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2019 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20265 Critical Recalls
Ethan Miller
2019 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 516 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve power train and fuel/propulsion system.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

5.3/ 10

Based on 516 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

POWER TRAIN

124 24%

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

81 15.7%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

66 12.8%

ENGINE

58 11.2%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

48 9.3%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is POWER TRAIN, accounting for 24% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 44 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2019 Toyota Highlander

The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 516 owner complaints in this dataset. POWER TRAIN is the most common complaint category, representing about 24% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2019 Toyota Highlander are POWER TRAIN (124), FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (81), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (66).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 253 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2018 Highlander complaints2020 Highlander complaints2017 Highlander complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 30 of 30 systems

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

69 Reports28% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND INSTANT POWER/QUICK ACCELERATION NEEDED. ALSO NOTED WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, AFTER CAR HAS SLOWED DOWN BELOW 5 MPH TO MAKE THE CORNER. GAS IS APPLIED WITH HESITATION. NOTED MORE WHEN CAR IS AT A COMPLETE STAND STILL/MOVING AT SLOW SPEED THEN GAS APPLIED TO MOVE FORWARD. CAR DOES NOT MOVE/REACT INSTANTLY.

4/3/2019

2019 HIGHLANDER XLE LOSES POWER, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, & JERKS AND STALLS IN TRAFFIC.BOUGHT AT 200 MILES, CERTIFIED PREOWNED. IT IS A NIGHTMARE VEHICLE. ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN TOUCHY AND JUMPY AT TIMES, INTERMITTENTLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. FIRST TIME IT STALLED IT STARTED TO LOSE POWER PUT -PUT AND CHUG LIKE JERKING AND ALL DASH AND ELECTRICAL ON DASH WENT OUT, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, THEN STALLED OUT IN ROAD, UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRENCE WAS AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF DRIVING. SECOND TIME IT STALLED OUT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, PUTTER AND CHUG, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE APPLYING GAS PEDAL, GETTING NO GAS, VEHICLE DIES OUT, UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRENCE WAS AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF DRIVING. THIRD TIME WAS YESTERDAY 8-8-19. LEFT WORK AND ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, STARTED HESITATING, LOSING ALL DASH AND ELECTRICAL POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL APPLIED, THEN STALLS OUT, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN! ALMOST GOT HIT THIS TIME, MAN BEHIND ME COMING FAST AND HAD TO SWERVE INTO LANE OVER TO MISS ME. THIS CAR IS GOING TO KILL ME OR SOMEONE BY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IF THEY DO NOT GET IT FIXED RIGHT. AFTER THE SECOND STALL IT WAS TOWED INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE NOT SURE BUT SAID FUEL PRESSURE WAS READING 22 AND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE MID TO HIGH 50'S. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND IT DROVE OK FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT I NOTICED THE AVERAGE FUEL MILEAGE GOING DOWN FROM AN APPROX IN CITY 19.1--20 TO 17.1-17.3. HAS NEVER BEEN SO LOW SO OBVIOUSLY THE STALLING AND THE REPLACING OR THE FUEL PUMP ARE NOT THE REAL ISSUE. FUEL ECONOMY GOING DOWN SINCE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP AND NOW ANOTHER DANGEROUS STALLING ISSUE. CAR IS AT TOYOTA DEALER NOW. THEY NEED TO DIVE MUCH DEEPER & RESOLVE THIS VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE! I BOUGHT THIS CAR TO FEEL SAFE AND HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION AND HAVE NEITHER. IT REALLY SCARES ME. *DT*JB

8/9/2019

67 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

35 Reports14% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE IGNITION START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OXMOOR TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 8003 SHELBYVILLE RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40222, (502) 565-0086) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300.

7/11/2019

2019 HIGHLANDER XLE LOSES POWER, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, & JERKS AND STALLS IN TRAFFIC.BOUGHT AT 200 MILES, CERTIFIED PREOWNED. IT IS A NIGHTMARE VEHICLE. ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN TOUCHY AND JUMPY AT TIMES, INTERMITTENTLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. FIRST TIME IT STALLED IT STARTED TO LOSE POWER PUT -PUT AND CHUG LIKE JERKING AND ALL DASH AND ELECTRICAL ON DASH WENT OUT, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, THEN STALLED OUT IN ROAD, UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRENCE WAS AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF DRIVING. SECOND TIME IT STALLED OUT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, PUTTER AND CHUG, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE APPLYING GAS PEDAL, GETTING NO GAS, VEHICLE DIES OUT, UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRENCE WAS AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF DRIVING. THIRD TIME WAS YESTERDAY 8-8-19. LEFT WORK AND ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, STARTED HESITATING, LOSING ALL DASH AND ELECTRICAL POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL APPLIED, THEN STALLS OUT, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN! ALMOST GOT HIT THIS TIME, MAN BEHIND ME COMING FAST AND HAD TO SWERVE INTO LANE OVER TO MISS ME. THIS CAR IS GOING TO KILL ME OR SOMEONE BY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IF THEY DO NOT GET IT FIXED RIGHT. AFTER THE SECOND STALL IT WAS TOWED INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE NOT SURE BUT SAID FUEL PRESSURE WAS READING 22 AND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE MID TO HIGH 50'S. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND IT DROVE OK FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT I NOTICED THE AVERAGE FUEL MILEAGE GOING DOWN FROM AN APPROX IN CITY 19.1--20 TO 17.1-17.3. HAS NEVER BEEN SO LOW SO OBVIOUSLY THE STALLING AND THE REPLACING OR THE FUEL PUMP ARE NOT THE REAL ISSUE. FUEL ECONOMY GOING DOWN SINCE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP AND NOW ANOTHER DANGEROUS STALLING ISSUE. CAR IS AT TOYOTA DEALER NOW. THEY NEED TO DIVE MUCH DEEPER & RESOLVE THIS VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE! I BOUGHT THIS CAR TO FEEL SAFE AND HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION AND HAVE NEITHER. IT REALLY SCARES ME. *DT*JB

