Years affected, the mileage it usually shows up at, and what fixes it
About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Toyota Highlander since 2012, 136 (4.1%) describe transmission hesitation and rough shifting, making it the most reported problem we track on the Highlander. The reports cluster on the 2017, 2019 and 2021 model years, and the 2019 drew the most, with 32. It tends to show up early in the car's life: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 6,000 and 30,000 miles. 4 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Toyota has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Highlander's automatic transmission hesitating when pulling away, shifting harshly at low speeds and surging or lurching in traffic. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2017, 2019 and 2021 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"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."
2019 Toyota Highlander, 5,100 miles
"About two weeks prior to the transmission failing, I started hearing a high-pitched whining coming from the transmission, difficulty shifting, and lurching forward when engaging the gear."
2017 Toyota Highlander
"My transmission started making a whine sound upon acceleration, and at times hesitation of acceleration (inconsistent)."
2018 Toyota Highlander
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Toyota has sent dealers 7 bulletins that mention this problem on the Highlander. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
Region Email: Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subj...
Dealer Email: Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the subj...
Dealer Packet: Toyota has received reports about potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination, in the sub...
Customer Support Program Bulletin: Toyota has received reports indicating potential symptoms, such as a whine noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light...
TSB: Some 2017 model year Highlander vehicles may exhibit the following conditions: ?
Before you buy a Highlander
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Toyota Highlander years have transmission hesitation and rough shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2017, 2019, 2021 model years. The 2019 drew the most, with 32 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 16,000 miles, and half reported it between 6,000 and 30,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.