This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2019 Toyota Highlander engine problems
severe Owners of the 2019 Toyota Highlander have filed 26 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 26,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
26
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Highlander | 3 |
| 2016 Highlander | 6 |
| 2017 Highlander | 22 |
| 2018 Highlander | 16 |
| 2019 Highlander (this page) | 26 |
| 2020 Highlander | 3 |
| 2021 Highlander | 15 |
| 2023 Highlander | 10 |
1crash
1fire
When does it fail?
Of the 26 engine complaints filed for the 2019 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 26 engine 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 17 model years of Toyota Highlander in our records for engine problems, this one ranks #3 by owner-complaint volume.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: Some 2019 ? 2022 model year Avalon, 2018 ? 2023 model year Camry, 2017 ? 2022 model year Highlander, 2017 ? 2020 model year Sienna, and 2016 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with a 2GR-FKS engine may exhibit a knocking noise from the vacuum pump at idle. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to address this condition
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Model Year 2018-2021 vehicles equipped with A25A-FKS/FXS or M20A-FKS/FXS engines may display the following message ?Engine Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer? on the combination meter.
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 describe multiple engine and powertrain failures that create real danger. The most common issue is fuel pump failure—vehicles stall without warning at highway speeds, refuse to restart, and trigger check engine and hybrid system warnings. Some owners were not covered by the recall despite identical symptoms. One vehicle caught fire while losing power.
Transmission problems are widespread: whining noises during acceleration, hard or delayed shifts, and complete transmission failure requiring replacement. One owner had the transmission serviced under warranty, but the problem worsened after the warranty expired.
Accelerator responsiveness is another pattern. Some owners report a persistent dead zone in the first 1–2 inches of pedal travel, requiring harder depression to get acceleration. One owner nearly hit a semi-truck when the delayed response kicked in. A different failure mode appears as unexpected acceleration without pedal input, causing crashes.
Power loss during normal driving—at stop lights, during acceleration, or on highways—is reported repeatedly. In some cases, vehicles stall and won't restart; in others, check engine lights or crankshaft sensor faults are diagnosed. One owner's engine required full replacement due to head gasket failure.
High idle RPM and lurching on brake release occur from very early ownership (300 miles on one vehicle), creating unsafe control particularly in snow. Battery drain without apparent cause leaves some owners stranded. Several owners describe long periods unable to safely operate their vehicles due to unrepaired recalls.
Same Toyota Highlander engine reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2021
Failure modes owners describe
Accelerator Pedal Dead Zone / Drive-by-Wire Lag
Owners report a persistent dead zone in the first 1–2 inches of accelerator travel from idle. No acceleration occurs until the pedal is pressed harder, creating dangerous delay in traffic. One owner noticed the issue worsens when Snow Mode is selected and found the same symptom on a dealer's demo 2019 Highlander.
When: Present from early ownership; one vehicle at 54,605 miles
Symptoms owners cite: No acceleration response from first 1–2 inches of pedal travel; Constant dead zone that does not vary with speed; Delayed acceleration requiring harder pedal depression; Nearly caused multi-vehicle collision in 35–40 mph traffic; Worse when Snow driving mode is active
Repairs/costs cited: Bennett Toyota attempted brake switch replacement with no success
Transmission Whining, Hard Shift, and Delayed Shift
Multiple owners report a whining noise from the transmission and subsequent hard or delayed shifting. One owner had transmission service performed while under warranty; the noise returned within weeks, followed by shifting problems. Another owner at 110,000 miles experienced high RPM acceleration followed by multiple breakdowns requiring a transmission replacement. A third owner heard whining when accelerating. A fourth quotes $7,000 for removal and replacement.
When: 50,236 miles (service performed), 110,000 miles (breakdown), 59,000 miles (failure diagnosed), typical mileage varies
Symptoms owners cite: Whining noise from transmission; Hard and delayed shifting; Rough / delayed shifting with shuddering; Vehicle hesitation during acceleration; Transmission malfunction requiring replacement
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission fluid flush and change performed; transmission replacement quoted at $7,000; full transmission replacement recommended by dealers
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Original issue reported under warranty but not resolved; Toyota declined coverage after warranty expired. Likely related to UA80E/F transmission type per one owner.
Fuel Pump Failure (Recall and Non-Recall Cases)
Owners report fuel pump failure causing stalling, no-restart conditions, and loss of power while driving. One vehicle was part of NHTSA Campaign 20V012000 (fuel system recall) but parts were not yet available at the time of complaint. Another owner not included in the recall exhibited identical symptoms and was stranded twice on busy highways. Multiple owners report complete shutdown on freeways or during acceleration; check engine lights appear intermittently, sometimes only resetting after a full tank of gas.
When: Early ownership (5,000 miles, 11 months old); 26,000 miles; 96,200 miles; intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Engine will not restart after stall; Loss of power during acceleration; Check engine light illuminates intermittently; Multiple warning lights: hybrid system malfunction, front collision system failure, ABS warning; Smoke and fire under hood (one case at 96,200 miles)
Codes mentioned: P0087, P107B, P3190
Repairs/costs cited: Fuel pump replacement performed; one case resulted in vehicle fire and total loss
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V012000 (fuel system, gasoline); parts unavailable for extended period; some owners not covered by recall despite identical symptoms
High Idle RPM and Lurching on Brake Release
Vehicle exhibits elevated idle RPM from very early ownership (300 miles). At stops, the vehicle lurches forward when the brake is released, even in Park, making controlled driving unsafe. This occurs whether start-stop is activated or not. One owner notes the issue is especially dangerous on snow-covered roads.
