Complaint volume
250 consumer-submitted complaints are matched to this model year. Treat the count as a research signal, then read the actual summaries for repeated symptoms.
Complaint records
2018 Toyota Highlander Complaints
250 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2018 Toyota Highlander, grouped by component category.
250 Total complaints
21 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
14 Injury reports
Complaint data reflects consumer-submitted reports. A complaint is not proof
of a defect, recall, or manufacturer fault. Enriched severity fields come
from official bulk records when the complaint can be matched by ODI number.
Buyer interpretation
How to use these complaints before buying
Complaint records are most useful when they turn into inspection points, seller questions, and comparison checks against nearby model years.
Pattern to inspect
The most common categories are power train, service brakes, unknown or other. Use those categories as a test-drive checklist instead of judging the vehicle from the total count alone.
Severity flags
Enriched records include 21 crash reports, 1 fire report, 14 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 108 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 33,340 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, service brakes, unknown or other?
- Can I see recent maintenance and repair records?
- Has the vehicle ever been towed, involved in a crash, or repaired for the same issue twice?
- Can we also check the recall record for this 2018 Toyota Highlander?
Used-car checklist
Use these complaints before the test drive.
Build a buyer checklist to turn these issues into questions and inspection points.
2018 Toyota Highlander
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2018 Toyota Highlander complaints?
21 Crash
1 Fire
14 Injury
0 Fatality
20 Towed
10 Medical attention
What are the most common 2018 Toyota Highlander complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 47
SERVICE BRAKES 33
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 22
ENGINE 13
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 13
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 11
AIR BAGS 9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 9
STRUCTURE 6
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC 5
250 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 1)The following components failed:Symptoms and Diagnostic Trouble Codes TRANSMISSION P0741 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2757 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Control Circuit Performance/Stuck Off P2714 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' Performance/Stuck Off P2817 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'H' Performance/Stuck Off P08BB - Pressure Control Solenoid 'L' Performance/Stuck Off P0740 - Torque Converter Clutch Circuit/Open P08BA - Pressure Control Solenoid 'L' P2116 - Throttle/Pedal Position Sensor 'E' Minimum Stop Performance P2713 - Pressure Control Solenoid 'D' P2756 - Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid C1241 - ABS Hydraulic Pressure Differential Switch Input Short Circuit To Ground 2)My family safety was put at risk because the car stopped moving forward suddenly on the freeway traveling from New York to New Jersey during a family trip. This occurred at 11:45 PM and we were stranded for 1.5 hours waiting for a tow truck. 3) Yes see advisory notes from Aamco: "internal failure, fluid burnt" similar diagnosis provided by Island Toyota in Staten Island. 4)Yes, AAA Auto Repair in Fairfax VA serviced the transmission a month prior after initial gear slipping. 5)The car did not change gears smoothly at about 7 PM during at arrival in NY. At 11 PM during drive back, it stopped accelarating and would not climb inclines. No major warnings, such warning lights until the car stopped shifting in gear on highway. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | STRUCTURE | On 11/22/2025, We were done shopping and when we tried to open the trunk it made weird squeaky sounds and we tried to close it but it suddenly self destructed. There was a loud noise and it shattered instantly and there was glass everywhere. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle’s 8 speed transmission started a low pitch whine when pressing the accelerator around 90,000 miles. Transmission has begun shifting roughly since 105,000 miles. Vehicle is outside of Toyota’s manufacture date deadline for T-SB-0008-21 but this issue sounds exactly like what is described in Toyota’s TSB. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle experienced whining noise when decelerating. Toyota dealer service technician documented the noise as coming from the transmission due to an issue with the pinion shafts. Our safety was put at risk by a potential for the transmission no longer working when driving. There were no warning lamps, messages, etc. prior to the failure. The failure occurred around 136,000 miles. All recommended services, including on the transmission, occurred at the same Toyota dealer service. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving uphill and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle decelerated and rolled backwards unexpectedly. An independent mechanic was contacted. The vehicle was inspected by a mechanic friend and diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 92,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 92,000 |
