Owners have filed 638 complaints
about the 2021 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA between 2021 and 2026.
The largest single group is the transmission & drivetrain.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 25 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota Highlander. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 45
8.6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
59% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2021 compares with every other Toyota Highlander
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Body
3554.7%
Automatic Emergency Braking
914.1%
Warnings
57.8%
Assist
46.3%
Warnings
34.7%
Adaptive Cruise Control
34.7%
Blind Spot Detection
34.7%
Warning
23.1%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
714.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
1224.5%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
612.2%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
918.4%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
1326.5%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
12.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
12.0%
NHTSA crash tests
The agency crash-tested this model year itself. These are its own
photographs and star ratings.
Frontal crash test
Side barrier crash test
Side pole crash test
Photographs taken by NHTSA during its own New Car Assessment Program crash
tests of this model year. Public domain.
Configuration
Overall
Front
Side
Rollover
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
16.4% risk
2021 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD
16.9% risk
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Jan 2021peak 31Sep 2026
Recalls on the 2021 Toyota Highlander
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
26V128000
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
24V452000
TIRES
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
23V865000
AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2021 Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Corolla, Highlander, Highlander Hybrid, RAV4, RAV4 Hybrid, Lexus ES350, Lexus RX350, Lexus RX450H, 2021 Sienna Hybrid, Lexus ES250, 2020-2022 Camry, Camry Hybrid, and ES300H vehicles. A short circuit may develop in the Occupant Classification System (OCS) sensor, preventing the front passenger air bag from deploying.
Risk: An air bag that does not deploy during a crash increases the risk of injury.
23V720000
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202642752,750 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock in position and could move in a crash. Note: This recall replaces Transport Canada recall No. 2026-101. Safety Risk: A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: To reduce the safety risk, Toyota recommends not using the second-row seats to transport passengers until the recall repairs have been completed. Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the spring in the second-row seatback recliner assemblies.
Recall 202610139,897 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
This recall was replaced by Transport Canada recall no. 2026-427. Issue: On certain vehicles, the seatback recliners for the second-row seats may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the seatback(s) may not lock in position and could move in a crash. Safety Risk: A seatback that moves could increase the risk of injury in a crash. Corrective Action: To reduce the safety risk, Toyota recommends not using the second-row seats to transport passengers until the recall repairs have been completed. Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to replace the spring in the second-row seatback recliner assemblies.
Recall 202368499,965 units in Canada
Airbag
Issue: On certain vehicles, a sensor for the occupant classification system (OCS) may not have been manufactured properly. As a result, the sensor could short circuit and cause the airbag system to turn off the passenger-front airbag even when a passenger is seated. Note: This problem would cause a warning message to display on the instrument panel and the airbag indicator light would display "passenger airbag off". Safety Risk: An airbag that is turned off could increase the risk of injury to a passenger in a crash. Corrective Actions: Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect and, if necessary, replace the OCS sensor.
Recall 202357450,501 units in Canada
Structure
Issue: On certain vehicles, the front lower bumper cover may not be attached properly. As a result, if there is a minor impact to the front bumper, the lower bumper cover, engine under cover, and the fender liners could separate from the vehicle while driving. Safety Risk: Parts that detach from the vehicle could create a road hazard for others and increase the risk of a crash. Corrective Action: Toyota will notify owners by mail and advise you to take your vehicle to a dealership to inspect the front bumper cover and secure it. If damage is found, the dealer will also replace the upper and/or lower front bumper cover(s).
