Toyota Highlander loss of power problems

Filed Nov 6, 2026 · Transmission · IA

There is Powertrain - Transmission failure on my 2021 Highlander V6 8 speed with just over 50,000 miles. Toyota is aware of transmission failures with the Highlander family of vehicles equipped with the UA80 transmission. The failure with the UA80 transmission can cause a sudden power loss in traffic which escalates it to a safety issue. My Vehicle has been inspected by the Toyota dealership and confirmed to be well-maintained. Transmission failure confirmed by dealership and documents have been shared with Toyota Corporate (Toyota Motor North America). Toyota is refusing to take any responsibility, cover any cost associated, or do any recall, putting their consumers and others at risk.

Filed Nov 4, 2026 · Transmission · IL

I purchased my 2021 Toyota Highlander AWD brand new in March 2021. In May 2026, at approximately 120,000 miles, I began hearing a high-pitched whining noise coming from the transmission. The noise became louder as I accelerated. Toyota disregarded the noise and advise that it was normal due to the mileage of the vehicle In August 2026, I took the car back to perform an oil change and tire rotation and I mentioned once again the noise coming from the transmission, Once again the dealer told me that i was due to the mileage. I took the car in October 26 to perform oil change and tire rotation and I mentioned the noise again. The dealer then made an appointment to inspect the issue Toyota dealership technicians inspected my vehicle and diagnosed failing transmission bearings. Toyota confirmed that the transmission needs to be completely replaced. The estimated replacement cost is $9,500. I am concerned about the safety risk because a failing transmission can potentially cause loss of power, unexpected changes in vehicle movement, or difficulty accelerating while driving in traffic. I am concerned that the condition could worsen and create a dangerous situation for me, my passengers, and other drivers. The first symptom was a high-pitched whining noise that began in May 2026 at approximately 120,000

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 7, 2026 · Transmission · 74,000 miles · NJ

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that driving the vehicle lost power and failed to properly accelerate while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was an abnormal whining sound coming from the transmission and the vehicle lunged forward and unintendedly accelerated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The contact was informed that the transmission was on back order from the manufacturer. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 74,000.

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 Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · MI

UA80 Transmission failure. Was driving on highway when the transmission failed and lost power to the vehicle. Car was taken to Sunshine Toyota (Batte Creek MI) in 2022 and the transmission was recommended to be replaced due to a defect at 67,000 miles. The car was then sold off, and I acquired it through another dealer.

Filed Sep 8, 2026 · Transmission · TX

The 8 speed automatic transmission (UA80E) in my 2021 Toyota Highlander Limited V6 FWD failed at 75,491 miles. The failure presented as a loud whining noise during acceleration between 30 and 40 mph. A Toyota dealership diagnosed complete transmission failure requiring full replacement of the transaxle assembly at a cost of $8,144.45 (repair order dated August 14, 2026). The dealership service manager confirmed in writing that the failure appears consistent with Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21, issued February 9, 2021, which documented whine and grind failures of the front carrier assembly pinion shafts in this transmission family. My transmission was built in June 2021, after the serial range covered by that bulletin, and failed the same way, indicating the defect was not confined to the bulletin's production range. This transmission is the subject of multiple pending federal class action lawsuits alleging premature failure. A transmission failure of this type can result in sudden loss of power while driving, which is a safety hazard. The vehicle was purchased new from a Toyota dealership in July 2021, was maintained normally, and was never used under severe service conditions. The problem has been confirmed by the dealer. The vehicle and failed component are available for inspection and the vehicle remains at the dealership.

Filed Sep 6, 2026 · Transmission · TX

**Component/System:** Automatic Transmission — 8-speed (UA80E/UA80F), Toyota Highlander **Description of the problem:** My 2021 Toyota Highlander (approximately 116,000 miles) has developed a high-pitched whining noise a while ago, that occurs during acceleration, consistent with the symptom described in Toyota's own Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 (issued Feb 9, 2021) for whine/grind noise in the transmission on this model. The vehicle has not yet been formally diagnosed by a dealer or independent shop as of this filing; I am submitting this report proactively given the volume of documented failures in this transmission platform and to add to the federal safety agency's record before the condition potentially worsens. I am aware, through Toyota's own TSB and multiple pending class-action lawsuits (including Pallaya v. Toyota Motor Sales U.S.A., Case No. 2:25-cv-10613, C.D. Cal., and LeBoutheller v. Toyota, Case No. 4:25-cv-01389, E.D. Tex.), that this transmission (UA80E/UA80F, used in 2017-present Highlander and related Toyota/Lexus models) has a documented pattern of premature failure nationwide, often presenting first as this same whining noise, and in a number of owner-reported cases progressing to sudden power loss, shifting into neutral, or stalling — creating a serious safety risk to occupants and other drivers, particularly at highway speeds.

Filed Sep 5, 2026 · Transmission · NH

The transmission (power train) in this vehicle shows symptoms of a known defect in Toyota's UA80 8-speed. Since approximately (Aug 2026/~70k mileage), it has produced shining/grinding noised at increasing speed. these symptoms match failure patterns described in Toyota's own Tech Service Bulletin for transmission, which have led to documented cases of sudden power loss, gear slippage, and complete failure in other owners of this and related models. I have not yet experienced complete loss of propulsion, but given the documented failure patterns, there is a foreseeable risk this could occur without warning while driving, including traffic or while merging, creating a safety hazard. I took the vehicle to Toyota of Manchester, NH dealership on [XXX] and requested repair given the known TSB coverage. Toyota denied repair assistance, citing lack of dealer service records, despite transmission fluid being a lifetime-fill component unrelated to this failure mode. I am filing this proactively due to the documented risk of sudden failure, and because Toyota denied to address a known, symptomatic defect before it progresses and declined to take responsibility for the repairs or repair assistance for this defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)