2019 Toyota Highlander Problems

My 2019 Toyota Highlander has the same UA80 transmission that Toyota was required to fix under CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZJC, which covers 2017-2018, the transmission has the same whining noise and shifting issues. Toyota must accept responsibility for their manufacturing error where the washer tab was not bent properly, allowing a nut to loosen leading to the whining noise. I expect the NHTS to require them to cover their 2019's as well, as a consumer we are getting screwed here.

In April of 2026 started hearing a whining noise in the engine of my 2019 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle has 110471 miles. Have had it checked at the dealership twice and a mechanic twice. All have said the transmission is going out. I have had the transmission fluid replaced, but it did not help. Apparently, Toyota knew about this problem and still sold the car. I am unable to drive car because I am afraid it is going to break down. The dealership said they could replace the transmission for 8762.64 dollars. Toyota has since stopped making UA80 eight speed auto transmission.

I am filing this safety complaint regarding a known defect in my 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid related to the high-pressure fuel system. My vehicle triggered a Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code P107B - Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor ‘B’ Circuit Range/Performance. This code appeared multiple times (3 stored faults). Toyota has formally acknowledged this defect by issuing Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0050-20 specifically for 2018-2019 Highlander Hybrid vehicles. This is a fuel system pressure issue that directly affects the safe and reliable operation of the vehicle. A failure in the fuel rail pressure system can cause: •Sudden loss of engine power while driving •Unexpected stalling at highway speeds •Inability to accelerate when needed, creating a dangerous situation in traffic Despite Toyota acknowledging this defect through TSB T-SB-0050-20, Jim Coleman Toyota (10400 Auto Park Ave, Bethesda, MD 20817, Phone: 301-618-0480) quoted me nearly $3,000 to repair this issue rather than covering it under warranty. I believe Toyota should issue a formal recall to protect all owners of affected vehicles. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this matter and pressure Toyota to issue a recall covering all 2018-2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles affected by this known fuel system defect.

Vehicle has experienced sudden stalling while driving and an intermittent Check Engine Light with Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC) P107B — Fuel Rail Pressure Sensor “B” Circuit Range/Performance. This is the exact condition covered by Toyota Technical Service Bulletins T-SB-0050-20 and T-SB-009-23, and Customer Support Program 23TE04 (Denso low-pressure fuel pump settlement coverage, valid until July 15, 2036 or 150,000 miles). Timeline: • Late April 2026 (while driving ~300–400 miles from home): Vehicle stalled without warning at a red light. • May 5, 2026 (while driving on freeway ~50–75 miles from home): Check Engine Light illuminated. AutoZone scan and dealer diagnostic tool both confirmed DTC P107B. • May 5, 2026: Dealer performed health check using Toyota GTS+ tool (see attached screenshot taken at 15:58:01). Screen clearly shows “PERMANENT: YES” confirming a permanent stored fault code. • May 5–15, 2026: Crown Toyota (Ontario, CA) confirmed the code was present on arrival (Repair Order 2842115 dated 05/15/26). They later cleared the code, performed a short test drive, could not duplicate the fault at that moment, and closed the repair order as “inconclusive.” They refused the low-pressure fuel pump replacement under Customer Support Program 23TE04 even though corporate cases #260505002096 and #260515002110 had previously confirmed eligibility based on the prior pump replacement (9/11/2021, RO #1764477). The issue is known to be intermittent and occurs under load/highway conditions. This creates a serious safety risk of sudden loss of power while driving. T-SB-0050-20 specifically directs dealers to replace the low-pressure fuel pump assembly when P107B is present on 2018–2019 Highlander Hybrids, and T-SB-009-23 provides the official repair procedure under CSP 23TE04. I have attached: (1) the dealer repair order RO 2842115, and (2) the May 5, 2026 GTS+ diagnostic screenshot showing the permanent DTC. Please investigate this as a potential safety defect.

