How common are engine problems on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 82 engine complaints for the 2019 Highlander, accounting for 17% of the 482 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Toyota Highlander engine issue?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2019 Highlander.

At what mileage do 2019 Highlander engine problems typically show up?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 13,000 miles.

What kind of engine failures do owners report on the 2019 Highlander?

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration, loss of power while driving, stalling, a head gasket failure, and one case involving fire under the hood.

Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?

NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area for the 2019 Highlander includes 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.

2019 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

NHTSA lists 82 engine-related complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander, 17% of all 482 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 13,000. No related recalls are listed for this engine issue.

Engine complaints: 82; 17% of 482
Crashes reported: 6
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 3
Median mileage: 13,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Owners report sudden unintended acceleration at low speeds in parking lots, sometimes ending in a crash after the brake pedal had no effect.
Some describe a loud noise from the engine followed by loss of forward control while trying to park.
Others report the vehicle losing motive power and stalling at highway speeds, with the check engine light coming on beforehand.
One owner reported smoke and fire from under the hood after the vehicle stalled and lost power at 65 mph.
A case of head gasket failure was reported after the vehicle lost power and failed to restart.
Some owners describe a whining or whirling noise from the transmission at varying RPMs, occurring even after a dealer transmission service.

When 2019 Toyota Highlander engine complaints were filed

First complaint Jul 11, 2019, latest Jul 17, 2026.

82 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2019 Q3 to 2026 Q3; peak 2026 Q1 (9).

Engine recalls for the 2019 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201036 (17%)
201133 (18%)
201231 (17%)
201358 (28%)
20148 (6%)
201521 (11%)
201613 (12%)
201758 (22%)
201840 (15%)
201982 (17%)
202025 (8%)
202150 (10%)
202217 (7%)
202332 (18%)
20246 (14%)
20254 (40%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 82 engine complaints for the 2019 Highlander, accounting for 17% of the 482 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Toyota Highlander engine issue?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area on the 2019 Highlander.
At what mileage do 2019 Highlander engine problems typically show up?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this issue is 13,000 miles.
What kind of engine failures do owners report on the 2019 Highlander?: Owners report sudden unintended acceleration, loss of power while driving, stalling, a head gasket failure, and one case involving fire under the hood.
Were there any crashes or injuries linked to these engine complaints?: NHTSA data tied to this engine problem area for the 2019 Highlander includes 6 crashes, 1 fire, and 3 injuries.