Toyota Highlander hesitation problems

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 9, 2026 · Transmission · 70,100 miles · PA

The contact owns a 2021 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was a loud high-pitched whining sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and the transmission was shifting rough. The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced an internal transmission failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. A local dealer was contacted and associated the failure with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin: 0008-21. The contact stated that a diagnostic test was scheduled. The failure mileage was 70,100.

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 Oct 2, 2026 · Transmission · MS

• What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission assembly (specifically internal mechanical wear resulting from front carrier assembly bearing degradation/torque converter heat buildup). No, the component and the contaminated transmission fluid are currently being replaced at the dealership. • How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? The severe mechanical wear and metal-on-metal degradation inside the transmission create an imminent hazard where the vehicle can experience sudden slipping, severe hesitation, or a complete, unexpected loss of motive power while traveling at highway speeds. This loss of acceleration in active traffic creates an immediate risk of a rear-end collision and leaves passengers stranded in an unsafe traffic pattern without warning. • Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. A professional diagnostic inspection confirmed that the transmission fluid was catastrophically low, and the assembly sustained severe internal damage via metal-on-metal contact with metal shavings actively circulating throughout the unit. • Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has been inspected and diagnosed by a service facility. It has not been inspected by the police or insurance representatives, as no crash has occurred yet. However, this failure directly mirrors the mechanical defects acknowledged by the manufacturer in Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 and active federal class-action lawsuits. • Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no electronic dashboard warning lamps or no electronic dashboard warning lamps or visible signs of prior leakage/seepage.

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 Sep 29, 2026 · Transmission · WI

The transmission developed a faint whining noise, first noticed September 2026 around 84,000 miles, along with some hesitation during operation. A Toyota dealer diagnosed internal bearing failure inside the transmission and recommended full replacement. An independent shop also quoted full replacement. Estimates ranged $8,500–$10,000. Vehicle not yet repaired; available for inspection. Safety risk: the noise is faint enough that a driver could reasonably dismiss it as imagined, unlike a loud noise or dashboard warning. No warning lamps or messages appeared at any point. This absence of a clear warning means affected drivers may keep driving unaware a component is failing internally. The vehicle also experienced hesitation during operation, which could affect safe acceleration, for example when merging into traffic. Based on documented failures of this transmission design in other vehicles, continued driving risks progression to slipping or sudden loss of motive power, with less chance a driver recognizes the need to stop before that happens. Inspected by a Toyota dealership and an independent repair shop; not inspected by manufacturer corporate, police, or insurance.

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 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 29, 2026 · Engine, Transmission · MD

I own a 2026 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Platinum purchased new. The vehicle has repeatedly exhibited hesitation, shuddering, jerking, and abnormal vibration during acceleration from a stop and the transition from electric propulsion to the gasoline engine. When accelerating from a stop, there can be a noticeable hesitation after pressing the accelerator before the vehicle responds. As the gasoline engine engages, the vehicle sometimes shudders or jerks before accelerating normally. I have also experienced vibration and lurching when the gasoline engine engages or disengages. At times, the condition appears more noticeable with the air conditioning operating. I am concerned this presents a safety issue because the hesitation occurs when accelerating from a stop, when predictable acceleration may be necessary to enter an intersection, cross traffic, or merge into traffic. I reported this condition to an authorized Toyota dealer, but it has not been corrected and continues to occur. I have also experienced a visibility issue involving the windshield and wipers. When the wipers operate, a hazy or filmy appearance becomes visible across the windshield as the blades pass over the glass, temporarily reducing visibility before dissipating. This continues despite attempts to clean the windshield and may involve the windshield surface, wipers, or their interaction. I am concerned because the wipers can temporarily create haze across my field of vision when clear visibility is especially important, particularly during rain, at night, or with headlight glare. I also reported the windshield/wiper issue to the authorized Toyota dealer. It remains unresolved and continues to occur. Both conditions remain unresolved, and I am concerned about the safety consequences of unpredictable acceleration and temporarily reduced forward visibility.