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, 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.
Other or unspecified, Dec 20, 2022
While driving on the freeway less than 10 miles from my home, my sunroof exploded and broke into pieces. I was driving on a section of freeway where there was nothing above me and there were no other cars near me. There was a loud noise and then the air was rushing into my car.
Other or unspecified, Nov 14, 2022
Sunroof glass. Driving down the highway, the sunroof glass exploded and shattered. A very loud explosion noise. Vehicle is currently at the dealer for repair. Broken glass falling on driver and passenger. Further inspection shows glass protruding upward as if it was broken from the inside. Online research has shown many other Highlanders with the same problem. Dealer blamed on a rock, so why is the glass protruding outward instead of inward. No warning lights.
Other or unspecified, Mar 24, 2022
When speaking to someone on the phone using the bluetooth connection in the car, the person you're speaking with hears their own voice echo back to them. Toyota suggest for every call that you turn volume on the phone all the way up and turn the volume on the car lower than 45. The does not make the system hands free and is dangerous to do this while driving.
Other or unspecified, Feb 8, 2022
This is a 2019 Toyota Highlander and I have had to put three windshields in it. One every year. Substandard glass from the lowest bidder most likely.
Other or unspecified, Nov 8, 2021
While driving on highway, sunroof on 2019 Toyota Highlander Hybrid exploded outward.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 5, 2021
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.
Other or unspecified, Aug 27, 2021, crash
Vehicle will slip into drive without the hybrid system engaging, allowing vehicle to roll without brakes or steering.
Other or unspecified, Jul 18, 2021
I purchased this vehicle in March 2020. I specifically asked if it had been a rental car. Having worked in the rental car industry, I know how hard people are on rental cars so I absolutely did not want one. I checked the Carfax and it was completely clean. I purchased this vehicle and a few months later noticed a sticker under the rearview mirror that was an Avis/budget sticker. Still, the Carfax never said it was a rental car. Today I'm cleaning out the glove box and registration falls out from the previous owners: Avis Budget in NJ. So this is confirmation that this car absolutely was a rental car at some point and your Carfax failed to disclose that.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 25, 2021
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?
Power train, Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 13, 2020
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
Other or unspecified, Sep 19, 2020
DRCC MALFUNCTION. WHILE APPROACHING A SLOWER VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY, THE CAR DECELERATES. IF WHILE DECELERATING I CHANGE LANES, THEN THE SYSTEM DOES NOT "SEE" THE CAR IN FRONT IN THE NEW LANE AND STARTS ACCELERATING TOWARDS THE CAR FULL SPEED APPROACHING THE CAR AND POTENTIALLY CRASHING INTO IT. THIS HAS HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES AND I THINK I CAN REPLICATE IT.
Other or unspecified, Visibility, Jul 13, 2020
THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED
Other or unspecified, Jun 12, 2020
IN MARCH 2020, I RECEIVED A "RECALL SAFETY" INTERIM NOTICE THAT MY 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IS BEING RECALLED. ON MARCH 21, 2020, I CALLED MY LOCAL DEALERSHIP (KOON'S ARLINGTON) WHERE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM ON JANUARY 31, 2020. I SPOKE TO [XXX] IN THE RECALL DEPT. SHE SAID THAT THEY WILL CALL ME WHEN THE PARTS COME IN. FAST FORWARD TO 3 MONTHS NOW AND STILL NOTHING. ON JUNE 12, 2020, I CALLED BACK THE DEALER AND THEY SAID TO FILE A COMPLAINT WHICH I AM DOING NOW. THE RECALL SAID THAT "VEHICLE MAY STALL WHILE DRIVING" AND I DRIVE A LOT IN FAST TRAFFIC ON THE HIGHWAY ALMOST EVERYDAY. I HOPE NOTHING HAPPENED TO ME OR MY FAMILY WHILE DRIVING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Mar 12, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Feb 17, 2020
EVER SINCE WE PURCHASED OUR HIGHLANDER THE NAVIGATION TURN BY TURN VOICE WORKS SOME TIMES AND MOST OF THE TIME IT DOES NOT WORK. WE THOUGHT WE JUST DID NOT SET IT UP CORRECTLY. WHILE DRIVING TO A CONCERT IN DOWNTOWN CINCINNATI I NARROWLY THIS PAST SATURDAY WE NEARLY HAD A COLLISION BECAUSE I WAS LOOKING AT THE NAVIGATION SCREEN TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHERE I NEEDED TO TURN. AFTER THAT EXPERIENCE I TOOK THE TIME TO READ ABOUT AND THEN RESET THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM. NO SUCCESS TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM.
