2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

What owners reported to NHTSA, ranked by how often and how seriously.

This is complaint data, not a random sample.

It only includes owners who chose to file a federal complaint, so it over-represents dramatic and safety-related problems and under-represents minor issues an owner just had fixed without reporting. Read this as what NHTSA complainants report most, not as this vehicle's true failure rate. Full methodology.

Component ranking

  1. #1

    transmission automatic

    21 stranded, 130 unsafe, 2 broken, 7 annoyance

    160
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=16, median 62,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "WHEN I AM DRIVING AT LOWER SPEEDS, THE TRANSMISSION SEARCHES FOR THE CORRECT GEAR. IT'S VERY ROUGH AND AT TIMES HAS MADE DRIVING UNSAFE. THIS HAPPENS ALL THE TIME AT LOWER SPEEDS."~12,600 mi, complaint #1703500
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly and failed to shift back to the intended gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where th…"~25,000 mi, complaint #1991432
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that when the vehicle was started, the check engine warning light illuminated and disappeared later in the evening. Additionally, the contact stated while driving approximately 40 MPH, there was a w…"~54,471 mi, complaint #2040247
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal burning oil odor coming from the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was…"~92,000 mi, complaint #2059285
  2. #2

    engine stall or no start

    3 stranded, 31 unsafe

    34
    incidents
    Typical range: 3,500–23,000 mi

    Median 6,000 mi, based on 34 reports (45% had no usable mileage)

    • "I OWN A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, IT HAS STALLED SEVERAL TIMES DURING BUSY COMMUTE TO OR FROM WORK. I AM SO SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE, THAT I REFUSE TO DRIVE IT TO ANY DESTINATION LONGER THAN 50 MILES. I NEED THIS CAR REPLACED, I HAVE THREE YOUNG CHILDREN, AN…"~1,000 mi, complaint #1658979
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE IGNITION START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OXMOOR TOYOTA (LOCATED AT [REDACTED ADDRESS], LOUISVILLE, KY 40222, [RE…"~3,300 mi, complaint #1583071
    • "TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED ALONG WITH A CHIME. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE PROPE…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1662520
    • "VEHICLE STALLS OUT SEVERAL TIMES. HAVE TAKEN IT TO DEALERSHIP BUT NO PROBLEM FOUND. WE WERE DRIVING THE VEHICLE MADE A TURN ONTO A MAJOR STREET DURING RUSH HOUR. IT STALLED OUT, WE JUST MADE IT TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR FINALLY GAVE OUT AND DID NOT START AG…"~17,000 mi, complaint #1674781
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle began to loose automotive power and stalled. During the incident, several warning messages were activated which included the check engine light an…"~96,200 mi, complaint #2016541
  3. #3

    fuel pump

    4 stranded, 27 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    32
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=24, median 13,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "PULLING OUT OF A BUSINESS PARKING LOT (SOMEWHAT OF AN INCLINE) ONTO BUSY STREET AND VEHICLE STALLED. BAD TIMING FOR THIS TO HAPPEN. MASTER CAUTION LIGHT ILLUMINATED BUT NOT CEL PER WIFE WHO WAS DRIVING. I THINK RECENT RECALL UNDERWAY FOR FUEL PUMP DOESN'T INC…"~3,900 mi, complaint #1642730
    • "GAS SPILLING AFTER FUEL PUMP RECALL*** EVER SINCE FUEL PUMP RECALL WAS DONE ON 08/15/2020, THE CAR IS LEAVING ME IN A DANGEROUS SITUATION WHEN I FILL MY GAS TANK IN THE GAS STATION AND IT'S SPILLING OUT GAS EVEN AFTER THE PUMP NOZZLE CUTS OFF. THIS HAPPENED T…"~6,500 mi, complaint #1690508
    • "THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE ON 1/8/21 AT TOYOTA OF SCRANTON FOR REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. THEY HAD REPLACED ARM AWAY, TRAILING. WE CALLED AGAIN FOR DEVICE IN FEBRUARY 2021 FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE ON MARCH 20,2021, WHICH T…"~12,760 mi, complaint #1736806
    • "FUEL PUMP STOPS WORKING WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY AT HIGH SPEEDS, VEHICLE RIDES ROUGH INTERMITTENTLY THEN SHUTS DOWN. VEHICLE WILL NOT START UP AGAIN."~16,500 mi, complaint #1637856
    • "WHILE DRIVING ON A CITY STREET IN BALTIMORE, MD ON VACATION AT ABOUT 35 MPH HAVING JUST CONE AROUND A BLIND CURVE MY VEHICLE'S ENGINE SHUT OFF AND WOULD NOT RESTART, GOT MULTIPLE MALFUNCTIONS ON THE DISPLAY. WE WERE ALMOST REAR ENDED MULTIPLE TIMES DUE TO TH…"~47,000 mi, complaint #1677615
  4. #4

