Complaint volume
465 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
2019 Toyota Highlander Complaints
465 consumer-submitted complaints on record for the 2019 Toyota Highlander, grouped by component category.
465 Total complaints
22 Crash reports
1 Fire reports
12 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, fuel/propulsion system, 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 22 crash reports, 1 fire report, 12 injury reports, and 0 fatality reports. These fields come from complaint records and should be read in context.
Mileage clue
Mileage is available on 139 complaints, with an average reported failure mileage of 27,463 miles. Compare that with the mileage on the listing.
Questions to ask the seller
- Have you had any problems related to power train, fuel/propulsion system, 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 2019 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.
2019 Toyota Highlander
Build buyer checklist Compare with other years Sends year, make, and model to pre-fill your checklist.
How severe are the 2019 Toyota Highlander complaints?
22 Crash
1 Fire
12 Injury
0 Fatality
27 Towed
7 Medical attention
What are the most common 2019 Toyota Highlander complaint categories?
POWER TRAIN 155
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 48
UNKNOWN OR OTHER 48
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM 19
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE 16
ENGINE 13
AIR BAGS 9
ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 9
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM 8
POWER TRAIN,ENGINE 8
465 total complaints on record
Latest complaints
| Date | Component | Summary | Severity | Mileage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sep 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Dealership stated that whining sound from transmission is irreparable and must be replaced. It is unsafe to drive and the dealer confirmed the noise. This is a known, common issue with the CVT Transmissions, but they are not willing to replace it due to being more than 60 months past the manufacture date, but under 60,000 miles. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM | Vehicle just turned 12,000 miles. When fueling the vehicle gas gauge does not read correctly. This may cause an unexpected loss of control and accident if out of gas when driving. Vehicle has not yet been to the dealer for repair but going soon. As far as I can determine there are no warning lamps for a faulty fuel gauge. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN,ENGINE | Approximately at 56,000 miles I began having trouble with a whining noise along with rough, delayed, or sudden shifting, lack of acceleration from a stop and shuddering. I had taken it in for an oil change and explained some of my complaints. They stated they didn't hear any whining noises (so they say) after completing the oil/fluid change. The service department said if it continues to come back and they stated that they haven't had any complaints about the whining noise with Toyota. I got "service engine light" and took it to the dealer which they said was a sensor for AWD. I paid to have it replaced and 2 days later the exact code came back up. Took it back into the Toyota dealership stating the same code came on but, to date, the dealer has been unable to correct the problem because they say it's the transmission that needs replacing which will cost over 8,500.00! My truck only has 119k miles and should be good to go for at minimum of 100k miles more with no major issues! | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Aug 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH the vehicle began to loose automotive power and stalled. During the incident, several warning messages were activated which included the check engine light and the ABS warning. While inspecting the vehicle smoke and fire began to stream from under the engine hood and moments later the frontend of the vehicle became engulfed in flames. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the flames. During the incident, the vehicle was destroyed and later towed away. A police report was taken at the scene. The cause of the failure was not determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The local dealer was not contacted. The failure mileage was 96,200. | Crash: No Fire: Yes Towed | 96,200 |
| Aug 2024 | POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and attempting to accelerate, the vehicle hesitated and was sluggish while responding. There was an abnormal humming noise detected. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the transmission was replaced, but the failure recurred. While driving 71 MPH and merging into traffic while accelerating, the vehicle failed to respond. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder. The vehicle was taken back to the local dealer; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. There were no fault codes retrieved. The mechanic at the dealer reported that during the test drive, there was hesitation while downshifting. The manufacturer was contacted, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 16,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 16,000 |
| Jul 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | While driving the car on the highway with no other cars in the immediate area it sounded like there was an explosion on the roof. The glass sun roof spontaneously exploded. Small pieces of glass were everywhere. I was able to pull over to a parking lot. There could have been a serious accident or injury as this event caused me to swerve. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | VISIBILITY | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the moonroof glass suddenly shattered, raining glass down on the occupants inside the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was 78,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 78,000 |
| Jul 2024 | ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed as a failure with the crankshaft sensor. The contact was informed that the crankshaft sensor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 60,000. The VIN was not available. | Crash: No Fire: No Towed | 60,000 |
| Jul 2024 | SEATS | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while adjusting the driver's seat, the control was making an abnormal buzzing sound. The contact stated that the seat was not moving forward or backward, and the seat back was not moving forward or reclining as needed. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the seat motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 64,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 64,000 |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission failed at 97,500 miles | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission Failed at 65,000. Yes, inspection available upon request. Safety is when my family with little children are in the car, and erratic shifting takes place while traveling at high rates of speed. Car has not broken down, but was told by dealer that it could "run for ever or break down tomorrow" Issue for me is that it is VERY apparent through multiple resources that Toyota clearly is aware of this issue. Recalled in 2017, and 2018.....but looks like most is happening with the 2019 with no accountability on their part. Power train warranty expires at 60,000 miles....yet 75% of reported issues are in between $60,000-$70,000 with Toyota offering ZERO assistance or taking any responsibility or action. No warnings on the dash, no lights. Either loud noise, high rev RPM, or sudden erratic shifting. Just Toyota....saying "yeah we know about it, but still not helping with it, not extending the warranty, and just leaving you with a $8,000-$10,000 bill or continue with a ticking time bomb. Negligence is a safety issue. A big one. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jul 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, and the battery was replaced, as recommended by the local dealer; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where it was diagnosed that the START/STOP system was draining the battery. As a result of the failure, the START/STOP system was turned off. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 77,000 |