8/9/2019

33 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE GPS SYSTEM DOES NOT PROVIDE VERBAL INSTRUCTIONS; ONLY VISUAL. THIS CAUSES THE DRIVER TO REMOVE HIS/HER EYES FROM THE ROAD AND LOOK FREQUENTLY AND MONITOR THE SCREEN. I HAVE VISITED THE DEALERSHIP NUMEROUS TIMES BUT THERE ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE ISSUE. THEY ACKNOWLEDGE THE ISSUE AND STATED THAT TOYOTA IS WORKING ON A WORK AROUND BUT NO ESTIMATE IS PROVIDED. I KNOW AT LEAST 5 OTHER HIGHLANDERS IN THE TAMPA BAY AREA ARE EXPERIENCING THIS BECAUSE WHEN I OPENED A CASE WITH WWW.TOYOTA.COM THE CASE OFFICER CALLED AND HE INFORMED ME OF THIS. I WAS TOLD YESTERDAY BY THE VICE PRESIDENT OF STADIUM TOYOTA THAT THIS ISSUE AFFECTS ALL 2019 HIGHLANDER LIMITED AND LIMITED PREMIUM MODELS. TOYOTA HAS KNOW OF THIS PROBLEM SINCE THE LAST WEEK IN DECEMBER 2018 AND YET HAS NOT IMPLEMENTED A RECALL OR ADVICE DOCUMENTS TO OWNERS.

2/9/2019

THE ENTIRE VOICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE ON MY ONE WEEK OLD 2019 HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM. NO AUDIBLE VOICE OR BEEPS WITH NAVIGATION ASSIST, NO PHONE ASSIST,, NO EYES-FREE ASSIST, NO DRIVER ANNOUNCE TO REAR CABIN VOICE, NO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM VOICE ASSIST. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD ELIMINATING HANDS FREE DRIVING, AND NO NAVIGATION GUIDANCE. I WAS ON UNFAMILIAR ROADS IN THE DARK OF NIGHT, ALONE, UNABLE TO OPERATE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT WHICH PROVED TO BE UNRELIABLE. I JUST LEARNED THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TOYOTA FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, YET NEW VEHICLES ARE DRIVEN AWAY FROM DEALERSHIPS BY UNSUSPECTING NEW OWNERS AFTER PAYING GOOD MONEY FOR A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. DECEITFUL, UNETHICAL, AND UNSAFE! WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE? WHY ARE VEHICLES NOT FIXED BEFORE BEING SOLD AS NEW?

8/8/2019

24 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

22 Reports9% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE VOICE COMMANDS FOR THE VEHICLE DO NOT WORK WHICH REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO LOOK AT THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OR SCROLL THROUGH THEIR PHONE BOOK RATHER THAN USING THE BLUETOOTH FEATURES. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND ILLEGAL IN SOME STATES WHICH REQUIRE HANDS FREE PHONE.

2/20/2019

IN NAVIGATION, IT WILL NOT GIVE VOICE DIRECTIONS WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD CAUSING YOU TO LOOK AT THE SCREEN AND TAKING YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD. I TOLD TOYOTA ABOUT THIS BUT NO FIX. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. THIS OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY OR MOVING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU TRY TO USE NAVIGATION.

3/30/2019

20 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

17 Reports7% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). WHILE HIS WIFE WAS DRIVING 40-45 MPH THE VEHICLE STALED HOWEVER RESTARTED. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEST COAST TOYOTA (3399 E WILLOW ST, LONG BEACH, CA 90806 (562) 304-9422) BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED BUT PROVIDED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.

2/25/2020

I BOUGHT THIS TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE AWD A MONTH AGO AND WAS NEVER TOLD THERE WAS A RECALL OUTSTANDING. I AM TOLD THERE IS NO FIX AFTER 4 MONTHS AND THEY DON'T KNOW WHEN THERE WILL BE ONE. THIS CAR CAN STOP SUDDENLY AT HIGH SPEED AND IS NOW A DEATH TRAP FOR ME. THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE AND VERY DANGEROUS. WHAT IS BEING DONE ABOUT THIS???? *TR

4/11/2020

15 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

12 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING 50 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHOOK UNCONTROLLABLY WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR ALSO ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO HAMER TOYOTA (11041 SEPULVEDA BLVD, MISSION HILLS, CA 91345), BUT THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DETERMINED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000.

12/30/2019

WHEN TRYING TO COAST TO A STOP AT AROUND 4 MPH THE CAR WILL SLAM TO A STOP. DOES NOT ALWAYS DO THIS BUT IT'S SOMETIMES VERY HARD TO COME TO A SMOOTH STOP AS THE CARS BRAKING SYSTEM (REGENERATIVE BRAKING?) WILL KICK IN BY ITSELF. CAN BE DANGEROUS IF A CAR IS TAILING VERY CLOSE TO ME AS IT WILL SEEM LIKE I'M DRIVING UNPREDICTABLY. TOOK THE CAR TO A DEALER BUT THEY COULD NOT REPLICATE THE PROBLEM AT THE TIME. ALTHOUGH THE PROBLEM IS INTERMITTENT IT IS MORE LIKELY TO DO THIS WHEN THE CAR IS STILL WARMING UP.

1/20/2020

10 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE TAILGATE, ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MALLOY TOYOTA (400 WEEMS LN, WINCHESTER, VA 22601, (540) 678-1791) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR UNLOCKED AND NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT MALLOY TOYOTA; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STILL COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.