    infotainment head unit

    8 unsafe, 8 annoyance

    16
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=9)

    • "THE COMPUTER/RADIO AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS ITSELF OFF AND THEN REBOOTS. IT HAS DONE THIS TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. IT DOES THIS RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. IT BECOMES DANGEROUS BECAUSE I LIVE IN A STATE WHERE I AM NOT ALLOWED TO HOLD A PHONE WHILE DRIVING, SO WHEN I…"~2,500 mi, complaint #1694560
    • "I USED THE HANDS FREE DEVICE WHEN TALKING ON THE PHONE WHILE DRIVING, VIEW INCOMING EMAIL MAIL, THE NAVIGATION SYSTEM ON THE HIGHWAY. I INCURRED THIS PROBLEM FOR SEVERAL MONTHS SINCE PURCHASING THE VEHICLE IN FEBRUARY 2019.ON THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2019 I HAD…"~9,444 mi, complaint #1623169
    • "THE VOICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. I BOUGHT IT AS A PRE-CERTIFIED 2019 HIGHLANDER FROM A TOYOTA DEALER WITH 16K MILES. AT THE TIME IT WAS WORKING THE STOPPED WORKING. AFTER 3WKS I FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE TO PUSH THE START BUTTON 2X WITH THE ENGINE…"~16,638 mi, complaint #1695048
  5. #5

    airbag system

    14 unsafe

    14
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=11, median 10,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT UPON ENTERING AN INTERSECTION, THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO APPLY THE BRAKES BUT MISSED THE PEDAL. THE CONTACT ENDED UP ROLLING INTO THE INTERSECTION AND WAS HIT BY TWO VEHICLES ON BOTH SIDES.…"~500 mi, complaint #1639767
    • "OTHER CAR PULLED INTO INTERSECTION CAUSING OUR HIGHLANDER TO COLLIDE WITH TURNING VEHICLE. T COLLISION. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SPEEDS AROUND 35 MPH. CAR TOTALED AND I SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSION. WAS WEARING SEATBELT."~5,000 mi, complaint #1627020
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT 40 MPH, SHE REAR ENDED A VEHICLE IN FRONT BUT THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. THERE WAS NO WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A COLLISION CENTER FOR COSMETIC REP…"~18,000 mi, complaint #1666571
    • "The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while his wife was driving at low speeds in a parking area, she briefly lost control only coming to a stop after colliding with a light pole. The air bags did not deploy. No warning lights wer…"~41,000 mi, complaint #2070599
    • "The contact owned a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 25 MPH, she crashed into a large commercial vehicle. As a result, her vehicle went underneath the large vehicle and her air bags failed to deploy upon impact. The contact hit…"~70,000 mi, complaint #1899144
  6. #6

    hv system fault reduced power

    1 stranded, 11 unsafe

    12
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=10, median 10,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY CHUGS AND STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS. WHICH RESULTS IN POOR FUEL MILEAGE. VEHICLE HAS ALSO STALLED 3 OTHER OCCASIONS WITHOUT CHUGGING AND NOT IN MOTION, ALL 3 TIMES WAS WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN. LOOSES POWER WITHOUT EN…"~4,200 mi, complaint #1651859
    • "HYBRID HIGHLANDER STALLED AS I WAS PULLING OUT OF DRIVEWAY, WAS IN MOTION WHEN MY CAR COASTED TO A COMPLETE STOP, COULD NOT BRAKE, ALL POWER SEEMED TO SHUT DOWN. MESSAGE APPEARED SAYING: HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION CONTACT DEALER. CAR WAS TOWED TO DEALER AND T…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1606882
    • "WHILE DRIVING IN A CITY WARNINGS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON: "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED", "ALL WHEEL DRIVE FAILED", "TAKE CAR TO THE DEALER", AND THE CAR STOPPED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. FOLLOWING DAY THE DEALER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT EVERYTHING IN TH…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1679683
    • "WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT LAG WHEN I APPLIED GAS THEN STARTED BEEPING AND PROVIDED THE WARNINGS: CHECK ENGINE, HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK AWD SYSTEM. I TURNED THE CAR OFF MULTIPLE TIMES, THE ERRORS WERE STI…"~10,800 mi, complaint #1594305
  7. #7

