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Toyota Highlander owners have reported 99 problems related to automatic transmission (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the Highlander.

Toyota Highlander Transmission Problem Manual Lever Position Sensor Wiring Troubleshooting 2006 Ford 4r70w

I was backing out of the garage when the car accelerated. I kept hitting the brake and it finally stopped. I put the car back into drive and it accelerated again. I tried hitting the brake and it wouldn't stop until it hit the garage door. I don't know how fast it was going, but it seemed like it was going at an excessive speed.
See all problems of the 2001 Toyota Highlander .

My 2005 limited edition Toyota Highlander has multiple issues. The right caliber is sticking, which has caused heat and warping in the hub system and affected the abs sensor. These will both need to be replaced at a cost of over $1000. The front struts are leaking. The largest problem is with the transmission which has some type of interior problem. It is suggested that I replace the transmission. The cost to repair this, based on what the Toyota shop said was $3400-$4600. My car has about 94,000 miles on it. The brake issues with the caliber, roters, and hub system will get replaced next week. The transmission repair will not be repaired at this time unless the Toyota goodwill petition goes through. The cost is too great.
See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Highlander .

Car hesitates and suddenly surges forward. The is the 2nd time this has occurred in the past 3 months. The first time was near my garage and fortunately the car only traveled several feet forward before hitting the corner of the garage and coming to a stop. Last Sunday, I was leaving a parking lot. I was turning left when the car hesitated and suddenly surged forward at a rapid speed. Before I was able to regain control, the car had traveled approximately 20-25 feet forward, ran up on a median and crashed into a tree. I called the police about filing a report but as it occurred on private property, they declined,.
See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Highlander .

The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 25 mph, the contact applied to brakes but the vehicle began to accelerate. The contact tried several ways to stop the vehicle (shifting into neutral, using the emergency brake) but the vehicle continued to rev. The tires also were spinning. The contact shifted into neutral again and turned the vehicle off which stopped it. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who stated that the transmission dropped and the extra floor mat caused the failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileages were 90,000. Updated 03/24/lj.
See all problems of the 2003 Toyota Highlander .

The contact owns a 2011 Toyota Highlander. While the vehicle was parked the contact stated that it started moving on its own. The gear shift does not have to be in park in order to turn the vehicle on since it was turned off by pressing a button. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the technicians stated that there were no repairs needed and that was the way the vehicle was designed. Updated 3/22/11updated 04/25/11.
See all problems of the 2011 Toyota Highlander .

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. While stopped a stop sign and the rpms begin to increase excessively. When the contact attempted to pull off she was unable to drive forward or in reverse. A mechanic came and was able to drive the vehicle to the contact's residence. The vehicle was then towed to the dealer who stated that the transmission dropped out of the vehicle because the front axle had broken. The vehicle was being repaired when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 12000. Updated 01/24/11the dealer stated the driver side axle broke in half and half of the axle became stuck in the transmission. Also the camshaft position needed to be replaced. Updated 03/16/11.
See all problems of the 2008 Toyota Highlander .

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 mph and depressing the accelerator, the vehicle was hesitant to respond. The failure would occur most prominently when the vehicle was first started. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 91,000 and current mileage is 93,000.

My 2004 Toyota Highlander v6 at time has very rough shifts. The transmissions seems to hesitate and lag when I try to accelerate during normal driving speeds. This has happened when I was going 20 to 60.

Transmission went out in the middle of a busy interstate. Just a week earlier, the dealer told me they cold find nothing wrong with the vehicle.
See all problems of the 2002 Toyota Highlander .

S10 appropriate handling re complaint against Toyota motor corporation and jay wolfe Toyota of west county fm owner of a 2004 Toyota Highlander. After driving the vehicle for a few weeks, it became apparent there was a problem with the shifting with the automatic transmission. The condition was most noticeable during sharp acceleration periods. The engine would rev up, but it did not gain speed relative to the amount of pressure applied to the accelerator. The engine would sound as if it was under stress and it would then shift with a severe jolt. The dealer informed the consumer Toyota was aware of the transmission flaw, but there was no fix. The consumer has since traded the vehicle.