| Dec 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission makes a whining noise, especially when pulling, as in driving up an incline. I took the 2018 Highlander to Rusty Drewing Toyota in Jefferson City, MO to be diagnosed. They said the transmission needs to be replaced. In researching the problem, I found a bulletin/recall: 7A61K20482. The bulletin says the serial number must be before 7A617E03416. I want to get on your list and hopefully, be able to get some kind of relief for this problem. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle inadvertently lost motive power in the middle of the roadway. The contact stated that the RPM continued to increase rapidly, but the vehicle failed to respond. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed a failure with the washer tab, designed to prevent the loosening of the nut inside the transmission, resulting in damage to the transmission. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. After investigating the failure, the contact related the failure to the Customer Support Program: ZJC. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 104,000. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 104,000 |
| Nov 2025 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Transmission just started shifting extremely hard between first and second gear. Turning snow mode on stops the shifting problem so I know it’s an internal issue with the transmission. The Highlander XLE only has 67,748 miles. Way to early for a transmission issue | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission has failed at 73,000 miles | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission, whine rough shifting issues. Yes can be looked at. Tough to hear over the noise, harder to know when its going to change gears and increase speed due to slow/intermittent gear shifts. Yes they have a TSB from Toyota that descript the issue and Toyota has extend some vins warranty's for this issue but not for all affect vehicles apparently. No, not by any of those. Yes DTC have come on for awd system issues. Frist appear at 90K. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Nov 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission on my 2018 Highlander is failing prematurely at 80k miles in alignment with known/published customer support program ZJC. My car is not a VIN covered by the program today. Symptoms include a growing whining sound coming from the transmission and confirmed by two Toyota dealership service centers. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Oct 2025 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE | 1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The issue involves the Dynamic Radar Cruise Control system (vehicle-to-vehicle distance control mode) in my 2018 Toyota Highlander. This system automatically cancels when the vehicle’s speed drops to approximately 25 mph (40 km/h) or below. The system disengages without driver input during normal driving conditions such as heavy traffic or congestion. The component remains functional but poses a safety concern due to its operational design. The vehicle and system are available for inspection upon request. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? This malfunction creates a significant safety risk when driving in stop-and-go or congested traffic. The sudden loss of adaptive speed control forces the driver to quickly resume manual braking and acceleration, which can cause delayed reactions and potential rear-end collisions. The unexpected disengagement may also confuse drivers, especially those relying on the system to maintain safe following distances. This behavior increases cognitive load and the chance of driver error, particularly for elderly or less experienced drivers. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. The issue has been observed and replicated multiple times during normal driving conditions, such as during city traffic or highway slowdowns. It is also acknowledged in the vehicle owner’s manual, which specifies that the system automatically cancels below approximately 25 mph. However, this design flaw has not been formally addressed or corrected by Toyota dealerships or service centers as a safety concern. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? The vehicle has not been inspected specifically for this concern by Toyota or other third parties. However, the condition is consistent across the same model and year, | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The vehicle started having a whining noise in the transmission around 60,000 mi we took it to the Toyota dealership they said they couldn't hear anything He called Toyota itself The customer support program several times they have neglected it and it's getting worse | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Sep 2025 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | There is a voice listening device or microphone on the headliner right above the driver's side seat which leaks water. I see there is a recall for a windshield but it could be coming from the sunroof. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | POWER TRAIN | August 14, 2025 while coming home from work, truck started to lose power. It slowed down on the main street and then coasted to a complete stop in the middle of the road. There were no signals or alerts until it went dead. The vehicle will start, but it will not advance when put in drive. I have had the vehicle towed to my dealership to expedite diagnosing the issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | I just found out that there was an initial recall #20V012000 and an expanded recall #20V682000 on my 2018 Toyota Highlander that I was unaware of regarding the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank could fail risking engine stalling and potential crash. I found this out after paying 1100.00 to Sheehy Toyota in Fredericksburg to replace the fuel pump. I reported it to Toyota Brand Services for reimbursment and was told that it was NOT a recall it was a CSP (which to them is different they said) and that the fuel pump that I had replaced was a low pressure fuel pump and the CSP was for a high pressure fuel pump. I need help getting my money back after being charged for a recall. