2018 Toyota Highlander Transmission Problems

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 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.

Vehicle experienced whining noise when decelerating. Toyota dealer service technician documented the noise as coming from the transmission due to an issue with the pinion shafts. Our safety was put at risk by a potential for the transmission no longer working when driving. There were no warning lamps, messages, etc. prior to the failure. The failure occurred around 136,000 miles. All recommended services, including on the transmission, occurred at the same Toyota dealer service.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving uphill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated and rolled backwards unexpectedly. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic friend and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000.

The transmission makes a whining noise, especially when pulling, as in driving up an incline. I took the 2018 Highlander to Rusty Drewing Toyota in Jefferson City, MO to be diagnosed. They said the transmission needs to be replaced. In researching the problem, I found a bulletin/recall: 7A61K20482. The bulletin says the serial number must be before 7A617E03416. I want to get on your list and hopefully, be able to get some kind of relief for this problem.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that the RPM continued to increase rapidly, but the vehicle failed to respond. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of the nut inside the transmission, resulting in damage to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Customer Support Program: ZJC. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 104,000.

Transmission has failed at 73,000 miles

Transmission, whine rough shifting issues. Yes can be looked at. Tough to hear over the noise, harder to know when its going to change gears and increase speed due to slow/intermittent gear shifts. Yes they have a TSB from Toyota that descript the issue and Toyota has extend some vins warranty's for this issue but not for all affect vehicles apparently. No, not by any of those. Yes DTC have come on for awd system issues. Frist appear at 90K.

The transmission on my 2018 Highlander is failing prematurely at 80k miles in alignment with known/published customer support program ZJC. My car is not a VIN covered by the program today. Symptoms include a growing whining sound coming from the transmission and confirmed by two Toyota dealership service centers.

The vehicle started having a whining noise in the transmission around 60,000 mi we took it to the Toyota dealership they said they couldn't hear anything He called Toyota itself The customer support program several times they have neglected it and it's getting worse

August 14, 2025 while coming home from work, truck started to lose power. It slowed down on the main street and then coasted to a complete stop in the middle of the road. There were no signals or alerts until it went dead. The vehicle will start, but it will not advance when put in drive. I have had the vehicle towed to my dealership to expedite diagnosing the issue.

Whining noise on transmission at 79k miles

The transmission has failed after only 39,000 miles. As a result, the vehicle would not accelerate which lead to a dangerous situation while crossing an intersection. No engine light was shown and no sensors were triggered on the onboard computer so it was impossible to know there was an issue.

While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander (UA80F transmission), I began noticing a faint high-pitched whining noise between 25–45 mph around 63,000 miles. Over time, it progressively worsened, eventually including intermittent jerking and hard low-speed shifts, particularly during acceleration or uphill climbs. In wet conditions, the drivetrain lurches slightly under throttle, increasing risk of loss of control. I had a transmission fluid drain and fill service performed by a Toyota dealership at ~58,000 miles, along with full 4WD maintenance (differentials and transfer case). Despite this, symptoms developed shortly afterward. Toyota was notified and a corporate case was opened. I provided clear sound recordings, videos, and a full inspection history, and cited their Customer Support Program ZJC (POL19-04) for known defects related to UA80F whine and washer tab failures. Although my build date falls within the general failure range, Toyota refused coverage and claimed it was “operating to spec.” Tier 1 support initially confirmed ZJC eligibility, but Tier 2 reversed course with no follow-up. Dealership service also failed to elevate the case properly to my Zurich warranty provider, who required dealer confirmation to proceed. Multiple other owners have reported similar failures around 60K–100K miles, and I believe this is a dangerous latent defect that Toyota is attempting to narrowly contain. Whining precedes jerking, and jerking precedes full failure. Many complainants, like me, are met with stall tactics, deflection, or no follow-through. There were no warning lights or diagnostic codes, but the safety risk is growing. I believe this transmission issue deserves expanded CSP eligibility and potential recall investigation.

Whining noise coming out from the tranmission and dealer recommended for transaxle to be remanufatured. The issue was on going with Toyota Customer Support Program for Transmission UA80 but my VIN is not covered upon checking with them

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds and attempting to accelerate, the transmission whined abnormally loud. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced due to internal failures. The vehicle was not repaired because the warranty had expired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure by the local dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 107,000.

Transmission developed whine at 64,000 miles similar to the whine/issues experienced for customers covered under Toyota's ZJC Customer Support Program. My VIN was not in the range of impacted units, but had the same issue/failure.

