10.0
really awful- Crashes / Fires:
- 2 / 0
- Injuries / Deaths:
- 0 / 0
- Average Mileage:
- 1,867 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
The NHTSA is the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints can be spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem. See the Back button — blue bar at the very top of the page — to explore more.
Transmission make grinding noise scared to drive when I check online on Google it states that all 2021 toyota highlander make grinding noise and only solution is to replace
- Carteret, NJ, USA
My transmission started to make whining noise took to the dealer to check they confirmed it was a transmission issue that it needed to be replaced. After doing some digging I came across a toyota service bulitin that claimed this issue only affected a batch of vehicles. ( T-SB-0008-21 ) I have searched on forums and found out that a lot of people are haveing the same issue and Toyota is not doing anything about it. PLEASE HELP !!!
- Woonsocket, RI, USA
I purchased my new 2021 Highlander in Sept. of 2021. At about 88K miles, my car started making a whining or buzzing noise when accelerating. I am scheduled to take my highlander to the dealership to be looked at, but in the meantime, research on multiple forums and NHTSA -this is found to be a common issue with the 2021 toyota highlander transmission. Upon further research, I discovered that prior to buying the car, Toyota was already aware of this problem as they issued a Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 in February of 2021 yet they did not inform me or hold the cars for sale to correct what could cause accidents when the transmission fails. Upon further investigation, there are numerous people with this problem in their 2021 Highlanders. This needs to be addressed immediately and deserves a recall, as most owners discover this issue after the 60K power train warranty has ended.
- Princeton, NC, USA
The Highlander only have 62000, miles and still has a new car smell, but it need a transmission was told by service advisor that it could stop in the middle of the of traffic with no warning no engine light on dash nothing upon further research a lot of customers are having the same problem Please help Toyota has been my brand since 1996 and I-??m sad that the don-??t stand behind the brand for such a major issue
- Memphis , TN, USA
I purchased my new 2021 Highlander in Sept. of 2021. At about 70K miles, my car started making a whining or buzzing noise when accelerating. I took it to the Toyota dealership in Fort Collins, CO. They told me my transmission is failing. They stated I needed completely replaced for just a few dollars under $8000. They stated that the Highlander transmissions are on backorder for replacement. They said it could go completely in a year or a month, they didn't know but I couldn't get it fixed for months because of the backordered transmissions. There is no warning light or alert. This is very concerning since I commute at night alone long distances, or if the transmission goes while I'm on an interstate, etc...I did some research and found that prior to buying the car, Toyota was already aware of this problem as they issued a Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 in February of 2021 yet they did not inform me or hold the cars for sale to correct what could cause accidents when the transmission fails. Upon further investigation, there are numerous people with this problem in their 2021 Highlanders. This needs to be addressed immediately and deserves a recall.
- Cheyenne, WY, USA
Transmission went out at 94,000 mils. Loud whinning noise and vechicle very loud sounds like a disel truck once cranked.
- Green Cove Springs, FL, USA
Transmission is shifting roughly and whining. Has to be replaced, on backorder for a month. This is a safety issue as it could fail while driving. Online search finds a service bulletin (T-SB-0008-21) and many, many consumer complaints about the same issue.
- Marysville, OH, USA
The vehicle pulls/jolts foward as I slow down at a stoplight. At first, I thought this was normal, but over the past year, I've noticed something unusual, possibly with the gear shifting. It has become more noticeable over time. It has happened enough where I almost get into a fender bender with the car in front of me. I started researching this issue and it's a common complaint among other Highlander vehicle owners. [XXX]. I reported this issue to the Toyota Dealership and all have stated this was normal. I have also seen other issues with the transmission with the similar year and build. Leading me to believe this car may have an early sign of transmission issues. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Chino Hills, CA, USA
Toyota is not trying to own up to failing transmissions especially in the Highlanders. The Highlander started making a whining noise around 50k miles like a supercharger. The dealer said the car needed a whole new transmission. The transmission is available for inspection upon request. The car is hard to accelerate because the transmission is failing without giving any warning signals on the dashboard.
- Hopkinsville , KY, USA
The dealer has confirmed a problem on the matter and said it would cost $8000 to fix it. Has not put a recall on it yet. But there is a bulliton on the matter.
- Akron, OH, USA
Transmission is making a whining noise.
- Edgewater, NJ, USA
The car started making a whining.humming sound only while pressing the gas. Took to mechanic and they advised it was TSB 0008-21. I need a new transmission. I drive this daily with my own kids, and several that aren't mine. If the transmission were to go out, I would not be able to accelerate and the care would stop moving. I can't even imagine this happening on a high with hundreds of cars speeding or a busy road. This could cause a bad accident, injury or death. No warnings etc. The noise just started and took right to mechanic. I gave the mechanic a copt of power train warrant and hoping it gets covered and fixed.
