Does Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Overall, the Highlander is not broadly plagued by a single, widespread transmission defect across all model years, but certain generations and the Highlander Hybrid have experienced transmission-related complaints, and Toyota has issued recalls and service bulletins to address specific conditions.
More detail: Transmission problems in the Highlander tend to be tied to specific model years, drivetrains, and maintenance histories. Owners have reported symptoms such as shuddering, slipping, harsh or delayed shifts, unusual noises, and transmission-fluid leaks in some generations. Some issues have been resolved under warranty or through recall actions. For any Highlander you consider buying or owning, it’s prudent to check recalls for the exact VIN and review the vehicle’s maintenance history related to the transmission.
What owners report about Highlander transmissions
Common signs that something may be wrong with the Highlander’s transmission include the following symptoms.
- Shuddering or shudder during acceleration, especially at low speeds
- Rough or abrupt shifting between gears
- Slipping out of gear or failing to stay in expected gear
- Delayed engagement after selecting Drive or Park
- Unusual whining, clunking, or grinding noises
- Transmission fluid leaks or a burning smell
If you notice any of these signs, have the vehicle inspected promptly by a qualified technician, ideally at a Toyota dealer or a shop experienced with Toyota transmissions.
Model-year patterns and recalls
Recall campaigns and service bulletins have targeted specific Highlander model years and drivetrain configurations. The following summarizes known patterns, separating gasoline-powered models from hybrid variants.
Gasoline-powered Highlander generations
Notes apply to the traditional V6 gasoline models across various years. Some owners have reported shifting anomalies or transmission performance concerns in certain generations; Toyota has issued recalls or updated service procedures for a subset of these vehicles. Always verify recall status for your exact year and VIN.
- Model-year groups with documented recalls or service actions include some early- to mid-2000s and late-2010s models; specifics depend on market region and production batch.
- Issues typically relate to valve body assemblies, transmission control module software, or torque converter behavior, and are addressed under recall or service campaigns where applicable.
Because recall coverage is VIN-specific, check your Highlander’s VIN against NHTSA or Toyota's recall databases to confirm eligibility.
Hybrid Highlander patterns
The Highlander Hybrid uses a separate hybrid transaxle and e-CVT system. In some model years, owners have reported hybrid-transmission behavior such as unusual transitions between electric and gasoline modes or perceived CVT-like performance issues. Toyota has issued targeted service bulletins for certain hybrid configurations to refine shift behavior and electrical integration.
- Hybrid-specific issues are less common than in some other hybrids, but certain model-year ranges have seen recalls or service actions related to the hybrid system and transmission control.
- Hybrid owners should pay particular attention to battery cooling, inverter, and motor-assist components as part of the broader drivetrain health, since these can influence perceived transmission performance.
As with gasoline models, VIN-specific recall checks are essential for hybrids.
What to do if you own a Highlander with transmission concerns
Steps to take if you suspect transmission trouble or want to preempt problems:
- Check for active recalls on your exact Highlander model year and VIN using the NHTSA and Toyota recall databases.
- Schedule a diagnostic with a Toyota dealer or a technician experienced with Toyota transmissions, ideally sooner rather than later if symptoms are present.
- Review the maintenance history for the transmission fluid, filter changes, and any prior service notices; ensure fluids are at the correct level and spec.
- Ask the dealer to review any related service bulletins (TSBs) and to check for software updates that could improve shifting behavior.
- Consider extended warranty protection or financial options if a transmission repair is likely, especially for older mileage or high-wear vehicles.
Proper diagnosis is essential, because some symptoms may be caused by other drivetrain issues (such as a transmission mount, torque converter, or electrical sensor problems) that mimic transmission trouble.
Industry and consumer perspectives
Automotive publications and consumer watchdogs generally regard the Toyota Highlander as a reliable family SUV, with transmission concerns appearing mostly in isolated model-year ranges or in hybrid configurations. The best protection for buyers is proactive maintenance, timely recall checks, and transparent dealer diagnostics. Public reports should be weighed against broader reliability data and official recall campaigns.
Readers are encouraged to verify the latest recall status and service advisories for their exact vehicle through official sources, as information can change with new campaigns or updated guidance.
Summary
In short, transmission problems are not universal across all Toyota Highlander generations, but they do occur in certain model years and in Highlander Hybrid variants. Common symptoms include shuddering, harsh shifting, slipping, and fluid leaks. There are recall and service bulletin actions that address some of these issues, so VIN-specific recall checks and timely maintenance are the most effective protections for owners.
