2017 Toyota Highlander transmission problems

Filed Nov 1, 2026 · Transmission · WV

The UA80 Transmission whine began around 120000 miles, this transmission is from the same [XXX] plant that the ZJC CSP has been issued out of but they claim my vin doesn’t fall into the margin of VIN numbers that are covered. On XXX the Toyota service center of Dan Cava Toyota world in [XXX] stated they were sure the transmission would give out any time and they were sorry they couldn’t help and that many people have this issue and they are sure it’s the same cause as the ones that were affected by this CSP it just wasn’t added into the margin of VIN numbers that Toyota decided they would cover. There are plenty of forums and petitions on the internet of people going through this very same issue. I am amongst many who feel Toyota should have to expand the CSP to include any VIN with these transmissions in the years these were made to be covered. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Oct 20, 2026 · Transmission · MI

Transmission whining, rough shifts at lower gears. Dealership says my car doesn't fall under the secondary csp even though it has the same symptoms.

Filed Oct 8, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · OH

Transmission failure after whining noise, taken to Toyota multiple times with no diagnosis. Today was informed the transmission is failing by another mechanic. 193,000 miles.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · VA

2017 UA80F AWD Toyota Highlander Transmission Failure at 145,000 miles with regular maintenance. Starts off delayed shifting and jerking when accelerating, accompanied with faint whistle/whirring sound from under the dash. with Transmission falls under the Toyota Customer Support Program ZJC TSB 016018. my VIN did not fall in their ViN Database “range”. Multiple reports on same issue posted online from other Highlander and Sienna models who were also denied free coverage, free replacement, or free repair as stated in Customer Support Program and quoted over 15,000 for repair. This is an extremely expensive repair and is a safety issue that can lead to multiple crashes, operating failure, and poses a risk for injury/death.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Our Toyota Highlander XLE which has 137000 miles on it has the very well documented "whine" issue with the UA80 transmission. This "whine" issue/failure has resulted in at least two TSB's to be generated by Toyota and is considered the beginning stages of a total transmission failure. It impacts 2017 through at least 2022.The symptoms (whine sound/grinding sound/DTC codes/rough operation/unexpected slippage) are identical in all years. Toyota covered a small subset of the total number of failures suggesting an improperly installed "washer" was at fault. The online community impacted by this failure, most of which are outside of that serial number range, clearly do not feel the same way. Failures have occurred on vehicles with as little as 50,000 miles. The issues of transmission slippage/failure to maintain speed/failure accelerate are all safety risks. This problem has been confirmed MANY times by Toyota and it's network of dealers. I had my own vehicle inspected (at my expense) by a local Toyota dealer and they confirmed the failure. In my particular case, the "whine" sound is the only initial symptom with the expectation of other symptoms and issues if I continue to drive the vehicle.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · FL

customer support program ;; ZJC....Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, , in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above. i.ve been having this issue with my transmission for a couple of years. my issue started ,when i first got this highlander back in 2017 .when coming to a stop ,i would get a thumping sound from tranny .i took this SUV to dealer ,twice for said tranny issue and pre collision system not functioning properly was told nothing wrong! this happened while suv was still under warranty! i eventually need to replace front windscreen : after which pre collision was functioning properly this was done by Safelite AutoGlass! a couple of months the tranny had a new issue ,tranny began to hesitate. a few months went by and then another new symptom developed ,i was getting shuttering at 1400 rpm ,which goy worst if you were at this rpm for a little while. I've been sick for a couple of years now and was not able to take to dealer to diagnose issues associated with tranny. i've kept driving my highlander with these issues ,since it started!! CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZJC addresses some of the issues i have with my transmission. i don't know why my transmission and vin# is not included in this program.. i'm worried if i went to doctors appt and highlander broke down ,what i'm going to do..i'm on social security disability ,i cant afford much !

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Transmission · IL

About a few weeks back we started noticing a whining noise while accelerating. For safety reason we are not using the truck for long distance driving. Yes, the problem was able to reproduce by an independent mechanic and confirmed. Has not been inspected by the manufacturer or any other. There are no warning lights on the dashboard.

Filed Aug 20, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · NH

I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop. I turned onto [XXX] in Pembroke (I think) and still had no forward (or backward) movement. The lower gears (D5 & D4 ) DID NOT show on the dashboard indicator. I called my husband and he came to me. Then we called AAA and had the car towed to Chichester Car Care. They couldn't fix my car. I then had it towed from Chichester Car Care to McGovern Toyota in Bow. NH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jul 8, 2026 · Transmission · PA

Vehicle is a 2017 Toyota Highlander (VIN [XXX]) experiencing the UA80 8-speed transmission whine defect (T-SB-0160-18) upon acceleration. An authorized Toyota dealership test drove and officially verified the transmission failure and recommended a full replacement. However, Toyota Corporate is refusing to honor the ZJC Customer Support Program warranty extension due to an arbitrary VIN cutoff. The failing internal transmission components pose a safety risk as they can lead to harsh shifting, slipping, or a sudden loss of motive power while driving in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jun 4, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Vehicle had history of hard shifting from 1st drive. On January 24, 2026 we heard a ringing sound as we were driving. Approximately 10 minutes after the noise began, the Check Engine light illuminated. We drove back home and connected our code reader to find P0741, P2714 and P2757. Had the vehicle towed to my Toyota Service Center and upon inspection, was informed that the transmission had failed and would require replacement. I was informed that although it was a 2017 with the UA80E manufacturered in April 2017 - it did not qualify for free replacement under Toyota. A rebuilt unit was secured and installed on 2/11/26. Toyota authorized $2000 Goodwill Assistance and their Warranty Labor Rate. I paid the remainder of the bill. The 'new' transmission also shifts hard and just doesn't feel like it it working right.