Some customers may experience echoing on the line calling the vehicle when using Bluetooth Hands Free. This is caused by the phone Hands Free volume being too low.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Toyota Highlander electrical problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Toyota Highlander have filed 50 NHTSA complaints about the electrical, typically surfacing around 10,000 miles at roughly $850 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
50
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
| Model year | electrical complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Highlander | 45 |
| 2016 Highlander | 14 |
| 2017 Highlander | 42 |
| 2018 Highlander | 18 |
| 2019 Highlander (this page) | 50 |
| 2020 Highlander | 14 |
| 2021 Highlander | 21 |
| 2022 Highlander | 13 |
| 2023 Highlander | 12 |
3crashes
3injuries
What stands out
Owners have filed 50 electrical 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.
Among the 20 model years of Toyota Highlander in our records for electrical problems, this one ranks #2 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering electrical 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.
The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. The procedures outlined in this Service Bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some 17-22MY Highlander and 17-20MY Sienna vehicles may experience a MIL ON condition with DTC(s) P042000, and/or P043000. This issue could involve deteriorated catalyst material from the bank 1 or bank 2 catalytic converter.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2016 ? 2018 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with Entune? Audio (version 01013E), Entune? Audio Plus (version 010156 or 01015C), or Entune? Premium Audio (versions 010171, 010170, or 01017D) may exhibit one or more of the following conditions: ?Head unit reboots at a specific location. ?Abnormal Destination Search app operation. ?Rebooting caused by no songs on the USB-connected iPhone. ?A one-time reboot after ignition is cycled to ACC-ON. ?Audio stays muted after the key is cycled.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2019 Highlanders in this electrical cluster report stalling without warning — sometimes multiple times — during normal driving at highway and city speeds, in traffic, and at intersections. The vehicle loses all power and dashboard lighting simultaneously, making steering and braking ineffective. Some owners describe jerking and sputtering before the stall; others experience sudden power loss. Fuel pump replacement and fuel rail diagnostics have not resolved these events in documented cases. Dealerships often cannot duplicate the problem or identify root cause.
Battery drain is another recurring complaint. Batteries—both OEM originals and replacements—fail prematurely, sometimes within 2 years. The START/STOP system has been implicated and disabling it resolved one case. Vehicle owners experience no warning before the battery is dead and the car won't start.
The infotainment system spontaneously reboots, sometimes repeatedly during a single drive, dropping Bluetooth and navigation. Multiple dealer resets have not fixed it. Separately, many owners report an extremely loud, ear-piercing feedback screeching noise through the speakers at startup, linked to DCM (Data Communication Module) failure and often correlating with SOS subscription expiration. This noise is painful and distracting. Dealerships claim they cannot reproduce it or are unfamiliar with the issue, though owners cite a Toyota Technical Service Bulletin documenting the problem.
Voice guidance and navigation features also fail completely in some vehicles, eliminating hands-free operation and forcing drivers to look at screens while driving. Additional reported failures include unintended acceleration in parking lots, hybrid system malfunctions with accompanying warning messages, transmission noise and missing gears, and electrical system warnings. Most owners report these issues persist despite multiple dealership visits.
Same Toyota Highlander electrical reports on nearby years: 2016 · 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Stalling/Loss of Power Under Load
Engine stalls or loses power suddenly during driving, often in traffic or at intersections, leaving vehicle immobilized with no steering or braking assist. Multiple occurrences reported; some vehicles towed. Dashboard lights and electrical systems go dark during events.
When: Mostly after extended driving periods or specific traffic conditions; one reported at 6,000 miles, another at 52,000 miles, others unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Complete engine shutdown mid-drive; Loss of dashboard electrical power; No response to accelerator pedal; Loss of power steering and braking assist; Jerking/chugging/sputtering before stall; Multiple warning messages (Hybrid System Malfunction, Check Engine, Reduced Engine Power); Vehicle must be turned off and restarted to resume function
Codes mentioned: P0335 (Crankshaft Position Sensor A Circuit), Fuel pressure readings low (22 psi vs. 50+ psi expected), Fuel codes thrown, Hybrid System overheat detected
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replaced in one case; did not resolve issue. Fuel rail repair quoted over $4K parts only. Wiring harness replacement identified but not completed in another case. Dealers unable to duplicate in many instances.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) issued; remedy not available at time of complaint. No recalls specifically addressing stall condition confirmed in narratives. Some owners referred to NHTSA Hotline.
