What 298 owners told NHTSA about the 2020 Toyota Highlander

Toyota Highlander UA-80 transmission failed prematurely at 63,017 miles (just beyond warranty) due to KNOWN CRITICAL manufacturing defect as per technical advisory T-SB-0160-18 putting me and my family at risk for sudden catastrophic failure on the highway.

NHTSA ODI 11748731

The transmission can suddenly fail even at very early mileages. This is almost certainly related to T-SB-0008-21 that has defined a narrow number of transmissions though it appears to affect many more than outlined. This could cause sudden failure while operating the vehicle at any point in time and potentially lead to a crash without much if any warning. Toyota Brand Engagement is denying any assistance due to external service history from a prior owner rather than addressing the failed part outlined in the TSB. Failure reasoning cannot be provided from the dealership as Toyota does not allow the dealer technicians to open the transmission and instead mandate a full replacement.

NHTSA ODI 11748904

Transmission stalls in situations where speed is needed. For example when merging into traffic all of a sudden no power then when gear finally engages there a huge thump and feels like being hit from behind.

NHTSA ODI 11748933

I know there is a recall for my 2020 Highlander. My VIN isn't listed. The front bumper is coming off and can't be pushed back in.

NHTSA ODI 11748277

While driving my navigation system/screen/radio screen goes completely black! Which is dangerous when I’m using gps on the interstate! It does not come back on until I restart the car.

NHTSA ODI 11746932

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 NHTSA review this matter and determine whether a broader investigation into transmission failures affecting 2020 Toyota Highlander vehicles is warranted.

NHTSA ODI 11746831

The transmission (the UA80) has been known to have several issues and my transmission has normal driving on it, has had its fluids replaced, and is now experiencing the same issue that others are experiencing.

NHTSA ODI 11746060

Air conditioning has leaked after only 60,000 miles, costing me thousands in repairs. This is a recall on other models, but not this one. Mine and my baby’s safety is put at risk by being forced to drive around in the heat of summer without air conditioning. There were no warning lights. It was verified by the dealer, and I have a video of the inspection.

NHTSA ODI 11745556

The 8 speed Toyota transmission is defective and my transmission started to whine very loudly. I was told that it could freeze/lock up on me at any time so I had a rebuilt transmission put in my car. I am told Toyota new about this defect.

NHTSA ODI 11744162

My transmission failed in my 2020 Toyota Highlander after about 75,000 miles. This is a know issue technical service bulletin # T-SB-0008-21. The dealership acknowledged the known issue and instructed me to reach out to Toyota corporate for goodwill assistance which I did. They are reviewing my case but told me that they will not replace the transmission even thought its a know issue. It will be $10,000 dollars to repair.

NHTSA ODI 11743479

The transmission has been making a whining noise since about 75K miles. Had the transmission fluid changed at about 110K miles. Still makes whining noise and now has a rumble occasionally. We took it to the dealer and they said the transmission needs replaced. Over $8k in charges for the repair.

NHTSA ODI 11742625

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving to the dealer for a service appointment, the vehicle made an abnormally high-pitched sound. The vehicle was diagnosed with a UA80 transmission failure. No further information was available. There was no warning light illuminated. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,233.

NHTSA ODI 11742680

My 2020 Hylander, which has under 50,000 miles, started to whine with any use of gas pedal/acceleration. None of the warning lights were triggered. My mechanic informed me today it needs a new transmission, and for safety reasons, the car shouldn’t be driven. I’ve been reading how there are known problems with Toyota’s transmissions for my age car—this is negligence on their part—these cars should be recalled and fixed by Toyota.

NHTSA ODI 11742207

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. the contact stated that while driving, the back driver side , the minor child occupant expressed an issue with the seatbelt which began to tighten, The vehicle was stopped to assist the minor child occupant, the seatbelt became tighter and the contact had to go into a store to get scissors to free the minor occupant from the seatbelt. The minor occupant sustained light abrasions from the seatbelt rubbing but no medical treatment was sought. The vehicle was taken to the dealer; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed of repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 59,000.

NHTSA ODI 11742080

I took my car in for service and I noticed my car is making a loud whining noise. I asked the mechanic about it and he said my transmission is going out. I found on the web several people complaining about the 8-speed Toyota transmission and how it will stop working shortly. The complaints are numerous and it listed all the of the technical bulletins that Toyota issued and they knew about the problem years ago. I am taking my car to shop to have it fixed or replace. Based upon all my research, I am concerned that the car will stop working and leave me in an unsafe situation. I am not happy that Toyota is selling such a defective product.

NHTSA ODI 11740733

Premature transmission failure due to factory defect. All maintenance was done on time and at dealership.

NHTSA ODI 11739685

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.

NHTSA ODI 11739243

Transmission failing/confirmed by dealer at 70k. No slipping, no warning messages, just whining prompted me to have it inspected. There are multiple lawsuits regarding these UA80 transmissions and Toyota is refusing to fix or acknowledge the manufacturing flaw.

NHTSA ODI 11738669

This Toyota Highlander make whining sound when I try to speedup, even a little bit. I had a transmission shop checked, and I was informed there is metal pieces in transmission fluid. I am concerned it will break one day on highway while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11737887

My 2020 Toyota Highlander hybrid sometimes has a brake slipping or surging sensation when I apply my brakes while stopping. It happens periodically and not every time. I have not taken it to a Toyota service station for this specific reason but I mentioned it while in for a recent oil change. They checked for a recall but didn't find any. I have somewhat gotten accustomed to the issue and have been able to adjust. As I have stated, it doesn't happen every time I apply my brakes. My concern is if I allow someone else to borrow my car or even sell to a new owner. I believe I am the second owner.

NHTSA ODI 11737274

The transmission failed. It is available for inspection. Should the transmission have completely failed on the road, it could have lead to an accident. Per the dealership diagnostic: replace transmission and torque converter assembly with applicable seals due to internal transmission failure. It has not been inspected by anyone else. No warning lights. This is a widespread problem in 2017-2020 Toyota Highlanders. Failure frequently happens right after the expiration of the manufacturer warranty and Toyota refuses to pay for it.

NHTSA ODI 11737362

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at 35 MPH, depressing the accelerator pedal the vehicle to respond as intended and the contact could smell smoke while stopped. A dealer was contacted. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to where the diagnosed the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired, as the shift selector switch was replaced. The manufacturer was notified on the failure and offered to cut five thousand dollars off the cost of repair. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 41,800.

NHTSA ODI 11737031

Vehicle jerked and then a metal grinding sound. Vehicle would then not even roll in neutral on an incline. Had to be towed to dealer. Transmission has a crack in the case. Need a whole new transmission. I was left on the road. No warning whatsoever.

NHTSA ODI 11735905

The transmission failed after 56,000 miles. Based on the research this UA80 transmission has a lot of problems and Toyota has issued TBS and even extended warranty for the previous year models in the past. The transmission failed right after the time allowance for the 5 years 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, but within the mileage.

NHTSA ODI 11735103

The Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection is a good thing, but there's a problem. It stops the car too abruptly on the highway, leading to rear-end collisions. When you release the brake pedal, the car remains stationary. To get it moving, you need to press the accelerator pedal. There have been four instances of the Pre-Collision System with Pedestrian Detection being activated in the last 12 months. Two of them ended in rear-end collisions. In the other two cases, there were no cars behind.

NHTSA ODI 11734587