 13, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITH A MESSAGE REFERRING THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE NEAREST DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO KINGS TOYOTA (4700 FIELDS ERTEL RD, CINCINNATI, OH 45249) TO BE DIAGNOSED. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS DIFFERENT FROM THE PREVIOUS FAILURE THE VEHICLE HAD EXPERIENCED IN WHICH THE SPARK PLUGS WERE REPLACED. THE TECHNICIAN REMOVED THE SPARK PLUGS AND THE COIL PACKS AND RELOCATED ANOTHER CYLINDER. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE RECURRED THREE TIMES AND WAS TAKEN TO THE SAME DEALER AND WAS INFORMED THAT 20 PERCENT OF ALCOHOL WAS FOUND IN THE FUEL INSTEAD OF THE RECOMMENDED 10 PERCENT IN THE FUEL MIXTURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 14,000.
Jun 26, 2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT UNDISCLOSED SPEEDS, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHO WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE RECURRED SEVERAL TIMES. TOYOTA OF CULVER CITY LOCATED AT 9077 WASHINGTON BLVD, CULVER CITY CA, 90232, WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 85,000.
Jun 16, 2020
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THIS RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR
Jun 01, 2020
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED ALONG WITH A CHIME. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE PROPELLED FORWARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO STOP THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CONTINUED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A POLE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED TO STOP. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL MILLENNIUM TOYOTA DEALER (257 N FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550) WAS CALLED WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER BUT NO CALL WAS RECEIVED SO THE CONTACT CALLED AND LEFT A VOICEMAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CALLED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT PAPER WORK WAS NEEDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THAT THE BLACK BOX WAS TO BE INSPECTED WHICH COULD TAKE A WEEK FOR THE RESULTS AND A MONTH FOR A SOLUTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.
May 11, 2020
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
FIRST INCIDENT OCCURRED IN DEC 2019 AND THEN AGAIN IN JAN 2020. WHILE DRIVING ENGINE LOST POWER AND VEHICLE BEGAN LURCHING FORWARD AND BACK UNCONTROLLABLY. AFTER PULLING OVER ENGINE SHUT DOWN. THANKFULLY WE DID NOT CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON, ALSO SAID REDUCED ENGINE POWER AND TRACTION CONTROL OFF. FIRST TIME DEALER SAID IT WAS BAD GAS. SECOND TIME THEY TESTED FUEL PUMP AND IT WAS PRODUCING 5 PSI. WAY BELOW 50-60 PSI NORM. NOW OUR VEHICLE IS PARKED WAITING FOR TOYOTA TO DEVELOP A FIX FOR THEIR FUEL PUMP. NO IDEA HOW LONG THAT WILL TAKE. OUR CAR IS PART OF THE ALMOST 700,000 TOYOTA RECALLED. TOYOTA USED TO MEAN QUALITY, NOT SURE ANY MORE.
Jan 24, 2020
POWER TRAIN,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN TRYING TO COAST TO A STOP AT AROUND 4 MPH THE CAR WILL SLAM TO A STOP. DOES NOT ALWAYS DO THIS BUT IT'S SOMETIMES VERY HARD TO COME TO A SMOOTH STOP AS THE CARS BRAKING SYSTEM (REGENERATIVE BRAKING?) WILL KICK IN BY ITSELF. CAN BE DANGEROUS IF A CAR IS TAILING VERY CLOSE TO ME AS IT WILL SEEM LIKE I'M DRIVING UNPREDICTABLY. TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT IT IS MORE LIKELY TO DO THIS WHEN THE CAR IS STILL WARMING UP.
Jan 20, 2020
POWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.
Dec 30, 2019
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WE STARTED THE VEHICLE THAT IS PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE AT AROUND 8AM TO GET SOME GROCERIES. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL. SHIFTED TO D AND STARTED MOVING AND AS I WAS LEAVING THE SPOT, I PUSHED THE BREAK TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND IT WON'T STOP. PUSHED THE BREAK PAD SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR WON'T STOP. FINALLY MOVED THE GEAR TO P AND IT STOPPED AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND TRIED TO REVERSE IT, IT WON'T REVERSE AND ONLY GOING FORWARD. I CALLED AUTONATION TOYOTA OF LEESBURG, THEY TOWED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 11/30/19 WITH ONLY 45 MILES IN IT. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING BECAUSE MY NEIGHBOR WAS PUTTING SOMETHING TO HIS CAR AND I WAS ABOUT TO RUN AT HIM.