    other

    5 unsafe, 7 annoyance

    12
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=5)

    • "MAY 31 I WAS PICKING MY PASSENGERS AS DIVING TO UBER DRIVER. I PARKED MY VEHICLE STEP OUT TO OPEN BACK DOOR TO OPEN MY 3RD ROW SEAT BUT DOOR DIDN'T ABLE TO OPEN AND SAME MINUTES I HEARD VOICE BEEP COMING OUT FROM FRONT STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED AROUND WENT TO S…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1595966
    • "BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW IN NOV 19 AND IN THE FIRST HEAVY DOWNPOUR DRIVING AT MORE THAN THE NORMAL STREET CRAWL AT 35MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED SEVERELY WHILE MERGING FROM A HIGHWAY UNTO ANOTHER. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE AWD SYSTEM COULD HAVE BEEN BAD. I HAVE ASKED…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1700662
  8. #8

    acceleration loss or hesitation

    11 unsafe

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=15, median 6,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "SEVERE HESITATION WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND INSTANT POWER/QUICK ACCELERATION NEEDED. ALSO NOTED WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, AFTER CAR HAS SLOWED DOWN BELOW 5 MPH TO MAKE THE CORNER. GAS IS APPLIED WITH HESITATION. NOTED MO…"~500 mi, complaint #1554565
    • "WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND THEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE AGAIN THERE IS A HESITATION FROM WHEN I PUSH THE GAS PEDAL AND WHEN THE CAR ACTUALLY ACCELERATES. IT HAPPENS FROM A COMPLETE STOP SOMETIMES ALSO. SOMETIMES THE CAR JERKS WHEN IT DOES THIS. THE PASSENGER CAN FE…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1699236
    • "LACK OF RESPONSIVENESS IN ACCELERATION FROM A STOP; SLUGGISH RESPONSE TO PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP OR WHILE MOVING AND ATTEMPTING TO PASS SLOWER MOVING VEHICLES; HAVE NEARLY CAUSED AN ACCIDENT MORE THAN ONCE WHEN TURNING/PULLING OU…"~6,250 mi, complaint #1702808
    • "VEHICLE RAN WELL FOR ABOUT 5 MONTHS BUT STARTED HESITATING, REDUCED THROTTLE RESPONSE AND JUMPING FORWARD ONCE GAS PEDAL DEPRESSED FURTHER. HESITATION FELT IN STEERING WHEEL AND TRANSMISSION SHIFTING IRREGULAR. NOTHING ON COMPUTER DIAGNOSTICS, THEREFORE NOTH…"~10,000 mi, complaint #1702520
    • "VEHICLE HAD A PROLONGED HESITATION WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE INTO MOVING TRAFFIC WHILE RAMPING ONTO THE INTERSTATE. AFTER THE HESITATION THE VEHICLE THEN SURGED INTO TRAFFIC."~16,000 mi, complaint #1719063
  9. #9