Other or unspecified, Feb 6, 2020
JBL NAVIGATION SYSTEM DOES NOT PROVIDE VOICE GUIDANCE AND HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL NEAR-MISS ACCIDENTS AS THE DRIVER IS FORCED TO GLANCE AT THE DISPLAY. THIS IS AN ONGOING PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA AND JBL SOUND SYSTEM AND THE DEALERS SAY THEY ARE AWARE OF THE SAFETY PROBLEM BUT HAVE TO WAIT FOR A SOFTWARE UPDATE. THIS HAS GONE ON OVER 1 YEAR SO A SOFTWARE UPDATE IS NOT COMING. PURCHASED VEHICLE IN JULY 2019 AND HAVE TAKEN TO TOYOTA DEALERS IN 3 DIFFERENT CITIES ALL WITH NO ADVICE TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM. THEY SAY THERE IS A BULLETIN ON THIS SAFETY ISSUE AND A MANUAL WORKAROUND BUT NO PERMANENT FIX.
Structure, Other or unspecified, Jan 17, 2020
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.
Other or unspecified, Jan 14, 2020
AFTER STOPPING AT A RED LIGHT, WHEN LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I MADE A RIGHT TURN, MY 2019 HIGHLANDER STARTED TO SPUTTER, CHOPPY LIKE MOVEMENT AND ACTED LIKE IT WAS GOING TO STALL. I PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR SOMEWHAT MORE FIRMLY AND IT FINALLY STARTED TO MOVE MORE NORMAL. I WAS ON A BUSY CITY STREET TURNING ONTO ANOTHER BUSY CITY STREET.
Other or unspecified, Jan 1, 2020
LOUD WIN NOISE WHILE DRIVING ON A FREEWAY, I MADE SURE ALL THE WINDOWS AND SUN ROOF ARE PROPERLY CLOSE, IT IS VERY BOTHERING.
Other or unspecified, Engine, Oct 31, 2019
REAR HUMMING/BUZZING SOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF.
Other or unspecified, Oct 28, 2019
BURNING ANTIFREEZE ODOR IN CABIN AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES.
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!
Other or unspecified, Sep 26, 2019
HYBRID HIGHLANDER STALLED AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, WAS IN MOTION WHEN MY CAR COASTED TO A COMPLETE STOP, COULD NOT BRAKE, ALL POWER SEEMED TO SHUT DOWN. MESSAGE APPEARED SAYING: HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CONTACT DEALER. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND THE DIAGNOSTIC REPORT WAS TO IMMEDIATELY CALL TOYOTA CORPORATION. CONSUMER REPORTS SAID THIS HAS BEEN A PAST ISSUE WITH HYBRID PRIUS AND SOME HIGHLANDERS. IS TOYOTA HIDING NEW ISSUES? I AM AFRAID THAT THIS CAR WILL DIE ON A BUSY HIGHWAY, DEALER SAID IT NEEDED A NEW "WIRING HARNESS"..(?) I HAVE AN ILL CHILD THAT NEEDS RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION, IS THIS NOT ONLY UNRELIABLE BUT DANGEROUS FOR MY FAMILY? HELP
Other or unspecified, Sep 13, 2019
THE REAR AC VENTS PUMP OUT PERFUMED AIR. WE BOUGHT OUR VEHICLE IN DECEMBER SO DID NOT TEST DRIVE WITH THE AC ON OR WE WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR. I AM ONE OF MANY WHO ARE SENSITIVE TO PERFUMES AND THE POLLUTION IN THE CAR GIVES ME A HEADACHE, MAKES ME NAUSEOUS AND WORST OF ALL MAKES ME SLEEPY. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR TO THE DEALERSHIP WHO REPLACED THE AIR FILTER WITH NO RESULTS. I HAVE TAKEN THE ISSUE UP WITH TOYOTA WHO HAS STATED THAT THERE IS NO PERFUME AND THEY ARE DONE WITH ME. I HAVE A COMPLAINT ON CAR GURUS THAT HAS PRODUCED OTHER PEOPLE WITH THIS PROBLEM. I HAVE FOUND MORE PEOPLE WITH THE SAME PROBLEM ON THE HIGHLANDER FACEBOOK PAGE. ONE COUPLE NEVER DRIVES THEIR CAR IN WARM WEATHER. ONE DRIVER SAYS THAT THEIR 2 YEAR OLD VEHICLE IS STILL PUMPING OUT THE PERFUME SO IT DOESN'T AGE OUT. THE SMELL RESEMBLES LAUNDRY PRODUCT PERFUME SO MY HUSBAND AND THOUGHT THAT PERHAPS TOYOTA USED SOME RECYCLED PLASTIC IN THE REAR VENTS WHICH WOULD BE ADMIRABLE BUT THEY DENY THAT THEY DID. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE AS THE INSIDIOUS PERFUME CAN MAKE DRIVERS SLEEPY AND SICK. I AM VERY DISAPPOINTED IN TOYOTA FOR ESSENTIALLY CALLING ME A LIAR AND I HAVE A $40,000 VEHICLE THAT MAKES ME SICK. I AM NOT HAVING ANY LUCK PUTTING MY COMMUNICATIONS WITH TOYOTA AND OTHER OWNERS INTO AN ACCEPTABLE FORMAT