6/26/2019

SUNROOF SPONTANEOUSLY SHATTERED WHILE DRIVING ~30PMH ON A HOT AFTERNOON. NO OTHER CARS IN CLOSE PROXIMITY. NO TREES OVERHEAD OR OTHER DEBRIS FOUND THAT COULD HAVE TRIGGERED THE SHATTERING. THE NOISE SOUNDED LIKE AN EXPLOSION OVERHEAD. UPON INSPECTION, THE GLASS APPEARS TO HAVE EXPLODED OUTWARD AND LEFT A LARGE HOLE IN THE MIDDLE. LUCKILY, THE FABRIC PANEL BELOW THE GLASS WAS CLOSED, OTHERWISE THIS WOULD HAVE BEEN AN EXTREMELY DANGEROUS SITUATION SINCE THE GLASS IS NOT SAFETY GLASS. PER OUR TOYOTA DEALERSHIP, TOYOTA CORP WILL NOT COVER THIS ISSUE OR TAKE ANY RESPONSIBILITY FOR WHAT SEEMS TO BE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT (OR BAD DESIGN, AS THIS GLASS SHOULD BE SAFETY GLASS).

7/1/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

8 Reports3% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION AND COLLIDED WITH ANOTHER VEHICLE IN A T FASHION, WAS PUSHED TO THE LEFT AND RAN INTO ADDITIONAL 2 POLES, THEN STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS AT APPROXIMATE SPEED OF 40-45 MPH AT THE TIME OF COLLISION WITH THE OTHER VEHICLE. THE AIRBAGS OF THE VEHICLE (TOYOTA) DID NOT DEPLOY DURING ANY OF THE COLLISION EVENTS: THE OTHER VEHICLE OR WHEN IT HIT THE POLES.

10/22/2019

OTHER CAR PULLED INTO INTERSECTION CAUSING OUR HIGHLANDER TO COLLIDE WITH TURNING VEHICLE. T COLLISION. NONE OF THE AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. SPEEDS AROUND 35 MPH. CAR TOTALED AND I SUSTAINED SEVERE CONCUSSION. WAS WEARING SEATBELT.

12/8/2019

6 more complaints are available in this category.

STEERING

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING, THE VEHICLE HAD A SLIGHT LAG WHEN I APPLIED GAS THEN STARTED BEEPING AND PROVIDED THE WARNINGS: CHECK ENGINE, HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, PRE-COLLISION SYSTEM MALFUNCTION, CHECK AWD SYSTEM. I TURNED THE CAR OFF MULTIPLE TIMES, THE ERRORS WERE STILL ON THE CAR THE NEXT MORNING WHEN I STARTED THE CAR TO TAKE IT TO THE SERVICE APPT. WHEN I GOT TO THE DEALERSHIP I TURNED THE CAR OFF TO CHECK IT IN, WHEN I CAME BACK THE ERROR WAS GONE. THEY CHECKED OUT THE CAR THEY SAID THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT AND THOUGHT IT WAS JUST 'AMBIENT CONDITIONS'. TWO WEEKS LATER, I WAS DRIVING AND I HAD THE SAME LAG IN POWER THEN THE SAME ALARMS AND STARTED DRIVING TOWARD THE DEALERSHIP (ABOUT 3 MILES AWAY) AND THE HYBRID SYSTEM AND POWER STEERING SHUT DOWN IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD LEAVING ME WITH NO POWER. I TURNED THE VEHICLE OFF AND BACK ON AND THE ERRORS WERE STILL THERE AND IT SHUT DOWN AGAIN ANOTHER HALF MILE DOWN THE ROAD. IT IS AT THE DEALERSHIP AGAIN. THE VEHICLE HAS 10,800 MILES AND SHOULD NOT BE HAVING THESE SIGNIFICANT ISSUES. I WAS DRIVING IN THE CITY DURING ALL THESE EVENTS.

8/14/2019

TL* THE CONTACT LEASES A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT COASTED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD AND POWERED OFF THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO DRIVE NORMALLY; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED TWICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO PAGE TOYOTA (21262 TELEGRAPH RD, SOUTHFIELD, MI 48033, (248) 352-8580) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TECHNICIAN COULD NOT FIND A FAILURE CODE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1910282286. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 4,000.

10/31/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

SEVERE HESITATION WHEN GAS IS APPLIED, ESPECIALLY WHEN CROSSING HEAVY TRAFFIC AND INSTANT POWER/QUICK ACCELERATION NEEDED. ALSO NOTED WHEN GOING AROUND CORNERS, AFTER CAR HAS SLOWED DOWN BELOW 5 MPH TO MAKE THE CORNER. GAS IS APPLIED WITH HESITATION. NOTED MORE WHEN CAR IS AT A COMPLETE STAND STILL/MOVING AT SLOW SPEED THEN GAS APPLIED TO MOVE FORWARD. CAR DOES NOT MOVE/REACT INSTANTLY. I NOTICE THIS PROBLEM ON A WEEKLY (AT LEAST) BASIS.