Battery Drain / START/STOP System Malfunction
Battery drains unexpectedly, sometimes within hours of parking. Replacement batteries (OEM Toyota) fail prematurely. START/STOP system drains battery; disabling it resolved issue in at least one case. Vehicle fails to start without warning.
When: Within 2 years of ownership; one battery replaced at ~3 years, second replacement failed within ~2 years; drain first appeared end of 2020/beginning 2021
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle will not start; No warning lights before failure; Dead battery without obvious cause; Rapid battery depletion; Multiple battery replacements needed
Repairs/costs cited: OEM 12V batteries replaced twice in one vehicle ($376.61, then $407.88); another replaced by dealer. Disabling START/STOP system resolved drain in one case. No parts identified.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers recommended battery replacement. START/STOP system disable noted as workaround. No recall mentioned for battery drain issue.
Infotainment System Reboot / DCM Module Failure
Radio and computer system reboot spontaneously and unexpectedly, sometimes repeatedly during a single drive. System loses Bluetooth and navigation capability, leaving driver without hands-free phone access or GPS guidance in unfamiliar areas. Issue persists after multiple dealer resets.
When: Intermittent throughout ownership; affects multiple model years; one owner documented reset happening within minutes of leaving dealer lot
Symptoms owners cite: Unexplained system shutdown and reboot; Loss of Bluetooth connectivity; Navigation system drops offline; Multiple sequential reboots during single trip; System resets when parked and while driving
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer reset/reboot performed multiple times (at least 5 visits); issue persists. One dealership allegedly consolidated multiple repair tickets to hide repeat visits. Data Communication Module (DCM) replacement mentioned as option but cost in thousands without warranty.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0112-20 referenced by owner; identifies faulty assembly locations but no recall issued. Dealers claim no shutoff occurs during inspection.
DCM Audio Feedback Noise (Loud Screeching on Startup)
Extremely loud, ear-piercing feedback/screeching noise emitted through speakers at startup or while driving, occurring intermittently. Noise is painful and startling, potentially hazardous to hearing and driver attention. Linked to Data Communication Module and SOS Safety subscription expiration.
When: Intermittent startup events; frequency varies from every 5th start to every 29th start; some report daily occurrence; started after SOS subscription expired in several cases
Symptoms owners cite: Loud, shrill feedback/screeching from speakers at startup; Noise lasts 1–5 seconds; Red/green SOS button lights flash erratically; Noise causes involuntary physical reaction (eyes closing, hands to ears); Occurs both when stationary and in motion
Repairs/costs cited: DCM module replacement mentioned; cost several thousand dollars out of warranty. Re-subscription to SOS Safety Connect ($80/year) tried but unsuccessful in at least one case. Dealers unable to reproduce issue during inspection; parts backordered.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0112-20 documents issue; no recall issued. Dealers deny knowledge of issue or claim inability to reproduce. Toyota allegedly aware for years but no remedy provided.
Voice Guidance / Navigation System Failure
Voice guidance system completely inoperative; no audible voice directions or beeps for navigation, phone assistance, or hands-free driver announcements. Requires driver to look at screen, creating distraction and hands-off-wheel hazard.
When: Present from purchase or shortly after; one reported within one week of new vehicle purchase
Symptoms owners cite: No voice output during navigation; No phone voice guidance; No hands-free announcements; No navigation beeps or alerts; Issue occurs when stationary and while driving
Repairs/costs cited: One owner discovered pushing start button twice with engine off restores temporary function; Toyota knew of issue for ~2 years but did not disclose to consumers. No specific repair mentioned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Issue documented internally but not recalled or communicated to owners. Dealerships unaware or dismissive of problem.
Unintended Acceleration / Loss of Braking
Vehicle accelerates unexpectedly at low speed in parking lots or at intersections despite brake pedal application. Brake pedal becomes ineffective or unresponsive. Vehicle jerks backward or forward with sudden power surge.
