2022 Toyota Highlander Powertrain (other) Problems

loud noise when accelerating. noise is gone when let go of gas pedal. noise like internal gears from transmission

NHTSA ID

11751046

Incident

Jul 1, 2026

2022 Toyota Highlander 8 speed transmission started making noise at highway speed. Vehicle has 61,000 miles on it. Also has erratic shifting. Toyota dealer said it needs a new transmission. Just out of warranty so Toyota only agreed to pay 25% of the bill.

NHTSA ID

11750432

Incident

Jun 26, 2026

After multiple visits to a private mechanic, it has been determined that the transmission on this 2022 Highlander will need to be replaced. I have seen multiple reports stating this is a common issue with certain Toyotas.

NHTSA ID

11750030

Incident

Jan 15, 2026

Transmission was replaced at 62,000 miles, along with the passenger headlight. Transmission had the dreaded "whine" at 60k miles. Headlight led lights were dead at 61K miles. All service work was completed at the local Toyota dealership.

NHTSA ID

11749172

Incident

Sep 8, 2025

In March 2026, a sound was noticed at coasting speed. At regular servicing in June 2026 at 74,226, Service Department was informed of sound and stated that it might be wheels/ brakes. A further service appointment stated that the transaxle assembly will need to be replaced at a quoted cost of $10,657.97. At regular service 62,981 and 68,217 the Multi-Point Inspections showed Transmission/ Transaxle, Differential and Transfer Case all marked “OK”. At regular service 74,226, after informing Service Department of the sound, the Multi-Point Inspection shows “Sealed Transmission, fluid not checked”. Nothing was marked with Differential or Transfer case and everything “Under Vehicle”- driveshaft, drive, axle hub and bearing, steering linkage, suspension, fluid leaks, exhaust system, fuel lines were all marked “OK”

NHTSA ID

11747486

Incident

Jun 24, 2026

Known faulty transmission. Ua 80 transmission shifts early causing erratic shifting and excessive wear and tear on the transmission causing premature wear and tear.

NHTSA ID

11744721

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

System Failed -Transmission makes a high pitch whine, which Toyota has identified as a product manufacturing issue with the 2017-2022 V6 Highlander, but has not done anything to rectify the issue for those of us out of warranty. As this transmission issue usually doesn't start happening until 60,000 miles, unless you bought an extended warranty, you're out another $8K to $10K due to their negligence. Found this on Redit - Toyota knows the UA80F whines—it’s in TSB T-SB-0160-18 , T-SB-0008-21 and CSP ZJC. But unless your VIN’s on their cherry-picked list, they’ll play dumb. Safety Risk - Transmission stops working and car is inoperable. Reproduced - Yes, Toyota is aware that several cars are affected and doesn't care. Symptoms - Identified Symptoms are high pitched whine, rough shifting, transmission slippage, etc.

NHTSA ID

11744456

Incident

Jun 7, 2026

Transmission failure at 38,896 miles

NHTSA ID

11744181

Incident

Jun 13, 2026

I am having a problem on the transmission as described by the Geras Magazine: "The issue stems from a flawed assembly process involving the counter drive gear support. A locking tab meant to secure a vital retaining nut was not bent properly during factory assembly. This leads to gear movement, internal wear, whining, and eventually failure."

NHTSA ID

11743886

Incident

May 13, 2026

2023 toyota highlander w AU80 transmission whinning noises when accelerating.69000K miles, serviced at Emerson Toyota, scheduled transmission check at 57000K miles, technician stated slight whinning was normal

NHTSA ID

11743402

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Whining sound, when acceleration

NHTSA ID

11741949

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious mechanical issue involving the transfer case on my 2022 Toyota Highlander. This problem raises concerns regarding the safety, reliability, and overall performance of the vehicle. While driving, I began hearing a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Concerned, I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic inspection. I was informed that there is a transmission-related issue and that the vehicle requires a transfer case replacement. At the time of diagnosis, the vehicle had approximately 77,000 miles and has been primarily driven locally under normal conditions. This type of major drivetrain failure at such mileage is unexpected and concerning, especially given that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure of a critical component such as the transfer case can significantly affect vehicle control and drivability, posing a potential safety risk. This raises concerns about a possible defect in the drivetrain system or a broader issue affecting similar vehicles. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern. If necessary, appropriate corrective actions should be taken to ensure consumer safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional documentation, including service records and diagnostic reports, upon request.