9/11/2019

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED ALONG WITH A CHIME. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE PROPELLED FORWARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO STOP THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CONTINUED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A POLE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED TO STOP. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL MILLENNIUM TOYOTA DEALER (257 N FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550) WAS CALLED WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER BUT NO CALL WAS RECEIVED SO THE CONTACT CALLED AND LEFT A VOICEMAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CALLED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT PAPER WORK WAS NEEDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THAT THE BLACK BOX WAS TO BE INSPECTED WHICH COULD TAKE A WEEK FOR THE RESULTS AND A MONTH FOR A SOLUTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

5/11/2020

4 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

6 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

ME AND MY FAMILY WERE LEAVING A HOTEL IN TARRYTOWN NY. I PARKED THE CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 OUTSIDE, HELPED MY WIFE AND 21-MONTH BABY INTO THE BACK SEAT AND HAD TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK BUT IT WAS LOCKED. IN THAT MOMENT THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING; THE GROUND WAS NOT STEEP AT ALL: 5-10 DEGREES THE MOST. I TOOK OUT THE KEY FROM IGNITION TO GO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE BUTTON FROM THE REMOTE. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS WITH MY WIFE AND KID IN THE BACK SEAT. THERE WAS A SLOPE FEW FEET AWAY FROM WHERE I PARKED AND THE ANGLE BECAME ABOUT 40 DEGREES AND IT PICKED UP SPEED QUICKLY. I RUSHED IN (DRIVERS DOOR WAS LUCKY OPEN AND FLAPPING AROUND), AT THE LAST MOMENT WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE BREAK BUT WE STILL HIT ANOTHER CAR WITH PEOPLE INSIDE. I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH VISUAL SCARS AND BRUISES ON MY LEFT LEG FROM TRYING TO CLIMB IN THE CAR, BUT MY WIFE FELT PAIN IN HER LOWER BACK THE DAY AFTER THE CRASH. THERE WERE WITNESSES AND MOST LIKELY A CAMERA, SINCE IT WAS BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF A MAJOR HOTEL. FROM READING AND RESEARCHING ON THIS MATTER I SUSPECT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PARKING PAWL (THE PIECE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT HOLDS THE CAR IN PARK). THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I SAW HERE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT A PERSON FROM NJ FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE EXACT SAME MATTER WITH THE SAME CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 (NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11245263), JUST A MONTH AGO SO THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. PLEASE TAKE ACTION. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE!

9/30/2019

WE STARTED THE VEHICLE THAT IS PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE AT AROUND 8AM TO GET SOME GROCERIES. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL. SHIFTED TO D AND STARTED MOVING AND AS I WAS LEAVING THE SPOT, I PUSHED THE BREAK TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND IT WON'T STOP. PUSHED THE BREAK PAD SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR WON'T STOP. FINALLY MOVED THE GEAR TO P AND IT STOPPED AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND TRIED TO REVERSE IT, IT WON'T REVERSE AND ONLY GOING FORWARD. I CALLED AUTONATION TOYOTA OF LEESBURG, THEY TOWED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 11/30/19 WITH ONLY 45 MILES IN IT. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING BECAUSE MY NEIGHBOR WAS PUTTING SOMETHING TO HIS CAR AND I WAS ABOUT TO RUN AT HIM.

12/24/2019

4 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MAY 31 I WAS PICKING MY PASSENGERS AS DIVING TO UBER DRIVER. I PARKED MY VEHICLE STEP OUT TO OPEN BACK DOOR TO OPEN MY 3RD ROW SEAT BUT DOOR DIDN'T ABLE TO OPEN AND SAME MINUTES I HEARD VOICE BEEP COMING OUT FROM FRONT STEERING WHEEL. I TURNED AROUND WENT TO SEE WHAT THIS VOICE IS ABOUT.. BEFORE I TOUCHED ANYTHING MY VEHICLE START TO ROLLED BACKWARDS AND I GOT SO SCARED AND I TRIED TO HOLD THE STEERING WHEELS FROM OUTSIDE TO STOP VEHICLE SOMEHOW BUT IT WENT SO FAST DRAGGED ME OVER 100 FEETS THROWS ME ON THE STREET AND WENT OUT ON 2 HOMES PROPERTY OVER THE BUSHES AND HIT THE RAILING GUARDS ON ONE HOME . I CALLED POLICE ON THE SPOT WHERE THEY ASKED MY PASSENGERS AS WELL WHAT WAS HAPPENED AND THEY STATED WHAT I JUST WROTE HERE. AMBULANCE CAME PUT BANDAGES ON MY RIPPED LEFT KNEE AND TOLD ME TO CALL THEM IF I NEEDED THEM LATER ON. I HAD CALLED TOYOTA COMPANY AND THEY CAME TOOK MY VEHICLE TO HACKENSACK TOYOTA TO TOOK SOME INFORMATION AND AFTER 4 WEEKS SENT ME LETTER SAYING NOTHING WRONG WITH THIS VEHICLE AT ALL .... I'M SHOCKED AFTER HEARD THE VEHICLE HAD NO PROBLEM SO WHY IT ROLLED IN PARKING POSITION RIPPED MY KNEES PUT ME INTO STRESS AND POLICE REPORT MY 4 WITNESSES ALL WAS A LIE OR TOYOTAS PLAYING SOME BIG GAMES AROUND ME SO THEY DONT HAVE TO DO BIGGEST RECALL ON BRAND NEW VEHICLES ? I'M TRYING TO LET YOU GUYS KNOW THIS IS SOMETHING BIG GOING ON SO PLEASE HELP ME OUT WITH THIS SITUATION AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

