2021 Toyota Highlander: jerking or lurching

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Brakes · OH

When traveling at slower speeds and applying the brakes on a slight decline, my 2021 Toyota Highlander HYBRID lurches forward with alarming force. On probably 5 separate occasions, this has nearly resulted in me lurching into traffic running perpendicular to me. I have come within 2-3 feet of lunging into oncoming traffic and I am probably the poster child for defensive driving. I had to push the brake petal forcefully to stop. I have not allowed my daughter to drive my car because of this. I first noticed this maybe 2-3 years ago? That's a guess. Why have i waited? b/c i'm a fool and poor at executive function. I looked it up, and apparently Toyota is aware of this problem (T-SB-0059-23) but apparently has NOT ISSUED A SAFETY RECALL. This is truly shocking to me, considering the recalls i've seen so far with this vehicle have been for things that do not appear as alarming or potentially dangerous as this. According to Toyota, they will only cover this defect up to 36K miles or 36 months (whichever 1st). I called 2 of my local dealerships and neither "service mgr" knew anything about it. Unacceptable. One of them, AFTER they said this, refused to even look up the TSB#, stating 'that's not the way we do it. You have to make an appt.' Absolutely ridiculous. Toyota should be forced to ISSUE A SAFETY RECALL. I've read it's a software fix. CHEAP and EASY for a multi-national corp. Perhaps the federal safety agency was unaware of the seriousness of this problem before and I know that happens, but I'm here to tell you IT IS NOT SAFE. And i am famous for annoying people (especially my kids) for reminding them how many collisions could be avoided if EVERYONE JUST DROVE DEFENSIVELY! I have literally annoyed people by repeating it. PLEASE issue a safety recall and make them pay for it. I don't have unlimited $ to pay for such things in this economy. Thank you. - A concerned driver.

Filed Oct 3, 2026 · Transmission · SC

Transmission jerks and shutters at low speeds on acceleration 0-20 mph. Vehicle has low milage 25518 at which time the dealer re-flashed the software on july 29th 2026.The vehicle was fine for two months , then on October 3rd the problem came back on October 3rd 2026 hesitating like a premature upshift from 1st to 2nd gear at 5 mph with a shutter. The current mileage is 28000 on the vehicle and the problem is intermittent.

Filed Sep 9, 2026 · Transmission · IN

transmission has failed. Toyota states: Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 addresses a whining or grinding noise in select 2021 Toyota vehicles equipped with UA80E orUA80F automatic transmissions caused by a defect in the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. Yes it can be available for inspection. This can be repaired with a $12,000 new transmission. * Sudden loss of acceleration: You may press the gas and the vehicle doesn’t accelerate normally. This is particularly dangerous when merging onto a highway, crossing an intersection, or passing. How this toyota highlander is putting safety at risk: * Unexpected shifting or jerking: A failing transmission can slam into gear, hesitate, or shift unpredictably, potentially causing loss of control. * Loss of drive: The transmission may suddenly stop transferring power to the wheels. You could be unable to move forward even though the engine is running. * Getting stuck in a gear: If it goes into a “limp” or failsafe mode, the vehicle may be restricted to a single gear and have very limited acceleration. * Loss of power while already moving: If the transmission disengages unexpectedly, you can lose the ability to accelerate out of a dangerous situation. * Difficulty maintaining speed: On a highway or uphill, a failing transmission may suddenly stop providing adequate power. * Transmission fluid leaks: A significant leak can cause the transmission to lose lubrication and worsen rapidly. Depending on where fluid goes, it can also create other mechanical problems. * Unexpected engine RPM increases: The engine can rev very high without the Highlander gaining speed (“slipping”), which can leave you unexpectedly slow in traffic. * Being stranded in traffic: A complete failure can leave the vehicle immobile, creating a collision hazard if you’re stopped in a travel lane or on a shoulder. unknown if it has been inspected by anyone. There is no warning lights. Then only way you know is by a high whining sound.