Vehicle started making a whining noise and diagnosed at Lancaster Toyota as needing a new transmission at a cost of $8500. Ended up having transmission replaced at a local transmission repair shop for $7000.

I brought my car to the dealership due to a small whining noise when accelerating over 30mph. Technician determined the noise is coming from internal transmission failure and recommended replacement. The small whining noise was the only indication something was wrong. No check engine or warning lights on my dashboard. The car is under 50,000 miles at the time.

The 2018 Toyota Highlander has less than 100K miles on it and has been diagnosed with an $11K repair for essentially a new engine! The dealership (Coughlin Toyota, Heath OH) has said it needs cylinder head assembly for $10,684.20. The error message we are getting is a "Check Engine" light "Take Vehicle to Dealership" and the AWD/ Traction Control shuts off. When searching online forums, there are MANY people experiencing the same problem, apparently a well know issue with Toyota (not just Highlanders). We have only owned this vehicle for a few years and believe this is a manufacturer error that desperately needs investigated. Please.

My 2018 Highlander Transmission (8 speed model UA80) began a whine noise characteristic of Customer Support Bulletin POL19-04 when the vehicle hit 101k miles. Toyota performed an inspection on 8/9/2024 and recommends full transmission + transfer case replacement. The dealer confirmed also confirmed the issue is characteristic of POL19-04, but because the vehicle was manufactured 6-months after vehicles bracketed in POL19-04 (based on the transmission serial number) it is not included in the support program therefore not covered. Toyota UA80 transmissions have continued to have this issue (example - T-SB-0008-21 for '21 UA80 transmission). While Toyota acknowledges replacement of transmission is necessary to maintain a safe drivetrain, no customer-facing error messages are evident. Also note - transmission fluid has been maintained only using Toyota's recommended Fluid (Toyota branded WS ATF) at Toyota's specified intervals.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Whining noise from transmission on 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE model . Toyota has acknowledged this on large numbers of vehicles manufactured during the same year (TSB-0160-18). They have a voluntary recall for some of these vehicles during this year (2018), but not all of them. The transmission can fail which would cause the vehicle to stop running. On a highway or busy road, this presents a very large danger to both the vehicle occupants and also other people on the road. The vehicle has been inspected by both the dealership an an independent transmission shop and identified as the same transmission issue. Toyota will not correct this issue other than to say the transmission needs to be replaced as it will fail at some point in time. No other warning indicators other than the whining sound from the transmission. The symptoms appeared around 48700 miles on the vehicle.

Transaxle/Transmission failed at approx 67000 Miles. Emits a whining sound, very similar to symptoms as other transaxle/transmissions from model yr 2017 covered by the manufacturer for replacement of transaxle/transmission. This vehicle, model year 2018, is not covered by the existing transaxle/transmission replacement program, as explained by the dealership. Yet reviewing many forums, it is said that many of the later 2017/2018 Highlanders received the same transaxle/transmissions as the model year 2017 covered for replacement by the manufacturer, hence they exhibit the same symptoms when they fail. Estimated cost to replace the transaxle/transmission by the dealership $ 8000.00. The manufacturer needs to step up.

Transmission is bad. Toyota dealership says it needs to be replaced. Really? In a 2018 Toyota. I thought these were good cars. Supposed to last a long time. That’s why I paid over $30,000 for it. And this is what I get. There is something wrong with this scenario. I could have bought a much cheaper car and it would still be functioning fine.

My transmission started making a whine sound upon acceleration, and at times hesitation of acceleration (inconsistent). Toyota Service identified the issue in 2018 as a defective part from manufacturing and related in the repair notice to Toyota Service Bulletin TSB-160-18 which states certain Highlanders (my year and model) have an issue with a defective part in the transaxle/transmission. Toyota issued an extended warranty for the problem in 2020 (unlimited miles for coverage). I was then told that it then DIDN'T apply to my VIN, even tho it was the problem diagnosed by a Toyota service technician associated with the TSB above, so they wouldn't cover thru the extended warranty. Told me that I have to pay for a new transmission over $9,000. My understanding (I cannot verify) that the initial service bulletin was expanded to cover more models in 2021, then removed the extended warranty, and did not issue a recall. Apparently Toyota is aware of a serious transmission problem caused by a defective part, and it is wider issue. This needs to be addressed as it is a significant hazard and danger Toyota is aware of, and not the cause of normal and expected wear and tear. I need help addressing this with TOyota and want to be sure the problem gets fixed before injuries occur. Toyota has multiple bulletins in the NHTSA data for this issue from before and after this issued bulletin demonstrating on ongoing issue. I tried to upload the TSB and the repair documentation but your system is not allowing

