7 Toyota Highlander Transmission Problems and How to Fix Them

Short answer: The most common problems with the Toyota Highlander transmission are gear slipping, rough or delayed shifting, fluid leaks, whining noises, hesitation when accelerating, unresponsive gears, and complete transmission failure.

Many of these problems stem from a mix of mechanical wear, inadequate maintenance, and design-related weaknesses—particularly in vehicles equipped with the UA80E or UA80F 8-speed automatic transmissions.

Whether you’re dealing with hesitation when accelerating or an unresponsive gearbox, understanding the root cause can help you take the right steps toward a fix.

Below, we break down the most common Toyota Highlander transmission problems and what you can do about them.

Problem #1: Gear Slipping

• What it is: The transmission unexpectedly shifts gears or fails to stay in gear.
• Potential causes: Worn clutch plates; Low or degraded transmission fluid; Faulty solenoids; Internal wear in the transmission 
• Symptoms: Sudden RPM spikes; Loss of power; Jerky acceleration
• Potential fix: Replace worn clutch components; Flush and refill transmission fluid; Inspect and replace solenoids if needed

Problem #2: Rough or Delayed Shifting

• What it is: The transmission hesitates or shifts harshly between gears, especially from 2nd to 3rd.
• Potential causes: Faulty transmission control module (TCM); Low fluid levels; Software calibration issues (especially in 2017–2020 models).
• Symptoms: Noticeable jerks during gear changes; Delay when accelerating
• Potential fix: Reprogram or replace TCM; Perform a fluid flush; Apply manufacturer software updates

Problem #3: Transmission Fluid Leaks

• What it is: Loss of transmission fluid due to damaged seals or gaskets.
• Potential causes: Worn or cracked seals; Damaged transmission pan; Loose bolts or connectors
• Symptoms: Puddles under the vehicle; Burning smell; Overheating transmission
• Potential fix: Replace seals or gaskets; Tighten or replace pan bolts; Refill fluid and monitor levels

Problem #4: Whining and Grinding Noises

• What it is: Unusual sounds coming from the transmission, often during acceleration.
• Potential causes: Failing torque converter; Low or contaminated fluid; Worn bearings or gears
• Symptoms: High-pitched whining; Grinding during gear changes; Noise increases with speed
• Potential fix: Replace torque converter; Flush and replace fluid; Inspect internal components

Problem #5: Hesitation When Accelerating

• What it is: The vehicle pauses or lags when you press the gas pedal.
• Potential causes: Slipping clutch; Low fluid pressure; Faulty oil pump or solenoid
• Symptoms: Delay from stop to go; Sluggish throttle response; Jerky movement
• Potential fix: Replace or repair clutch components; Check and refill transmission fluid; Inspect oil pump and solenoids

Problem #6: Unresponsive Gears

• What it is: The transmission fails to engage or shift into the selected gear.
• Potential causes: Worn clutch or gear selector; Faulty shift solenoids; Internal transmission damage
• Symptoms: Gear lever moves but nothing happens; Vehicle stuck in one gear
• Potential fix: Replace worn components; Reset or replace solenoids; Full transmission inspection

Problem #7: Complete Transmission Failure

• What it is: The transmission stops functioning entirely, often requiring replacement.
• Potential causes: Internal mechanical failure; Neglected maintenance; Defective transmission design (notably 2017 UA80E)
• Symptoms: No movement in any gear; Loud clunking or grinding; Total loss of drive
• Potential fix: Full transmission rebuild or replacement; Install updated transmission model if applicable

Are There Any Toyota Highlander Transmission Recalls?

As of now, there is no official nationwide recall specifically targeting transmission issues in the Toyota Highlander.

However, there have been multiple Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) issued and a class-action lawsuit filed in connection to transmission performance problems in certain Highlander models.

Toyota released TSB T-SB-0008-21 for select 2021 Highlander vehicles equipped with the UA80E or UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission.

This bulletin addresses a noticeable whining or grinding noise caused by defects in the front carrier assembly pinion shafts.

The recommended repair involves replacing the entire transaxle assembly, which is typically covered under the standard 5-year/60,000-mile powertrain warranty.

A class-action lawsuit has been brought against Toyota over alleged defects in the UA80E/UA80F 8-speed transmissions used in 2017–present Highlander and Sienna models.

Plaintiffs allege that the transmissions exhibit the following issues:

• Delayed or harsh shifting
• Hesitation and unpredictable surging
• Unintended acceleration
• Excessive engine revving before upshifting

The lawsuit claims Toyota knew about these transmission problems but failed to disclose them to consumers.

To find out whether your specific Toyota Highlander is subject to any active recalls or service campaigns, enter your VIN or license plate number into Toyota’s official recall lookup tool: Toyota Recall Lookup.

Will Toyota Cover My Transmission Repair Costs?

Toyota may cover transmission-related repairs, depending on your vehicle’s warranty status and whether the issue is linked to a known defect or service campaign.

1.  Powertrain Warranty Coverage

The standard powertrain warranty covers transmission repairs for up to 5 years or 60,000 miles, whichever comes first. If your Highlander is still within this period, the repair should be covered by Toyota.

•  Warranty Enhancement Program (ZJC)

Toyota launched Warranty Enhancement Program ZJC for specific 2017–2018 Highlander models with UA80E/UA80F transmissions. This program extends warranty coverage to 10 years from the original in-service date, regardless of mileage, for qualifying transmission serial numbers.

• Technical Service Bulletin Coverage

If your issue matches the conditions described in a TSB—such as TSB 0160-18—Toyota may agree to cover the repair, even if your warranty has slightly expired. In such cases, pushing for goodwill assistance can make a difference.

•  Goodwill Assistance

Toyota sometimes offers goodwill coverage for repairs outside the official warranty period, especially if:

• The vehicle has been regularly serviced at a Toyota dealership
• The transmission issue is linked to a known TSB or legal complaint
• You’ve documented the problem and escalated your case through Toyota Customer Care

Use Toyota’s online recall lookup tool to check for recalls or extended coverage on your Highlander. Ask your dealership to determine whether your transmission’s serial number qualifies for Warranty Enhancement Program ZJC.

If the dealership declines coverage, escalate the issue directly to Toyota’s corporate office. Keep detailed records of all service visits, repair attempts, and communications with Toyota representatives.

Using Lemon Law to Resolve Recurring Transmission Issues

While some safety recalls—such as those involving electronic systems or brakes—draw widespread attention, many Toyota Highlander owners are dealing with persistent transmission issues that remain unresolved even after repeated repair attempts.

If your Highlander continues to experience hard shifting, hesitation, or other transmission-related problems despite multiple visits to the dealership, you may be eligible for relief under your state’s lemon law.

Depending on the circumstances, qualifying vehicles may be eligible for a buyback, a replacement vehicle, or cash compensation.

Buybacks and replacement vehicles typically include a mileage deduction for the miles driven before the problem first appeared that makes the car a lemon, and if a replacement vehicle is offered, you may need to cover any difference in cost between your current model and the new one.

Most importantly, successful lemon law claims often require the manufacturer to pay your attorney fees and legal costs—making it possible to pursue your case without paying out-of-pocket.

Since 2009, the Lemon Law Experts have helped consumers across the country resolve their lemon law and warranty disputes.

Our experienced legal team offers one-on-one support and works hard to achieve favorable results, whether that involves compensation, a replacement, or other remedies under the law.

If your Toyota Highlander is still experiencing serious transmission issues that haven’t been fixed after multiple repair attempts, don’t wait.

Contact the Lemon Law Experts today at (877) 885-5366 or fill out our short online form for a free consultation.