NHTSA ID

11732007

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

I am reporting a premature transmission failure on a 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting a whining noise. When brought into the Toyota Dealership, I was notified that it needs a full transmission replacement. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership, which determined that the transmission has failed and requires full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,400. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. A transmission failing at this mileage creates a significant safety risk, especially when merging into traffic, accelerating from a stop, or maintaining highway speeds. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, with service performed through authorized Toyota dealerships. Despite this, Toyota has declined to provide assistance for the repair. This has caused a massive financial stress and strain. There is a documented pattern of similar transmission failures involving Toyota Highlander vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80 platform) across multiple model years.This appears to be part of a broader pattern of premature transmission failures that may indicate a defect affecting vehicle safety. The consistency of complaints across multiple vehicles and model years suggests this is not an isolated incident. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety defects and determine whether further action, including recall or manufacturer accountability, is warranted.

NHTSA ID

11731743

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

The transmission began making a whining noise at about 70,000 miles. It gradually became more noticeable. We had recently completed a thorough service, including transmission fluid exchange at 68,538 miles at a Toyota dealer. In March 2026 we took it to a Toyota dealer at 75,196 miles to report the noise and the dealer said the noise was coming from the transaxle and advised replacing the transaxle, which will require replacing the transmission. This was confirmed by a second Toyota dealer a few weeks later. Upon further research, it is clear that this is a significant safety issue and I will need to expend between $6k - $8k for repair from an independent shop and at a much higher expense if done through a Toyota dealer.

NHTSA ID

11727607

Incident

Nov 15, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.

NHTSA ID

11726915

Incident

Feb 15, 2026

Mileage

125,000 mi

Noticed a sound coming from the car. I took it to the dealership which they said I would need my transmission replaced. They could only get me a refurbished one, which after parts and labor, it would cost 10,000 dollars. Upon talking with the technician, the transmission my car uses has been known to be faulty and having issues, usually after the warranty. So much so that Toyota did a recall on previous car years to extend the warranty for the transmission. The technician said they are replacing them often, which is why the supply is so low. These transmissions are the ones Toyota has been using since 2016, which have had many defects and causing issues. If this was known for years, why did Toyota continue to use them?

NHTSA ID

11726694

Incident

Mar 21, 2026

Transmission failure of 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at 82,329 miles. Safety compromised due to possible roadside failure.

NHTSA ID

11719234

Incident

Jan 8, 2026

Transmission failed at 63,000 miles, new transmission was installed.

NHTSA ID

11717969

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

UA80 Transmission failure @ 3.5 yrs old and 89k miles.

NHTSA ID

11717264

Incident

Feb 6, 2026

My 2022 Toyota Highlander experienced transmission-related issues that affected the vehicle’s performance, reliability, and overall value. These problems caused inconvenience, safety concerns, and additional stress, and in some cases required diagnostic visits, repairs, or time without use of the vehicle. As a consumer who purchased the vehicle with the reasonable expectation of dependable operation, I believe compensation is warranted for the diminished value, disruption, and potential repair costs resulting from this defect.

NHTSA ID

11711367

Incident

Jan 16, 2026

I had been driving my 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE with 46k miles that I just got for about two weeks, so about 10 days out of the 14 i actually drove it from home to work and back home. Within those 10 days driving the SUV, 8 mornings and one afternoon the highlander engine had issues accelerating and shifting gears. Basically when pulling out on to a highway from a side street coming down a hill when pressing the gas to enter the highway and flow of traffic the engine stuttered from zero to 20mph causing the entire SUV to jerk repeatedly and the gears would have issues shifting from first to second. I had to let my foot off the gas pedal then press again repeatedly as the SUV kept jerking trying to accelerate forward stuck no more than 20 mph for 30 seconds then started to even out and climb up after a minute. I have caught this on video twice. This has caused me to hold up traffic on the highway behind me with no where to pull off because my particular side street comes out from a gulch cliff side. No check engine lights came on each time. I took it to an auto shop that did a minor test drive and suggested it go directly to Servco Toyota as it should have powertrain warranty on it still and they believed it was a fuel pump issue. The issue did not happen with this auto shop but I showed them the video. I scheduled an appt at Toyota and it is with them now. They did 2 test drive but could not replicate the issue and could not see any codes coming up. I opted to leave the vehicle with them to do more test drives where the issue has happened as I do not feel safe driving it and the manager also said they did not feel safe having their techs drive it so the manager will do it. Without check engine light/code they are saying they cannot check the fuel pump or do anything else but will try to do more test drives to replicate the issue. I have seen numerous Reddit, facebook group posts, and a petition about this same issue but no official recall or word from Toyota.

NHTSA ID

11709788

Incident

Nov 19, 2025

Transmission failed at 75K with no warning lights or prior evidence.

NHTSA ID

11709774

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and made an unusual whining sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband, a certified mechanic, diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact related the failure to several unknown TSBs. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

NHTSA ID

11707457

Incident

Dec 18, 2025

Mileage

71,000 mi

early transmission failure and whining at 40,000 miles

NHTSA ID

11706624

Incident

Dec 10, 2025

Premature transmission failure

NHTSA ID

11705362

Incident

Sep 26, 2025