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.
Steering, Feb 14, 2024
Poser steering failed momentarily. I was at the drive-thru window of CVS and was afraid my mirror would hit the pole when I pulled forward. I tried to turn while backing up slowly from a full stop. The car momentarily resisted my attempt to turn the wheel. There was no safety risk at the time. I have not had the problem investigated. The problem quickly corrected (within 2 seconds(?), o I did not notice or look for any warning lamp or message. I have read of steering failure on highways in the 2019 Highlander and am concerned that this is a harbinger.
Power train, Feb 7, 2024
Took the vehicle twice to Toyota to check on console vibration originating from possible drivetrain (normally in cold weather). This was done under extended warranty. Also had transmission fluid replaced. Service department noticed fluid low even though there was no transmission leak. Service department couldn't duplicate issue but failed to attempt start of vehicle in early mornings as requested. About 10K miles after last attempt to get issue fixed, the transmission failed with no caution, no warning and no error codes. Symptoms included little to zero acceleration from a dead stop and inability to accelerate to higher speeds when necessary (main safety issue). Eventually, vehicle was not able to accelerate. This vehicle does have the 8-speed AT Transmission that lawsuits are being filed against.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jan 31, 2024
lost power 3 times - each time making a left hand turn at low speed -Nov.23 2023 -- Dec. 20 2023 & Jan, 30 2024 Groove Toyota checked vehicle out on Dec.21 2023 couldn't find problem - took it to Groove Toyota again on Jan. 31 2024 - told to make another appointment to allow full day of testing - safety concern for family and other traffic - no warning prior to loss of power
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)
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 22, 2023
Driving on 495 N Beltway car started stalling and then suddenly stopped accelerating/decelerating while engine was running. Almost was rear ended by fast moving traffic. Carefully glided to the shoulder and called Tow Tuck Incident on 12/18/2023
Electrical system, Dec 18, 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 once.
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.
Electrical system, Nov 28, 2023
When I start my 2019 Highlander there is a loud screech that startles you and makes you jump out of your seat. It’s a very loud feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens very often but intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the SOS button only flashes red/green once. This happened after the SOS trial service had expired. I called the SOS service and they told us to talk to the dealership. There needs to be a recall of the SOS module or whatever is causing this.
Visibility/wiper, Nov 8, 2023
November 7, 2023: While driving across the California desert at 70 miles an hour, temperature was 71°, and freeway traffic was light, without any other outside influences, the sun roof spontaneously exploded, blowing outward, as though someone had put an explosive between the glass and interior of the vehicle. it sounded like a shotgun blast. I pulled over and examined the vehicle; the remaining glass in the sunroof was blown out, arched above the roof of the vehicle, with a spray of shattered glass inside and on the roof of the car. There were no vehicles around me, no impact, and I’m returning home, I reviewed my dash cam looking for other signs (like a bird crashing into the roof). There was nothing. Upon searching this mystery, I found that many others have experienced the same thing. The car is now at the dealership. The car is well cared for, and the roof/glass, prior to the explosion, was undamaged.
Structure, Oct 28, 2023
The front bumper keeps popping out. I’ve returned it to the dealer 3 times, who says a clip has to be replaced. However, it’s not covered under the extended warranty and they will just replace it. The dealer told me to just push it back in when it pops out. It will push back in place, but it will not stay in place. It has not been damaged.
Electrical system, Engine, Oct 22, 2023
The car turns off when driving which was supposed to be corrected by recall. It doesn’t appear the recall has been successful in correcting the issue. I actually am not 100% sure they actually swapped out the recall part so I’d like that checked. I also purchased a new battery from the dealer about 3 weeks ago and the problem actually got worse in that it stalls while driving or resets the computer while driving at least once a week.
