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 ↗2019 Toyota Highlander powertrain problems
moderate Owners of the 2019 Toyota Highlander have filed 181 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 64,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
181
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2015 Highlander | 7 |
| 2017 Highlander | 69 |
| 2018 Highlander | 57 |
| 2019 Highlander (this page) | 181 |
| 2020 Highlander | 118 |
| 2021 Highlander | 192 |
| 2022 Highlander | 47 |
| 2023 Highlander | 15 |
When does it fail?
Of the 181 powertrain 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
Powertrain accounts for 39% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 12 categories tracked.
Owners have filed 181 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.
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.
TT: Currently under investigation. Please contact TAS if you have a vehicle that exhibits a leak from the Transmission Side Cover with no signs of damage or other conditions unrelated to regardless of miles or months in service. If it?s a Sunday or holiday continue with diagnosis and repair, save all parts and details, contact TAS on the next available work day and review details with TAS engineer.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some 2018-2020 model year UA80/UB80 transmission equipped models may experience a leak from the Transmission Side Cover. This issue is currently under investigation. Vehicles are being sought regardless of months in service or mileage. Only seeking vehicles with leaking transmissions with no other signs of damage to the side cover.
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 ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 2019 Toyota Highlander's 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80/UA80F/UA80E) is failing repeatedly, often at 50,000–135,000 miles. Owners describe a progression: high-pitched whining upon acceleration (at 50k–90k miles), dismissed by dealers as normal; transmission fluid darkening and filling with metal debris; then sudden loss of power, inability to shift, or complete stall. Failure typically occurs after the 60,000-mile warranty expires. Replacement costs $7,000–$17,000 with remanufactured units backordered 6–10 months.
Separate complaints detail stalling while driving in traffic (including at intersections and on highways), weak throttle response, surging, and hesitation—sometimes linked to fuel pump or ECM issues. One owner reported three engine cylinders loosening and one striking the transmission at 15,000 miles, requiring an engine rebuild with no explanation from Toyota.
Dealers initially dismiss transmission whining as normal, then advise replacement once failure is imminent. Toyota issued technical service bulletins (TSB T-SB-0008-21, T-SB-0160-18) and limited customer support programs (CSP ZJC, POL19-04) for 2017–2018 models with the same transmission, but did not extend coverage to most 2019 vehicles despite identical failure patterns. Owners report Toyota denying warranty extensions or assistance despite the systemic nature of the defect.
Same Toyota Highlander powertrain reports on nearby years: 2017 · 2018 · 2020 · 2021 · 2022
Failure modes owners describe
Engine Stalling / Loss of Power
Vehicle stalls unexpectedly while driving at normal speeds, including in traffic and at intersections. Screen goes black. Multiple episodes reported by same owner. Latest incident at 9,344 miles during heavy traffic at 30 mph in intersection. Owner manually disables auto start-stop before leaving home to reduce incidence.
When: 9,344 miles; episodes on 3/16/2021, 3/26/2021, 5/17/2019; stall on I-35 on 3/5/2021
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle stalls without warning; Screen goes black; Multiple stall episodes in traffic and intersections; No apparent warning lights mentioned
Repairs/costs cited: Taken to Lonestar Toyota (Lewisville, TX) and Denton Toyota multiple times; problem persists unfixed
Automatic Transmission Failure - UA80 8-Speed
Complete transmission failure requiring replacement. Owners report high-pitched whining noise preceding failure, occurring typically between 50,000–135,000 miles. Whining often dismissed by dealers as normal. Internal transmission damage, gear slippage, inability to upshift or shift gears. Failure can occur suddenly with no warning lights. Many failures occur after transmission fluid service at dealership. Replacement costs $7,000–$17,000. Parts frequently on backorder 6–10 months. Dealer quotes for remanufactured transmissions at premium prices; some alternative shops quote $10,000 less using new Toyota parts.