Ever since we purchased our 2006 Toyota Highlander we have randomly experienced acceleration problems. After slowing down, we slowly accelerated and would experience a sudden thrust but could slow it down by lessening the pressure on the gas pedal or by braking. This would happen at random 2 or 3 times per year. We both thought it was our fault until we read about the Toyota acceleration problems. Now, we don't believe it is our fault and is a built-in problem. We recently have talked to the Toyota service department and they referred us to the Toyota headquarters for filing a complaint with them. We were told this car is not on the recall list. Since our problem does not seem as bad as other year's car, it may be that this is the year the problem developed in Toyota and got progressively worst as adjustments were made to the car's programming or engine. The last incident involving this acceleration was in late February or early March,2010. We hope this information may be of some help to you and us in solving our problem.
See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Highlander .

2005 Highlander v6 awd. Has a surging effect since day one. Also surges slightly when applying brakes. In traffic stop and go situation, vehicle does not respond for a few seconds and then lunges forward. Very dangerous when trying to change lanes. Dealer said nothing wrong with vehicle. Toyota said at time to contact dealer.

I've owned a 2005 Toyota Highlander since new, once in a while this condition would occur, now it is all the time. It just turned over 80k miles. I have not been notified of any recalls, not even Toyota no. 60f. When you are coming to a stop,at normal speeds,normal braking pedal pressure, just before the vehicle stops, it launches forward with your foot pressure on the brake pedal. When you apply more pressure as if there was an emergency, it is worse. My wife and I have learned to compensate by coasting then stopping. I emailed Toyota. Com about this twice, no answers.

At 108k miles, my 2002 Toyota Highlander transmission went out and had to be replaced. Whatever happened to Toyotas lasting to 200k miles, like in the commercials? I'll never be able to jump up and be the one proclaiming how many miles my Toyota has now! I'm very disappointed, as I bought this vehicle expecting to drive it well beyond 100k miles and with further research, apparently I'm not the only disappointed Highlander owner with the same issue.

2004 Toyota Highlander v6 - auto (2wd)since we've purchased the t-highlander, the car will occasionally suddenly jerk forward uncontrollably when shifting from 2nd to 3rd gear and when the shift takes place between 2,000 and 2,500 rpm when in 2nd gear. We have brought this in to the Toyota dealership on numerous occasions only to be told this is a 'programming' issue and the car is trying to figure out how to shift based on different drivers. I've looked online and on forums and other owners have the same problems. I think it's Toyota trying to save $$. My concern since we've brought the car in to the Toyota dealerships is the same concern that I want the NHTSA to be aware of now and that is, there is a problem with the car and there is a potential for an accident here due to something that is clearly defective with the transmission and/or the 'programming' of how the computer shifts. This complaint is being filed because all of the other Toyota problems that have surfaced have reaffirmed what I've known all along, that there are problems with Toyotas and in our case, not having complete control of the vehicle when driving. However, I was made to feel that I had no basis for my complaints when in fact, I do. I hope that even if nothing is done to fix my t-highlander as I have given up on it (short of legal action, which might be worthwhile now) that the NHTSA does do something to ensure that no one is injured as a result of this 'programming' issue.

Have a 2004 Toyota 3. 3l 2wd Highlander that has had a surging problem when taking off from a start since I had it new. . . . Dealer recalibrated computer but didnt fix the problem. . . . They told me this is normal. . . . . It is not normal and is very dangerous. . . . Being they dont want to fix it, I guess it will come down to a law suit if something happens. . . . . There are all kinds of post on this problem and Toyota should be recalling and fixing. . . . . . Wont never buy Toyota again if something isnt done because they still seem to be having this problem in other makes and models in Toyota line. . . . And Lexus. . . . . . . .