Dec 24, 2019
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
OTHER CAR PULLED INTO INTERSECTION CAUSING OUR HIGHLANDER TO COLLIDE WITH TURNING VEHICLE. T COLLISION. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SPEEDS AROUND 35 MPH. CAR TOTALED AND I SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSION. WAS WEARING SEATBELT.
Dec 08, 2019
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
I USED THE HANDS FREE DEVICE WHEN TALKING ON THE PHONE WHILE DRIVING, VIEW INCOMING EMAIL MAIL, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM ON THE HIGHWAY. I INCURRED THIS PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2019.ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 I HAD ANOTHER APPOINTMENT WITH DICK DYER TOYOTA IN COLUMBIA, SC DUE TO MY AUDIO SEEMS TO HAVE A SHORTAGE IN IT. THE AUDIO SYSTEM KEEPS TURNING OFF. AN EMPLOYEE AT DICK DYER TOYOTA SAID THAT MY APPLE XS MAX CELLULAR PHONE IS THE PROBLEM. THE MALE COULD NOT TELL ME WHEN TOYOTA COMPANY UPDATED THEIR ELECTRIC SOFTWARE. HE ALSO MENTIONED THAT NUMEROUS HIGHLANDER OWNERS HAVE INCURRED THE SOME PROBLEMS. LATER THAT AFTERNOON, I CALLED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE IN CALIFORNIA AND EXPLAINED TO A FEMALE CUSTOMER REPRESENTATION ABOUT THE AUDIO ELECTRIC SHORTAGE IN A 2019 VEHICLE. VERONICA SAID THERE IS A PROBLEM WITH THEIR SOFTWARE WHICH IS A 12.1 VERSION WHICH IS NOT COMPATIBLE TO APPLE CURRENT SOFTWARE VERSION 13.2.3. I EXPLAINED TO HER ABOUT HAND FREE STATES AND THEIR LAWS. SHE MENTIONED THAT THEY WERE WORKING TO FIX THE PROBLEM BUT HAVE NOT TIME FRAME WHEN THE PROBLEM WILL BE FIX. I HAVE COMPLAINED THREE PREVIOUS TIMES ABOUT THE AUDIO. CASE NUMBER - 1911212727
Nov 22, 2019
STEERING,ENGINE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAGE TOYOTA (21262 TELEGRAPH RD, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48033, (248) 352-8580) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1910282286. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.
Oct 31, 2019
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
ME AND MY FAMILY WERE LEAVING A HOTEL IN TARRYTOWN NY. I PARKED THE CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 OUTSIDE, HELPED MY WIFE AND 21-MONTH BABY INTO THE BACK SEAT AND HAD TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK BUT IT WAS LOCKED. IN THAT MOMENT THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING; THE GROUND WAS NOT STEEP AT ALL: 5-10 DEGREES THE MOST. I TOOK OUT THE KEY FROM IGNITION TO GO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE BUTTON FROM THE REMOTE. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS WITH MY WIFE AND KID IN THE BACK SEAT. THERE WAS A SLOPE FEW FEET AWAY FROM WHERE I PARKED AND THE ANGLE BECAME ABOUT 40 DEGREES AND IT PICKED UP SPEED QUICKLY. I RUSHED IN (DRIVERS DOOR WAS LUCKY OPEN AND FLAPPING AROUND), AT THE LAST MOMENT WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE BREAK BUT WE STILL HIT ANOTHER CAR WITH PEOPLE INSIDE. I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH VISUAL SCARS AND BRUISES ON MY LEFT LEG FROM TRYING TO CLIMB IN THE CAR, BUT MY WIFE FELT PAIN IN HER LOWER BACK THE DAY AFTER THE CRASH. THERE WERE WITNESSES AND MOST LIKELY A CAMERA, SINCE IT WAS BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF A MAJOR HOTEL. FROM READING AND RESEARCHING ON THIS MATTER I SUSPECT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PARKING PAWL (THE PIECE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT HOLDS THE CAR IN PARK). THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I SAW HERE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT A PERSON FROM NJ FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE EXACT SAME MATTER WITH THE SAME CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 (NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11245263), JUST A MONTH AGO SO THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. PLEASE TAKE ACTION. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE!
