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.
Other or unspecified, Nov 11, 2025
Loud ear-piercing noise when vehicle is started. Noise lasts about five seconds.
Tires, Nov 10, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Geolandar HT-G056, Tire Size: 245/60/R18, DOT Number: TCCI2Y889. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the contact noticed that the rear seats were vibrating. The contact also noticed that the rear tires were sliding. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the dealer performed a diagnostic test. The dealer inspected the rear suspension and rear springs. The dealer performed an alignment and balanced the tires. The contact was informed that the failure was due to defective rear tires. The contact had purchased the tires from Town Fair Tires. In addition, the contact stated that it was the second time the brand of tires was purchased, and the tires were defective. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 27,000.
Power train, Nov 8, 2025
Transmission failed at 143,000 miles. Initially vehicle lost acceleration and would not go over 60mph. Then vehicle would not go into drive, and instead rolled backwards. Vehicle was towed to dealership where they provided a report saying it needed a new transmission that would cost $9,000. No warning lights were ever present on vehicle, it just stopped operating.
Power train, Nov 7, 2025
Vehicle stalled on highway. Went into limp mode. Took to Toyota and they said I need a new transmission. The car only has 139k miles. 2019. I purchased it 1 year ago from Toyota with 101k miles.
Power train, Oct 30, 2025
Whining noise when accelerator is pressed. Potential failed transmission.
Power train, Oct 27, 2025
My car does have a similar transmission as the one that was recall in Siannas, and Camrys. I have experience the same serious transmission issues—including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. These vehicles are equipped with the UA80F (AWD) and UA80E (FWD) 8-speed automatic transmissions.
Power train, Oct 24, 2025
Bearly 60 k miles and transmission is going out I got a Toyota because it was reliable did all the required maintenance and Toyota won’t even help
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 23, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact was able to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway, where the vehicle failed to restart. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and diagnosed with head gasket failure, resulting in damage to the engine. The contact was informed that the engine needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 124,000.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Oct 23, 2025
While driving, I began noticing a high-pitched whining or buzzing noise when pressing the accelerator, particularly at low speeds. The sound resembles an electric or remote-control car and rises in pitch with engine RPMs. The noise disappears when I release the gas pedal. A mechanic initially suspected a wheel bearing, but after further inspection, it appears the noise is coming from the transmission or drivetrain. I later discovered that this issue is widespread among 2017–2020 Toyota Highlander models equipped with the UA80E/UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been associated with internal gear and pump whine. Toyota has issued Customer Support Program POL19-04 and Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 addressing similar transmission whine and gear damage, but my vehicle is outside the standard 5-year/60,000-mile warranty and was not included in the extended coverage list, even though the symptoms match exactly. The problem appears to be a design or component defect within the UA80-series transmission, leading to premature wear and potential failure. This can affect drivability, safety during acceleration, and could result in transmission failure without warning.
Power train, Oct 22, 2025
2019 Toyota Highlander XLE with 94,000 miles. This past Friday, the transmission started slipping...slow to move while pushing the gas pedal. After about 20 minutes, was slipping less. Pulled code P2757 off of OBD. By Monday, the car wouldn't move despite revving up to 3500-4000 rpm. Reverse would work, but not first gear. Called AAA and had it towed to a shop. Shop didn't give me codes, but said there were several. They reported that the transmission needed to be replaced or rebuilt.
Power train, Oct 21, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH uphill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the contact heard a grinding sound and smelled an odor coming from the front of the vehicle. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was towed to a dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure and opened a case. The approximate failure mileage was 160,000.
Power train, Oct 20, 2025
My car was having trouble shifting gears and then every single light came on indicating a big problem. The check engine light came on, it said ABS off and went through a bunch of different things saying they all turned off and would barely roll at 2mph. I took it in and it needs a full transmission replacement at barely 73,000 miles. Upon looking into it, I saw online that this is a common issue that Toyota still has not issued an official recall for despite it being a very common issue. It’s a 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE and should not be having these issues this early on.
Electrical system, Air bags, Oct 13, 2025
Clog of evaporator box caused water intrusion into vehicle. Water leaked onto Airbag ECU causing malfunction and requiring replacement of Airbag ECU.
Power train, Oct 11, 2025
Engine revs up to 5k rpm by itself and barely moves forward when stepping on the accelerator. When it does move it’s only up to 40 miles per hour only and the engine will rev up to 5k rpm without moving any faster.
Engine, Oct 10, 2025
Started noticing a whining noise when accelerating. This appears to be drive shaft/transmission issue. Was quoted 7k to remove and replace. This should be an active recall for this issue what is Toyota doing?
Power train, Oct 7, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a high-pitched whining sound coming from the vehicle. In addition, the contact became aware that the transmission was shifting abnormally rough. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was advised to take the vehicle to the dealer. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. The VIN was unavailable.