The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. While turning at approximately 5 mph in snowy conditions, the vehicle became stuck in the snow. The vehicle was able to reverse but would not accelerate forward. The vehicle was towed to an authorizeddealership where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced at that time. The failure and current mileages were approximately 11,000. Updated 11/03/10updated 11/04/10.
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My 2005 Toyota Highlander v6 4wd, which I purchased new, has been experiencing a hesitation/shifting problem for nearly as long as I have owned the vehicle. While the problem does not always occur, it is quite pronounced when it does and has resulted in very dangerous situations. The problem has been brought to the direct attention of Toyota motor sales in California, and their response has been disturbingly poor. The Toyota dealer that has been servicing my vehicle has been very helpful, but apparently cannot take action to correct the problem without corporate authorization. Here is a summary of the problem: the vehicle cannot always decide when to accelerate from a stop - there have been many instances of initial hesitation/lack of adequate power upon applying the gas pedal. For example, I have experienced a delay of a second or two when applying the gas pedal to proceed. This has resulted in some very close calls with oncoming traffic. Also, there are occurrences where the vehicle cannot seem to decide between gears (it will sometimes jump up/down between the lower gears, such as 1st to 2nd gear and/or 2nd to 3rd gear). Furthermore, I have noticed a general lack of adequate acceleration/gas pedal response, especially during city driving (ie. Lower speeds). My local Toyota dealer has records of the problem since approximately 16,000 miles (the vehicle now has about 44,000 miles). I believe the issue is the ecm, which was reprogrammed but the problem returned. Based on my research, I believe the ecm may be defective and that replacing the unit may solve the problem. Toyota will not replace the ecm. About a month ago, the Toyota dealer was able to verify the hesitation problem during a service visit. However, they could not duplicate it later with the scan tool attached - they had the vehicle for two days trying to get a snap shot because the Toyota field service technician told them 'no repairs are to be made until the problem occurs more often. '.

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota Highlander. The contact was backing out of the residence driveway on a slight incline. The driver stepped out of the vehicle while the gear shifter was placed in the reverse position and within three seconds the vehicle rolled over top of the driver. The ambulance was called to the scene. The driver was transported to the hospital and sustained severe injuries to the left leg and chest area. There was no damage to the vehicle. The cause of failure has not been determined. The failure mileage and VIN were unknown. Updated 4/5/10the consumer stated she stepped out of the vehicle not realizing it was in gear. It stayed stationary for several seconds before running her over. Updated 05/11/10.

My 2009 Toyota Highlander with keyless start allows the vehicle to shut off when not in park and the vehicle starts moving. It also will turn off in reverse, or neutral and will turn back on in neutral and will also turn off in drive. This does not feel safe and should be immediately investigated. The vehicle should have to be in park to turn off and start like all other cars with keys to start the vehicle. Local dealer investigated but said all keyless start vehicles operate this way and didn't indicate there was a fix to the situation.

We bought a new 2009 Toyota Highlander in July,2009. Immediately, it demonstrated a huge vibration in reverse, and now in drive. When I stop at a light, it feels like it will bolt when I take my foot off the brake. We went through arbitration, but they claimed, since we couldn't prove it was a safety hazard, we had no case. I think these vehicles should also be investigated. I have read similar complaints on the internet from other Highlander owners. I am really fearful to drive my family in this vehicle. For Toyota to tell me that, yes there is a severe vibration, but there is nothing wrong with the vehicle is absolutely preposterous. Toyota says they don't know what is wrong with it, so they say nothing is wrong with it. Our own mechanic says that he believes it will join the other recalls at some point. But I really hope you will look into it soon. Thank you.

My Toyota Highlander 2007 (7 seats) stalls since the day I bought it. I thought it was normal but it is becoming very dangerous since it stalls for a sec or 2 everytime you slow and try to accelerate afterward. It stall mainly at yield sign, when slowly trying to cruise intersections and when you try to pass on highways. I read many story on the internet with the same problem.
See all problems of the 2007 Toyota Highlander .

Automatic transmission is forcing fluid out through vent causing loss of fluid and possible damage to transmission. Dealer said it is caused by bearing going bad in the transmission. Vehicle has almost 90,000 miles. Dealership said problem is covered under extended warranty since it was a certified used vehicle.

2008 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle will roll forward when the vehicle and transmission are positioned in reverse, if the front of the vehicle is on a downward slope.

When the front of the car is on a downward slope and it is shifted into reverse it will roll forward the same as a manual transmission will do when the clutch is depressed. The brake has to be applied with one foot while the other foot is pressing on the accelerator. The could cause injury and or property damage if parked close to person or property. The slope angle does not have to be a steep incline for this to occur. The Toyota dealership was notified of the issue and stated they were not aware of this as a problem and it was a normal occurrence for the car to roll forward.

