2019 Toyota Highlander
Common Problems
Ranked from 213 federal NHTSA complaints and 1 recalls. Every problem links to the complaint IDs behind it.
13 Common Problems
Ordered by how often owners reported each one to NHTSA. The bar shows how common a problem is relative to the most-reported on this vehicle. Expand any problem to see the federal complaint IDs.
- 1
Hard Shifting
50complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission shifts harshly, often requiring immediate replacement.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 2
High-Pitched Whining Sound
43complaintsHigh severityTransmissionThe transmission produces a high-pitched whining sound during acceleration, indicating potential internal component failure.
- 3
Transmission Sudden Failure During Operation
41complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe transmission suddenly fails, causing the vehicle to lose power and become immobile.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 4
Transmission failure leading to loss of propulsion
40complaintsSafety riskTransmissionThe transmission fails, causing the vehicle to lose propulsion while driving, posing a safety risk.
$2,500–$5,500est. transmission rebuild/replacement · 8–16 hrs laborGet local quotes - 5
Engine stall at idle due to stop-start system failure
35complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine stalls unexpectedly at idle, causing the vehicle to become non-operational.
$150–$900est. stop-start system diagnosis · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 6
Engine Misfire
22complaintsHigh severityEngineThe engine misfires intermittently, often indicated by a check engine light.
$200–$900est. ignition service (coils/plugs) · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 7
Whining Noise from Transmission
18complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission produces a whining noise during acceleration, indicating potential transmission issues.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 8
Check engine light illuminating without warning during operation
14complaintsMedium severityElectricalThe check engine light may illuminate unexpectedly, indicating an issue with the vehicle's electrical systems.
$100–$250est. professional diagnosis · 1–2 hrs laborGet local quotes - 9
Brake system failure leading to sudden loss of control
13complaintsHigh severityBrakesThe brake system fails, causing the vehicle to lose control and potentially lead to accidents.
$150–$1,000est. brake system diagnosis + repair · 1–4 hrs laborGet local quotes - 10
High-pitched feedback noise from speakers upon starting the vehicle
12complaintsHigh severityElectricalThe speakers emit a loud, high-pitched feedback noise lasting 2-5 seconds upon starting the vehicle.
- 11
Airbag deployment failure during collision
7complaintsSafety riskElectricalThe airbags may fail to deploy during a collision, increasing the risk of injury.
- 12
Transmission issues leading to jerking and hesitation
6complaintsMedium severityTransmissionThe transmission may experience irregular shifting and jerking, especially during acceleration or when changing gears, leading to hesitation and rough driving.
$200–$2,500est. drivetrain diagnosis + repair · 1–8 hrs laborGet local quotes - 13
Wind noise issues in the cabin
5complaintsLow severityOtherExcessive wind noise can enter the cabin at any speed, distracting the driver.
Related recall: 19V244000
Other years & sources
Data source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) owner complaints and recalls. Problems are clustered and ranked from the complaint record; occurrence counts reflect corroborating complaints, not total incidence. Vehicle image is illustrative. Repair-cost figures are typical U.S. independent-shop ranges (parts + labor) for the class of repair shown — actual quotes vary by region, engine, and diagnosis; always confirm with a local shop.