Filed Sep 2, 2026 · Brakes · IL

While driving and applying the brakes to come to a complete stop at low speed (approximately 5–15 mph), the vehicle intermittently loses brake responsiveness for a brief moment during the transition from regenerative braking to hydraulic (friction) braking. This causes the vehicle to lurch forward unexpectedly before the brakes fully re-engage. The issue is intermittent and unpredictable, occurring most often when coming to a stop at slow speed, which makes it difficult to anticipate and compensate for. This has happened more than a few times now, most latest, On XXX, this occurred while approaching a stop at traffic light and it felt that the vehicle nearly made contact with the vehicle ahead of me. I brought the vehicle to Elgin Toyota in [XXX] , in 2025 to report this issue. The service department test drove the vehicle but was unable to reproduce the symptom and did not perform any repair. I have since learned that Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23, "Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement," dated XXX, which describes this exact symptom in 2020–2022 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. I am filing this report because I believe this is a safety-related braking defect, particularly at low-speed stops, that creates a real risk of a rear-end collision. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Aug 27, 2026 · Transmission · IL

It's about the problem with the automatic transmission UA80 already has the buzz That many customers are complaining sometimes it has jerks too.

Filed Aug 10, 2026 · Brakes · MD

I had the dealer perform the repair described in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23 (Hybrid Regenerative Brake Transition Feeling Improvement), which reprograms the brake actuator control module. Following this repair, the vehicle continues to exhibit the same lurching behavior at the same frequency as before the update. The TSB did not resolve the underlying condition. This is a safety concern because the unpredictable brake transition affects the driver’s ability to judge stopping distance and vehicle behavior in real time, particularly in traffic or on downgrades. The vehicle now has over 36,000 miles, placing it outside Toyota’s Basic Warranty; however, this is a safety issue that should be addressed by a recall. I am aware of numerous other Highlander Hybrid and Sienna Hybrid owners reporting the same defect, including reports that the same TSB reflash failed to resolve the issue for them as well.

Filed Jun 25, 2026 · Transmission · PA

My 2021 Toyota Highlander is experiencing the documented transmission issue impacting vehicles with the UA80E transmission. Our transmission whines and experiences a hesitation or jerks the vehicle. Especially under acceleration. My vehicle was purchased brand new from Toyota. Serviced at a Toyota dealership since purchase.

Filed May 5, 2026 · Brakes · MI

When applying the brakes when slowing down fro a traffic light or in traffic, the brkaes suddely stop workign for a few sseconds at a speed of 5-10 mph, causing car to lurch forward before the brakes reengage. This has existed for a couple of year but has gotten worse in thelast 6 month.s The risk is that the lurch occurs prior ot the full stop ,potentilly causing the car to run into the car directly in ftont of our car. Toyota is aware of the problem and issued a technical sevce bulletinT-SB -0059-23 whichidentified this and a software update helps in resolving the issue. The bulletin however states the cost needs ot be paid by th cusotmer if it is out of warrnaty. This does not makes snse as it is a potetnail safety issue that coudl casue a collisiion and wodul seem to rise to the level of a recall. There are many refermces to the issue on social media. It seems Toyota should be rqeuired to make this a recall item at no cost to the customer.

Filed Mar 16, 2026 · Brakes · ME

When slowing down to stop and the brake is depressed, multiple occasions where the brakes don’t catch. The car jerks forward and I am unable to engage the brakes. I have ended up in the middle of an intersection due to this. It happens frequently, and Toyota continues to brush me off.

Filed Jan 22, 2026 · Acceleration, Transmission · NY

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle jerked abnormally and failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The contact pulled to the side of the road. The vehicle failed, then failed to respond while in drive or reverse. No warning light was illuminated. The contact called for Roadside Assistance and had the vehicle towed to a safe location. The vehicle was then towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle and informed the contact that the transmission had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired due to the cost. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

Filed Jan 9, 2026 · Brakes · IN

Under braking conditions, typically at higher speeds or while going downhill, vehicle will lurch or accelerate momentarily before braking again. This has caught 3 drivers in our family off-guard as it is intermittent and sudden. This is unpredictable and causes the braking distance to vary. We are working to reproduce it. The dealership has not tried to recreate the issue but has told us there is a software update that will fix the issue, it is not covered under any safety recall or safety campaign by Toyota.

Filed Nov 3, 2025 · VA

Started with a transmission whining. Now is setting check engine light and jerking. Toyota knows there is a manufacturing defect in the UA80 transmission in these vehicles, but continued to sell them even after the released TSB# T-SB-0008-21, and refuses to repair this under warranty. Toyota is the only company offering replacement transmissions and therefore can set there own price to scam consumers. Please help us get a resolution.