| Jul 2024 | TIRES | NOT a tire issue, TPMS issue, had 2 replaced due to corrosion and slow leaks. These came with a certified used vehicle. Mettalic stems and NitroFill. From Dealer IRA toy of Danvers Mass. 245/60R18 tires. There was no tire damage Dash light came on before driving. TPMs sensors were replaced 6 months apart. The other 2 are still on the car and holding air for now. High cost for replacement With new style rubber stems. Not warranted but should be before they snap off on Road and cause accident. Manual says if catastrophic fail TPMs dash may not Light. Toyota should replace metal with new rubber non-corroding stems and sensors. Tire are important and the safety devices to check this should be of better safety Than the item being monitored. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission has a whine at 117,000 miles. No warning lights. An independent shop advised the transmission is bad and needs replaced. After reading numerous similar complaints, I believe the premature failing of the transmission jeopardizes people's safety as improper shifting could cause an accident. Currently waiting on an appointment at a Toyota dealership. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE | While driving my car, the check engine light turned on and my car listed hybrid system malfunction as a flashing indicator. It lost all power in the middle of the road and I was unable to drive and move vehicle. This is the third incident with the same problem since purchasing. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission/transfer case has a known bearing/internal fault that makes a whining sound between 20-40 mph, vehicle has only 56,000 miles. Based on other owner experiences the transmission must be replaced at an estimated cost of 10,000-13,000 dollars. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Jun 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission started making a whining noise at 100k miles and is getting worse as the mileage gets higher. There is a similar problem with 2017-2018 models. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | SEAT BELTS | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while her grandkids were attempting to latch the rear seat belts, the seat belts independently unlatched. The seat belt warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 19V877000 (Seat Belts). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The failure mileage was approximately 40,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 40,000 |
| May 2024 | SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 45 MPH uphill, the vehicle downshifted unintendedly and failed to shift back to the intended gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the transmission was recorded; however, the failure recurred. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring while driving uphill. Additionally, the contact stated that while at a complete stop and depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle lunged unexpectedly. The contact stated that while driving on a level road surface and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal went to the floorboard; however, while driving uphill and depressing the brake pedal, the brake pedal travel distance was reduced. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where the brake line was bled; however, the failure persisted. Additionally, the dealer determined that the brake pedal was operating as designed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that they would follow up within 3 to 4 days. The failure mileage was approximately 25,000. | Crash: No Fire: No | 25,000 |
| May 2024 | AIR BAGS | 2 weeks ago, the warning light in the dashboard turned on with a message that “SRS AIRBAG SYSTEM MSLFUNCTION” I am not sure but I never had an accident and I donno why that warning is on. I asked Toyota but they said they do not have any recalls | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| May 2024 | POWER TRAIN | The vehicle has developed a whining noise from the transmission on acceleration. It is the same symptoms included in a customer support bulletin for 2017, 2018 models with the same transmission. I’ve been unable to locate a bulletin covering the 2019 that I own even though it is the same issue. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL | The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while attempting to make a turn in a parking a lot, the accelerator pedal became stuck on the mat, and the vehicle accelerated unintendedly. The contact stated that she depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact stated that as she was approaching a guard rail, she turned off the vehicle. The vehicle jerked and the front end of the vehicle crashed into the guard rail. The air bags did not deploy. The contact stated that she sustained pain on the right foot and underwent surgery later. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the dealer collision center, where the vehicle was repaired. The contact related the failure to an unknown recall. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 10,000. | Crash: Yes Fire: No Injuries: 1 Towed Medical attention | 10,000 |
| Apr 2024 | UNKNOWN OR OTHER | Occasionally upon starting the vehicle an EXTREMELY high pitched screech is emitted - probably through the speakers for a few seconds. The sound is ear splitting. This occurs ~5 of the times when starting. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Apr 2024 | POWER TRAIN | My Highlander currently has 91,700 miles. Over the last 60 days, it has developed a high-pitched whine during acceleration under power. The sound starts at about 20 MPH and continues. I presented it to the dealer 30 days ago and they suggested new tires, front and rear brakes and an alignment. Those repairs have all been completed and the noise continues and may have gotten worse. A second diagnostic visit revealed the need for a new transmission at a cost of $11,005. The part number involved is T030510-48601-84. Safe operation of the vehicle is at risk as I could be stranded or worse as I wait for a part that is on back-order. There are no warning lights or check engine lights. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |
| Mar 2024 | ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER | I have a sporadic high pitch screeching beep when I start my car. It started about 3 months ago. It is so LOUD and glad I don’t have little kids or older adults I have to transport. I have noticed my SOS consistently blinks green and red. | Crash: No Fire: No | Unknown |