2018 Toyota Highlander: hesitation when accelerating

Filed Oct 26, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MD

While driving, my vehicle experienced a severe and sudden failure of the Aisin UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission. The transmission exhibits erratic and hard shifting, severe hesitation, and a dangerous delay in acceleration when trying to merge into traffic or accelerate from a complete stop. Frequently, the engine revs high, but the transmission fails to engage the gear promptly, resulting in a sudden, violent lurch forward when it finally catches. Furthermore, the vehicle intermittently loses motive power entirely while in motion, forcing me to coast to the side of the road. A loud, high-pitched whining noise is audible from the transmission assembly, and diagnostic checks indicate internal mechanical overheating and premature component wear.

Filed Sep 30, 2026 · Transmission · 130,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 75 MPH, there was an audible chime followed by the message "Transmission Overheating". The vehicle started jerking and hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. Additionally, there was a burning odor coming from the vehicle. Due to the failure, the contact pulled off the highway and allowed the transmission to cool down. The vehicle was restarted, and the message disappeared; however, the vehicle continued to hesitate while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact continued driving 70 MPH, and the transmission message displayed again. The vehicle was then taken to a dealer, and the failure was associated with Customer Support Program: ZJC. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the program. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was provided a case number. The manufacturer confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the CSP. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000.

Filed Aug 31, 2026 · Transmission · MI

whining sound in the transmission, including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. These vehicles are equipped with the UA80F (AWD) and UA80E (FWD) 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Filed Feb 8, 2026 · Transmission · IN

Transmission was slipping and hesitating from 50,000 miles up until it went completely out at 96,956. The day it went out, I pulled out onto the highway and there was no acceleration, it wouldn't move. It was flashing "traction control turned off" "check engine visit dealer" "check awd system" and the check engine light was on as well as the orange triangle with explanation point. Toyota said my vin wasn't covered under the TSB, so my extended warranty paid for most, but not all, of the transmisson and parts. They put in a new transmission but the new one does the same thing. It hesitates and slips with currently only 10,000 miles on the new one.

Filed Dec 28, 2023 · Transmission · NJ

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 federal safety agency 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

Filed Sep 21, 2020 · Engine, Transmission · 43,100 miles · AZ

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.

Filed Apr 20, 2020 · Fuel system · 25,000 miles · FL

Tl* the contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander. The contact stated that upon making a complete stop, the vehicle hesitated to move forward when depressing the accelerator. The failure occurred intermittently without warning. The contact then received notification of the federal safety agency campaign number: 20v012000 (fuel system, gasoline). The contact stated that the manufacturer exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The contact called lakeland toyota (2925 mall hill dr, lakeland, fl 33810) and was informed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The manufacturer had not been notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Vin tool confirms parts not available.

Filed May 27, 2019 · Acceleration, Engine · 14,800 miles · TX

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.

Filed Mar 22, 2019 · Engine · 10,999 miles · VA

I noticed a hesitation with the vehicle when I pressed the gas pedal. On one incident on I-288 I pressed the gas to pass a car and it hesitated and the RPM jumpted to 51/2. Finally the car engaged so I could pass. I thought it was going to blow up. On the way home on I-295 it repeated again only this time the RPM jumped to 4. This was on 3/20 and the dealer still has the vehicle and can't figure out the problem. The service manager did drive it with me and felt the hesitation.