How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 195 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Highlander, making up 40% of all 482 complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2019 Toyota Highlander transmission?

No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2019 Highlander.

At what mileage do transmission issues typically appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 54,471 miles.

What symptoms do owners report with the 2019 Highlander transmission?

Owners most often describe a whining or winding noise, hard shifting, limp mode, and in some cases full transmission failure diagnosed by dealers.

Did any of these transmission complaints involve crashes or injuries?

NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2019 Highlander lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.

2019 Toyota Highlander Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 195 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander, 40% of all 482 complaints filed for the year. Median mileage at failure is 54,471 miles. No related recalls are listed for this area.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 195; 40% of 482
Crashes reported: 0
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 0
Median mileage: 54,471 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners report a whining or winding noise from the transmission area, often starting between 20-40 mph and growing louder over time.
Some describe the transmission suddenly shifting hard or going into limp mode with unexpected deceleration while driving at highway speeds.
Several owners state dealers diagnosed full transmission failure and recommended replacement, sometimes with no warning light illuminated.
A few complaints describe the vehicle struggling to accelerate or revving without moving forward, with one owner reporting failure occurring within a single morning.
Multiple owners note the noise was initially dismissed as normal by service advisors before later being diagnosed as a transmission fault.
Some complaints reference the 8-speed UA80F transmission and note that extended warranty coverage for a similar issue was limited to 2017-2018 model years.

When 2019 Toyota Highlander transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Dec 30, 2019, latest Sep 24, 2026.

195 complaints filed with NHTSA from Dec 2019 to Sep 2026; peak Jan 2026 (16).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2019 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Highlander model year

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

200551 (23%)
200622 (8%)
20078 (7%)
200818 (4%)
20097 (5%)
20106 (3%)
201116 (9%)
20127 (4%)
201311 (5%)
20148 (6%)
20157 (4%)
20161 (1%)
201773 (27%)
201865 (25%)
2019195 (40%)
2020125 (40%)
2021222 (43%)
202253 (21%)
202320 (11%)
20243 (7%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 195 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2019 Highlander, making up 40% of all 482 complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2019 Toyota Highlander transmission?: No related recalls are listed in NHTSA data for the Transmission & Powertrain area on the 2019 Highlander.
At what mileage do transmission issues typically appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 54,471 miles.
What symptoms do owners report with the 2019 Highlander transmission?: Owners most often describe a whining or winding noise, hard shifting, limp mode, and in some cases full transmission failure diagnosed by dealers.
Did any of these transmission complaints involve crashes or injuries?: NHTSA data for this problem area on the 2019 Highlander lists 0 crashes, 0 fires, and 0 injuries.