When: 50,000–135,000 miles; majority of failures between 60,000–100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whining or buzzing noise upon acceleration or under load; Rough, delayed, or hard shifting; Gear slippage or inability to upshift; Loss of acceleration or failure to reach highway speeds; Vehicle stuck in single gear (e.g., 5th or 3rd); Inability to shift from Park or into gear; Shuddering during acceleration; Sudden loss of power while merging or accelerating; Transmission overheating warning; Jerking or erratic shifting; Difficulty accelerating from stop or at low speeds (0–20 mph)
Codes mentioned: P0740 (Torque Converter Clutch Actuator Stuck On), P0745 (Pressure Control Solenoid A Stuck Off), P2713 (Pressure Control Solenoid D Stuck Off)
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required; remanufactured units on restricted order or backorder. Fluid analysis shows dark color, metal debris, or burnt smell. Internal failure of pump, gears, clutch sets. One owner quoted $16,346 by dealer; independent shops $6,000–$10,000 less. One owner reported dealer replaced transmission at 16k miles, failure recurred. Transaxle seal failures and gouging/nicks at transaxle-transmission connection noted in one case; dealer unable to source replacement transmissions.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0160-18, T-SB-0008-21, T-SB-0008-21 for related engine/transmission issues. Customer Support Program ZJC (CSP ZJC) and POL19-04 created for limited VINs (primarily 2017–2018 models, not all affected 2019+ vehicles). 2017–2018 Highlanders recalled or covered; 2019 model year largely excluded despite same transmission. Powertrain warranty: 5 years/60,000 miles (expires before most failures occur). Toyota consistently denies coverage or assistance; some owners advised vehicle 'not safe to drive' but no repairs offered. One owner traded vehicle in due to inability to drive safely. Transmissions on 'restricted order' status; corporate halt to transmission supply noted in at least one case (April 2025).
Engine Performance / Throttle Response Issues
Poor throttle response, hesitation, shuddering, and surging. Vehicle fails to accelerate normally or revs without providing power. Intermittent engine misfires, unintended lunging without throttle input. One owner (41k miles, purchased 12/2019) reports very poor throttle response and warning that Lane Departure Assist activation during acceleration could push vehicle into another lane.
When: 41,000 miles onward; can appear early or develop over time
Symptoms owners cite: Very poor throttle response; Hesitation during light or moderate acceleration; Shuddering during acceleration; Unintended surging/lunging without throttle input; Engine fails to deliver power beyond certain speed (e.g., 35 mph); Engine starving of fuel sensation; Intermittent misfires without consistent check engine light; Delayed acceleration when merging or entering traffic; Sudden loss of power during acceleration; Weak acceleration from 0–20 mph, then returns to normal
Repairs/costs cited: One owner taken to Auto Nation Toyota Fort Myers three times, including regional rep visit; claimed operating within factory specs despite poor response. Regional rep cited 41 computers in vehicle. No parts availability for fuel pump issue per owner. One owner with P0740, P0745, P2713 codes; dealer quoted $11,000 transmission replacement.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0160-18, T-SB-0008-21 acknowledging valve train irregularities and ECM programming issues. Customer Support Program ZJC created but does not cover all affected VINs. Dealers claim vehicle operating within factory specs despite owner complaints. One regional rep stated no parts available for fuel pump.
Transmission Failure with Engine Damage (Cylinder Loosening)
Rare but severe case: At 300 miles, vehicle began losing performance and failing to drive up hills with clicking noise. At 15,000 miles, engine lost power at 70 mph with loud noise, oil smell, and smoke. Inspection revealed three cylinders had loosened; one detached and struck transmission. Engine rebuilt over approximately one month. At 17,000 miles, same symptoms recurred.
When: 300 miles (initial symptoms); 15,000 miles (catastrophic engine failure); 17,000 miles (recurrence)
Symptoms owners cite: Significant drop in performance and MPG; Vehicle cannot drive up hill, revs to max and rolls backward; Clicking noise; Loss of power at highway speed (70 mph); Loud noise; Oil smell and smoke from engine; Inability to provide power after repair
Repairs/costs cited: Engine rebuilt; took approximately one month. No final explanation from Toyota Corp. Vehicle also exhibits alignment problems, lane assist issues, and lack of power after rebuild.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No explanation provided by Toyota Corp regarding cause of cylinder loosening. Owner states Toyota not taking seriously and seems unconcerned.