I am writing to formally document a series of unresolved mechanical issues with my vehicle, culminating in a complete transmission failure, and to request assistance in resolving this matter. The timeline of events is detailed below: *Winter 2024: I first noticed a persistent buzzing sound originating from the engine compartment. Because this symptom primarily occurred during low ambient temperatures, I initially attributed it to the cold weather. The mileage on this vehicle was around 50k miles. *Spring 2024: I contacted the dealership to report the noise. I was advised that the issue was likely related to a worn belt. Subsequent inspection, however, proved this diagnosis to be incorrect, and the root cause of the noise remained unresolved. *Fall 2024: The engine buzzing returned. Concurrently, a severe driveability issue emerged. On multiple occasions after shifting from Park to Drive, the vehicle failed to engage the gear properly, behaving as though it were in Neutral and preventing any acceleration. This would occur while driving and stopped at redlights, which posed a major safety concern as I was transporting my newborn and young child with me. * February 2025: The vehicle became entirely inoperable. Unfortunately, this failure occurred around 62k miles, AFTER my 60k mile warranty expired, (which i was unaware of). Given that these symptoms began during the winter of 2024 and were reported to the dealership early on, it is clear that the initial diagnostics failed to identify a developing and critical transmission defect. I conducted research and discovered this is a recurring issue with Toyota Highlanders, and other vehicles with the model UA80 transmission. Toyota posted a service bulletin, extending vehicles from 2017 & 2018 but have yet to address the 2019 through current models to date with reports of the same transmission issues.

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

My transmission is now missing the 3rd gear and left me and my kids stalled in traffic as I was turning in oncoming traffic. Toyota dealership confirmed that was the problem upon inspection.

Sporadically, when starting up the vehicle, from the overhead console, it emanate a loud, ear piercing sound that is painful to one's ears. Apparently, this is a KNOWN issue with 2019 Toyota Highlanders in the Limited Platinum trim level. This issue has been presented to the dealership numerous times (DARCARS Toyota Frederick) with their claim they could not recreate the issue. I have provided video evidence but still no action was taken. Now out of warranty, it occurs more frequently now with this piercing noise.

Whining sound can be heard while accelerating the vehicle. Maintenance crew is reporting an issue with transmission. UA80F 8 speed transmission on V6 engine in Toyota Highlander has this failure noise. Given that the transmission can fail anytime. It is dangerous to operate the vehicle. No action is taken from Toyota yet.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH under a local under path the vehicles the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Previously the while driving at the same location the vehicle suddenly reduced speeds. The contact indicated that each time the failure had occurred the cruise control feature was activated. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 80,000.

8 speed transmission faulty

This vehicle safety complaint is regarding my 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE, VIN [XXX] . A Toyota-authorized dealership, Sansone Toyota in Avenel, New Jersey, documented that the front driver axle is prone to freezing in the differential. This is a serious safety concern because if the axle seizes while the vehicle is in motion, it could cause sudden loss of control. This vehicle is used regularly as our family vehicle, including to transport our family of 6 with our young children. I am extremely concerned about continued operation of the vehicle while this documented condition remains unresolved. In addition to this safety-related axle issue, this vehicle has a broader history of serious mechanical problems. On May 13, 2022, after a recent service visit at DCH Brunswick Toyota, I reported that when I pressed the gas the vehicle was making an unusual noise like an old car, that the car delayed to speed when I pressed the gas, that I had to press the gas all the way in order for the car to move faster, and that it was not like this prior to service. At approximately 25,000 miles, I also asked that the brakes be checked because when we drove the vehicle and used the brakes, the car made a startling sound. In 2023, I also reported hard/heavy steering and jerking while driving. I reported transmission-related abnormal noises and drivability concerns while the vehicle was still within Toyota’s powertrain warranty period, but the condition was not properly diagnosed at that time. The transmission has since been confirmed by authorized Toyota dealerships to require full replacement. The vehicle also has a documented engine oil leak, leaking shock absorber, and prior recall history involving a stalling condition. I've filed this complaint with NHTSA due to the axle-related safety risk. Toyota is now on written notice of that condition. Mileage: approximately 101,000 Documenting safety issue: Sansone Toyota, Avenel, NJ Please review this potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

While driving down the road about 30mph on a paved road, heard a loud bang from the back. Stopped and inspected. The stability button shot off the door into the door jam, the door panel coming off, and the weather stripping separating from the door. The passenger rear airbag went off. Nothing visible on outside. Everything mechanically like it should be. 55,000 miles on car. Bought new from dealership. Done all maintenance and safety recalls. Vehicle is at dealership getting inspected.