Toyota Highlander owners have reported 7 problems related to automatic transmission control module (under the power train category). The most recently reported issues are listed below. Also please check out the statistics and reliability analysis of Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the Highlander.

Electronic pedal position sensor does not respond to driver input in certain situations. The engine and transmission shift response becomes delayed for 2 or more seconds, and in certain driver situations poses a danger to the driver and other vehicles on the road. A shift and/or acceleration delay occurs when full rapid throttle response is required or needed in certain types of traffic scenarios such as entering freeways , negotiating traffic , changing lanes, stop and go and emergency type braking/acceleration maneuvers. The dealer and Toyota USA have been notified of this behavior, and no such fix has been announced. I have received many dealer/mfr. Opinions on this . The dealer just says that there is no information from Toyota on how to adjust or fix this common complaint. I am not alone on this. And complaints regarding driveability of vehicle has been well documented by owners of my2004-2007 Highlanders.
See all problems of the 2006 Toyota Highlander .

Recurring issue: while traveling at both highway and city street speeds, the driver attempted to pass by fully depressing the accelerator and the vehicle failed to accelerate for approximately 1-2 seconds. This has resulted in near-miss accident/injury incidents. The dealer was contacted and stated this was a routine complaint for this vehicle and the Lexus RX-330. The manufacturer, Toyota corporate, was contacted and the individual stated this was not a known issue. No mediation was provided from either contact. This issue seems to be related to existing odi id numbers: 10113278, 10114325, 10115243, 10120592, 10128880, 10129705, 10131894, 10132578, 10137651, 10145021.
See all problems of the 2005 Toyota Highlander .

Toyota Highlander Transmission Problem Manual Lever Position Sensor Test

My 2005 Highlander often hesitates right when I need the most acceleration.

2005 Toyota Highlander v6- the consumer drove off the lot on June 3, 2005; the cruise control behaved erratically and it often felt as if it was accelerating a couple of miles behind the desired speed. The consumer requested to pass this turkey which yielded different results. There is sometimes awkward down shifting and rapid acceleration which is preceded by hesitation. The consumer approached a village intersection, downhill with his foot on the brake. The consumer took his foot off of the brake and began to make a left turn onto desired street. The consumer tried to apply a bit of gas and nothing happened. The consumer tried to apply a bit more gas and again nothing happened. The third time the consumer added a bit more gas and the vehicle accelerated too fast causing the driver's and passenger's heads to tip back. This was a narrow main street in a main village. There were lots of possible targets, cars/ kids bikes, and others. Then there was the unanticipated down shifting for braking effect that tipped heads forward, but that was another story for another day, and not quite as annoying or nearly of the same concern. The dealer's service manager first asserted that there were no adjustments accessible for the mechanics. Inability to do something. After applying more gas and vehicle hesitation consumer searched for a technical service bulletin (TSB) and found none. But found one from June 3, 2005 that related to recalibrating of the transmission. Absolutely no mention of expressions of concern or earlier tsbs.

2004 Toyota Highlander hesitation in the transmission. Dealer said it was 'normal', but I see complaints have been filed and the NHTSA is contemplating a formal investigation. My Highlander hesitates every time I remove my foot from the gas and quickly reapply it. In some conditions, it happens as I'm decelerating and press the gas. Also, periodically, the transmission will jump back and forth between gears as though the vehicle doesn't know which gear to be in.
See all problems of the 2004 Toyota Highlander .

My 2004 Toyota Highlander v6 (3. 3l with 5-speed transmission) has an intermittent fault where the automatic transmission will abrubtly drop down a gear (or gears) while simultaneously trying to accelerate creating a sensation like it is bucking or porpousing. Usuall stepping off of the accelerator is sufficient to eliminate the bucking sensation. This has occured since I purchased the vehicle new in August 2004.

Toyota Highlander Transmission Problem Manual Lever Position Sensor Replacement

Transmission hesitation and sudden downshifting create unpredictable and hazardous driving conditions on the streets (not highway).

Toyota Highlander Transmission Problem Manual Lever Position Sensor Light