When: While parking, at stop lights, in parking lots; one at 6,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden surge in acceleration without pedal input; Brake pedal unresponsive; Vehicle continues moving despite brake application; Jerking/acceleration sound accompanies event; Airbags do not deploy on impact
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicles damaged in accidents; at least one required body shop repair. Not drivable after incidents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented in narratives.
Hybrid System Malfunction / Overheating
Hybrid system malfunction warning appears; vehicle loses drive power or exhibits reduced power. Dealership reports hybrid system overheated multiple times but cannot duplicate issue. Vehicle stalls or cannot accelerate.
When: Multiple occurrences over months; one at 20,500 miles, another at 10,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hybrid System Malfunction warning message; All Wheel Drive Failed warning; Loss of drive power or reduced acceleration; Vehicle stalls or comes to halt; Multiple other warning lights activate simultaneously
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers unable to duplicate; no repairs performed. Fuel pump suspected in one case (repair pending, parts backordered).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V012000 referenced; remedy not available. Dealers claim Toyota engineers say malfunction 'couldn't happen.'
Transmission Issues (3rd Gear Loss / Noise)
Transmission loses gears (3rd gear missing) or makes grinding noise. Vehicle loses power during operation. One case reports transmission noise and smoke.
When: While turning in traffic, unspecified mileage; another unspecified
Symptoms owners cite: Missing gears (3rd gear); Transmission grinding noise; Loss of power; Smoke from transmission area; Vehicle stalled in traffic while turning
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership confirmed 3rd gear missing upon inspection; repair not documented.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Electrical System / Charging System Malfunction
Electrical system failures reported with 'Electrical System - Move to Safe Place' warning. Charging system malfunction warnings. Dashboard lights dim and brighten without reason. Vehicle unable to start.
When: One at red light, another unspecified; dimming lights occur intermittently
Symptoms owners cite: Electrical System warning message; Charging System Malfunction warning; Dashboard lights flicker or dim; Vehicle unable to start or move; No warning lights preceding failure
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs documented in narratives.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota states START/STOP battery system is cause in at least one case; no specific recall or solution provided.
Auto START/STOP System Failure / Wiring
Auto START/STOP failure message appears. Wiring harness identified as needing replacement. System drains battery or causes unexpected stalls.
When: At various mileages; 86,530 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: Auto START/STOP Failure message; See Dealer message; Intermittent stalling at low speeds; Vehicle does not respond as expected
Repairs/costs cited: Wiring harness replacement recommended; vehicle not repaired per narrative. System disabled in one case to resolve battery drain.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified; no specific recall action documented.
Door Lock Malfunction
Door locks fail to lock or unlock. Multiple locks require replacement.
When: Unspecified mileage; 'so far' indicates multiple failures over time
Symptoms owners cite: Doors will not lock; Doors will not unlock; Lock mechanism failure
Repairs/costs cited: Two door locks replaced; another side door showing same issue.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Engine Misfire / Check Engine Light
Check Engine light illuminates. Engine misfires reported. Fuel rail issue diagnosed. Diagnostic costs excessive and repeated without resolution.
When: Unspecified; one vehicle at 35,000 miles with recurring issues
Symptoms owners cite: Check Engine light; Reduced Engine Power warning; Engine misfire; Traction Control off warning
Codes mentioned: Fuel rail issue, Misfire
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel rail repair quoted over $4K (parts only, labor additional); not covered under warranty. Multiple diagnostic visits with no resolution.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No recall identified by owner despite research indicating recall exists.
Synthesized from 50 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
We started the vehicle that is parked in front of our house at around 8am to get some groceries. The vehicle started and everything seemed normal. Shifted to d and started moving and as I was leaving the spot, I pushed the break to make a left turn and it won't stop. Pushed the break pad several times and the car won't stop. Finally moved the gear to p and it stopped and the engine turned…
The car randomly shuts off, while waiting in line or when the break is depressed. The vehicle won’t start, battery is completely dead and then comes back randomly.
What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 12V battery How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle unable to start. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others?…
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.
Had electrical trouble with your 2019 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 electrical problem on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 50 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $850.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 11 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 4,200 and 52,000 miles, with the median around 10,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 4,200; a quarter make it past 52,000. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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/2019/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.