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.
Power train, Mar 5, 2025
My 2019 Toyota Highlander with 56k miles has a whining noise whenever the accelerator is pressed down. The noise stops when you release the accelerator. This was confirmed by my Toyota dealership service department. They informed me the transmission needed to be replaced. They said this is a common problem with this vehicle but yet there has not been a recall. Cost of replacement is around $8000. Fortunately for me my vehicle is still under warranty. I found many similar complaints about the transmission on the Toyota Highlander Forum. I don't understand why there has not been a recall. Going forward I am concerned that the replacement transmission could very well have the same problem.
Power train, Mar 5, 2025
My 2019 Toyota Highlander with 56K miles has a whining noise whenever the accelerator is pressed. The noise stops when you release the gas pedal. This was confirmed by my Toyota dealership service department. The transmission does need to be replace. They said this is a common problem with this vehicle and yet there has been no recall. Fortunately my vehicle is still under warranty. I found manner similar complaints about this transmission on the Toyota Highlander Forum. I don't understand why there has not been a recall. Going forward I am also concerned that the replacement transmission could very well have the same problem.
Air bags, Mar 3, 2025, crash
The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at low speeds in a parking area, she briefly lost control only coming to a stop after colliding with a light pole. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard and deemed a total loss by the contact's insurance provider. A police report was filed, and injuries were reported. The contact and his wife were both transported to an area hospital by EMT. The driver was treated for injuries to her left hand and thumb, and the contact was treated for non-descript injuries to his head, face, and chest trauma. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V865000 (Air Bags), but the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and a case was opened. The contact was informed that the manufacturer intended to inspect the vehicle but had yet to receive an update. The failure mileage was 41,000.
Power train, Feb 27, 2025
The CPO vehicle was purchased at 60k miles 11/5/2024. The vehicle started bogging down accelerating from a stop, while pulling into traffic, and decelerating randomly at 62k. The vehicle went in to the dealership at 64.5k on 2/20/2025 where they stated the transmission needed replacing due to a transmission whine and incorrect acceleration/deceleration. Toyota corporate will not acknowledge the dangerous problem with the UA80 transmission that 1000's of customers are having. This transmission is in many models with similar issues from 2017-2019.
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
Power train, Feb 18, 2025
My Highlander transmission has an internal failure. The Toyota dealership declared “transmission has internal failure quote. I am afraid to drive it due to it breaking down on the highway.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Feb 17, 2025
ENGINE CHECK LIGHT coming on constantly Cylinder 3 misfire reported under DIAGNOSTICS of ADVANCE AUTOPARTS 500 Rte 291, Lee's Summit, MO 64063 another workshop said NO MISFIRE however now it says Engine Misfire 1, 3, 5, 6 4 cylinders misfiring as per diagnostic on 02/15/2025
Service brakes, Feb 10, 2025
While at a stop sign fully stopped the car rolled forward on several occasions. My warranty had just expired a month prior. My car has always been maintained and maintenanced. I was stuck paying a lot of money and no car should be moving when you have your foot on the brake. The dealership said master cylinder/ brake booster went out.their is a recall on the hybrid for the same exact thing but not my car.
Power train, Feb 3, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle started shuddering, prompting the contact to pull over to the shoulder of the roadway where the failure persisted. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 88,000.
Air bags, Jan 28, 2025
A safety alert popped up on my dash regarding an airbag malfunction. This would be similar to other recalled models of my vehicle but for some reason my vin is not on that recall. This is a huge safety concern for me and my family and looking to have our vin added to the recall.
Power train, Jan 24, 2025
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was related to the transmission. The mechanic referred the contact to a certified transmission mechanic. The vehicle was taken to Leon's Transmission Services, where diagnostic trouble codes indicating an internal transmission pump failure were retrieved. The vehicle was then taken to Integrity Transmission & Auto Repair, where the same assessment was made, and the mechanic determined that the transmission needed to be replaced with a used, new, or rebuilt factory transmission. The dealer was contacted for parts and informed the contact that parts were not available. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.
Power train, Jan 23, 2025
Vehicle has 80k miles. When slowing the vehicle down to 10-20 mph and then trying to accelerate again the transmission bangs/clunks into gear and is delayed to get going causing a safety concern. No warning lights on
Power train, Jan 4, 2025
Vehicle started making intermittent whining noise around 75,000 miles but Toyota service advisor at the time told me it was normal and since my transmission had been serviced on schedule, it was nothing to worry about. Around 135,000 miles the vehicle sometimes would operate completely normal, and at other times would suddenly seem to struggle to get up to speed especially on the highway somewhere between 20-60 mph. Also sometimes difficult to go at stoplights; but then would resume completely normal operation. The risk to us was we could have easily been hurt in an accident had the vehicle not been able to operate normally at normal speeds, leading to a collision. There were no warnings nor stored codes; the vehicle had received all routine maintenance on schedule including all major maintenance such as transmission services performed by a Toyota dealership. When taken in for this problem, they claimed that they were not able to replicate the jerky/intermittent issues during their test drive, but the whine was indicative of transmission failure and the transmission would need to be replaced. The remanufactured transmissions were on backorder with no ETA, which I was told could be 6-10 months of a wait due to a parts shortage. My service advisor recommended I trade in the vehicle instead because they could not guarantee the vehicle would be safe to drive and I could not continue to drive fearful of a wreck, so we had to do that, and the vehicle was traded in.
Exterior lighting, Jan 2, 2025
AHB, which is part of Toyota's TSS (total safety system) fails intermittently and because the system is run by a sensor, headlight may or may not be illuminated during periods of darkness. Given the intermittent nature of the failure, it seems like there should be something to indicate to the operator that the lights are either on or not on, but the green light indicator goes on and off without any warning, meaning lights are on or off, operator has no way to remedy the issue at highway speed, causing an extremely dangerous situation.
Power train, Dec 31, 2024
Transmission whine stated on or around 52000 miles. Whine progressively increased in volume over the next 2000 miles. Toyota dealer analyzed the noise and recommended the transmission be replaced. Transmission out of warranty. Independent transmission shop confirmed transmission internal pump was failing and could cause transmission lockup at speed.
Power train, Dec 27, 2024
automatic transmission makeing a whinning noise.Many other customers complaining about same problem. Car has 72,000 miles on it which puts it out of 5 year/60,000mile warranty.Customers feel that toyota should cover replacement or repairs cost knowing they have had same problem with 2017/2018 models and have not corrected the problem with the 2019 model.Very unprofessional for such a high quality company.
Power train, Dec 19, 2024
when I release the gas between 40 to 60 km a whining sound. Dealer says transmission has to be replaced I have 103,000 km.
Power train, Dec 12, 2024
within a 3 hour span, car started whining when accelerating and engine would rev and accelerate but wouldnt go. By lunch time the car would accelerate but go nowhere. Transmission failed within a morning.
Power train, Dec 6, 2024
1 - The car transmission is emitting a whine noise, harsh shift and loss of power. The dealer recommended the transmission be replaced. The car has 54,857 miles. The auto is available for inspection. 2 - Safety is an issue when the transmission loses power and is unable to accelerate. 3 - The issue was reproduced by the dealer and recommended transmission replacement. 4 - Inspected by dealer only. 5 - There were no warning indicators for the failure.
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, Dec 4, 2024
When starting the 2019 Highlander, the car would intermittently emit a screeching noise. This noise is startling and can potentially cause a crash if it is emit while driving. This is a known issue since it made to the Toyota Forum: [XXX] However, when I brought the car to the dealership, they’re stating that they don’t know about the issue, and want to charge $300 just to diagnose the problem without guarantee the fix or acknowledge the known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power train, Nov 29, 2024
While driving up hill in snowy and icy conditions, my engine RPMs suddenly went up to 4000, then quickly back down. When I tried to continue driving, the car would not switch gears. It was stuck in what I think was 5th gear. I was slugging along at about 5mph. At this point I put the car in park, and waited in confusion for about a minute before putting the car back in gear. There were no warning lights on my car and nothing else to suggest anything was wrong. I tried to move forward up the steep hill, but the car would not go. I put the car in park again and then switched into reverse instead of drive. At this point I had no option but to back down the narrow icy road. I was driving the going to wrong direction backwards, but it was my only option to get me out of the way of others traffic. The conditions made it more dangerous, but this would have been dangerous on any given day. I was able to back down, get my car to flat ground where I parked, shut the car off, waited about 10 mins, and then turned it back on. After turning it back on I was able to drive the car down to the mechanic shop where they told me that my transmission was bad. In hindsight i should have had it towed, but I'm thankful I made it to the shop safely after the transmission warmed up a little. I'm now waiting 3 or 4 weeks to get a transmission directly from toyota (a $5000 part). The repair in total will cost nearly $8000!! This isn't something I can afford to do, especially near the holidays, but I have no other options as the vehicle isn't worth much in its current condition. I'm very disappointed in Toyota for this one. I expect more from their vehicles.