- Sherrills Ford, NC, USA
Regarding Toyota TSB T-SB-0008-21, -??Whine or Grind Noise From the Transmission-??, issued February 2021: Some 2021 model year Avalon, Highlander, and Camry vehicles equipped with UA80E or UA80F transmissions may exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission. This condition may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts. This is a widespread problem with these specified transmissions. The noise generally starts around 60-70k miles, just outside the warranty period. Toyota knowingly continued to sell vehicles with these defective transmissions. Repair estimates range from $8.5k-$13k.
- Lavalette, WV, USA
Transmission failure at 70,000 miles waited 3 months for replacement transmission.
- Evans, WV, USA
My wife-??s Highlander started whining under acceleration. I am not a trained mechanic but know enough about vehicles that I k ew it was the transmission. I checked Google for 2021 Highlander complaints and found hundreds of them. The vehicle has 90k on it but luckily we bought the extended warranty through Toyota. I took the vehicle in for service and told them the transmission was whining and needed replaced and would be covered under my warranty. They looked at me strange and said ok sure, we-??ll check it out. 4 hours later they called to confirm I needed a new transmission. They estimate it to take be 4 weeks before they receive the transmission. Apparently so many being replaced they are on back order. Luckily we bought our vehicle as a -??Certified Pre-Owned-?? so we get a loaner the entire time. Just sad to see Toyota quality going down hill like it has.
- Rutledge, TN, USA
I was coming home from work and the break system fail and then I was coming to sa stop light I was able to break slowly and I was able to go into shell gas station got off to put gas and the started talking to take it to the near dealer Toyota.I got off the vechicle put gas and when I started to turn on I would turn on at all I do T know I gave it some gas and I was able to turn it on but the moter was shaking and it was staling on me. The H and cold gauge was stuck not moving ethier. That fan from the moter stop working as well I was able to turn it on and I dro E it to my mothers house and left it their got a towtruck on the July 28 2024 to take it to the dealership I had to pay the tow truck and untill know I havent got my refund back because I had townig with the vechicle when I purchased it. Its 2 months out I still havent gotten my transmission or gotten fix and the vechicle had the extended warranty as well it has 71,700 ml on it and I also have to pay the rental vechicle as well. Toyota doent wast to pay at all for the rental vechicle.
- Redmond, OR, USA
A whine developed while accelerating on the highway. The whine continued any time I accelerated higher than about 35 mph. I suspected it was the transmission and Toyota confirmed I was right. I need a whole new transmission. At 59,000 miles, my Highlander is still under power train warranty. However, my car was diagnosed July 9 and I am still waiting for the part to come in at the dealership more than 2 months later. I was told verbally that I would be able to still drive the car while waiting, but I don't feel safe doing so.
- Kansas City, MO, USA
Transmission/differential - Took my car in around 80k miles for a routine transmission service. I got my car back and it started making a whining noise when you accelerate. Never did I get a code, check engine light nothing. Took it back to get looked it since the sound never went away. I am being told it needs a new transmission. I was told my car transmission was too hot for them to even look at after sitting for 24hr parked! I have read and done a lot of research that this is a common issue and never has been recalled. Even a shortage now on transmissions with so many needing them now! My car is only 3 years old and won-??t be covered.. this should have been recalled and or known to buyers before purchasing if it was known to have issues early 2021-??
- Royse City, TX, USA
Transaxle Repair/Replacement: recommend transmission replacement due to whining noise coming from transmission due to internal failure. The transaxle is the transmission for front wheel drive vehicles. The transaxle transfers power from the engine to the wheels. Unsafe driving conditions issue is stemming from faulty transmission, not only on this particular vehicle but many 2021 Toyota Highlander vehicles for the same transaxle repair/replacement issue. I have gone to Toyota multiple times before and even with a Technical Service Bulletin in place for this transmission issue, they did not correct the problem, nor fix it while it was under warranty. Toyota has been aware of this Technical Service Bulletin since Feb 9 2021. T-SB-0008-21 [XXX] Owners of the 2021 Toyota Highlander have reported various transmission problems, including: Whine or Grind Noise: Some vehicles exhibit a whine or grind noise from the transmission, which may be caused by an issue with the front carrier assembly pinion shafts1. Jerky Gear Shifts: Drivers have experienced jerky gear shifts, especially when accelerating from a stop or slowing down to very low speeds2. Delayed Shifts and Hard Shifts: There have been complaints about delayed shifts, hard shifts, and lurching when shifting gears3. Transmission Slipping: Instances of the transmission slipping between gears and jerking when accelerating have also been reported4. Safety Concerns These transmission issues pose several safety risks: Loss of Control: Jerky and delayed gear shifts can lead to a loss of control, especially in situations requiring quick acceleration or deceleration. Increased Accident Risk: Transmission slipping and hard shifts can cause unexpected vehicle behavior, increasing the risk of accidents. Driver Distraction: The noise and irregular shifting can distract drivers, reducing their focus on the road. Mechanical Failure: Persistent transmission issues, or stalling. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- Coachella, CA, USA
- Brookfield, WI, USA