Solid SUV, but listen to the transmission
The 2019 Highlander has the most complaints of its generation, led by a whining 8-speed transmission and hesitation when accelerating. Many are fine, but a test drive and service records matter.
Updated November 2026 · based on 515 owner complaints and 3 recalls
215 1.5x the Highlander average
3 free to fix at a dealer
Every Highlander year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2019 Highlander
Top problems and what they cost
Transmission whine and failure
A whining noise on acceleration that can lead to transmission replacement. Toyota has a support program on some cars.
Fix: Ask a dealer about coverage; a transmission is $4,000 to $6,000.
Transmission
Hesitation when pressing the gas
A lag before acceleration, especially when pulling into traffic. Fuel pump recalls 20V012 and 20V682 cover some cases.
Fix: Recall work free; software update.
Fuel system
Battery losing power
Some owners report the battery or electrical system dropping out while driving.
Fix: Battery $180 to $280; diagnosis $100 to $200.
Electrical
Recalls
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
If the driver cannot read the label, they may unknowingly overload the vehicle, increasing the risk of a crash.
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2019 Toyota Highlander
- Confirm both fuel pump recalls (20V012, 20V682) show as repaired.A recall is a safety fix the carmaker must do for free, even for later owners. Typing the 17-character VIN (on the dashboard and driver door) into nhtsa.gov/recalls shows any that were never done. Codes like 18V332 are recall numbers.The 2019 Highlander has 3 recalls on record, listed below.
- Accelerate gently from 20 to 50 mph with the radio off and listen for a whine.A hum or whine that rises with speed often means worn wheel bearings or transmission and axle gears. Turning the radio off makes it easier to hear.Owners filed 32 complaints about transmission hesitation and rough shifting on the 2019 Highlander, one of the worst years for it.
- Ask a Toyota dealer whether the transmission support program covers this VIN.Rough, delayed or slipping gear changes are early signs of transmission trouble. A rebuilt or replacement transmission often costs $3,000 to $6,000.Owners filed 32 complaints about transmission hesitation and rough shifting on the 2019 Highlander, one of the worst years for it.
Questions
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Solid SUV, but listen to the transmission. The 2019 Highlander has the most complaints of its generation, led by a whining 8-speed transmission and hesitation when accelerating. Many are fine, but a test drive and service records matter.
How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have?
3 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2019 Toyota Highlander problems?
Transmission whine and failure; Hesitation when pressing the gas; Battery losing power.
Crash rating shown for the 2019 Toyota Highlander SUV FWD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.