When: At approximately 300 miles; vehicle new with only 490 miles at time of complaint
Symptoms owners cite: High idle RPM at stop signs and red lights; Vehicle lurches forward when brake pedal is released; Dangerous in reverse as well; Occurs with or without start-stop enabled; Particularly hazardous on snow-covered roads
Repairs/costs cited: Owner planned to take to dealership in Endicott, NY but repair status not provided
Power Loss and Stalling During Acceleration
Owners report sudden loss of engine power and stalling at traffic lights, parking lots, and during highway driving. Some instances involve the vehicle dying mid-intersection or on the shoulder. Warning lights (check engine, traction control off, hybrid system warning) often illuminate. One vehicle required replacement of a stuck valve but continued to fail. Another owner experienced three separate incidents requiring towing.
When: Various mileages: 40,000 miles, 60,000 miles, 124,000 miles; some during early ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt loss of power when accelerating from a stop; Engine feels like it will stall but then resumes; Complete engine stall; will not restart; No steering ability during incident; Traction control off warning, check engine light, hybrid maintenance warning; Vehicle rolls through intersection unable to accelerate
Repairs/costs cited: One case: stuck valve in engine replaced but problem persisted; another diagnosed as crankshaft sensor failure (not repaired); one as head gasket failure requiring engine replacement
Crankshaft Sensor Failure
Vehicle lost motive power while driving at undisclosed speed. Independent mechanic diagnosed crankshaft sensor failure. Dealer was contacted but vehicle was not repaired.
When: At approximately 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle would not restart after pull-over; No warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Crankshaft sensor replacement needed; not performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer contacted but no repair completed
Head Gasket Failure
Vehicle lost motive power while driving and failed to restart. Dealership diagnosed head gasket failure resulting in engine damage. Full engine replacement needed.
When: At approximately 124,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of motive power while driving; Vehicle will not restart; Check engine warning light illuminated
Repairs/costs cited: Engine replacement required
Unexpected Acceleration (No Pedal Input)
While parked in a garage at 2 mph and not accelerating, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the driver depressing the pedal. Vehicle crashed into a railing with minor damage to grille, bumper, and fenders. No warning lights were present.
When: At approximately 40,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden acceleration without pedal input; No warning lights illuminated; Vehicle crashed into stationary object
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was drivable but not diagnosed or repaired
Fuel System Hesitation and Increased Consumption
Vehicle hesitates during normal driving and exhibits noticeably higher fuel consumption. Reported after recall notification for Campaign 20V012000, though repair parts were not available.
When: At approximately 26,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle hesitation while driving; Increased fuel consumption
Repairs/costs cited: Recall parts not available for repair
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA Campaign 20V012000 notified; parts unavailable; manufacturer would not confirm when parts would be available
Engine Fire
While driving at 65 mph, vehicle lost automotive power and stalled. Warning lights (check engine, ABS) illuminated. Moments later, smoke and fire streamed from under the hood, and the front end became engulfed in flames. Fire department extinguished flames but vehicle was destroyed.
When: At 96,200 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of automotive power; Engine stall; Check engine light and ABS warning activated; Smoke under hood; Engine fire, vehicle engulfed in flames
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed and towed; cause not determined
Battery Drain and Failure to Start
Battery constantly drains without reason, leaving owner stranded. Owner has purchased two replacement batteries but drain continues unpredictably.
When: Timing not specified; multiple incidents throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Battery dies for no apparent reason; Vehicle will not start; Unpredictable occurrences
Repairs/costs cited: Two replacement batteries purchased; issue persists
Low-Pressure Fuel Pump Recall Without Available Fix
Owner received recall alert for low-pressure fuel pump issue but no fix was available months later. Concerns about safety on mountain driving (I-68 in Maryland with steep grades and three lanes). Owner has limited vehicle use due to fear of stall, particularly in high-speed, dangerous locations.
When: Recall issued early in year; complaint filed late April with no parts available
Symptoms owners cite: Recall alert issued; Possible fuel pump failure would cause stall and no-restart condition
Repairs/costs cited: No fix available; vehicle unusable for extended period
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: NHTSA recall issued; parts / repair not yet available; owner offered smaller substitute vehicle (declined)
Synthesized from 26 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
Although my car was new (only 11 months old) and less than 5000 miles, it had shut down completely while I was pulling out of a parking lot. I had to get it towed to the nearest Toyota dealership overnight. They told me it was my faulty fuel pump and that they had never seen that happen to such a new car before. Currently I have my check engine light on (my car has less than 6200 miles on it) and…
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the contact heard abnormal buzzing sounds coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not able to be replicated. The contact stated that a day or two days later, while stopped at an intersection, and attempting to…
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 26 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 14 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 16,500 and 59,000 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,500; a quarter make it past 59,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.