8/20/2019

ME AND MY FAMILY WERE LEAVING A HOTEL IN TARRYTOWN NY. I PARKED THE CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 OUTSIDE, HELPED MY WIFE AND 21-MONTH BABY INTO THE BACK SEAT AND HAD TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE TRUNK BUT IT WAS LOCKED. IN THAT MOMENT THE CAR WAS IN PARK WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING; THE GROUND WAS NOT STEEP AT ALL: 5-10 DEGREES THE MOST. I TOOK OUT THE KEY FROM IGNITION TO GO OPEN THE TRUNK WITH THE BUTTON FROM THE REMOTE. SUDDENLY THE CAR STARTED ROLLING BACKWARDS WITH MY WIFE AND KID IN THE BACK SEAT. THERE WAS A SLOPE FEW FEET AWAY FROM WHERE I PARKED AND THE ANGLE BECAME ABOUT 40 DEGREES AND IT PICKED UP SPEED QUICKLY. I RUSHED IN (DRIVERS DOOR WAS LUCKY OPEN AND FLAPPING AROUND), AT THE LAST MOMENT WAS ABLE TO PRESS THE BREAK BUT WE STILL HIT ANOTHER CAR WITH PEOPLE INSIDE. I AM THE ONLY ONE WITH VISUAL SCARS AND BRUISES ON MY LEFT LEG FROM TRYING TO CLIMB IN THE CAR, BUT MY WIFE FELT PAIN IN HER LOWER BACK THE DAY AFTER THE CRASH. THERE WERE WITNESSES AND MOST LIKELY A CAMERA, SINCE IT WAS BY THE FRONT ENTRANCE OF A MAJOR HOTEL. FROM READING AND RESEARCHING ON THIS MATTER I SUSPECT IT IS A DEFECT IN THE PARKING PAWL (THE PIECE INSIDE THE TRANSMISSION THAT HOLDS THE CAR IN PARK). THIS IS AN ABSOLUTE MANUFACTURERS DEFECT. I SAW HERE ON THE NHTSA WEBSITE THAT A PERSON FROM NJ FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT THE EXACT SAME MATTER WITH THE SAME CAR: TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2019 (NHTSA ID NUMBER: 11245263), JUST A MONTH AGO SO THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT AN ISOLATED CASE. PLEASE TAKE ACTION. THIS VEHICLE SHOULD BE RECALLED ASAP BEFORE SOMEONE GETS SERIOUSLY INJURED OR WORSE!

9/30/2019

3 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE RIGHT REAR SEATBELT (2ND ROW SEAT IN VEHICLE WITH 3 ROWS) RIPPED FROM BASIC USE FROM A CHILD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW FROM TOYOTA SUDBURY, MA AND OWNED APPROXIMATELY 1-YEAR. IN LATE DECEMBER 2019, MY CHILD NOTICED THE REAR SEATBELT WAS RIPPED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA WELLESLEY, MA FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR AND STATED THE SEATBELT WAS INTENTIONALLY CUT BY US. NOW WHY WOULD WE INTENTIONALLY CUT A SEATBELT USED BY OUR CHILDREN JUST TO PAY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED? SINCE TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX, AND WE REQUIRED A SEATBELT TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY, WE HAD TO FIX AND PAY TOYOTA $429. CLEARLY WE DID NOT CUT THE SEATBELT AND THE PICTURES CLEARLY INDICATE IT WAS NOT CUT BUT IT WAS RIPPED AND FRAYED FROM USE OR DEFECT. WE WANT TO REPORT THIS DEFECT MATTER AS I BELIEVE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND ONE IN WHICH TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN WANT TO INVESTIGATE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS HOW THEY VIEW SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES. I KEPT THE OLD SEATBELT IN CASE IT IS NEEDED FOR TESTING.

4/30/2020

THE RIGHT REAR SEATBELT (2ND ROW SEAT IN VEHICLE WITH 3 ROWS) RIPPED FROM BASIC USE FROM A CHILD AND HAD TO BE REPLACED BY TOYOTA. WE BROUGHT THE VEHICLE NEW FROM TOYOTA SUDBURY, MA AND OWNED APPROXIMATELY 1-YEAR. IN LATE DECEMBER 2019, MY CHILD NOTICED THE REAR SEATBELT WAS RIPPED. WE TOOK THE VEHICLE TO TOYOTA WELLESLEY, MA FOR WARRANTY REPAIR. TOYOTA REFUSED TO REPAIR AND STATED THE SEATBELT WAS INTENTIONALLY CUT BY US. NOW WHY WOULD WE INTENTIONALLY CUT A SEATBELT USED BY OUR CHILDREN JUST TO PAY AND HAVE IT REPAIRED? SINCE TOYOTA REFUSED TO FIX, AND WE REQUIRED A SEATBELT TO TRANSPORT OUR CHILDREN IMMEDIATELY, WE HAD TO FIX AND PAY TOYOTA $429. CLEARLY WE DID NOT CUT THE SEATBELT AND THE PICTURES CLEARLY INDICATE IT WAS NOT CUT BUT IT WAS RIPPED AND FRAYED FROM USE OR DEFECT. WE WANT TO REPORT THIS DEFECT MATTER AS I BELIEVE IT IS A SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUE AND ONE IN WHICH TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN WANT TO INVESTIGATE. NEEDLESS TO SAY, WE WILL NEVER BUY ANOTHER TOYOTA VEHICLE SINCE THIS IS HOW THEY VIEW SIGNIFICANT SAFETY ISSUES. I KEPT THE OLD SEATBELT IN CASE IT IS NEEDED FOR TESTING.

4/30/2020

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ABOUT 20MPH, I WAS REAR ENDED BY SOMEONE GOING 55+MPH. DURING THE ACCIDENT, MY DRIVERS SEAT RECLINED AND THE HEADREST BROKE. ONE POST BROKE IN HALF AND THE OTHER SIDE PULLED OUT OF THE SEAT