    noise or vibration unspecified

    1 unsafe, 10 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 13,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "OBNOXIOUS WIND NOISE!!! DEALER SERVICE MGR ACKNOWLEDGED IT WAS LOUD BUT SAID ALL ON HIS LOT WERE LOUD, MINE WAS MUCH LOUDER BUT TOLD IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW. IT IS. HUGE DISTRACTION WHILE DRIVING ANYTHING OVER 30 MPH. IT'S LITERALLY WIND NOISE NOT ROAD NOISE. TH…"~4,200 mi, complaint #1638438
    • "THE ERGONOMIC FAULTY DESIGN OF THE 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED PLATINUM CAUSES EXCESSIVE WIND NOISE COMING INTO THE CABIN WHEN DRIVING AT ANY SPEED. IT IS DISTRACTING AND ANNOYING. I WAS TOLD BY TOYOTA IT WAS A DESIGN FLAW WHICH THEY HAVE ATTEMPTED IN VAIN…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1649215
    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CONICELLI TOYOTA LOCATED AT 860 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRIN…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1701670
    • "REAR HUMMING/BUZZING SOUND WHEN VEHICLE IS TURNED OFF."~13,000 mi, complaint #1616999
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that recently while driving at speeds above 40 MPH, there was a whining sound coming from the engine compartment. The cause of the sound was not yet determined. The manufacturer and local dealer wer…"~51,000 mi, complaint #2030409
  10. #10

    wiring harness

    5 unsafe, 6 annoyance

    11
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "On occasion I have been walking around this car while its just parked in my garage and I hear a a humming sound like a electric gas pump. This is 4 hours after it was used last. It is a faint sound coming from the the rear seating area. Just before I st…"complaint #1811786
    • "A reoccurring noise comes from the passenger side of the vehicle every time I drive. It sounds like a short in a wire or maybe a loose wire. I can’t decide if it’s coming from the passenger door or the passenger seat. It is not affected by turning the radio…"complaint #1969666
    • "There is a loud, ear splitting sound that occurs at start up. It doesn’t happen every time but has happened multiple times since I’ve owned the car for 1 year. It is very loud—like a shrill feedback noise from a microphone. "complaint #1969667
    • "I have a sporadic high pitch screeching beep when I start my car. It started about 3 months ago. It is so LOUD and glad I don’t have little kids or older adults I have to transport. I have noticed my SOS consistently blinks green and red."complaint #1977666
    • "Occasionally upon starting the vehicle an EXTREMELY high pitched screech is emitted - probably through the speakers for a few seconds. The sound is ear splitting. This occurs ~5 of the times when starting. "complaint #1986957
  11. #11

    brake hydraulics

    10 unsafe

    10
    incidents

    Commonly reported, insufficient mileage data - n=12, median 43,000 mi, no reliable range below 25 reports.

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floor; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off…"~27,500 mi, complaint #1829256
  12. #12

    engine internal

    8 unsafe, 2 annoyance

    10
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WITH 300MILES ON HIGHLANDER STARTED TO EXPERIENCE ISSUES IN DRIVING AND DROP IN PERFORMANCE. PERFORMANCE WAS VERY SIGNIFICANT ESPECIALLY NOTICEABLE IN MPG. AT SCENARIOS WHEN THE CAR WOULD NOT DRIVE UP THE HILL BUT REV TO MAX AND START ROLLING BACK WITH 'CLICKI…"~15,000 mi, complaint #1665331
  13. #13

    control module

    4 unsafe, 3 annoyance

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, and the battery was replaced…"~77,000 mi, complaint #2005912
  14. #14

    glass and windshield

    6 unsafe, 1 broken

    7
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE THE COLD WATER FROM THE HOSE CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE ROOF. VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN PRIOR TO THIS. VEHICLE HAD JUST SPEND TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE SIGN AND NO MENTION WAS MADE O…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1669300
    • "04/07/21 @ 11:30 AM, TEMP 47 F, OVERCAST, DRY, DRIVING 65 MPH, N. ON NEB. HIWAY # 77. RURAL LANDSCAPE, NO OTHER VEHICLES NEAR US, SUNROOF GLASS EXPLODED AND SHATTERED. ROOF HAD BEEN CLOSED. SUNSHADE WAS CLOSED WHICH KEPT US FROM BEING COVERED IN GLASS PIECE…"~32,000 mi, complaint #1739596
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 50 MPH and while the sunroof was closed, the sunroof glass exploded. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not yet taken to an independent mechanic…"~60,000 mi, complaint #1870736
  15. #15

