Power Train owner reports: Toyota Highlander years in the records

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle was parked but still running in a driveway on an incline. After exiting the vehicle, there were abnormal beeping and ticking noises detected, and the vehicle began to roll down the street. The contact and daughter were pinned between the door and the vehicle. The contact's daughter sustained injuries to her chin and teeth. The driver has lumps and bruises on her leg and back pain, but medical attention was not provided. The rear wheels were on the curb and hit a trash can, and the vehicle stopped rolling. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“ON SATURDAY APRIL 27 AT 2 PM I PUT MY CAR IN PARK AND WAS GETTING OUT. THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS AND AS I WENT TO REACT WAS KNOCKED DOWN AND PINNED UNDER THE FRONT LEFT TIRE OF THE CAR. MY THREE CHILDREN WERE IN THE BACK WATCHING THEIR MOTHER LYING ON THE GROUND HELPLESS AND SCREAMING FOR HELP. THANK GOD TO GOOD SAMARITAN'S THEY LIFTED THE CAR OFF OF ME WHILE I WAITED FOR THE EMS TO ARRIVE. SEVERAL WITNESSES SAID THE CAR WAS IN FACT IN PARK AND THIS SHOULD HAVE NEVER HAPPENED. I AM SEVERELY SORE AND INJURED AND THIS SHOULD NOT EVER HAPPEN. THIS HAPPENED ON HYLAN BLVD. PARTY CITY IN STATEN ISLAND NEW YORK.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle is a 2017 Toyota Highlander (VIN [XXX]) experiencing the UA80 8-speed transmission whine defect (T-SB-0160-18) upon acceleration. An authorized Toyota dealership test drove and officially verified the transmission failure and recommended a full replacement. However, Toyota Corporate is refusing to honor the ZJC Customer Support Program warranty extension due to an arbitrary VIN cutoff. The failing internal transmission components pose a safety risk as they can lead to harsh shifting, slipping, or a sudden loss of motive power while driving in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Vehicle had history of hard shifting from 1st drive. On January 24, 2026 we heard a ringing sound as we were driving. Approximately 10 minutes after the noise began, the Check Engine light illuminated. We drove back home and connected our code reader to find P0741, P2714 and P2757. Had the vehicle towed to my Toyota Service Center and upon inspection, was informed that the transmission had failed and would require replacement. I was informed that although it was a 2017 with the UA80E manufacturered in April 2017 - it did not qualify for free replacement under Toyota. A rebuilt unit was secured and installed on 2/11/26. Toyota authorized $2000 Goodwill Assistance and their Warranty Labor Rate. I paid the remainder of the bill. The 'new' transmission also shifts hard and just doesn't feel like it it working right.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“There is a known issue with the transmission in my 2017 Toyota Highlander that causes premature failure. This is noted in a Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin. The issues symptoms are the same as those my car has: a whining noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination. I have contacted Toyota and explained this to them, but they have told me that my car's VIN number does not match the identified vehicles. I am reaching out as I believe there are vehicles with this problem that Toyota has not identified, and it could be a dangerous issue.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“DESCRIPTION OF DEFECT: My 2017 Toyota Highlander experienced a complete transmission failure under normal driving conditions. The vehicle began showing symptoms including delayed shifting, hesitation when accelerating, and eventual loss of proper drivability. The issue was diagnosed by an authorized Toyota dealership, which confirmed internal transmission failure. The estimated repair cost provided by the dealer was approximately $9,000. I opened a case with Toyota Customer Experience and submitted an escalation request, but no assistance was provided and the claim was declined or ignored. MY CAR HAD A HISTORY OF REGULAR MAINTENACE DONE BY A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALERS My case # :XXX Due to the urgency of transportation needs and lack of manufacturer support, I have been forced to proceed with an independent transmission replacement. Which will cost me anywhere between $6,000 and $7,500 This failure occurred without warning severe enough to prevent continued safe use of the vehicle and raises serious safety concerns regarding sudden loss of power and drivability. SAFETY IMPACT: The transmission failure caused unsafe driving conditions including hesitation during acceleration and potential loss of power while in traffic, which could increase risk of collision. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: VIN: [XXX] Mileage at failure: 168000 Dealer diagnosis confirmed transmission failure Manufacturer case opened and escalated with no resolution I am submitting this complaint to document a potential systemic defect and to support ongoing safety investigation and consumer protection review. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“The transmission is whining when i coast. I fear the transmission might be dying.”