Sep 30, 2019
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
2019 HIGHLANDER XLE JERKS AND STALLS, THEN LOSES POWER. THIS OCCURED ON A NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE THAT HAS APPROXIMATELY 13K MILES ON IT, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON A SUB-URBAN STREET. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER ALERT CAME ON, PROVIDING NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER OF THE ISSUE. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL PRESSURE ISSUE, AND ARE REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP - A PART THAT USUALLY LASTS MORE THAN 200,000 MILES. I HAVE NO IDEA WHETHER THIS IS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE, OR A FUEL REGULATION ISSUE, AND IF THOSE FUNCTIONS ARE BOTH PERFORMED BY THE FUEL PUMP. THE DEALER DID NOT SEEM TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY DID FIND ONE OTHER INSTANCE OF THIS OCCURRING WHEN THEY RESEARCHED IT. I'D LIKE TO KNOW FOR CERTAIN WHETHER THIS IS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE, OR A FUEL REGULATION ISSUE. THIS PRESENTED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD.
Sep 11, 2019
STRUCTURE,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
1 complaint
MAY 31 I WAS PICKING MY PASSENGERS AS DIVING TO UBER DRIVER. I PARKED MY VEHICLE STEP OUT TO OPEN BACK DOOR TO OPEN MY 3RD ROW SEAT BUT DOOR DIDN'T ABLE TO OPEN AND SAME MINUTES I HEARD VOICE BEEP COMING OUT FROM FRONT STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED AROUND WENT TO SEE WHAT THIS VOICE IS ABOUT.. BEFORE I TOUCHED ANYTHING MY VEHICLE START TO ROLLED BACKWARDS AND I GOT SO SCARED AND I TRIED TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEELS FROM OUTSIDE TO STOP VEHICLE SOMEHOW BUT IT WENT SO FAST DRAGGED ME OVER 100 FEETS THROWS ME ON THE STREET AND WENT OUT ON 2 HOMES PROPERTY OVER THE BUSHES AND HIT THE RAILING GUARDS ON ONE HOME . I CALLED POLICE ON THE SPOT WHERE THEY ASKED MY PASSENGERS AS WELL WHAT WAS HAPPENED AND THEY STATED WHAT I JUST WROTE HERE. AMBULANCE CAME PUT BANDAGES ON MY RIPPED LEFT KNEE AND TOLD ME TO CALL THEM IF I NEEDED THEM LATER ON. I HAD CALLED TOYOTA COMPANY AND THEY CAME TOOK MY VEHICLE TO HACKENSACK TOYOTA TO TOOK SOME INFORMATION AND AFTER 4 WEEKS SENT ME LETTER SAYING NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ALL .... I'M SHOCKED AFTER HEARD THE VEHICLE HAD NO PROBLEM SO WHY IT ROLLED IN PARKING POSITION RIPPED MY KNEES PUT ME INTO STRESS AND POLICE REPORT MY 4 WITNESSES ALL WAS A LIE OR TOYOTAS PLAYING SOME BIG GAMES AROUND ME SO THEY DONT HAVE TO DO BIGGEST RECALL ON BRAND NEW VEHICLES ? I'M TRYING TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING BIG GOING ON SO PLEASE HELP ME OUT WITH THIS SITUATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.
Aug 20, 2019
STEERING,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT LAG WHEN I APPLIED GAS THEN STARTED BEEPING AND PROVIDED THE WARNINGS: CHECK ENGINE, HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK AWD SYSTEM. I TURNED THE CAR OFF MULTIPLE TIMES, THE ERRORS WERE STILL ON THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE APPT. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO CHECK IT IN, WHEN I CAME BACK THE ERROR WAS GONE. THEY CHECKED OUT THE CAR THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST 'AMBIENT CONDITIONS'. TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS DRIVING AND I HAD THE SAME LAG IN POWER THEN THE SAME ALARMS AND STARTED DRIVING TOWARD THE DEALERSHIP (ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY) AND THE HYBRID SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND THE ERRORS WERE STILL THERE AND IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN ANOTHER HALF MILE DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS 10,800 MILES AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY DURING ALL THESE EVENTS.
Aug 14, 2019
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE TAILGATE, ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MALLOY TOYOTA (400 WEEMS LN, WINCHESTER, VA 22601, (540) 678-1791) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR UNLOCKED AND NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT MALLOY TOYOTA; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STILL COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.
Jun 26, 2019
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2019 TOYOTA Highlander have?
The 2019 TOYOTA Highlander currently has 376 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2019 TOYOTA Highlander?
The most common problems reported for the 2019 TOYOTA Highlander are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2019 TOYOTA Highlander problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2019 TOYOTA Highlander comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
Other Years - TOYOTA Highlander
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2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
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2005 Problems
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2000 Problems
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