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
Longwood, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On August 24, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and locked for more than 6 hours in a parking lot. Without warning, the vehicle experienced a spontaneous thermal event/self combustion. The fire and thermal damage were entirely localized to the dashboard area inside the passenger cabin. The engine compartment, battery area and front mechanical components remained completely unaffected by the fire. The vehicle was off, motor was cold and car was closed and parked for about 6 hours when this incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11761851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On August 24, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and locked for more than 6 hours in a parking lot. Without warning, the vehicle experienced a spontaneous thermal event/self combustion. The fire and thermal damage were entirely localized to the dashboard area inside the passenger cabin. The engine compartment, battery area and front mechanical components remained completely unaffected by the fire. The vehicle was off, motor was cold and car was closed and parked for about 6 hours when this incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11761851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bandon, OR1 injured
SEATS
On XXX, I was driving my 2021 Toyota Highlander at approximately 55 mph when a deer entered the roadway and I had to brake suddenly to avoid a collision. My [XXX] daughter was properly seated in the second-row seat and was properly restrained by her seatbelt. During the braking event, the second-row seat unexpectedly folded forward while she was seated in it. As a result, my daughter experienced rib pain and soreness that lasted several days. After the incident, the seat was returned to the upright position and appeared to latch normally. The vehicle is subject to a recall involving the second-row seat. I contacted Toyota Customer Care on XXX, and Toyota provided a rental vehicle on XXX, while the recall issue is being addressed. I am reporting this incident because the recalled seat failed during an emergency braking event and resulted in injury to a child passenger. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11743952 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CAFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My vehicle was parked for about an hr 30 min , and it started smoking from dashboard area and immediately went into flames .
NHTSA complaint #11735002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hemet, CAFire
ENGINE
My vehicle was parked for about an hr 30 min , and it started smoking from dashboard area and immediately went into flames .
NHTSA complaint #11735002 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Charlotte, NCCrash3 injured
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle had a very loud high pitch whining noise the rapid accelerated I was braking and brakes were not working vehicle screen was flashing Vehicle Malfunction. yes vehicle is available. I could not stop the vehicle I struck three signs and a lady fell down as i was approaching the the building very fast, hit a wrought iron black fence and it fell on a park vehicle and then i hit a park vehicle and it stop i threw it in park. i am not sure. Insurance company After the vehicle accelerated there was a message saying VEHICLE MALFUNCTION, not before the accident.
NHTSA complaint #11698619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Hartford, WI
POWER TRAIN
Transmission Failure Yes TSB No Warning Lights
NHTSA complaint #11764003 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Scottsburg, IN
POWER TRAIN
Tech: SCOTT RICHART test drove vehicle performed inspection. Noise hear is coming from transmission internally. condition present is similar to condition described in T-SB-0008-21 for whine noise from transmission. Transmission would need replaced to remedy the noise. Vehicle is out of warranty, DOFU is 04/14/21. Transmission is not in the serial number range described in the TSB. Transmission serial # is A3A21C08858. QUOTED $8574.50 TO REPLACE TRANSMISSION WITH REMANUFACTURED TOYOTA TRANSMISSION.
NHTSA complaint #11764197 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kaufman, TX
POWER TRAIN
There is an unknown whine coming from the transmission when pressing on the throttle. It loud and high pitched.
NHTSA complaint #11763567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Warrens, WI
POWER TRAIN
Leadcar Toyota LaCrosse WI has diagnosed and reported that the transmission needs to be replaced. Pertains to Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 the pinion shaft bearing defect. The major powertrain component is failing prematurely. Cost to repair is over $9,000 as it is out of warranty. We purchased the vehicle at 67,550 miles on 3/29/2025. Since we never owned a Toyota before we thought the whining of the transmission was unique to that vehicle. Once we heard about the service bulletin we took it in to get diagnosed.
NHTSA complaint #11763402 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Kimmell, IN
POWER TRAIN
transmission has failed. Toyota states: Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 addresses a whining or grinding noise in select 2021 Toyota vehicles equipped with UA80E orUA80F automatic transmissions caused by a defect in the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. Yes it can be available for inspection. This can be repaired with a $12,000 new transmission. * Sudden loss of acceleration: You may press the gas and the vehicle doesn’t accelerate normally. This is particularly dangerous when merging onto a highway, crossing an intersection, or passing. How this toyota highlander is putting safety at risk: * Unexpected shifting or jerking: A failing transmission can slam into gear, hesitate, or shift unpredictably, potentially causing loss of control. * Loss of drive: The transmission may suddenly stop transferring power to the wheels. You could be unable to move forward even though the engine is running. * Getting stuck in a gear: If it goes into a “limp” or failsafe mode, the vehicle may be restricted to a single gear and have very limited acceleration. * Loss of power while already moving: If the transmission disengages unexpectedly, you can lose the ability to accelerate out of a dangerous situation. * Difficulty maintaining speed: On a highway or uphill, a failing transmission may suddenly stop providing adequate power. * Transmission fluid leaks: A significant leak can cause the transmission to lose lubrication and worsen rapidly. Depending on where fluid goes, it can also create other mechanical problems. * Unexpected engine RPM increases: The engine can rev very high without the Highlander gaining speed (“slipping”), which can leave you unexpectedly slow in traffic. * Being stranded in traffic: A complete failure can leave the vehicle immobile, creating a collision hazard if you’re stopped in a travel lane or on a shoulder. unknown if it has been inspected by anyone. There is no warning lights. Then only way you know is by a high whining sound.
