Toyota Highlander harsh shifting problems

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 Oct 27, 2026 · Transmission · MI

Within 1 mile of the Dealership, the new to us, 2018 Highlander was: -Lunging, not accelerating/Delayed shifting -Unpredictable surging -unintended acceleration -Excessive revving before upshifting I brought it back to the dealership & was given a loaner vehicle Once the transmission line was supposedly fixed, I drove it home. Then discovered it had leaked onto my driveway. They took it back & fixed something in the transmission again. After a few months, we thought it was good to go. In October 2026 it was doing all of the above lunging, lack of response from Transmission Again. I drove it to the dealership. Then told I needed a replacement Transmission. They said line rusted and was leaking. I have been asking if they have pictures from prior services. I have continually gotten under body washes & don’t believe that it started rusting while I was the owner. This transmission is obviously defective like the ones in class action lawsuits. I have called the dealer & now Toyota Customer Care to discuss them doing the right thing. Which I believe would be them taking responsibility and paying for the new transmission. It has been a month of waiting for a transmission to be located.

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 Oct 20, 2026 · Transmission · MI

Transmission whining, rough shifts at lower gears. Dealership says my car doesn't fall under the secondary csp even though it has the same symptoms.

Filed Oct 5, 2026 · Transmission · VA

2017 UA80F AWD Toyota Highlander Transmission Failure at 145,000 miles with regular maintenance. Starts off delayed shifting and jerking when accelerating, accompanied with faint whistle/whirring sound from under the dash. with Transmission falls under the Toyota Customer Support Program ZJC TSB 016018. my VIN did not fall in their ViN Database “range”. Multiple reports on same issue posted online from other Highlander and Sienna models who were also denied free coverage, free replacement, or free repair as stated in Customer Support Program and quoted over 15,000 for repair. This is an extremely expensive repair and is a safety issue that can lead to multiple crashes, operating failure, and poses a risk for injury/death.

Filed Sep 21, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · FL

customer support program ;; ZJC....Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, , in the subject vehicles that are equipped with a model UA80 transmission. There is a possibility that a washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of a nut inside the affected transmissions, was not sufficiently bent during assembly. This could lead to the nut loosening and, over time, lead to the symptoms described above. i.ve been having this issue with my transmission for a couple of years. my issue started ,when i first got this highlander back in 2017 .when coming to a stop ,i would get a thumping sound from tranny .i took this SUV to dealer ,twice for said tranny issue and pre collision system not functioning properly was told nothing wrong! this happened while suv was still under warranty! i eventually need to replace front windscreen : after which pre collision was functioning properly this was done by Safelite AutoGlass! a couple of months the tranny had a new issue ,tranny began to hesitate. a few months went by and then another new symptom developed ,i was getting shuttering at 1400 rpm ,which goy worst if you were at this rpm for a little while. I've been sick for a couple of years now and was not able to take to dealer to diagnose issues associated with tranny. i've kept driving my highlander with these issues ,since it started!! CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZJC addresses some of the issues i have with my transmission. i don't know why my transmission and vin# is not included in this program.. i'm worried if i went to doctors appt and highlander broke down ,what i'm going to do..i'm on social security disability ,i cant afford much !

Filed Sep 17, 2026 · Electrical · 141,597 miles · VA

develop a high-pitched whine, shuddering, or harsh shifting between 25 and 45 mph, which can lead to premature wear or complete failure. Also, On/ Off from no where and stopped in the middle of the road

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 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 Aug 21, 2026 · Transmission · UT

Bought my 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE AWD 3 years ago due to supposed safety and reliability. Transmission went out right after warranty at 64,000 miles. Was not made aware that this is a common issue. Vehicle hard shifted and suddenly lost power when driving home with my 4 year old while making a left turn, and we were almost hit by oncoming traffic. Have not had prior issues in the past to suspect this would happen, so it was very sudden and unexpected. There has been no recalls or awareness for this which could have seriously injured my child and I. Went to take it to the closest mechanic right away to troubleshoot since the vehicle was not throwing any codes.