Shift-to-Park Override Malfunction
Engine can be turned off while automatic shift lever is not in Park position, allowing vehicle to roll freely. Safety risk if driver does not realize failure to place lever in Park. Only warning is triangle indicator light (no audible alert) with text 'Shift to P before exiting vehicle.' Owner states this feature not seen in other vehicles tested (Honda, GMC, Chevrolet, Dodge Aspen).
When: Ongoing condition on 2019 model
Symptoms owners cite: Engine can be turned off without shift lever in Park; Vehicle can roll freely if shift lever not in Park; Only visual warning (triangle light) with text message, no audible alarm
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota service indicates this is a standard feature on all 2019 Highlanders and does not consider it a problem.
Transmission Whining Noise / Pump Cavitation
High-pitched whining, humming, buzzing, or whirring noise from transmission, often described as 'death whine' by owners. Occurs during acceleration, under load, or when pressing accelerator. Noise stops when throttle released. Can worsen progressively over weeks or months. Transmission fluid often dark, overfull, or contains fine metal debris indicating internal damage. Noise frequently dismissed by dealers as normal; owners later advised transmission must be replaced. One mechanic identified noise as transmission pump cavitation.
When: 50,000–96,000 miles; one case from 75,000 miles onward; progressive increase over time
Symptoms owners cite: High-pitched whining, humming, buzzing, or whirring noise upon acceleration; Noise intensity increases with speed or RPM; Noise stops when throttle released; Transmission fluid dark, overfull, or contains fine metal debris; Noise progressively louder over weeks or months
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission replacement required. Fluid analysis in one case showed overfull level, very dark color, and fine metal debris indicating internal breakdown. One mechanic noted transmission pump cavitation. Dealer service often initially claims no problem or normal sound.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued TSB T-SB-0008-21 and Customer Support Program POL19-04 addressing transmission whine and gear damage, but limited to specific VINs (primarily 2017–2018 models). 2019 Highlanders with identical symptoms often excluded. Dealers directed owners to TSBs but indicated no coverage outside standard warranty.
Synthesized from 181 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 10 most recent
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.
Per my mechanic (fyi: 56k miles on vehicle): I test drove the vehicle and can hear a noticeable whine type noise when accelerating the noise goes away when getting off throttle. I put it on lift and the noise is coming from the transmission pump and sounds like cavitation. I checked the fluid level and it was overfull, very dark and has some very fine metal debris in the fluid. Something is…
Tl* the contact owns a 2019 Toyota highlander. While driving 50 MPH, the vehicle shook uncontrollably without warning. The contact stated that the air bag warning indicator also illuminated. The contact took the vehicle to hamer Toyota (11041 sepulveda blvd, mission hills, ca 91345), but the cause of the failure could not be determined. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The…
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…
transmission problems at 62000 miles high pitched whine with acceleration
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.
2019 Toyota Highlander with approx 178000 miles, UA80E transmission sudden failure while traveling approximately 30 mph, on city street. Manually pushed vehicle to safety away from traffic and unto a parking lot. That same evening drove vehicle about 20 feet to a more secure parking spot. VEHICLE HAS NOT BEEN MOVED SINCE 12/15/25. No leaks, no spills etc EXTREMELY DANGEROUS.
The transmission failed while going up a steep hill the car lost power and shut off. Could have caused seriously property and body damage if traffic or people were around. Luckily no accident happened but could certainly cause an accident if the circumstances are different. Please make an official complain so this could be fully investigated.
premature failure of UA80F transmission with 80,000 miles on vehicle which has been regularly serviced and maintained. Failure symptoms demonstrated match documented cases exactly resulting in the ultimate and complete failure of the transmission resulting in the vehicle being towed in to the dealer for a repair. Repair bill upwards of $10,000 however being told parts not available leaving me…
Our transmission is making a high pitched whining sound when accelerating.
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 181 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $2,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 27 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 12,600 and 115,000 miles, with the median around 64,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 12,600; a quarter make it past 115,000. 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/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.