2019 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 483 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 2nd highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2019 reports, 22 involved a crash and 1 involved a fire. 18 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpNov 4, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
Campaign 20V682000 on NHTSA.gov
Fuel system, gasoline, delivery, fuel pumpJan 13, 2020
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
Campaign 20V012000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsMar 27, 2019
Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
Campaign 19V244000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints: service brakes
20 reports, newest first. Show all
Service brakes, Sep 8, 2026
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to depress the brake pedal, the brakes failed to operate as intended. The contact stated that after taking the foot off the brake pedal, the brakes started working as intended. The vehicle was drivable. The vehicle was driven to the residence, and the contact researched and became aware that there were several owners who had the same failure. The failure mileage was 69,000.
Power train, Service brakes, Jun 10, 2026
8 speed transmission faulty
Suspension, Power train, Service brakes, Apr 29, 2026
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 ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 6, 2025, crash
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.
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2025
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Power train, May 14, 2024
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.
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 6, 2023
Display screen Brake fluid low. Stop safety. Engine stop to start..
Service brakes, Jul 28, 2023
I got the message: BRAKING POWER LOW and the Engine Check light is ON I couldn't turn it on.
Service brakes, Jul 13, 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.
Service brakes, Engine, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 9, 2023
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
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 13, 2023
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
Service brakes, Mar 11, 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.
Other or unspecified, Service brakes, Feb 8, 2023
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.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Jul 28, 2022
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.
Service brakes, Jan 16, 2022
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
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Sep 11, 2021, crash
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.
Air bags, Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Jul 27, 2021, crash
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.
Power train, Service brakes, Jan 20, 2020
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.
Electrical system, Service brakes, Dec 24, 2019
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.
Other or unspecified, Electronic stability control (ESC), Service brakes, Sep 30, 2019, crash
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!