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 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

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

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

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

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

Transmission developed a "whine" just before 87,000 miles resulting in the transmission and torque converter needing to be replaced as the transmission was failing.

NHTSA ODI 11734003

I have a 2020 Toyota Highlander Limited, at 140k my car began whining with acceleration, I took it to the dealership and a new transmission and was quoted 9,790 alone for a new transmission. I have had Toyotas since I began driving, I have never put more than breaks and battery’s in them. It seems this transmission has been a constant problem and failing early in life. I am not sure how there is not a recall for as many reports that there is.

NHTSA ODI 11734052

At approximately 75,000 miles the vehicle had a whining noise coming from the engine area. Took it to the dealer and they tested it, listened to it and determined that the transmission needed replaced. They confirmed the t-case oil is in good condition and level. No maintenance issues or concerns. Just that the transmission had gone bad. Toyota wants $8,000 to replace a transmission with low miles for a 2020 vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11732069

UA80 8 Speed transmission on 3.5V6 AWD transmission whine with transmission failure

NHTSA ODI 11731638

My 2020 Toyota Highlander experiences transmission jerking and hesitation during low speed acceleration. The issue was first reported to the dealership while under warranty but was not diagnosed. The vehicle now requires transmission replacement 7k miles over the warranty despite the issue being reported during the warranty. Toyota has refused a repair under warranty and has violated their terms of powertrain warranty. This 8 speed transmission commonly has issue during production years 2017-2022 and toyota has admitted to a production defect. Despite that they have refused a goodwill repair or a warranty repair.

NHTSA ODI 11724730

Vehicle produces a noticeable whining noise under acceleration. Shifting is completely normal and no other drivability issues are present. Issue matches the pattern described in TSB T-SB-0008-21 (UA80E/UA80F front carrier assembly pinion shaft bearing failure). Multiple owners report dealers are diagnosing this as requiring full transmission replacement at 8,000–12,000, with no partial repair or recall offered despite Toyota’s prior knowledge of this defect in earlier model years (ZJC Warranty Enhancement Program for 2017–2018). Requesting NHTSA investigation

NHTSA ODI 11724257

1. The vehicle’s transmission appears to be failing. I was driving my 2020 Toyota Highlander on the freeway at about 75 mph with my family in the vehicle when the car suddenly lost power and would not accelerate properly even though the engine was still running. Because of the sudden loss of power, I had to carefully move the vehicle to the shoulder of the freeway. At the time I did not realize it may have been related to the transmission. 2.Recently I brought the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership for a routine oil change and because I had started hearing a whining noise when accelerating, especially above about 30 mph. After inspecting the vehicle, the dealership informed me that the transmission needs to be replaced and provided a repair estimate of approximately 9,800. The vehicle currently has around 72,000 miles and the transmission is available for inspection upon request. 3.The sudden loss of power on the freeway created a dangerous situation because traffic around us was moving at highway speeds. My family was in the vehicle and I had to maneuver the car to the shoulder while vehicles were passing at high speed, which could have resulted in a serious accident. 4.The issue has been confirmed by the authorized Toyota dealership service department. When the incident occurred and we were stopped on the shoulder of the freeway, we contacted the highway patrol because we were concerned about our safety while stopped on the highway. 5.No warning lights or messages appeared on the dashboard prior to the loss of power. The only symptom noticed before bringing the vehicle in for service was a whining noise during acceleration.

NHTSA ODI 11724164