2018 Toyota Highlander: grinding or squealing brakes

Filed Sep 27, 2026 · Transmission · OH

I would like to report a transmission problem with my 2018 Toyota Highlander XLE which I purchased in XXX with 108,000 miles. Since about mid-XXX it has been making a noticeable whine under acceleration in the speed range of about 35-50 mph. I had the noise diagnosed on XXX at the Toyota of [XXX] dealership; they confirmed it and said it cannot be fixed except to replace the entire transmission at a cost of $9900 (estimate attached). I also called the national Toyota customer service center and was told there is no recall, customer support program, or warranty extension available for my vehicle. It is a UA80F (AWD) transmission which have a history of failing prematurely in a variety of Toyota vehicle models, beginning with the whining noise and progressing to grinding and mis-shifting before failing completely. Although my transmission is still functioning adequately despite the whining noise, I am concerned that it may break down well before the expected lifespan of the vehicle. In financial terms, the repair cost is quite onerous and the resale value is now substantially less than it should be. The biggest concern is that it could cause a safety hazard if a failure occurred in conditions such as extreme hot or cold weather, remote or hilly or curvy terrain, or while driving in busy highway speed traffic. As such, I believe that Toyota should bear the responsibility to address these transmission issues and a recall should be issued. Thanks for your consideration. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Apr 13, 2026 · Transmission · MN

Currently at 113k miles. VIN # is not on the recall or extended warranty list for transmission issues, shift lag has been noticed way before 100k miles. vehicle is making squealing noise on drive, and when gas petal is press. Since no recall, but per research, I may have a faulty transmission that is left out of the Customer support program zjc, t-SB-0160-18.

Filed Feb 25, 2026 · Transmission · 107,700 miles · CT

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle made grinding sounds while accelerating. Additionally, the vehicle jerked while shifting into gear. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the transmission fluid was dirty and that the transmission assembly and torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 107,700.

Filed Dec 26, 2025 · Body · NY

On 11/22/2025, We were done shopping and when we tried to open the trunk it made weird squeaky sounds and we tried to close it but it suddenly self destructed. There was a loud noise and it shattered instantly and there was glass everywhere.

Filed May 12, 2023 · Suspension · NY

UNKNOWN, squeaking in rear when going over bumps and uneven roads

Filed Sep 13, 2018 · Body · 1,215 miles · NC

I purchased a new toyota highlander from massey toyota in kinston, nc in may of 2018. On august 11, 2018, the rear hatch glass spontaneously exploded and fell out of the car while it was sitting untouched in the driveway of the owners home. The weather was clear and warm. Toyota initially refused to cover this under the toyota new car warranty, however finally they agreed to cover the window. A few days later my wife started noticing a squeak and rubbing noise coming from the back hatch when the car was was warm from the sun. After taking the car back numerous times to the dealer. The toyota service department discovered that the back hatch/back door was rubbing near the spoiler area of the hing, at such a force to cause paint to come off the area. The service manager agreed that this was a manufacturer defect and that toyota was required to cover this new car defect. However, after having the car for 2 weeks toyota refused to cover the manufacture defect. In conclusion, the 2018 toyota highlander model has a defect that results in the back rear door & spoiler to rub and results in the back hatch glass breaking and even further damage to the paint and body of the vehicle. Toyota has shown a they can not be trusted to fulfill their obligation to new car customers.