NHTSA complaint #11763069 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Westfield, IN
POWER TRAIN
Transmission failure at 80,000 miles
NHTSA complaint #11763132 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mineola, TX
POWER TRAIN
The 8 speed automatic transmission (UA80E) in my 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 FWD failed at 75,491 miles. The failure presented as a loud whining noise during acceleration between 30 and 40 mph. A Toyota dealership diagnosed complete transmission failure requiring full replacement of the transaxle assembly at a cost of $8,144.45 (repair order dated August 14, 2026). The dealership service manager confirmed in writing that the failure appears consistent with Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21, issued February 9, 2021, which documented whine and grind failures of the front carrier assembly pinion shafts in this transmission family. My transmission was built in June 2021, after the serial range covered by that bulletin, and failed the same way, indicating the defect was not confined to the bulletin's production range. This transmission is the subject of multiple pending federal class action lawsuits alleging premature failure. A transmission failure of this type can result in sudden loss of power while driving, which is a safety hazard. The vehicle was purchased new from a Toyota dealership in July 2021, was maintained normally, and was never used under severe service conditions. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection and the vehicle remains at the dealership.
NHTSA complaint #11762799 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frisco, TX
POWER TRAIN
**Component/System:** Automatic Transmission — 8-speed (UA80E/UA80F), Toyota Highlander **Description of the problem:** My 2021 Toyota Highlander (approximately 116,000 miles) has developed a high-pitched whining noise a while ago, that occurs during acceleration, consistent with the symptom described in Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 (issued Feb 9, 2021) for whine/grind noise in the transmission on this model. The vehicle has not yet been formally diagnosed by a dealer or independent shop as of this filing; I am submitting this report proactively given the volume of documented failures in this transmission platform and to add to NHTSA's record before the condition potentially worsens. I am aware, through Toyota's own TSB and multiple pending class-action lawsuits (including Pallaya v. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Case No. 2:25-cv-10613, C.D. Cal., and LeBoutheller v. Toyota, Case No. 4:25-cv-01389, E.D. Tex.), that this transmission (UA80E/UA80F, used in 2017-present Highlander and related Toyota/Lexus models) has a documented pattern of premature failure nationwide, often presenting first as this same whining noise, and in a number of owner-reported cases progressing to sudden power loss, shifting into neutral, or stalling — creating a serious safety risk to occupants and other drivers, particularly at highway speeds.
NHTSA complaint #11762480 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Aragon, GA
POWER TRAIN
At 57,000 miles the dealership says the transmission must be replaced. Toyota refused to replace it under warranty because they stated it wasn't serviced at Toyota consistently. There isnt a service for the transmission under 100k miles. This is a known issue with this transmission and they act oblivious to this issue.
NHTSA complaint #11761897 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FLFire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
On August 24, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and locked for more than 6 hours in a parking lot. Without warning, the vehicle experienced a spontaneous thermal event/self combustion. The fire and thermal damage were entirely localized to the dashboard area inside the passenger cabin. The engine compartment, battery area and front mechanical components remained completely unaffected by the fire. The vehicle was off, motor was cold and car was closed and parked for about 6 hours when this incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11761851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Longwood, FLFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
On August 24, 2026, my vehicle was parked, turned off, and locked for more than 6 hours in a parking lot. Without warning, the vehicle experienced a spontaneous thermal event/self combustion. The fire and thermal damage were entirely localized to the dashboard area inside the passenger cabin. The engine compartment, battery area and front mechanical components remained completely unaffected by the fire. The vehicle was off, motor was cold and car was closed and parked for about 6 hours when this incident occurred.
