Power Train owner reports: Toyota Highlander years in the records

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“Hundreds of thousands of 2017–2022 gas-powered Toyota Highlanders (equipped with UA80E/UA80F 8-speed transmissions) are experiencing high-pitched whining noises, hard or erratic shifting, and sudden hesitation. This is caused by a factory defect where a retaining nut and locking tab in the counter drive gear sub-assembly were improperly installed, causing premature internal wear and gear movement”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I have the high pitch whine coming from transmission. It is a known issue with Toyota but they refuse to look into it since my VIN falls outside their recall list. This is the same transmission as previous years and has the exact same issues. This is a safety issue that needs to be addressed immediately.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“My car has been making a whining noise upon acceleration. It stops whining as soon as you release the acceleration I had a mechanic look at it who verified transmission failure.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“My Toyota Highlander 2019 began to produce a whining noise that orginates in the transmission at about 89000 miles. An independent mechanic examined the vehicle and deteremined that the noise is well documented. After conducting research, I found that the issue is caused by improper assembly and the only repair is a complete replacement of the transmission. I also discovered that there is a recall on the 2017-2019 Toyota Highlander due to the 8 speed transmission which is also used in my vehicle. The idea that the 2019-2022 Toyota Highlanders are NOT included in this recall is completely unreasonable. These vehicles utilize the same 8-speed transmission and the whining noise tends to surface after 60, 000 miles - about four to five years based on useage. The whining noise began without warning or symptoms. The vehicle drove without issues and we intended on driving this vehicle into retirement considering the reputation Toyota had on building reliable vehicles. I will never purchase or recommend the purchase of a Toyota vehicle! The idea that repeated transmission failures, without an univeral recall for all years affected, shows that the comsumer is not respected. I would enjoy understanding the logic and data that enabled Toyota to limit the recall to just three production year when the 8-speed transmission spanned six years of production (2017-2022). I am now forced to look into replacing the transmission with potentionally another faulty, improperly assembled 8-speed transmission.”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“8 speed transmission faulty”

The records describe a problem worth checking before purchase.

“I am reporting a potential premature transmission failure in my 2019 Toyota Highlander AWD. At approximately 89,000 miles, the vehicle developed a noticeable and persistent whining noise coming from the transmission/drivetrain area. The noise continued despite transmission service and has progressed to the point where the vehicle requires a transmission replacement. I have had the vehicle evaluated by three separate repair facilities, including transmission specialists. All three independently determined that the transmission has failed and requires replacement. Repair estimates range from approximately $7,200 to $12,000. A complete transmission failure at approximately 89,000 miles is unexpected and raises concerns about a possible design or manufacturing defect. A transmission failure while driving could cause loss of power, inability to accelerate, reduced control of the vehicle, or create a dangerous situation while merging, entering traffic, or traveling at highway speeds. The vehicle has been maintained and used normally. I am submitting this complaint because I believe this issue may affect other Toyota Highlander owners and should be investigated for a potential safety-related defect.”