Our transmission has a known manufacture air We have called Toyota several times and they refuse to do anything about this are transmission is going out which could cause a safety issue when driving down the road It's the UA80 TRANSMISSION Toyota is doing a customer support program on this particular transmission but due to the fact ours falls six months after the manufacturer date it doesn't fall within that area this is a manufacturer air due to a bolt not being bent over far enough I feel with the transmission issues that it can cause like serious problems including safety among ourselves or others in Toyota is ignoring this is when brought to them

Hard downshift striking fear!

The transmission had a growling noise at low speeds. The dealer said that a new transmission is needed. Online complaints show that a badly designed transmission is failing very early in this vehicle and a class action lawsuit was filed because of this transmission.

I have a power steering warning light. Steering is harder than normal. I believe this vehicle is having the same power steering problem that Toyota Tundra and sequoias are having. I want it to be recalled and paid for by the manafacturer. This is ridiculous a well maintained vehicle.

Transmission case is porous. Toyota calls transmission oil moving through housing, weeping, not leaking and is not a warranty. Toyota dealers hide the porous condition with a coating. Regular underbody car wash removes the coating. Catastrophic failure possible.

AS OF THIS DATE, MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS DELAYED ACCELERATION, HESITATION, JERKING, LURCHING, ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSES, ETC. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWO TIMES TO DATE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, RESTART AND THEN THE VEHICLE PERFORMED PROPERLY AFTER THAT. MY CONCERN IS WHAT MAY HAPPEN WHEN IT DOES IT AGAIN. NOTHING TO SHOW IN A PHOTO.

SLOWLY (3-5MPH) MOVING TOWARD EXIT RAMP FROM HOSPITAL PARKING LOT. TRIED TO BRAKE BEFORE TURNING RIGHT ONTO RAMP, BUT SERVICE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND -- FELT LIKE I WAS JUST POUNDING THE FLOOR. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST. I TURNED IT ONTO EXIT RAMP. DURING COAST DOWN RAMP THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY SHOWED "LOW BRAKE POWER" OR "BRAKE POWER LOW". VEHICLE SPEED REMAINED RELATIVELY CONSTANT. I SHIFTED INTO R (REVERSE), THINK THAT NO HARM WOULD COME TO TRANSMISSION AT THAT SPEED, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED; COAST REMAINED CONSTANT. LUCKILY NO VEHICLES WERE IN FRONT OF MINE AND NONE WERE COMING ON RT 25 BRIGHTON AVE WESTBOUND IN PORTLAND ME, SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE COASTING VEHICLE TO A SLOW STOP ALONG THE ROAD'S EDGE (BUT STILL HALFWAY INTO THE TRAVEL LANE). THEN THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF (NOT BY ME). A CITY BUS CAME ALONG ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER; IF IT HAD COME BY ONE MINUTE BEFORE THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION WITH MY VEHICLE. AFTER WAITING TO RECOVER FROM THE SHOCK OF THAT EVENT, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND TESTED THE BRAKES, AND THEY SEEMED NORMAL AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL LIGHTS ON MESSAGES ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS. I TRIED DRIVING IT CAREFULLY, AND IT SEEMED NORMAL, SO I DROVE IT OFF BRIGHTON AVE AND ULTIMATELY GOT IT HOME IN BUXTON WITHOUT ANY MORE ADVERSE EVENTS. TODAY I LOOKED AT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS NORMAL (1/4 INCH BELOW MAX). I'M HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT ON MARCH 1, 2018 AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL THEY TELL ME IT HAS BEEN FIXED.

APON ACCESLARATION , CAR HESITATE FOR A FEW SECOND, RPM GOES TO 5000 UNTIL VEHICLE SLOWLY START TO MOVE. FEELS LIKEW THER IS NO PROPER SYNCH BETWEEN ENGING AND TRANSMISSION. DANGEROUS WHEN PASSING OR AVOIDING A VEHICLE AHEAD OF YOU. THE SAME ISSUE WHILE USING THE CRUSE CONTROL, IT JUMPS FROM A FEW RPMS TO 5K + THAT ALWAYS I HAVE TO BRAKE TO AVID RAMMING A CAR AHEAD OF ME. BRAKES GET SOF THAT I HAVE TO PUMP IT A FEW TIMES. MILEAGE IS 1780 MILES.