2020 Toyota Highlander: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 30, 2026 · Transmission · PA

I am reporting a premature transmission failure in my 2020 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD at approximately 72,000 miles. The vehicle exhibited transmission-related symptoms beginning before I purchased it. During the test drive at Chapman Ford on May 26, 2025, I noticed a whining noise that sounded like it was coming from the transmission. I brought this to the dealership’s attention and was told nothing was wrong. The noise continued after purchase. Over time, the transmission developed increasingly erratic operation and required professional diagnosis. At approximately 71,903 miles, Meenan Transmission documented a transmission whine, erratic operation, diagnostic trouble code P2713-7F (pressure control solenoid D), and transmission fluid containing metal contamination with a burnt odor. Additional diagnostic codes identified during troubleshooting included P0740, P0741, P2756, P2757, P2713 and P2714. The transmission ultimately required complete replacement. The replacement was authorized through a warranty arranged by Chapman Ford. A replacement transmission and additional parts were supplied by Toyota, to my understanding, and installed by an independent transmission repair facility. I am concerned about a complete transmission failure occurring at approximately 72,000 miles, particularly given the prior whining noise and progressive deterioration. I am also aware that Toyota previously established Customer Support Program ZJC for certain 2017–2018 Highlanders and Siennas equipped with UA80 transmissions. That program identified reported symptoms including transmission whining, harsh shifting and reduced power. My 2020 Highlander is not included in that program, despite having experienced a premature transmission failure involving the same transmission family. I am requesting that the federal safety agency document this failure and evaluate whether similar complaints involving 2020 Toyota Highlanders equipped with UA80 transmissions indicate a potential safety-related defect.

Filed Jun 26, 2026 · Transmission · NC

I am submitting this complaint regarding a sudden and unexpected transmission failure in my 2020 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle experienced a major transmission malfunction without any prior warning signs, dashboard warning lights, diagnostic messages, or noticeable drivability issues. The failure occurred suddenly when the vehicle would no longer shift into reverse. When placed in reverse gear, the vehicle does not move. Additionally, when placed in drive, the transmission slips significantly, resulting in a loss of power and unsafe operation. The vehicle is no longer reliable or safe to operate on public roadways. At no time prior to the failure were there any illuminated warning indicators, check engine lights, transmission warnings, abnormal noises, or other symptoms that would have alerted me to an impending transmission problem. The lack of warning created a hazardous situation, as the vehicle's ability to accelerate and maneuver could be compromised without notice. The vehicle has been diagnosed as requiring major transmission repairs or replacement, with estimated repair costs approaching $7,000. Given the severity of the failure, the absence of any warning to the driver, and the significant financial burden associated with the repair, I believe this issue may represent a safety-related defect that warrants investigation. I am concerned that other owners of 2020 Toyota Highlanders may experience similar sudden transmission failures that could result in a loss of vehicle control, inability to maneuver safely, or exposure to hazardous traffic conditions. I respectfully request that the federal safety agency review this matter and determine whether a broader investigation into transmission failures affecting 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles is warranted.

Filed May 21, 2026 · Transmission · NY

The vehicle recently began making a whining noise when the gas pedal is pressed that is consistent with premature failure of the transmission. I took it to my local dealership and they recommended replacing the transmission and limiting usage of the vehicle to short trips until that is done because the transmission could fail while driving which would result in loss of power to the wheels which could lead to an accident.

Filed Mar 13, 2026 · Transmission · CA

1. The vehicle’s transmission appears to be failing. I was driving my 2020 Toyota Highlander on the freeway at about 75 mph with my family in the vehicle when the car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate properly even though the engine was still running. Because of the sudden loss of power, I had to carefully move the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. At the time I did not realize it may have been related to the transmission. 2.Recently I brought the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for a routine oil change and because I had started hearing a whining noise when accelerating, especially above about 30 mph. After inspecting the vehicle, the dealership informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced and provided a repair estimate of approximately $9,800. The vehicle currently has around 72,000 miles and the transmission is available for inspection upon request. 3.The sudden loss of power on the freeway created a dangerous situation because traffic around us was moving at highway speeds. My family was in the vehicle and I had to maneuver the car to the shoulder while vehicles were passing at high speed, which could have resulted in a serious accident. 4.The issue has been confirmed by the authorized Toyota dealership service department. When the incident occurred and we were stopped on the shoulder of the freeway, we contacted the highway patrol because we were concerned about our safety while stopped on the highway. 5.No warning lights or messages appeared on the dashboard prior to the loss of power. The only symptom noticed before bringing the vehicle in for service was a whining noise during acceleration.

Filed Jul 7, 2025 · Transmission · WI

At approximately 72,000 miles, my 2020 Toyota Highlander Platinum was diagnosed by my dealership with a failing transmission that requires full replacement. I first began hearing a high-pitched whining noise during light acceleration shortly after a routine oil change, at some point between 60,000 and 70,000 miles. I did not immediately recognize it as a drivetrain issue until the symptoms worsened. This model uses Toyota’s UA80 8-speed automatic transmission, which has been the subject of Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 and a Customer Support Program (ZJC) for earlier Highlander models due to similar internal component failures. Despite clear continuity in the symptoms and transmission design, Toyota has not extended coverage or issued a recall for 2020 models like mine. The failure occurred shortly after the end of the 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty, but symptoms began while the vehicle was still within warranty range. Toyota has not responded to my formal escalation through Customer Care for nearly three weeks. I am deeply concerned Toyota is not addressing what appears to be a systemic and known defect in a critical drivetrain component that can jeopardize vehicle safety. There was no warning light or dashboard alert at the time the failure developed, making this both a mechanical and safety concern. While this issue does not involve a catastrophic failure like the Takata airbag recall, Toyota’s lack of response to a known, widespread transmission issue raises broader concerns about safety, transparency, and accountability. A sudden transmission failure—particularly at highway speeds—could result in loss of power or control. Given that several owners have filed similar complaints, I respectfully urge the federal safety agency to investigate this issue further and assess whether Toyota should issue a recall or expanded service campaign for 2020 Highlander models equipped with the UA80 transmission, particularly in light of prior coverage for earlier model years.

Filed Mar 29, 2025 · Transmission · TN

Transmission going out afraid it will come apart or lose power while driving. Toyota dealership told me that we could put new transmission in but it will be the same as the one that is in it and that problem with them has not been corrected and it probably won't hold up long either. Our vehicle only has 71000 miles and we bought it new.

Filed Jan 13, 2021 · Acceleration, Electrical · 12,995 miles · NY

Vehicle went into limp mode reieved code p0300 reduced engine power on highway when accelerating

Filed Dec 23, 2020 · Acceleration, Brakes · 4,000 miles · NV

We recently purchased our highlander and it has a little over 4,000 miles. Today while driving down the road at about 45 MPH, the car just lost power and the check engine light came on. 1. Check engine - reduced engine power 2. Secondary collision brake system malfunction we had to park and wait for the toyota dealership to come and tow it to the service center. At this point I don't know what was wrong or why it just cut out while driving. I am very concerned and can only hope toyota can address this or replace the car.