2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Problems
Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. This model year has 441 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Transmission / Drivetrain.
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.
Worst 2019 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Fuel/Propulsion System
Uncategorized Issues
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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).
All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 170 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 84 | 2 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 71 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 70 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 55 | 3 | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 21 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 19 | — | — | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | 4 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 14 | 8 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 12 | 4 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 11 | 4 | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 10 | 2 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 8 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 6 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Lane Departure | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Back Over Prevention | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Showing 400 most recent complaints of 441 total. View all on NHTSA ↗
Hi. I have a Toyota 2019 Highlander EXL. My problems is the transmission started to have the small whining noise every time I accelerates and I it's happened over 18 months ago and I didn't know that is the issues until I brought it to the Toyota Dealer for 75k maintenance. The …
Traveling at approximately 60-65 mph on interstate 95 in Wakefield the vehicle suddenly downshifted causing a rapid deceleration to around 40 mph. It would not upshift requiring us to pull into the breakdown lane.
A wining started on my 2019 Toyota highlander. I took to mechanic and they confirmed it was transmission. There was no warning.
Loud whining noises from transmission, repeated unpredictable shifts making pulling out/merging unsafe
I own a 2019 Highlander at just barely over 55,000 miles. I began hearing a humming noise while accelerating and brought it into Toyota. They told me that bearings are worn in the transmission and I need a new transmission replacement, which will cost $11,569.21. I am shocked …
I am writing to you as a deeply loyal Toyota customer who is facing a distressing and financially significant situation with my 2019 Toyota Highlander. Our family has been committed Toyota owners for several decades. Over the years, we have owned a Toyota Corolla, Camry, and mul…
Hi Dear My car doesn’t report crash.
The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while attempting to start the vehicle, there was an abnormal grinding sound coming from the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed wit…
At 138,000 miles my 2019 Toyota Highlander's transmission failed. I noticed a whining sound when I pushed on the accelerator, so I scheduled a service appointment to have it looked at. The day I brought it into the mechanic it began stalling at stop signs. I was driving my childr…
My Wife drove to work yesterday with no issues. After her shift she stops at the local gas station by her job, she puts the car in park but the car continues to roll forward( as if it was in neutral). Applies the brake and puts the E-brake on(car is now stationary). Puts in some …
Transmission. Taken to dealership immediately. Notified that the transmission was going to have to be replaced. Notified there were no transmissions available or re-manufactured transmissions available, that our warranty was up 3 months prior to this date and we would have to spe…
My transmission is now missing the 3rd gear and left me and my kids stalled in traffic as I was turning in oncoming traffic. Toyota dealership confirmed that was the problem upon inspection.
Rough switching between gears since purchase; Whining noise in transmission when pressing on the gas.
I heard Whining Noise from Drivetrain side under Engine Room first time about a month ago. There is a possibility sure It was generated early that Noise longer than when I heard it. and I visited Toyota Dealership Vacaville CA about this issue, Requested to Diagnosis my Highlande…
My 2019 Toyota Highlander started making a whining noise from 0mph to 40mph-- and at times would shift hard. I took it to first mechanic who stated it was definitely a transmission issue. I took it to a transmission shop who also confirmed it was a transmission issue. I had veh…
Check engine light came on without warning, car started losing power, idling roughly, stalling out, and not wanting to start. Had my battery, alternator, and starter checked and they are all fine. Diagnostic test showed it was to do with how much fuel/air the vehicle is getting. …
UA80 transmission problems like everyone else. Just paid it off and it’s under 100k and the transmission gave out. It’s $11k to fix it. I have it l the proper maintenance at Toyota.
Transmission whining sound
Sporadically, when starting up the vehicle, from the overhead console, it emanate a loud, ear piercing sound that is painful to one's ears. Apparently, this is a KNOWN issue with 2019 Toyota Highlanders in the Limited Platinum trim level. This issue has been presented to the de…
Transmission began making high pitch whining sound with hard shifting to second gear. Within one year the transmission completely went out and was stuck in third gear.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2019 Toyota Highlander.
Recalls for 2019 Toyota Highlander
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
2019 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 441 NHTSA owner complaints, 22 crash-related, and 3 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Transmission / Drivetrain (170 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.
What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Transmission / Drivetrain (170 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (84 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (71 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2019 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2019 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2019 Toyota Highlander has 22 crash-related complaints and 1 fire reports out of 441 total NHTSA complaints. 18 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes — 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Toyota Highlander. The largest issue: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.
Should I buy a 2019 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2019 Toyota Highlander has severe issues — review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Transmission / Drivetrain issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Check Your Specific 2019 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.