11/18/2018

THE 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE SECOND ROW HEADRESTS LACK LOCKING HEIGHT ADJUSTMENTS! YES YOU HAVE JUST READ THIS CORRECTLY! THEY ARE NOT LIKE THE FRONT ROW LOCKING HEIGHT INCREMENTS. THEY DO NOT LOCK WHEN THEY ARE EVEN PUSHED ALL THE WAY DOWN! THE ONLY HEIGHT TO LOCK THEM AT IS WHEN THE HEADREST IS ABOUT 2' FROM THE CEILING! NOT ALL PEOPLE RIDING IN THE SECOND ROW ARE 6'4' TO USE SUCH AN EXTENDED ADJUSTMENT EFFECTIVELY. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THE CASE # IS 2001250569. WHETHER THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR MOVING, THE HEADRESTS MOVE UP AND DOWN WITH EVEN RESTING YOUR HAD ON THE HEADREST, UNLESS IT IS IN THE LOCKED POSITION BY THE CEILING. NOTE: THE SECOND ROW HEADRESTS DO NOT HAVE LOCKING INCREMENTS LIKE THE FIRST ROW HEADRESTS. THEY ARE NOT SAFE FOR YOUNGER AND/ OR SHORTER PEOPLE. SUCH A DESIGN FLAW CAN ONLY COMPOUND NECK/HEAD INJURIES IN THE CASE OF AN ACCIDENT. PLEASE HELP AND DO SOMETHING ABOUT THIS DANGEROUS SITUATION! AS NO-ONE HAS SAT BACK THERE IN OUR CAR EARLIER, I WAS NOT AWARE OF THIS, OR I WOULD NEVER HAVE EVEN BOUGHT THE VEHICLE.

1/25/2020

1 more complaint is available in this category.

SUSPENSION

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING AT VARIOUS SPEEDS, A RATTLING NOISE WAS PRESENT COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER CONICELLI TOYOTA LOCATED AT 860 BALTIMORE PIKE, SPRINGFIELD, PA 19064, HOWEVER, THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,000.

10/23/2020

THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN FOR SERVICE ON 1/8/21 AT TOYOTA OF SCRANTON FOR REAR SUSPENSION PROBLEMS. THEY HAD REPLACED ARM AWAY, TRAILING. WE CALLED AGAIN FOR DEVICE IN FEBRUARY 2021 FOR PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR. IT WAS SCHEDULED FOR SERVICE ON MARCH 20,2021, WHICH TOYOTA OF SCRANTON DID NOT HAVE THE PARTS. IN JANUARY 2021, TOYOTA MENTIONED NOTHING OF THE PENDING FUEL PUMP RECALL. WE RECEIVED NO CALLS FROM TOYOTA AT ANY TIME FOR A RECALL. WE BECAME AWARE OF THE RECALL AFTER WE EXPERIENCED PROBLEMS WITH THE CAR IN FEBRUARY. TOYOTA HAS STILL NOT RESOLVED THE FULL PUMP RECALL.

3/27/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

A MONTH AGO, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH SNOW SHOWERS UP TO NH TO GO SKIING, WITH OUR NIFTY ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN I REALIZED THAT WE WERE ACCELERATING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. I ASSUMED THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WAS COVERED IN SLUSH, TOOK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND DROVE MANUALLY. ONLY ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER DID THE DASHBOARD ALERT NOTIFY ME THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WASN'T WORKING. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HERE'S THE PROBLEM: THE CAR SAYS "TRUST ME. IF YOU USE MY COOL SAFETY SYSTEMS, I'LL KEEP YOU FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU...AND SHOULD SOMETHING DISABLE THE SENSOR THAT CARRIES OUT THIS FUNCTION, I'LL LET YOU KNOW, SO THAT YOU WON'T DEPEND ON ME." BUT THAT'S NOT TRUE. AND, A DRIVER WHO ASSUMED THAT THE CAR WAS KEEPING ITS PROMISE, AS IT DOES MOST ALL THE TIME--MIGHT NOT HAVE REALIZED THAT IT WASN'T UNTIL THEY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM.

3/13/2021

DRIVING ON A TWO LANE ROAD FOLLOWING A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. CRUISE IS ON AND THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME IS NOT AFFECTING MY SPEED. THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME TURNS LEFT INTO THEIR DRIVEWAY AND IS COMPLETELY OFF THE ROADWAY. MY CAR BRAKES VERY HARD LIKE THERE IS SOMETHING IN FRONT OF ME. THEIR WAS NO ON COMING TRAFIIC. I'VE HAVE HAD THIS HAPPEN AGAIN BUT THE OTHER CAR WAS TURNING RIGHT. THE CAR WAS COMPLETELY OFF THE ROADWAY AND AGAIN MY CAR STARTS BRAKING VERY HARD. I WAS ALMOST REAR ENDED BY THE CAR BEHIND ME.

4/13/2021

1 more complaint is available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

2019 HIGHLANDER XLE JERKS AND STALLS, THEN LOSES POWER. THIS OCCURED ON A NEWLY PURCHASED VEHICLE THAT HAS APPROXIMATELY 13K MILES ON IT, IN STOP AND GO TRAFFIC ON A SUB-URBAN STREET. NO CHECK ENGINE LIGHT OR OTHER ALERT CAME ON, PROVIDING NO INDICATION TO THE DRIVER OF THE ISSUE. WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE AND DRIVE IT TO THE DEALERSHIP. THEY SAID IT WAS A FUEL PRESSURE ISSUE, AND ARE REPLACING THE FUEL PUMP - A PART THAT USUALLY LASTS MORE THAN 200,000 MILES. I HAVE NO IDEA WHETHER THIS IS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE, OR A FUEL REGULATION ISSUE, AND IF THOSE FUNCTIONS ARE BOTH PERFORMED BY THE FUEL PUMP. THE DEALER DID NOT SEEM TO BE AWARE OF THE ISSUE, AND THERE ARE NO RELATED RECALLS FOR THIS ISSUE. THEY DID FIND ONE OTHER INSTANCE OF THIS OCCURRING WHEN THEY RESEARCHED IT. I'D LIKE TO KNOW FOR CERTAIN WHETHER THIS IS A FUEL PUMP ISSUE, OR A FUEL REGULATION ISSUE. THIS PRESENTED A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION, AND I WAS LUCKY TO BE ABLE TO GET OFF THE ROAD.

