2008 Toyota Highlander transmission problems

Filed Feb 2, 2018 · Transmission · 119,000 miles · KY

Vehicle would not get out of 1st gear when in motion. When accelerating, in either manual or automatic, vehicle would go in neutral and coast when trying to shift into any other gear. Reverse worked fine. Would also not start out in a higher gear when shifted into 2-4 gears.

Filed Jun 28, 2014 · Engine, Transmission · 77,000 miles · NJ

While driving my care on the highway the "low engine pressure" light came on. I immediately exit the highway and went to the gas station. All the oil in my car leaked out. We put 4 quarts of oil in my car and when you turn on the car all the oil leaked out. I call for a flat bed tow truck and drop my car off to the dealer. Toyota has a recall 2gr-fev6 lsc 90k, which has this issue. The toyota dealer is saying my vehicle VIN # is not effected by this. How could this been when the same exact thing happen to my car and they are replacing the parts that are part of this recall. They are charging me $900.00 to fix the car. I need help. My toyota life time warranty does not cover this!!!!!.....this is a serious safety issue. I believe toyota is covering it up so that they do not have to have all the vehicles fixed due to this malfunction.

Filed Apr 14, 2014 · Transmission · 83,000 miles · TX

Following a oil change at local toyota dealer, a large puddle of oil (2 foot x 2 foot plus) found under car. I suspected oil filter or stripped oil pan plug. *js vehicle towed to dealer for inspection. They stated it was complete failure of the awd transfer box and that is was not covered by warranty. Estimated cost to repair - $5,000.00+ note - during a previous oil change at approximately 63,000 miles toyota dealer stated there was a possible small leak on the awd transfer box and that they would monitor this during future oil changes. I was never informed, of any additional leakage during any oil changes at the same toyota dealer. (car did not leak any oil prior to failure of the awd transfer box)

Filed Jul 20, 2013 · Fuel system, Transmission · NC

As was pulling out parking space, car stopped moving even though engine running. Had towed to dealership, diagnosed with failure of hybrid inverter.

Filed Nov 18, 2010 · Engine, Transmission · 12,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. While stopped a stop sign and the rpms begin to increase excessively. When the contact attempted to pull off she was unable to drive forward or in reverse. A mechanic came and was able to drive the vehicle to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who stated that the transmission dropped out of the vehicle because the front axle had broken. The vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 12000. Updated 01/24/11 *bf the dealer stated the driver side axle broke in half and half of the axle became stuck in the transmission. Also the camshaft position needed to be replaced. Updated 03/16/11

Filed May 3, 2010 · Tires, Transmission · 31,077 miles · IN

2008 toyota highlander purchased used toyota certified 9-3-09 fails to shift into gear. Most occurrences at low speed after slowing to 5mph vehicle does not respond to gas pedal - or will not engage into gear and move forward. This occurs or is most noticeable at slow speeds when the gas pedal is pushed after having slowed down or in the midst of a turn into a parking spot. Wife has also complained about transmission not engaging into gear when car is first started up acts like you didn't shift it into gear. We have also noted transmission doesn't always seem to disengage when slowing from highway speeds 55 MPH. Feels like it is dragging car to stop. There is a noticeable whine between 55 - 62 MPH. Talked to dealer mechanic and he said that was normal everything is controlled by computers. We are going to take it back in this week and complain about the transmission slippage. We have also had a issue with the toyo tires. At 28,345 they were down to 5/32 to 4/32. They have major problems in snow and heavy rain with loss of traction. When ESC kicks on in the snow on a turn do to sliding at slow speed it makes matters worse be better off with it turned off.

Filed Apr 5, 2010 · Acceleration, Transmission · 34,000 miles · FL · crash

While driving in reverse my 2008 toyota highlander gas pedal continued acceleration after braking and crashed into my garage.

Filed Apr 5, 2010 · Transmission · 9,000 miles · NY

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. While driving at speeds of 5 MPH in snowy weather, the vehicle began to loose traction, causing the vehicle to spin. The contact stated that he engaged the brakes and was able to stop the vehicle with the suspension traction control. The traction control had to be shut off before he was able to accelerate. The contact stated that he believed that the failure was contributed to the weight distribution axle. There were no repairs made to the vehicle and the manufacturer had not been contacted. The failure mileage was 9,000 and the current mileage was 12,000.

Filed Mar 6, 2010 · Transmission · 3,792 miles · CA · crash · 1 injury

Sudden acceleration of new highlander 2008 model. I had reported for the first time I feb 19, 2009 when I took the car for service that there is something wrong with acceleration, as it runs at a higher speed. They checked & I was told there is nothing wrong by the dealer.my wife who never had any accidents got involved in an accident on dec. 21,2009 when as she was parking the car accelerated suddenly & hit the building in front. The impact was so great the people that were working in that building came out to see what happened. Inspite of wearing seat belts, her chest hit the steering wheel she was in severe pain. After emergency visit, she did not have any fractures, but bruises of ribs. She was so scared she was afraid to drive for weeks. It took more than 8k for repairs.the car still has the same problems &we are at a loss what to do. She is driving with caution locally until this problem is resolved. When we contacted 2 dealers, we are told the car is manufactured in japan & it is not on recall list. We try to contact numerous times without success. Need help in returning this car to toyota , as it is a serious hazard .

Filed Mar 1, 2010 · Transmission · 12,000 miles · CA · 1 injury

Tl*the contact owns a 2008 toyota highlander. The contact was backing out of the residence driveway on a slight incline. The driver stepped out of the vehicle while the gear shifter was placed in the reverse position and within three seconds the vehicle rolled over top of the driver. The ambulance was called to the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital and sustained severe injuries to the left leg and chest area. There was no damage to the vehicle. The cause of failure has not been determined. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 4/5/10 *cn the consumer stated she stepped out of the vehicle not realizing it was in gear. It stayed stationary for several seconds before running her over. Updated 05/11/10.