Electrical system, Engine, Lane departure, Sep 30, 2023
Originally, 2019 Toyota Highlander lost engine power, steering, and braking on U.S. Route 30, a very busy highway. Managed to pull off side of road AND WAITED. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS CAR STARTED AND RAN AS EXPECTED.Took to local dealer who had the car for several days, but couldn't identify the problem. This instance was 2020/2021. Fast forward to this past September 26th. Pulling out of a private parking lot the car stalled exactly as it had previously.This complete failure of engine is going to get me killed. Further I now notice my dash lights are dimming for no reason then coming back to bright. Now I read where other Highlander are doing the exact thing. I have a car, I'm afraid 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.
Power train, Sep 20, 2023
Both the right and left constant velocity axels are making noise. The dealer tells us it is under warranty and will be repaired. However, there are no repair parts available and on national back order. The dealer parts department indicates that there have been problems with the 2019 Highlander cv axels, and all replacement parts have been used. My question is how many highlanders have bad cv axels? Is there more of a problem than just a back order. The dealer indicated we could continue to drive the car until it starts to vibrate.
Exterior lighting, Lane departure, Back over prevention, Sep 15, 2023
The interior lights stopped working and the drive side sun visor won’t stay up and the beep never worked when I back up to something to close
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.
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Sep 9, 2023
Experience "dead zones" in accelerator pedal movement. Experience "no acceleration" with first 1-2 inches of travel from idle position. This is constant and does not vary noticibly with speed. I was driving in an suburban shopping area in York PA with three lanes of travel in each direction. I intended to move from the laft hand lane to the center lane. I indicated my intentions and waited for an opening. I was travelling about 35-40mph. When an opening came along, I steered into the indended lane, but depressing the accelerator to increase my speed, no acceleration occurred. I then panicked and depressed the pedal quicker, and the ensuing acceleration nearly catapaulted me into the semi truck in the center lane ahead of me. I missed the truck by inches. I have had this issue evaluated at Bennett Toyota in Lebanon PA, and the Lancaster Toyota, the dealer who sold me the vehicle in May of 2023, is aware of the issue. Bennett Toyota service department tried to fix the issue by replacing the brake switch. That did not alleviate the problem. I have had several other instances when pulling into traffic when the delayed acceleration caused me issues but no accidents. I believe this issue is related to the selectable "snow" driving function. I think the system is somehow stuck in the "snow" mode at all times. I may have substantiated this today when I experimented with the "snow" function while driving at about 45 mph. When I select the "snow" mode while driving, the accelerator "dead zone" actually gets worse. Bennett Toyota Service response is "it drives like any other Highlander". If that is so - this is truly a huge issue with "drive by wire" tachnology...!!! As a note, at Bennett Toyota I did drive a 2019 Highlander privately owned by the service manager and it did indeed have the dead zone in the acelerator - a fact that the service manager admitted to me verbally. I have read many instances of this issue in chats online.
Power train, Aug 27, 2023
2019 Toyota Highlander SE V6 FWD - Transmission failing 106000 miles. Transmission has developed a whining sound while accelerating. Fayetteville AR Toyota dealer initial diagnosis was a loose heat shield and recommended a front end alignment, which was done. Noise continued. Independent transmission shop diagnosis was potentially failing bearing, but most likely transmission beginning to fail. Fayetteville AR Toyota dealer, diagnosis upon return, transmission failing, needing replacement. $7,000+ for parts, 5 week lead time to order. Recommended to not drive vehicle as transmission could fail while driving.
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.
Seat belts, Aug 17, 2023
Seat belt refused to retract and was pressing on our son's belly 911 was called and notified of the issue, Policeman had to cut off the seat belt for my son's safety Insurance was notified and we were informed that insurance will cover the repair cost but we have a $ 500 deductible Toyota gave us a quote for $ 470.12 plus sales tax 19.29 for a total of $545.73
Service brakes, Forward collision avoidance, Aug 6, 2023
Display screen Brake fluid low. Stop safety. Engine stop to start..
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.
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.
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.