9/11/2019

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated and the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. The vehicle was jumpstarted and operated as designed. The contact stated that on another occasion, after refueling the vehicle and driving, the vehicle jerked, lost motive power, and stalled without warning. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer to be diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.

9/29/2022

VISIBILITY/WIPER

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHILE WASHING THE VEHICLE THE COLD WATER FROM THE HOSE CAUSED THE WINDSHIELD TO CRACK FROM THE BASE OF THE WINDSHIELD TO THE ROOF. VEHICLE HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE SUN PRIOR TO THIS. VEHICLE HAD JUST SPEND TO THE DEALER FOR SERVICE SIGN AND NO MENTION WAS MADE OF A PRIOR CRACK OR CHIP IN THE WINDSHIELD. *TR

6/15/2020

The windshield has developed a rapidly lengthening crack from the bottom to the top at the center of the glass. There is no evidence of an impact anywhere along this crack.

11/4/2022

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

While driving onto an exit ramp I applied my brakes to my 2019 Toyota Highlander but the engine just roared up, took my foot off the brake and applied both feet to the brakes and the engine roared up again, I then came up right behind a car at the intersection and the front end collision did not stop me so I survived to the left lane but then I was headed into the highway and was T-boned by another Toyota Highlander and came to a stop on the right side of the highway. All the air bags deployed in the other SUV but none deployed in mine. The fireman had to use the jaws of life to get me out of the SUV. My wife and I were very shook up but had no serious injuries. But my brakes, the front-end collision, and the airbags all failed in the Toyota. My Highlander was totaled by my insurance company but they will not investigate the failures.

7/27/2021

Problems: 1) Check Engine Light lit up. 2) "Hybrid System Malfunction" warning on heads-up display. 3) "Pre-Collision System Failure" warning on Heads-Up Display. 4) Gasoline engine stalls after an intentional deceleration and is unable to come back up to speed. First Event: On July 4th, my wife and I were driving on an interstate highway. We entered an exit ramp interchange to merge onto another highway and when trying to accelerate the car suddenly became sluggish, and gave messages for problems 1), 2), and 4) stated above. Problem 3) did not occur during this event. Messages stated to pull over in a safe location. We parked on the shoulder and immediately shut the car off, waited 5 minutes and then started the car again. We were able to drive to the next off-ramp to a city street (about 100 yards) before the engine started becoming sluggish again and lurching, error messages remained throughout the event. OBD codes stated simply "faulty engine" on a car with 16,000 miles. Dealership was unable to find a cause, but did find a code for ignition failure. They checked some things but did not do any repairs, and were unable to replicate the issue as it seemed to have cleared. Diagnosis was "vapor-lock" and no explanation for why. Second Event: On August 6th, my wife was driving the vehicle to visit family, when pulling onto an exit ramp, was unable to accelerate again afterwards. All the same warnings popped up, but this time also had problem 3). Engine stalled when warnings appeared and did the same sluggish lurching. After pulling off in a safe area, Shut the car off and tried to restart 4 times, warning did not clear. Gasoline Engine does not operate when pedal is pressed. Shut the car down for 2 hours and tried to restart afterwards, warnings still present, engine now runs when pedal is pressed, but stalls when idle. Shutdown for another hour while waiting for a tow, warnings still present, still stalls when idle. Waiting on callback from dealership.

8/7/2021

LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT OPENED THE TAILGATE, ALL OF THE OTHER DOORS UNLOCKED. THE CONTACT DID NOT FEEL SAFE. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO MALLOY TOYOTA (400 WEEMS LN, WINCHESTER, VA 22601, (540) 678-1791) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE TEST ONLY ACKNOWLEDGED THAT THE DRIVER'S DOOR UNLOCKED AND NOT THE OTHER DOORS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND SCHEDULED AN APPOINTMENT AT MALLOY TOYOTA; HOWEVER, THE DEALER STILL COULD NOT REPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,800.

6/26/2019

EQUIPMENT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TOYOTA HAS FAILED TO REMEDY THIS RECALL FOR MY VEHICLE. *TR

6/1/2020

VISIBILITY:SUN/MOON ROOF ASSEMBLY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

THE PANORAMIC SUNROOF EXPLODED

7/13/2020

TIRES:TREAD/BELT

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EQUIPPED WITH BRIDGESTONE TIRES, TIRE LINE: DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA, TIRE SIZE: P245/60/R18 TIRES, DOT NUMBER (NOT PROVIDED). THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE TREADWEAR ON THE ORIGINAL TIRES WERE WEARING AT AN ALARMING RATE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING ON WET SURFACES, THE TIRES PERFORMED LIKE DRIVING ON ICE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A TIRE DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE TREADWEAR AND QUOTED THE TREADWEAR AT 7/32NDS WHEN THEY SHOULD BE REPLACED AT 4/32NDS. THE CONTACT CALLED THE TIRE MANUFACTURER AND WAS INFORMED THAT WARRANTY COVERAGE FOR THE TIRES WERE NOT COVERED BY THE TIRE MANUFACTURER. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE WARRANTY ONLY COVERED TIRE DEFECTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A BRIDGESTONE TIRE SHOP AND IT WAS STATED THAT THE TIRES NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT PLACED A SECOND CALL TO THE MANUFACTURER AND INFORMED THE REPRESENTATIVE WHAT THE BRIDGESTONE TIRE SHOP STATED. THE TIRE MANUFACTURER REFUSED TO PROVIDE ASSISTANCE BECAUSE THE TIRES WERE THE ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURER REFERRED THE CONTACT TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER STATED THAT THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE TIRES. THE TIRES WERE NOT REPLACED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000.

