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: other or unspecified
79 reports, newest first. Show all
Other or unspecified, Feb 20, 2025
The SOS speaker squeals very loudly when starting the vehicle about 7 out of 10 times and is available for inspection. Problem is known by Toyota. [XXX] No. No warning indication or messages. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 19, 2025
[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)
Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 18, 2025
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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Feb 18, 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
Structure, Other or unspecified, Dec 5, 2024
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
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Nov 27, 2024
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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2024
There is a very loud feedback noise through speakers intermittently when start and the red and green lights at the SOS button flash multiple times. The noise is loud enough to damage hearing of an adult or child.
Other or unspecified, Oct 20, 2024
When I start my car it makes an ear piercing screeching noise. It doesn’t happen everytime but I never know when it is going to happen. I took it to a dealer and 5 guys said they never heard of it. If you look online numerous people have this complaint with out any recalls. Thank you, [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Oct 11, 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.
Other or unspecified, Oct 9, 2024
I purchased a 2019 Highlander Platinum Limited a few weeks ago and it started making an incredibly loud feedback sound from the speakers every 10-15 times I start the vehicle. I do not have a subscription but I currently have a free trial thru sirusXM radio (not sure if this has anything to do with it or not). The loud beeping noise at startup is EXTREMELY loud causing my right ear to ring. Luckily I do not have small children in the car to experience this.
Other or unspecified, Jul 23, 2024
While driving the car on the highway with no other cars in the immediate area it sounded like there was an explosion on the roof. The glass sun roof spontaneously exploded. Small pieces of glass were everywhere. I was able to pull over to a parking lot. There could have been a serious accident or injury as this event caused me to swerve.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Engine, Jun 26, 2024
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.
Other or unspecified, Apr 26, 2024
Occasionally upon starting the vehicle an EXTREMELY high pitched screech is emitted - probably through the speakers for a few seconds. The sound is ear splitting. This occurs ~5 of the times when starting.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Mar 23, 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.
Other or unspecified, Mar 17, 2024
There is a painful ear screech sound from speakers when starting car. Sometimes it happens multiple times a day and sometimes I can go a few days without it happening when I start my car.
Other or unspecified, Feb 22, 2024
A reoccurring noise comes from the passenger side of the vehicle every time I drive. It sounds like a short in a wire or maybe a loose wire. I can’t decide if it’s coming from the passenger door or the passenger seat. It is not affected by turning the radio volume up or down or even off. I do think though that I have noticed that the noise does NOT occur if a passenger is sitting in the passenger seat. I don’t have a passenger often enough for me to say the noise NEVER happens if a passenger is in the passenger seat. I have a video of the noise but this website doesn’t allow the video to upload.
Other or unspecified, Jan 27, 2024
The SOS system is malfunctioning and causing an earsplitting screech on the 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum. This occurs around every third time when the car starts and is damaging my hearing and my kids' hearing. This is well documented on the Toyota Nation forum and Reddit. Toyotanation: [XXX] : [XXX] Here is a video of it occurring on someone else's vehicle: [XXX] "Toyota service technician at our local dealership heard the loud sound when servicing the vehicle. They talked to Toyota and they said: "TAS agent stated there has been multiple cases of the DCM causing this concern, and the repair is to replace the DCM or disable it." Toyota is charging consumers for this factory defect. Please make Toyota address this problem. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Other or unspecified, Dec 15, 2023
We believe the problem is in the SOS system. This is an intermittent problem that occurs about every 5 to 15 starts. At start-up, an ear piercing scream/screech comes from somewhere in the front speakers and lasts about 2 to 5 seconds. At times the scream is so loud that it leaves a ringing in your ears. We are very concerned about our grandkids riding in this vehicle. This problem needs to be addressed, it’s not going away and it’s making it different to drive.
Other or unspecified, Sep 25, 2023
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.
Other or unspecified, Sep 12, 2023
Noise complaint - High pitched feedback screech coming through speaker (potential for hearing damage) that occurs for approximately 5 seconds intermittently upon starting the vehicle. It can happen multiple times in one day or not until a week or two later. We have twice filed a case with Toyota Corporation. The dealer has heard the noise numerous times and upon performing diagnostics has indicated a malfunction with the SOS system- the trial subscription that came with the car expired in January 2023 and the issue began the following month. An on-line search indicates that other owners of the same vehicle are also experiencing this issue.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2023
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.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jul 29, 2023, crash
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.
Other or unspecified, Jul 11, 2023
When starting my vehicle, I get a high pitch ear piercing noise. My ears will ring after it because it is so loud. This is extremely high for my passengers, grandchildren and my husband and I. I am not putting in ear plugs in me or passengers just to start up my car. I have reported this to Toyota Brand Engagement Center Case 230711000212. This component has NOT been inspected by anyone, as I am not paying over $300.00 just to have a technician look at it. There has not been any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure. This noise started around 3 weeks ago, Week of June 19, 2023.
Other or unspecified, Jul 10, 2023
I have a 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, and about two years after driving the car, I get a loud, very high-pitched/high-frequency screeching sound when getting in the vehicle coming from the speakers. It lasts about 10 seconds. It's so loud it hurts our ears. Upon contacting Toyota, they declined to repair the issue, and I discovered several other users have the same issue. It's loud and excruciating and doesn't happen constantly, but it gets more frequent. complains from other owners: https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/2019-highlander-platinum-painful-ear-screech-sound-from-speakers-when-starting-car.1734165/page-3 This is the noise made:
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