    sunroof

    6 unsafe

    6
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ~30PMH ON A HOT AFTERNOON. NO OTHER CARS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. NO TREES OVERHEAD OR OTHER DEBRIS FOUND THAT COULD HAVE TRIGGERED THE SHATTERING. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION OVERHEAD. UPON INSPECTION, THE GLAS…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1579890
    • "REAR SEAT GLASS SUNROOF IMPLODED WHILE DRIVING DOWN A HIGHWAY AT 55 MPH. THE SUNROOF WAS NOT PHYSICALLY CONTACTED BY ANY OBJECTS. WE HEARD WHAT SOUNDED LIKE A FIRECRACKER/CHERRY BOMB GO OFF INSIDE THE VEHICLE. WE PULLED OVER AND NOTED THE DAMAGE TO THE SUNROOF…"~25,022 mi, complaint #1696769
  16. #16

    seat mechanism

    4 unsafe, 1 broken

    5
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "THE 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE SECOND ROW HEADRESTS LACK LOCKING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS! YES YOU HAVE JUST READ THIS CORRECTLY! THEY ARE NOT LIKE THE FRONT ROW LOCKING HEIGHT INCREMENTS. THEY DO NOT LOCK WHEN THEY ARE EVEN PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN! THE ONLY HEIGHT…"~3,000 mi, complaint #1640633
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while adjusting the driver's seat, the control was making an abnormal buzzing sound. The contact stated that the seat was not moving forward or backward, and the seat back was not moving forwar…"~64,000 mi, complaint #2007892
  17. #17

    battery and charging

    2 stranded, 2 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "I was driving and stopped at a red light on 4 lane intersection (very busy). I went to press on the gas and my car would not move. I put it in park and and then back in drive. It still did not move. It "died". I looked at the dash and it said "electrical…"complaint #1780832
    • "Battery constantly keeps dying. I have already bought two new batteries. I have been stranded because my car would not start. For no reason and never know when it will happen but battery will drain and not crank "complaint #1815366
    • "Random Battery Drain. Driver and passengers can be put in danger if car doesn’t start and vehicle is in an unsafe location. AAA replaced battery with a new one but the random battery drain problem continues to occur. No warning signs prior to dead battery.…"complaint #1882767
    • "What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 12V battery How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle unable to start. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or indep…"complaint #2159419
  18. #18

    fuel injector

    3 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT YET AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TOYOTA OF NORTH CHARLOTTE DE…"~26,000 mi, complaint #1641928
  19. #19

    power windows and locks

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE TAILGATE, ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MALLOY TOYOTA ([REDACTED ADDRESS], WINCHESTER, VA 22601, [REDACTED PHONE]) TO BE DIAG…"~4,800 mi, complaint #1578493
  20. #20

    seatbelt and pretensioner

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "THE RIGHT REAR SEATBELT (2ND ROW SEAT IN VEHICLE WITH 3 ROWS) RIPPED FROM BASIC USE FROM A CHILD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW FROM TOYOTA SUDBURY, MA AND OWNED APPROXIMATELY 1-YEAR. IN LATE DECEMBER 2019, MY CHILD NOTICED THE RE…"~16,982 mi, complaint #1660877
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the 2nd row passenger’s side seat belt had started to fray at the top and near the buckle halfway through. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer who stated that the seat belts needed to be…"~30,000 mi, complaint #1843695
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while her grandkids were attempting to latch the rear seat belts, the seat belts independently unlatched. The seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The v…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1995186
  21. #21

    throttle and pedal

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=4)

    • "2019 HIGHLANDER PURCHASED 12/2019. I GUESS I AM LUCKY, MINE HAS NOT STALLED YET. VERY POOR THROTTLE RESPONSE. TAKEN TO AUTIO NATION TOYOTA FT MYERS 3 TIMES INCLUDING HAVING A REGIONAL REP THERE. HE CLAIMS MINE IS OPERATING WITHIN FACTORY SPECS. SUPPOSED…"~2,800 mi, complaint #1686880
  22. #22

    unintended acceleration

    4 unsafe

    4
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his wife was driving in a parking lot at approximately 2 MPH, the vehicle suddenly accelerated without the contact's wife having depressed the accelerator pedal. The vehicle crashed into a rai…"~40,000 mi, complaint #1836163
  23. #23