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Whining noise on transmission at 79k miles | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission has failed after only 39,000 miles. As a result, the vehicle would not accelerate which lead to a dangerous situation while crossing an intersection. No engine light was shown and no sensors were triggered on the onboard computer so it was impossible to know there was an issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2025 | STEERING,LANE DEPARTURE | At 11:15 AM, June 13, 2025 when I turn right at intersection, my steering wheel suddenly became hard (could not turn). My car nearly hit median in my left hand when the steering wheel back to normal. So I could steer my car avoid accident. This is first time I encountered problem like this. Everything is normal right now. No warning or everything popped up on display. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | POWER TRAIN | While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander (UA80F transmission), I began noticing a faint high-pitched whining noise between 25–45 mph around 63,000 miles. Over time, it progressively worsened, eventually including intermittent jerking and hard low-speed shifts, particularly during acceleration or uphill climbs. In wet conditions, the drivetrain lurches slightly under throttle, increasing risk of loss of control. I had a transmission fluid drain and fill service performed by a Toyota dealership at ~58,000 miles, along with full 4WD maintenance (differentials and transfer case). Despite this, symptoms developed shortly afterward. Toyota was notified and a corporate case was opened. I provided clear sound recordings, videos, and a full inspection history, and cited their Customer Support Program ZJC (POL19-04) for known defects related to UA80F whine and washer tab failures. Although my build date falls within the general failure range, Toyota refused coverage and claimed it was “operating to spec.” Tier 1 support initially confirmed ZJC eligibility, but Tier 2 reversed course with no follow-up. Dealership service also failed to elevate the case properly to my Zurich warranty provider, who required dealer confirmation to proceed. Multiple other owners have reported similar failures around 60K–100K miles, and I believe this is a dangerous latent defect that Toyota is attempting to narrowly contain. Whining precedes jerking, and jerking precedes full failure. Many complainants, like me, are met with stall tactics, deflection, or no follow-through. There were no warning lights or diagnostic codes, but the safety risk is growing. I believe this transmission issue deserves expanded CSP eligibility and potential recall investigation. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | The brakes are very soft and unreliable. There is a recall #18V-211 dated April 2,2018. This recall did not include this specific car but the car was manufactured within a few days of the recall. After Toyota failed to repair the problem I took the car to a a private auto repair shop who replaced the Vacuum Pump. The brakes now work as they should. I beleve the recall should be extended to include more vehicle made about this time. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2025 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | The fuel pump system is malfunctioning. This vehicle needs to be part of the current recall on 2018 Highlanders with fuel pump issues. This is putting me and my family at risk, as well as others. The code is coming back to the fuel pump. The check engine light is currently on. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Whining noise coming out from the tranmission and dealer recommended for transaxle to be remanufatured. The issue was on going with Toyota Customer Support Program for Transmission UA80 but my VIN is not covered upon checking with them | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2025 | ENGINE | Engine cam tower oil leak due to the manufacturer's inadequate assembly of the engine parts. The mating surfaces were not adequately prepared and/or application of a contaminated sealant did not adhere to the surfaces creating a small oil leak that eventually became larger and finally noticed. The Car Care Nut automotive shop performed this repair and documented in the video: [XXX] The 2018 engine (3.5L DOHC V6 D-4S Engine with Dual VVT-i Direct Shift) with 52,500 miles has by now (2024) developed a large oil leak coming from the cam tower seal, and requires replacement. I'm the original owner with the car always being garaged and maintained by the book at the dealer. Toyota of America is refusing any assistance with the defective engine component even though it is under the 60,000 miles powertrain warranty, but past the 60 months warranty period. The leak likely has been there since leaving the factory floor, but was not noticeable until after five years of use. Leaking engine oil on hot components of the engine bay may result in smoke, burning odor, and even fires. This vehicle has a concurrent vehicle safety complaint NHTSA ID Number: 11611353 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jan 2025 | SERVICE BRAKES | Car will not start due to message that says "Braking Power Low. Stop in a Safe Place" There have been recalls on 2018 Highlanders for the brake vacuum pump but it is not listed for my particular vehicle | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |