TT: Some 2014-2021 model year vehicles equipped with Dynamic Torque Control AWD system may experience a ?Noise? or ?Abnormal Operation? condition from the rear differential front coupling. In some cases, even an ?AWD System Message? with or without a DTC may be present with or without other conditions present.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2017 Toyota Highlander powertrain problems
severe 68 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
68
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
2crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 68 powertrain complaints filed for the 2017 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 68 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Powertrain accounts for 26% of all owner complaints filed against this vehicle, across 12 categories tracked.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Region Email: Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above. Although the UA80 transmission equipped in the subject vehicles is covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 5 years or 60,000 miles (whichever c
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2017 Toyota Highlander's transmission fails repeatedly across this complaint set, with the overwhelming issue being premature wear on the UA80 8-speed automatic. Owners describe a progression: a high-pitched whine during acceleration or deceleration, sometimes appearing as early as 11,000 miles; delayed or rough shifting between gears; transmission slip under load; and eventual complete power loss on city streets or highways. When it goes, owners face either the engine revving with zero wheel power or sudden limp-mode activation at highway speed—dangerous situations. Metal filings in transmission fluid confirm internal breakdown. Owners cite Toyota's own service bulletins and extended warranty programs acknowledging these failures, yet many vehicles fall outside coverage windows or don't meet arbitrary qualification criteria. The timing is brutal: failures occur between 11,000 and 150,000 miles, replacement costs run $9,000–$11,000 out of pocket, and replacement transmissions are backordered months. Some owners report replacing the transmission twice in 150,000 miles. No warning lights appear in most cases until catastrophic failure. Toyota denies responsibility once factory warranty (60,000 miles) expires, blames owner maintenance at independent shops, and refuses to issue a recall despite the pattern. Safety risk is acute: multiple owners describe near-accidents when power cut on busy highways or in intersections. A few narratives mention separate coolant-system leaks and electrical issues, but transmission dominates complaints.
Same Toyota Highlander powertrain reports on nearby years: 2018 · 2019 · 2020
Failure modes owners describe
UA80 8-speed transmission premature failure
Internal transmission breakdown causing loss of power, gear slip, and complete drive failure. Metal filings found in fluid confirm internal wear. Often progresses from whine to slip to total failure.
When: 11,000–150,000 miles; typically 40,000–110,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whine during acceleration or deceleration; Delayed or rough shifting between gears (especially 3rd–4th); Transmission slip or jerking when accelerating; Engine revving without wheel power (loss of drive in D or R); Limp-mode activation with loss of acceleration; Complete power loss mid-drive, stranding vehicle; Hard or grinding shifts; Dark or metal-filled transmission fluid
Codes mentioned: P0087, Random multiple misfire codes, Transmission failure codes (specific codes not cited in most narratives)
Repairs/costs cited: Full transmission replacement required. OEM replacement cost $9,000–$11,000. Replacement transmissions backordered 1–3+ months. Some owners report replacement transmissions have same internal-clip defect. Used Toyota transmissions offered without warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota Service Bulletin POL-19-04 acknowledges UA80 transmission issues on 2017–2018 Highlanders and Siennas (production dates November 2016–December 2017). Customer Satisfaction Program ZJC issued for certain VINs. However, Toyota denies coverage for many qualifying vehicles based on production dates, maintenance history at non-Toyota shops, or serial-number ranges. No formal recall issued. Factory powertrain warranty covers 60,000 miles; beyond that, owner pays full cost.
Transmission disengagement or loss of drive in gear
Transmission refuses to engage or disengages suddenly while vehicle is in Drive or Reverse, leaving engine revving with no propulsion.
When: Various mileages; 45,000–150,000 miles reported
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not move when in Drive, despite engine running; Reverse gear inoperative; Shift selector moves but transmission does not engage; Engine RPMs increase but wheels don't turn; Sometimes resolves after vehicle restart or computer reset
Codes mentioned: No error codes reported in some cases, Transmission fault codes (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: Computer reset by dealer sometimes temporarily restores function. Permanent fix requires transmission replacement. One case: computer reset at dealership with master diagnostic tool resolved issue temporarily.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recalls issued. Some cases covered under powertrain warranty if within 60,000 miles. Beyond warranty, no support.
Limp-mode activation and sudden loss of highway acceleration
Transmission enters limp-home mode unpredictably at highway speeds, forcing rapid deceleration from 70+ mph to 20–40 mph in traffic.
When: 30,000–42,000 miles reported; can occur at any speed
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden drop from highway speed to 20–50 mph without driver input; Check Engine Light and Low Power Mode warnings on dash; Check AWD System, Traction Control messages; Multiple random misfire codes stored; Loss of power while in cruise control; RPM dancing on dashboard; Vehicle recovers power after restart
Codes mentioned: P0300 or similar random misfire codes, Multiple misfires (causes not identified by dealers)
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to identify specific failed component. Some coil packs moved to test if misfires follow; no resolution. Owners instructed to 'drive until it fails again' for diagnosis.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota TAS (Technical Assistance) system opened cases but declined to authorize repair. Toyota Customer Experience Center confirmed no further action available.
Transmission whining noise without immediate failure
Persistent high-pitched whine during acceleration or deceleration, often first sign of internal wear, but can persist for thousands of miles before catastrophic failure.
When: As early as 11,000 miles; may continue for 10,000–30,000+ additional miles
Symptoms owners cite: Continuous high-pitched whine during acceleration (especially 40+ mph); Whine pitch changes with gear shifts and speed; Whine on deceleration; Initially attributed by owners to serpentine belt, pulley, or alternator; No warning lights
Repairs/costs cited: Whine is predictive of transmission failure. Dealers diagnose as internal transmission defect requiring full replacement. No fluid flush or repair short of replacement halts progression.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota acknowledges whining as symptom of UA80 defect. No interim repairs offered. Covered under extended programs for qualifying VINs.
Vehicle rollback or unintended gear engagement while in Park
Vehicle rolls backward or engages into forward gear spontaneously while parked or stopped, with engine running. Related to transmission or shift-lock failure.
When: Low mileage (70,000, 192, 14,680 miles reported)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle rolls backward down incline when in Park; Vehicle jumps into gear and drives forward without driver input (engine running, keys in purse); Abnormal beeping and ticking noises before rollback; Clunking noise when putting vehicle into gear (reported during oil change)
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved damage to neighbor's property; vehicle required garage repair for resulting collision damage. Another case: abnormal beeping then rollback resulted in occupants being pinned under vehicle, causing injuries.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered inspection or repurchase in one case; outcome not reported. No recall issued.
Rough or hard shifting, especially in lower gears
Transmission exhibits jerking, clunking, or abrupt gear changes, particularly when starting from rest or shifting between 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears.
When: 13,000–116,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hard or clunking shift from Park to Drive; Sputtering and jerking between 5–10 mph during light acceleration; Rough downshift from 3rd to 2nd; Delayed shift from 1st to 2nd, with engine RPM spike then abrupt shift; Very sluggish acceleration after cold soak or first drive of the day
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reflashed transmission computer per TSB-0194-17 in at least one case; issue replicated but not resolved. Full transmission replacement required.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: TSB-0194-17 addressed some shifting issues; results inconsistent. No permanent fix without replacement.
Internal clip unseating and internal transmission damage
Internal transmission clip becomes unseated, causing internal mechanical damage and leading to complete failure.
When: 13,200 miles reported; mechanism unclear
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise on acceleration or deceleration; Grinding noise just before complete power loss; Transmission revs but wheels don't move
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer identified internal clip defect requiring full transmission replacement. Replacement transmission sourced from nationwide availability shortage (reportedly only one in USA at time of order).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Defect acknowledged by dealership and noted as recurring issue on other Highlanders. No recall issued; covered under warranty if within 60,000 miles.
Coolant system leaks (inlet water thermostatic housing and water pump)
Water pump and thermostatic housing fail prematurely, causing coolant leaks detected on garage floor.
When: 62,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Pink fluid on garage floor; Coolant leaks from inlet water thermostatic housing; Water pump failure shortly after housing repair
Repairs/costs cited: Combined cost of both repairs approximately $1,600 at Toyota dealer. Owner reports similar issues on other 2017 Highlanders and RAV4s.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Powertrain warranty expires at 60,000 miles; repairs at owner cost. No recall issued despite owner report of pattern among multiple owners. Toyota aware of oil hose campaign but did not notify registered owner.
Timing cover leak
Timing cover develops leak, requiring costly engine work. Described as dangerous if left unaddressed.
When: 148,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Visible coolant or oil leak from timing cover area
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost quoted at $4,500 for engine work. Owner ongoing car payment at time of discovery.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota corporate and dealership declined responsibility despite acknowledging problem is common in 2017 Highlanders.