    ac compressor and refrigerant

    2 unsafe, 1 annoyance

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THE REAR AC VENTS PUMP OUT PERFUMED AIR. WE BOUGHT OUR VEHICLE IN DECEMBER SO DID NOT TEST DRIVE WITH THE AC ON OR WE WOULD NEVER HAVE BOUGHT THE CAR. I AM ONE OF MANY WHO ARE SENSITIVE TO PERFUMES AND THE POLLUTION IN THE CAR GIVES ME A HEADACHE, MAKES ME NAU…"~800 mi, complaint #1602631
  24. #24

    adas adaptive cruise

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "DRCC MALFUNCTION. WHILE APPROACHING A SLOWER VEHICLE ON A HIGHWAY, THE CAR DECELERATES. IF WHILE DECELERATING I CHANGE LANES, THEN THE SYSTEM DOES NOT "SEE" THE CAR IN FRONT IN THE NEW LANE AND STARTS ACCELERATING TOWARDS THE CAR FULL SPEED APPROACHING THE CAR…"~5,000 mi, complaint #1693782
  25. #25

    adas collision warning

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=6)

    • "A MONTH AGO, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH SNOW SHOWERS UP TO NH TO GO SKIING, WITH OUR NIFTY ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN I REALIZED THAT WE WERE ACCELERATING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. I ASSUMED THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WAS COVERED IN SLUSH, TOOK…"~6,000 mi, complaint #1733381
    • "DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD FOLLOWING A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. CRUISE IS ON AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IS NOT AFFECTING MY SPEED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TURNS LEFT INTO THEIR DRIVEWAY AND IS COMPLETELY OFF THE ROADWAY. MY CAR BRAKES VERY HARD LIKE THERE IS SOMETHI…"~8,000 mi, complaint #1740771
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH under a local under path the vehicles the braking system suddenly activated causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. Previously the while driving at th…"~80,000 mi, complaint #2205257
  26. #26

    driveshaft axle cv

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Both the right and left constant velocity axels are making noise. The dealer tells us it is under warranty and will be repaired. However, there are no repair parts available and on national back order. The dealer parts department indicates that there have been…"complaint #1929411
    • "Started noticing a whining noise when accelerating. This appears to be drive shaft/transmission issue. Was quoted 7k to remove and replace. This should be an active recall for this issue what is Toyota doing?"complaint #2138282
    • "This vehicle safety complaint is regarding my 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE, VIN [XXX] . A Toyota-authorized dealership, Sansone Toyota in Avenel, New Jersey, documented that the front driver axle is prone to freezing in the differential. This is a serious safet…"complaint #2201903
  27. #27

    lighting exterior

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARKNESS MY HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT GIVING ME ENOUGH LIGHTNING SO I CAN SEE CLEARLY. I JUST PURCHASED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE ON 10-10-2020"~14,280 mi, complaint #1698864
  28. #28

    steering electric assist

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE. AT 1230 MILES EPS FAILURE WARNING LIGHT CAME ON. THE STEERING WHEEL WILL NOT TURN. VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO TOYOTA UNIVERSE IN NEW JERSEY. RECALIBRATED THE COMPUTER. THE NEXT DAY THE PROBLEM OCCURRED AGAIN. I WAS PULLING OUT OF…"~1,230 mi, complaint #1658876
  29. #29

    tire failure

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA, TIRE SIZE: P245/60/R18 TIRES, DOT NUMBER (NOT PROVIDED). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREADWEAR ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE WEARING AT AN ALARMING R…"~9,000 mi, complaint #1683453
    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander equipped with Yokohama Tires, Tire Line: Geolandar HT-G056, Tire Size: 245/60/R18, DOT Number: TCCI2Y889. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however the…"~27,000 mi, complaint #2147314
  30. #30

    torque converter

    3 unsafe

    3
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "Vehicle experienced sudden loss of power and severe hesitation from a stop. Acceleration is extremely weak from approximately 0–20 mph, then returns to normal once moving. Traction control system automatically disables itself and check engine light illuminates…"complaint #2169045
    • "Around Halloween 2025 my Toyota’s Transmission started slipping. I called a few places and no one except Toyota would address the issue except a local shop in [XXX] , Ridge Auto Repair who after checking out the vehicle said they can’t repair it because the…"complaint #2203618
    • "My 2019 Toyota Highlander XLE V6 developed a serious transmission-related safety problem that ultimately resulted in a sudden loss of propulsion while driving. For some time before the failure, I had noticed an unusual startup noise during cold starts and men…"complaint #2213780
  31. #31