NHTSA complaint #11761851 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iselin, NJ
POWER TRAIN
1. The car makes a squeaky sound when I accelerate. The faster I go the louder the noise becomes. I took the car to the Toyota dealership and was told that the transmission needs to be replaced. The car is only 5 years old. I checked online and noticed a lot of other people are also complaining about the same issue with their 2021 Toyota Highlander. 2. While driving on the Turnpike a few months ago, the driver side front door suddenly popped open on me. I had to hold it with my left hand, switched lane to pull safely to the shoulder lane in order to close it. The door was completely closed prior to this incident. When that happened, I was already driving on the road for over 1 hour. There was no previous signal that it was opened. It just popped open out of nowhere.
NHTSA complaint #11761538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fremont, OH
POWER TRAIN
The transmission whining started 70,000 miles and it is progressively gotten worse, there has been some sudden shifting at times. The manufacturer has known about this 8 speed transmission. Problem since 2017 and they haven’t done anything to improve it. Isn’t is something that the warranty only covers the drivetrain and. Transmission till 60,000. And know they are telling us that we have to pay anywhere from $7,000-$12,000 to,have it replaced. We have taken it to the Toyota dealership Thayer Toyota in bowling green,oh and they checked it out. And said that the front part of the transmission is ok it’s but the rear differential is the one that is going bad. We are hoping that there will an investigation on this UA80 transmission to see how many of the toyota models that have this transmission in it, have been reported and if any after the 60,000mile they have covered to be repaired at there cost. We understand that there is a CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT against this transmission. We would appreciate any help that you can get us. We can be contacted at [XXX] or phone number [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761620 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Iselin, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
1. The car makes a squeaky sound when I accelerate. The faster I go the louder the noise becomes. I took the car to the Toyota dealership and was told that the transmission needs to be replaced. The car is only 5 years old. I checked online and noticed a lot of other people are also complaining about the same issue with their 2021 Toyota Highlander. 2. While driving on the Turnpike a few months ago, the driver side front door suddenly popped open on me. I had to hold it with my left hand, switched lane to pull safely to the shoulder lane in order to close it. The door was completely closed prior to this incident. When that happened, I was already driving on the road for over 1 hour. There was no previous signal that it was opened. It just popped open out of nowhere.
NHTSA complaint #11761538 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bartlett, IL
SERVICE BRAKES
While driving and applying the brakes to come to a complete stop at low speed (approximately 5–15 mph), the vehicle intermittently loses brake responsiveness for a brief moment during the transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic (friction) braking. This causes the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly before the brakes fully re-engage. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable, occurring most often when coming to a stop at slow speed, which makes it difficult to anticipate and compensate for. This has happened more than a few times now, most latest, On XXX, this occurred while approaching a stop at traffic light and it felt that the vehicle nearly made contact with the vehicle ahead of me. I brought the vehicle to Elgin Toyota in [XXX] , in 2025 to report this issue. The service department test drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the symptom and did not perform any repair. I have since learned that Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, "Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement," dated XXX, which describes this exact symptom in 2020–2022 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. I am filing this report because I believe this is a safety-related braking defect, particularly at low-speed stops, that creates a real risk of a rear-end collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
NHTSA complaint #11761604 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Edison, NJ
POWER TRAIN
Toyota has known that the UA80 transmissions are faulty & they have not issued a recall. Mine failed at 60,500 miles just outside of the warranty period. I paid over $5,000 to have it replaced & the dealer confirmed that it required replacement due to a faulty transmission assembly. Toyota refuses to issue a recall or cover full costs for replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11760864 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mount Shasta, CA
POWER TRAIN
The car's transmission is failing. •The "Whine of Death": The most common early warning sign is a high-pitched, airplane-like whining noise that rises in pitch with vehicle speed/engine RPM, especially once the transmission reaches operating temperature. •Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs): Toyota has issued internal bulletins (such as T-SB-0008-21 and related updates) addressing abnormal transmission noises and replacement protocols for affected V6 models. •No Formal Safety Recall (as of mid-2026): While the issue has spurred class-action lawsuits and high NHTSA complaint volumes, there has not been a mandatory safety recall for widespread replacement, leaving post-warranty owners to rely on goodwill assistance or third-party warranties.