Battery drainage and start-stop system failures
Battery drains prematurely and requires replacement every 1.5 years. Start-stop feature disengages battery without warning.
When: Battery failures occurring repeatedly; warning light never illuminated
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle cuts off due to start-stop feature during operation; Battery dies without warning light activation; Hazard lights go dead after 15 minutes; Stranding at intersections
Repairs/costs cited: Repeated battery replacements required. Owner notes incompatibility with certain battery types (see AutoZone Z-Net mismatch case).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota TSB T-TT-0523-19 (January 2019) specifies Enhanced Flooded Battery (EFB/AGM) required for stop-start systems, but retailers (e.g., AutoZone) continue recommending incompatible standard batteries.
Sudden unintended acceleration and brake ineffectiveness
Vehicle accelerates without driver input while owner is exiting or shifting into gear. Brakes become unresponsive or ineffective.
When: Various; one case at low mileage (14,680 miles)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly accelerates while parked or being shifted; Steering control impaired; vehicle zigzags across highway lanes; Brakes unresponsive during acceleration event; Engine continues revving at high RPM even after shifting to Park; Guardrail impact and partial vehicle damage
Repairs/costs cited: One case resulted in collision with tree and guardrail. Cause not definitively determined; manufacturer suspected electronic throttle control or traction/stability control malfunction.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer offered inspection or repurchase in one case. No recall; cause not attributed to transmission defect.
Electronic control and sensor failures leading to power loss
Engine Control Module (ECM) or sensor malfunction causes engine shutdown or limp-mode activation without transmission-specific cause.
When: Less than 12,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle dies while driving at 72 mph; Check Engine Light and Master Warning Light illuminate; Loss of power on interstate; vehicle must be limped to shoulder
Codes mentioned: ECM fault codes (not specified)
Repairs/costs cited: ECM replaced under warranty. After replacement, owner notes decreased fuel mileage and abnormal transmission shifting behavior.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Covered under warranty if failure occurs within warranty period.
Structural or assembly defects (rear axle and driveshaft issues)
Rear axle shaft support bearing retaining ring fails or driveshaft becomes exposed, causing loss of drive.
When: 192 miles (axle shaft retaining ring); 1,000 miles (driveshaft exposure)
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not drive forward from stop; Rear axle separates from transaxle; Driveshaft exposed while vehicle stationary and driving
Repairs/costs cited: Rear axle shaft support bearing retaining ring replaced. Driveshaft exposure issue not repaired; dealership claimed no issue found.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Repairs conducted at dealership; manufacturer not notified in axle case. No recall.
Synthesized from 68 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 6 most recent
While driving up the I-5 grapevine at 72 MPH the car suddenly slowed without any warning to under 20 MPH. The check engine light turned on and the dash said AWD system disengaged or error or some similar message and to take to the dealer. I was barely able to accelerate to get off the road. I pulled off, turned the car off and back on, and it started running again. I'm lucky I was not rear…
Automatic transmission failed/quit working at a stop light in cheyenne, wyoming 28 december 2018 with only 25,000 miles on the vehicle. I had it towed back to the dealership for repairs.
While coming to a stop at a red light, the vehicle started jolting like it was going to shut off. Once at a full stop, the car did not shut off. Instead, once I lifted my foot off the break, the vehicle would not move. I shifted into park, back to drive, reverse, and even manual but the car would not move. I was stuck on a road where cars drive 60-70 MPH if the light is green I was afraid that I…
Driving approximately 72 MPH when vehicle died causing a potentially very hazardous situation - check engine light came on, master warning light came on, see dealer for repair message displayed. Was able to limp to side of road and had vehicle towed to dealership. After 2 days of diagnostic testing the engine control module (ECM) was replaced under warranty (less than 12,000 miles on vehicle).…
Vehicle shurtter cause toque converter issue with all Toyota Highlander
Was on drive from work in 2017 toyota highlander XLE. Noticed low whining sound coming from transmission. Made appointment with toyota dealership. They identified transmission whine as requiring full replacement and projected to fail soon. Vehicle mileage was at 116k miles. There are no ua80 trans available in US and none coming in. Was told my VIN didn't qualify for CRP CJZ and TSB…
Had powertrain trouble with your 2017 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2017 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 68 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 24 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 13,000 and 39,000 miles, with the median around 20,800. A quarter of owners report trouble before 13,000; a quarter make it past 39,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2017/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.