2018 Toyota Highlander — Known Issues & Recalls

Your transmission started slipping and hesitating around 50,000 miles, then completely failed at 96,956 miles—your car wouldn't accelerate on the highway and displayed multiple warning lights (traction control off, check engine, check AWD system). Toyota replaced the transmission under warranty, but the new one is exhibiting the same hesitation and slipping problems at just 10,000 miles. The issue may require further diagnosis or another transmission replacement to resolve the persistent shifting problems.

Your transmission failed at 102,000 miles, just 2,000 miles over Toyota's warranty. The check engine light came on, and diagnostic testing showed a faulty torque converter pressure control solenoid causing transmission problems. Toyota will cover $6,000 in parts, but you'll need to pay for labor and taxes on the full $11,303 repair cost, and you're currently waiting over a month for parts to arrive. The repair will likely involve replacing the entire transmission.

Your transmission has failed, causing your car to suddenly stop moving forward on the highway. You experienced rough gear shifting earlier in the day, and when the problem worsened that night, your car wouldn't accelerate or climb hills before stopping completely, leaving you stranded for 1.5 hours. The transmission fluid was burnt and the internal components failed, likely due to issues with the torque converter clutch and pressure control solenoids. Repair will require transmission service or replacement, potentially including new solenoids and a fluid change.

Your transmission failed while driving on the freeway, preceded by a whining noise. The dealer confirmed the transmission needed replacement, and Toyota has issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) for this issue, though you weren't notified beforehand. The repair will likely involve rebuilding or replacing the transmission.

Your Highlander makes a high-pitched whining or siren-like noise when you're accelerating at speeds above 40 mph, and the noise stops when you release the accelerator. A mechanic has suggested this could be a transfer case or transmission-related component failing. While this noise is concerning, the complaint doesn't describe any actual loss of power or stalling.

Your 2018 Toyota Highlander AWD makes a whining noise when you press the gas pedal, which stops when you release it. You may also notice a delay or slippage when the transmission shifts gears. This started at 116,000 miles despite regular dealer maintenance. The transmission fluid, filter, and solenoids may need inspection or replacement to address the noise and shifting delays.

Your transmission is making grinding sounds when you accelerate and the vehicle jerks when shifting gears. A dealer inspection found that your transmission fluid is dirty and both the transmission assembly and torque converter likely need replacement. This typically requires a complete transmission service or rebuild to restore proper shifting and eliminate the noise.

Your transmission makes a whining noise and shifts hard when going into 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gears. The dealer says your 2018 Highlander with 156,000 miles isn't covered under warranty and needs a full transmission replacement, estimated at $7,300. Fixing this issue will require replacing the entire transmission.

Your 2018 Highlander is experiencing transmission problems — you may notice hesitation when accelerating, delayed shifts, and a whining sound from the transmission. A dealer has diagnosed transmission failure and quoted $9,624 for replacement, though the part is on backorder and could take months. You feel unsafe driving the vehicle due to risk of sudden complete failure. Repair will require transmission replacement, which is a major job typically done by a dealership or transmission specialist.

Your transmission has failed and needs to be replaced due to a manufacturing defect. This is a significant issue that will prevent your vehicle from operating properly. The repair will involve removing and replacing the entire transmission unit.

Your 2018 Highlander developed a rough idle with abnormal sounds while driving. When taken to the dealer, the transmission was diagnosed as failed, though no warning lights appeared. The dealer couldn't repair it because transmission parts weren't available nationwide. The problem occurred at about 98,340 miles. Fixing this issue will likely require a complete transmission rebuild or replacement.

Your 2018 Highlander is making a whining sound from the engine compartment and dashboard, which a mechanic has traced to a transmission fault. The transmission may need repair or replacement, though the work hasn't been completed yet. Toyota has been notified but hasn't offered assistance, though there may be a Technical Service Bulletin related to this issue.

Your transmission is making a whining noise, and a mechanic has indicated it may fail. This appears to be a known issue with this model year. You should have the transmission fluid and filter checked, and may need transmission service or repair.

Your transmission is making a whining sound similar to issues described in Toyota technical bulletins for 8-speed automatic transmissions. Your dealer has confirmed they've seen many cases like yours, but says your vehicle isn't covered under Toyota's recall or service bulletin for a transmission replacement. You may want to contact Toyota corporate or seek a second opinion from another Toyota dealer.

Your transmission started making a low-pitched whining noise when you accelerate, beginning around 90,000 miles. Since 105,000 miles, the transmission has been shifting roughly. While your vehicle is outside Toyota's deadline for a recall related to this issue, the symptoms match what Toyota documented in a technical service bulletin.

Your 2018 Toyota Highlander Platinum developed a high-pitched whine noise and vibration around 65,000 miles, and the transmission went into limp mode (reduced power mode), which indicates a serious transmission problem. The transmission has been identified as needing replacement. Your vehicle may not be safe to drive in this condition.

Your 2018 Highlander has had recurring problems with door lock actuators failing on multiple doors — the passenger side door lock failed twice, and now both the driver's side front and rear door locks won't lock or unlock electronically. You can only manually lock these doors, which creates a safety concern: rear doors can be opened by children, and you might inadvertently leave the vehicle unlocked when exiting. The dealership says the repair isn't covered because your warranty expired, but they've noted this same issue appears in several other Highlanders. Fixing this will require replacing the faulty door lock actuators on the affected doors.

Your steering wheel is becoming hard to turn, and your check engine light keeps coming on. When this happens, your vehicle loses power and won't restart for several minutes. A mechanic found that your throttle body, air control system, and battery sensor have failed, but even after repairs, the problem keeps returning. The repair will likely involve replacing the throttle body, air intake control valve, and battery sensor.

When you tried to open your trunk, it made squeaky sounds and then suddenly broke with a loud noise, scattering glass everywhere. The trunk lid appears to have failed catastrophically during normal operation. The trunk lid and rear window assembly may need complete replacement.

While driving at 58 mph, you heard a popping sound and discovered your sunroof glass had suddenly shattered. The sunroof failed at 165,000 miles without any apparent impact or accident. The glass will likely need to be completely replaced, which typically involves removing the sunroof frame and installing new tempered glass.