2018 Toyota Highlander: engine stalls while driving

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Fuel system · DE

I just found out that there was an initial recall #20V012000 and an expanded recall #20V682000 on my 2018 Toyota Highlander that I was unaware of regarding the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank could fail risking engine stalling and potential crash. I found this out after paying 1100.00 to Sheehy Toyota in Fredericksburg to replace the fuel pump. I reported it to Toyota Brand Services for reimbursment and was told that it was NOT a recall it was a CSP (which to them is different they said) and that the fuel pump that I had replaced was a low pressure fuel pump and the CSP was for a high pressure fuel pump. I need help getting my money back after being charged for a recall.

Filed May 15, 2025 · Transmission · MA

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.

Filed Jul 3, 2024 · Fuel system · TX

My vehicle is stalling when driving and other Toyota Highlanders of same model and year were/are having the same issue and have been recalled for the fuel pump. Having my vehicle stall when driving in the busy highways of Texas are very dangerous especially when some speed limits go up to 80mph. The problem has been reproduced and witnessed by a mechanic. The Toyota dealership stated that my VIN is not included in the recall so they could not fix it. There was no warning before the first time my vehicle stalled while driving in the highway. Unsure of how dealerships only stick to just the specific VINs that are effected when other VINs of the same model and year are having the same issue but are not willing to fix the issue.

Filed Sep 4, 2023 · Electrical, Engine · MI

Driving on I75 at 75mph, while trying to adjust the steering wheel, as soon I unlocked steering wheel lock and put the steering all the way to lowest position it just stalled on highway. Lucky enough I was alone and was able to pull over safely. There is seriously something wrong with steering wheel electrical or ignition system or something with else.

Filed May 5, 2023 · Brakes · TX

Braking to stop at a traffic light then all of the sudden the car stalls with Braking Power Low message. The car won't even start for me to pull aside to a safe place. This is the second time this happened within 2 years so I decided to put a complaint in.

Filed Nov 19, 2021 · Fuel system · TX

Fuel pump was replaced last year in October 2020 and was out of warranty when incident happened. Vehicle stalled again in the middle of my drive and was stranded in the middle of a busy road. Fuel pump found to be failing per my mechanic.

Filed Sep 20, 2021 · Engine, Fuel system · 49,000 miles · ME

The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated the recall repair for the federal safety agency Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had been completed on the vehicle. The contact stated while her husband was driving 55-65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her husband veered to the side of the road. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact's husband that they could not determine the cause of the failure; however, the computer onboard was reset. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts however, the failure recurred several times while the contact's husband was taking the vehicle to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer - Lithia Toyota of Billings (1532 Grand Ave, Billings, MT 59102) who diagnosed that no issues were found and advised the contact's husband to trade-in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and was traded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Filed Feb 25, 2021 · Fuel system · 72,000 miles · TX

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact had experienced the failure when the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle failed to start. The contact stated that the vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed however, the mechanic was unable to duplicate the failure. The battery was replaced however, the failure recurred and occasionally caused the vehicle to stall. Toyota of rockwall (1250 e I-30, rockwall, tx 75087, (844) 358-4295) was contacted and informed the contact that no remedy was available for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 72,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Feb 10, 2021 · Fuel system · 80,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle stalled without warning. The contact stated that the failure occurred while moving from a stopped position. The contact stated that occasionally a jump was needed to start the vehicle. Occasionally, the vehicle would restart after waiting for several hours. The contact stated that he replaced the battery however the failure persisted. The vehcile was taken to toyota plaza mall (2721 nostrand ave, brooklyn, ny 11210) where no failure was diagnosed however, the battery was replaced again. The manufacturer was not contacted. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v682000 (fuel system, gasoline) and believed that the failure was related to the recall. The parts were not yet available. The failure mileage was 80,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed Aug 21, 2020 · Engine · 20,000 miles · NJ

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander. The contact stated while driving 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled on several occasions with the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to route 22 toyota (109 us-22, hillside, nj 07205, (973) 287-4741), but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and referred contact to the federal safety agency. The contact received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v012000 (fuel system, gasoline). The failure mileage was 20,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

Filed May 29, 2020 · Engine · 12,000 miles · CA

On may 5, 2020 I stopped at a red light in the left turn lane, after just having a 20k maintenance performed on my 2018 highlander xle. After the light turned green, I accelerated and as I was entering the intersection, the vehicle abruptly stalled. It was not a smooth deceleration, but rather a jolting and abrupt, slamming deceleration, almost screeching to a halt. Luckily, the car behind me slammed on their brakes and did not hit me. Engine lights came on, and after the car was stopped completely, it restarted and I drove into the nearest parking lot. Had I and the cars behind me been traveling faster, it's likely that I would have been rear-ended. The stopping force was enough to slam me into my seatbelt. I called toyota service and they recommended that I turn off the auto-start function every time I drive the vehicle, which I have done. This appears to be directly related to the safety recall 20ta02, where the low-pressure fuel pump may stop operating. The vehicle is in an extremely unsafe driving condition and I'm very disappointed that toyota has not rolled out the recall repair sooner. I'm lucky that I was the only occupant in the vehicle, and if this happened on the freeway with my family in the car, the results could have been catastrophic.

Filed May 26, 2020 · Engine · 37,000 miles · CA

I own a 2018 toyota highlander, me and my family including my 4 year old son were taking a drive up to nevada city. We live in california and when we got on the road and tried to come to a stop on the highway and the steering wheel and brakes started to shake. We decided to pull over and as we pulled over the car stalled, we put the car in park and tried to turn it on with no luck left it off for a couple minutes and still no luck an error came on that said low breaking power. We had received a recall notice so we called toyota and they stated they would need to charge us about 200 dollars to check the car. Took the car in and they decided to keep out car until there is a resolution for the recall which they said could take 3 to 4 months. Just unethical for toyota to charge us for a problem that is completely out of our control not only that but 4 months to fix a recall error is just ridiculous. Now we're terrified to drive the car especially when our 4 year old son in the car. Contacted toyota manufacturer and they were really unwilling to help gave us a run around and we didn't come to a resolution about the problem. They didn't own up to the problem and we were left with more unanswered questions.