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

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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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

Around Halloween 2025 my Toyota’s Transmission started slipping. I called a few places and no one except Toyota would address the issue except a local shop in [XXX] , Ridge Auto Repair who after checking out the vehicle said they can’t repair it because the parts are not available November 6th, 2025, The Shop LAG LLC was recommended to me by a family member, and they came to check out the Toyota, and they were convinced it was the Torque Converter and wanted $1300 to fix it. I paid them and after a few weeks they claimed it was the Transmission and wanted more money which they were paid. Weeks went by and no updates from them and they weren’t responding to my messages. When they finally responded they started saying the starter was bad, the differential, the fly wheel, etc, Again, we paid them more money, and again weeks went by without any updates. We paid a total of $9000.00 Their last attempt to fix the vehicle also failed and I’m left with a vehicle with no transmission, the entire front end taken apart and scattered all over my property and this was their last response. “Oh lord. So the original place we got the transmission from denied the warranty, but at the time it wasnt a problem we have insurance. So we summited a claim and thats why it was going to be shipped from another place. Well they kept telling me that it was coming this day then that day. I got a letter denying the claim Instead. I have tried to fight it, but they ended up dropping us after that. We are willing to install one in for free if your able to get your hands on one, because this whole ordeal has been a nightmare, but we got denied due to mileage with the claim. There was a difference in our timestamped pictures and the adress of where it went once it left. So they said it was driven on with a problem, because it was moved to there with a problem thats what they are denying my claims to fight it. I didn't want to say anything until it was final and we kne INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

This vehicle safety complaint is regarding my 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE, VIN [XXX] . A Toyota-authorized dealership, Sansone Toyota in Avenel, New Jersey, documented that the front driver axle is prone to freezing in the differential. This is a serious safety concern because if the axle seizes while the vehicle is in motion, it could cause sudden loss of control. This vehicle is used regularly as our family vehicle, including to transport our family of 6 with our young children. I am extremely concerned about continued operation of the vehicle while this documented condition remains unresolved. In addition to this safety-related axle issue, this vehicle has a broader history of serious mechanical problems. On May 13, 2022, after a recent service visit at DCH Brunswick Toyota, I reported that when I pressed the gas the vehicle was making an unusual noise like an old car, that the car delayed to speed when I pressed the gas, that I had to press the gas all the way in order for the car to move faster, and that it was not like this prior to service. At approximately 25,000 miles, I also asked that the brakes be checked because when we drove the vehicle and used the brakes, the car made a startling sound. In 2023, I also reported hard/heavy steering and jerking while driving. I reported transmission-related abnormal noises and drivability concerns while the vehicle was still within Toyota’s powertrain warranty period, but the condition was not properly diagnosed at that time. The transmission has since been confirmed by authorized Toyota dealerships to require full replacement. The vehicle also has a documented engine oil leak, leaking shock absorber, and prior recall history involving a stalling condition. I've filed this complaint with NHTSA due to the axle-related safety risk. Toyota is now on written notice of that condition. Mileage: approximately 101,000 Documenting safety issue: Sansone Toyota, Avenel, NJ Please review this potential safety defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION

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.

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.

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.

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.

Around Halloween 2025 my Toyota’s Transmission started slipping. I called a few places and no one except Toyota would address the issue except a local shop in [XXX] , Ridge Auto Repair who after checking out the vehicle said they can’t repair it because the parts are not available November 6th, 2025, The Shop LAG LLC was recommended to me by a family member, and they came to check out the Toyota, and they were convinced it was the Torque Converter and wanted $1300 to fix it. I paid them and after a few weeks they claimed it was the Transmission and wanted more money which they were paid. Weeks went by and no updates from them and they weren’t responding to my messages. When they finally responded they started saying the starter was bad, the differential, the fly wheel, etc, Again, we paid them more money, and again weeks went by without any updates. We paid a total of $9000.00 Their last attempt to fix the vehicle also failed and I’m left with a vehicle with no transmission, the entire front end taken apart and scattered all over my property and this was their last response. “Oh lord. So the original place we got the transmission from denied the warranty, but at the time it wasnt a problem we have insurance. So we summited a claim and thats why it was going to be shipped from another place. Well they kept telling me that it was coming this day then that day. I got a letter denying the claim Instead. I have tried to fight it, but they ended up dropping us after that. We are willing to install one in for free if your able to get your hands on one, because this whole ordeal has been a nightmare, but we got denied due to mileage with the claim. There was a difference in our timestamped pictures and the adress of where it went once it left. So they said it was driven on with a problem, because it was moved to there with a problem thats what they are denying my claims to fight it. I didn't want to say anything until it was final and we kne INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMA

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.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission. Later, while the contact’s wife was driving approximately 50 MPH, the vehicle went into LIMP Mode and decelerated unexpectedly. The contact diagnosed the vehicle and determined that there was a failure with the torque converter. The local dealer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that on several occasions while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal whining sound emanating from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced; however, there was a back log on the part. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.