NHTSA complaint #11759926 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Cicero, IL
POWER TRAIN
It's about the problem with the automatic transmission UA80 already has the buzz That many customers are complaining sometimes it has jerks too.
NHTSA complaint #11760076 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Rapid City, SD
POWER TRAIN
At 66,000 miles the transmission on my 2021 toyota highlander is failing. This is a known issue with these transmissions and toyota is actively working against people to help get the parts replaced at their cost.
NHTSA complaint #11759634 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Western Springs, IL
STRUCTURE:BODY
Lift gate does not open. Hydraulic struts have failed and the lift gate will only open with significant manual effort. This means that the rear door cannot be opened from inside the car.
NHTSA complaint #11759561 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Lithia, FL
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
My system information warning signal and chime indicates that an unbuckled passenger is present in my front passenger seat when nobody is there. Additionally, buckling the seat belt does not turn off the signal and chime. The sporadic signal and chime can continue for a very long time before eventually stopping. However, after another 30 seconds or so, it can start again. This cycle can continue for over an hour. It tends to occur more frequently above 35mph, but can also occur under that speed. From my research, this problem appears similar to another recall (Recall #23TA15 / Campaign 23V-865000), however my VIN currently isn't included in that recall.
NHTSA complaint #11758715 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Washington, UT
POWER TRAIN
Bought my 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 3 years ago due to supposed safety and reliability. Transmission went out right after warranty at 64,000 miles. Was not made aware that this is a common issue. Vehicle hard shifted and suddenly lost power when driving home with my 4 year old while making a left turn, and we were almost hit by oncoming traffic. Have not had prior issues in the past to suspect this would happen, so it was very sudden and unexpected. There has been no recalls or awareness for this which could have seriously injured my child and I. Went to take it to the closest mechanic right away to troubleshoot since the vehicle was not throwing any codes.
NHTSA complaint #11758405 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waverly Hall, GA
POWER TRAIN
I made my last payment on my Toyota in June and the week I made my payment my mechanic confirmed a whining that had just started to be a transmission failure. After taking to another specialty transmission shop my transmission is failing. The internal bearings are failing just like the recall in other 2021 models. I’ve been told my VIN isn’t part of the recall but it is the same problem. I am having to pay $8500 on a transmission for a just paid off Toyota. I was so excited to be debt free. This is unacceptable. A Toyota transmission should not fail the minute it’s paid off. I’m very disappointed in Toyota. I contacted the dealership and the warranty help team to try to get part or all paid for and got nowhere. My car needs to be included in the recall of Highlanders with the internal bearing failure.
NHTSA complaint #11758572 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Milton, WI
POWER TRAIN
At around 75000 miles (less than 5 year old vehicle) the transmission exhibited a noticeable whine. After further research I presented the vehicle to the local Toyota dealer service department. An active technical service bulletin T-SB-0008-21 that describes a manufacturing defect with the front carrier assembly pinion shaft (essentially a catastrophic transmission failure) was matched to the symptom the vehicle was exhibiting. Further, my transmission serial number is directly within the affected production defect list. Failure to replace this transmission at significant cost (should not normally be routine maintenance on a highway driven vehicle at this age and mileage) could result in total loss of power and control causing the potential for a severe traffic hazard or accident.
NHTSA complaint #11757911 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Annapolis, MD
POWER TRAIN
This vehicle experienced transmission failure at 43,000 miles. There is a technical bulletin regarding a known manufacturer defect for this Make/Model/Year (TSB-008-21) and we were told by our Toyota service technician that our vehicle displayed all of the same symptoms as those identified in the technical bulletin. Unfortunately the serial number for our vehicle was not included in the bulletin and we were four months outside of the power train warranty, therefore Toyota refused to cover the costs of replacing the transmission. We are requesting that TSB-008-21 is reviewed and expanded to cover additional vehicles including ours that were affected by this manufacturer defect that caused both a safety risk as well as a financial hardship for our family.
NHTSA complaint #11757967 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