    alignment and pull

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "THIS SUVS 2019 HIGHLANDER STANDARD 'EQUIPMENT LIST' STATES THAT IT CAN TOW UP TO 5,000 LBS. IT ONLY HAS FRONT WHEEL DRIVE. WITH A WEIGHT DISTRIBUTION HITCH INSTALLED, AROUND 4,200 LBS. TOW WEIGHT AND AROUND 370 LBS. OF TOUGH WEIGHT THE SUV HAD A HARD TIME PU…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1595138
  32. #32

    brake booster

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY AND BRAKE BOOSTER PUMP ASSEMBLY. Yes, both parts will be available for inspection. How was your safety or the safety of others put at r…"complaint #1879444
    • "While at a stop sign fully stopped the car rolled forward on several occasions. My warranty had just expired a month prior. My car has always been maintained and maintenanced. I was stuck paying a lot of money and no car should be moving when you have your foo…"complaint #2064247
  33. #33

    fuel tank and lines

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED WITH A MESSAGE REFERRING THE CONTACT TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TAKEN TO THE NEAREST DEALER TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN T…"~14,000 mi, complaint #1672277
  34. #34

    transfer case awd

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=3)

    • "ME AND MY FAMILY WERE LEAVING A HOTEL IN TARRYTOWN NY. I PARKED THE CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 OUTSIDE, HELPED MY WIFE AND 21-MONTH BABY INTO THE BACK SEAT AND HAD TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK BUT IT WAS LOCKED. IN THAT MOMENT THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE EN…"~7,000 mi, complaint #1607668
  35. #35

    transmission cvt

    2 unsafe

    2
    incidents

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 35 MPH, there was an abnormal whining sound coming from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact previously owned a 2017 Toyota Highlander an…"~133,000 mi, complaint #2148747
  36. #36

    engine cooling

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=1)

    • "BURNING ANTIFREEZE ODOR IN CABIN AFTER DRIVING FOR A FEW MINUTES."~900 mi, complaint #1616356
  37. #37

    engine head gasket

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "2GR engine family in general used in Toyota and Lexus, may have a MANUFACTURING defect as per google about the 2GR-FE engine subtype Yes, the Toyota 2GR-FE engine, a 3.5L V6 found in many Toyota and Lexus models, is known to have a recurring issue with head ga…"complaint #2066802
  38. #38

    ev drive unit or inverter

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=2)

    • "WHEN TRYING TO COAST TO A STOP AT AROUND 4 MPH THE CAR WILL SLAM TO A STOP. DOES NOT ALWAYS DO THIS BUT IT'S SOMETIMES VERY HARD TO COME TO A SMOOTH STOP AS THE CARS BRAKING SYSTEM (REGENERATIVE BRAKING?) WILL KICK IN BY ITSELF. CAN BE DANGEROUS IF A CAR IS…"~4,000 mi, complaint #1639026
  39. #39

    fluid leak unspecified

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "My car is leaking into my interior. It has come out of the electrical component areas. I worry it has infiltrated airbags & what could happen if they get wet (go off due to damage or not go off when supposed to). Have taken to dealership 3 times with no resolu…"complaint #2045879
  40. #40

    interior trim

    1 annoyance

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "The interior lights stopped working and the drive side sun visor won’t stay up and the beep never worked when I back up to something to close"complaint #1927945
  41. #41

    suspension arms and bushings

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "While entering a business park's parking lot, my vehicle suddenly and immediately stopped all forward movement. I was thrown against the steering wheel, injuring the right side of my chest and scraping the skin off my right forearm which was covered with the s…"complaint #1771735
  42. #42

    tpms

    1 unsafe

    1
    incident

    Mileage: suppressed (fewer than 10 mileage-bearing reports; n=0)

    • "NOT a tire issue, TPMS issue, had 2 replaced due to corrosion and slow leaks. These came with a certified used vehicle. Mettalic stems and NitroFill. From Dealer IRA toy of Danvers Mass. 245/60R18 tires. There was no tire damage Dash light came on before dri…"complaint #2005718

Search NHTSA's own recall and complaint database for TOYOTA HIGHLANDER directly.