Power train, Oct 6, 2025
The 2019 hylander started whining when pressing the gas pedal. I had it checked out and found that it needs a new transmission but it is so prevalent of an issue with this vehicle that the transmission is on severe back order. Every complaint on the department of transportation website about this vehicle are about this issue save a handful. We should not be liable to pay for this repair nor for a rental car for months while we wait for the parts.
Power train, Oct 5, 2025
,At approx. 76,000 miles, we begin to hear a whine with acceleration. We also begin experiencing slight hesitation? It was diagnosed at The Williams Toyota Dealership in Big Flats New York 9/22/25. The dealership indicated the final drive gear bearing is starting to fail and we need to replace the transmission at the cost of $7472.00 plus tax. We are aware of the several class action lawsuits that have been filed against Toyota regarding the UA80E/F 8-speed automatic transmissions. The litigation covers multiple Toyota models 2017 model year and onward including the Highlander.
Electrical system, Oct 2, 2025
Intermittent EXTREMELY LOUD ear-piercing high pitched noise coming from speakers upon starting the vehicle. The volume of the sounds is extremely high, the loudest noise I've ever heard. The sound lasts about 5 seconds. I am concerned for the safety of our hearing, for my family, including our children. It has not been reproduced at the service center because it is intermittent. I have read online where others with the similar year/make/model experienced it and have varying success by re-subscribing to Toyota SOS Safety connect ($80/year), or replacing the Data Communication Module (DCM). If not uner warranty, this costs thousands of dollars. I have tried re-subscribing to the Safety Connect but it does not work, and the dealer wants me to pay additionally for them to see why this safety feature is not working in my car. There is no warning before this loud sound presents.
Power train, Sep 30, 2025
A couple of days ago, I started hearing a faint whining noise coming from my vehicle when I pressed on the gas pedal. When I brought my vehicle into the dealership today for my 100,000 mile service, I advised them of such. After raising the concern, I was told that there was an issue with my car's transmission and that it was not covered by the warranty as the warranty for that part ended at 75,000 miles. After looking up this issue and the cost to replace, I learned that this transmission issue is a prevalent issue with 2017-2021 highlanders with over 60,000 miles. This issue is so prevalent that there is a huge backorder for parts needed to fix this specific issue. I have owned multiple Toyotas because of their reliability. I had a 4 runner that I used past 225,000 miles with no issues. The fact that I'm having an issue with a transmission issue with a vehicle with less than 100,000 miles on it that I always service every 5,000 miles at the Toyota dealership I bought the vehicle at is huge red flag and is making me reconsider my allegiance to the Toyota brand. The dealer has quoted me a price of $7,500 to fix the issue. I believe that Toyota should make this right as it is clear that this is a known and prevalent issue with the highlanders. In fact, I'm surprised given the number of people complaining online that it is not the subject of a recall. As a lawyer, this sounds like an issue ripe for a class action. That being said, I am hoping that Toyota will work with me and pay for the repair and/or furnish me with a new car credit.
Power train, Sep 28, 2025
The transmission was checked by Toyota at 55,000 miles for whining sound. Technician advised that it is a normal sound for that type of transmission and it is ok. The sound continued to get louder , so we took it to 2 independant garages and they advised that the noise is the transmision going bad. At 64,000 miles we took it back to the same dealer to tell them we thought it was the transmission. The technician road with us and said he thought it was the brakes or something else. After returning from the test drive with the technician, 3 technicinians looked at it and agreed that the transmission is bad and should be replaced. The factory warranty expired at 60,000 miles and Toyota is not honoring that we took it to them for the same problem prior to warranty expiration. They are advsising that it has not completely failed yet, so it's not a problem. I do not want to drive my vehicle for any distance or at highway speeds for fear of failure in a dangerous area or stranded during bad weather.
Power train, Engine, Sep 20, 2025
The car only has 73, 000 miles on it and Toyota said it needs a new transmission. The car starting making a "whining" sound on acceleration so we took it into Toyota for diagnostic. We also found out that the Rav 4, Sequoia and Tacoma were all recalled for this same year for transmission issues. Toyota is trying to charge us $10,000 to have the transmission replaced since it is no longer under warranty.
Power train, Sep 19, 2025
Transmission failure
Power train, Sep 17, 2025
Transmission whine at 63k miles
Seats, Sep 16, 2025
I have captain seats in the middle. Driver side seat has 4 bolts that secure it to the vehicle floor. The front two bolts were ready to fall out. Caused a squeak that only my wife could hear due to my hearing impairment. I tightened that bolts and the squeak is gone. Pretty serious issue if only 2 of the 4 bolts holding the seat in place are tight.