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
483 reports, newest first.
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.
Power train, Nov 25, 2024
My 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE has 50,000 miles on it, when the transmission began making a whining noise while driving. The noise has become significantly louder. There has been no noticeable issues with the shifting, however when taken to the dealer I was advised that the transmission needs to be replaced and can not be repaired. I was lucky enough that we did not encounter any serious problems with the transmission. This appears to be a major problem with the Highlander transmission and should become a recall. I was lucky enough that my vehicle was in the drivetrain warranty range considering the low miles and cost to repair such a problem. Toyota should be mandated to recall or at the very least extend the transmission coverage to 10 year 100,000 miles due to the malfunction.
Power train, Nov 19, 2024
Dealer states that the transmission and transmission cooling needs to be replaced. The car only has 58500 miles.
Power train, Nov 19, 2024
Faulty transmission with no solution for a fix. Transmission makes grinding noise while driving. Dealership cannot fix the problem knowing that there is an issue with the 8 speed transmission. They recommend replacement with a salvage transmission out of pocket.
Power train, Nov 18, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the engine revved but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact pulled over and turned off the vehicle. The vehicle was restarted, and the check engine warning light illuminated, and the AWD message was displayed. The failure persisted. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 115,000.
Power train, Engine, Nov 14, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated and disappeared later in the evening. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a winding sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,471.
Exterior lighting, Nov 14, 2024
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.
Power train, Nov 8, 2024
When in gear, the power does not engage. Unable to accelerate in Drive (spins as though in Neutral) or Reverse (same result). The car stopped in traffic and I was unable to safely pull aside.
Power train, Oct 30, 2024
At 80,000 miles or so the transmission has now started making a whining sound upon acceleration. The repair shop says there's nothing they can do except to replace the entire transmission. This tends to be a common occurrence with Toyota vehicles.
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)
Power train, Oct 19, 2024
ur transmission went out with only 96K miles on it, We were told that it could break down at any time leaving us stranded. there are may forums and people experiencing this issue. It was inspected by the dealer, and they confirmed that the transmission was needing to be replaced
Electrical system, Oct 16, 2024
Upon starting the Highlander, there is a very loud screeching/feedback noise through the speakers- it appears to be coming from the DCM as described y a Toyota representative. . This happens upon stating the car at least once a day and frequency is increasing.
Power train, Oct 15, 2024
These Toyota highlanders had a whine noise in the transmissions that Toyota ended up taking care of in previous years. They said the problem was fixed in 2019 and newer. This problem has not been fixed as there are numerous confirmed cases of the exact problem with later models.
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.
Power train, Engine, Oct 7, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that recently while driving at speeds above 40 MPH, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the sound was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer were not yet contacted. The failure mileage was 51,000.
Electrical system, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 21, 2024
Was stuck in traffic on a highway for about 25 minutes going 0 miles per hour because of an accident about 5 miles away. Then the traffic started to clear and began driving on the road again. About five minutes later, the vehicle lost full drive abilities and the check engine light came on, traction control light on, brake light was on, ABS light was on, stability control warning light on, and then on the info screen the vehicle stated, "Hybrid System Malfunction Stop in a Safe Place, See Owner's Manual", screen then showed within 2-seconds, "Pre-Collision System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer", then in about 2 additional seconds later the info screen stated, "Check Engine Visit Your Dealer", then most every waring light turned on, and there was no power for drive with either hybrid or gasoline engine. The vehicle basically came to a sudden halt in the middle of traffic with steering wheel locked and no control. Had to get police involved and a tow to get off the road. Had vehicle towed to a local toyota dealership and they do not open until Monday at 9am. This incident occurred on Saturday around 3pm.
Power train, Sep 11, 2024
Dealership stated that whining sound from transmission is irreparable and must be replaced. It is unsafe to drive and the dealer confirmed the noise. This is a known, common issue with the CVT Transmissions, but they are not willing to replace it due to being more than 60 months past the manufacture date, but under 60,000 miles.
Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2024
Vehicle just turned 12,000 miles. When fueling the vehicle gas gauge does not read correctly. This may cause an unexpected loss of control and accident if out of gas when driving. Vehicle has not yet been to the dealer for repair but going soon. As far as I can determine there are no warning lamps for a faulty fuel gauge.
Power train, Engine, Aug 21, 2024
Approximately at 56,000 miles I began having trouble with a whining noise along with rough, delayed, or sudden shifting, lack of acceleration from a stop and shuddering. I had taken it in for an oil change and explained some of my complaints. They stated they didn't hear any whining noises (so they say) after completing the oil/fluid change. The service department said if it continues to come back and they stated that they haven't had any complaints about the whining noise with Toyota. I got "service engine light" and took it to the dealer which they said was a sensor for AWD. I paid to have it replaced and 2 days later the exact code came back up. Took it back into the Toyota dealership stating the same code came on but, to date, the dealer has been unable to correct the problem because they say it's the transmission that needs replacing which will cost over 8,500.00! My truck only has 119k miles and should be good to go for at minimum of 100k miles more with no major issues!
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 15, 2024, fire
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle began to loose automotive power and stalled. During the incident, several warning messages were activated which included the check engine light and the ABS warning. While inspecting the vehicle smoke and fire began to stream from under the engine hood and moments later the frontend of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,200.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 5, 2024
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while responding. There was an abnormal humming noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was replaced, but the failure recurred. While driving 71 MPH and merging into traffic while accelerating, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no fault codes retrieved. The mechanic at the dealer reported that during the test drive, there was hesitation while downshifting. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000.
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.
Visibility, Jul 19, 2024
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.