8/10/2020

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING IN THE DARKNESS MY HEADLIGHTS ARE NOT GIVING ME ENOUGH LIGHTNING SO I CAN SEE CLEARLY. I JUST PURCHASED TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LE ON 10-10-2020

10/11/2020

WHEELS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

BOUGHT VEHICLE NEW IN NOV 19 AND IN THE FIRST HEAVY DOWNPOUR DRIVING AT MORE THAN THE NORMAL STREET CRAWL AT 35MPH, THE VEHICLE HYDROPLANED SEVERELY WHILE MERGING FROM A HIGHWAY UNTO ANOTHER. HAD IT NOT BEEN FOR THE AWD SYSTEM COULD HAVE BEEN BAD. I HAVE ASKED TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE FOR HELP AND I HAVE 2 CASES OPEN AND YET TO GET ANYTHING BACK. THE LOCAL DEALER I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE FROM HAS NOT DONE ANYTHING INCLUDING CALLING ME BACK AFTER THE INITIAL CALL. LEFT 2 VOICE MAIL MESSAGES. IN SHORT NO ONE AT TOYOTA SEEMS CONCERNED AND IT IS VERY SAD, SINCE THEY DO HAVE AN OVERALL GREAT PRODUCT. THESE TIRES WERE PUT ON THE CAR BY TOYOTA AND THEY NEED TO STAND BEHIND THEIR CHOICES. TIRES ARE FINE IN THE DRY WEATHER BUT WORTHLESS IN THE RAIN. THIS TIRE, THE TOYO A20 HAS TERRIBLE CUSTOMER SCORES IN VARIOUS ONLINE INDEPENDENT SOURCES (IE TIRE RACK). THE TIRES AT THE TIME HAD ABOUT 7000 MILES ON THEM WITH NO SIGNS OF ANY WEAR ISSUE AND ONCE AGAIN IN DRY WEATHER THEY HAVE BEEN OK. WHY WOULD TOYOTA USE AN INFERIOR TIRE ON SUCH A VEHICLE WHEN THEY NORMALLY USE BRAND NAME TIRES IN TIER 1? THE DATE IS AN ESTIMATE IN MID AUGUST ON A SATURDAY MORNING AFTER DROPPING OFF MY SON AT WORK, IT COULD HAVE BEEN THAT WEEKEND OR THE ONE BEFORE.

10/19/2020

FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

A MONTH AGO, WE WERE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY THROUGH SNOW SHOWERS UP TO NH TO GO SKIING, WITH OUR NIFTY ADAPTIVE CRUISE CONTROL ON, WHEN I REALIZED THAT WE WERE ACCELERATING INTO THE CAR IN FRONT OF US. I ASSUMED THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WAS COVERED IN SLUSH, TOOK OFF THE CRUISE CONTROL AND DROVE MANUALLY. ONLY ABOUT 5 MINUTES LATER DID THE DASHBOARD ALERT NOTIFY ME THAT THE FRONT SENSOR WASN'T WORKING. BROUGHT IT INTO THE DEALER. THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG. HERE'S THE PROBLEM: THE CAR SAYS "TRUST ME. IF YOU USE MY COOL SAFETY SYSTEMS, I'LL KEEP YOU FROM HITTING THE CAR IN FRONT OF YOU...AND SHOULD SOMETHING DISABLE THE SENSOR THAT CARRIES OUT THIS FUNCTION, I'LL LET YOU KNOW, SO THAT YOU WON'T DEPEND ON ME." BUT THAT'S NOT TRUE. AND, A DRIVER WHO ASSUMED THAT THE CAR WAS KEEPING ITS PROMISE, AS IT DOES MOST ALL THE TIME--MIGHT NOT HAVE REALIZED THAT IT WASN'T UNTIL THEY HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF THEM.

3/13/2021

FUEL SYSTEM, DIESEL:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. CONSUMER WRITES SEEKING REIMBURSEMENT FOR VEHICLE REPAIRS RELATED TO SAFETY RECALL. THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO BE REMOVED FROM THE RECALL LIST AS THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN REPAIRED.

8/13/2021

LANE DEPARTURE: ASSIST

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Vehicle constantly drift to the left which make it very unsafe because the driver is in a continuous correction mode to remain in one lane - can inspect anytime, alignment and tire rotation has been complied with at least 8 times within the last 3 months by Toyota Dealer and Firestone conclusion alignment is OK sometimes with minor correction. I'm constantly holding pressure on the steering to the right and left to remain in my lane doesn't matter about the road. The problem is worst on multi - lanes in the same direction with tractor trailers passing due to air current.

1/19/2022

AIR BAGS:SENSOR:OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION:FRONT PASSENGER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

Ever since I bought this car i have been having an issue where the SRS airbag Malfunction light comes on and my airbags are off seatbelts don't get recognized as buckled in. I have taken this car to the dealership numerous times to get it checked out but they cant seem to find a problem or solution. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE and I would really like someone to get involved in this issue and help me figure out my next steps because of what they tell me is that they just reset the modue and it never comes back on until 2-3 months from after they chekc it out and reset it. Please help me

1/27/2022

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while parking the vehicle, the brake pedal was depressed and went to the floor; however, the vehicle failed to respond. There were several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact turned off the vehicle to reduce forward motion and stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to the dealer for diagnostic testing however, the mechanic was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The contact stated that a similar failure recurred, and the vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the cause of the failure was not determined. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 27,500.

7/28/2022

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

The most reported complaint category for the 2019 Toyota Highlander is POWER TRAIN, with 124 owner reports. That is about 24% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include POWER TRAIN, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Are complaints about the 2019 Toyota Highlander a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 253 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2019 Toyota Highlander severe?

253 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Highlander: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
516
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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