2019 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2019 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 441 complaints, with Transmission / Drivetrain as the top reported area.
2019 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2019 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2019 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2019 Toyota Highlander SUV FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.9% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.9% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2019 Toyota Highlander has 441 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Transmission / Drivetrain. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2019
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 441
- Crash-related complaints
- 22
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Transmission / Drivetrain
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 23
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 27
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2019 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Transmission / Drivetrain
Fuel/Propulsion System
Uncategorized Issues
Complaint patterns center on Transmission / Drivetrain, Fuel/Propulsion System, Uncategorized Issues. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2019 Toyota Highlander?
The 2019 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2019 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of malfunction or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, fuel system, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the transmission/drivetrain for any signs of malfunction or unusual behavior.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, fuel system, and engine repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase, focusing on reported components.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2019 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander are heavily concentrated in the transmission/drivetrain and fuel/propulsion system, with a notable number of crash-related reports. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but the low confidence level means patterns should be interpreted cautiously.
- Transmission/Drivetrain accounts for the highest number of complaints (170).
- Fuel/Propulsion System complaints total 84, indicating a secondary area of concern.
- There are 22 crash-related complaints, though the cause is not specified.
- Transmission / Drivetrain issues are the most frequently reported.
- Fuel/Propulsion System problems are the second most common complaint.
- Engine Problems and Electrical Faults also appear in the top five complaint categories.
All 2019 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| 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.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
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.
2019 Toyota Highlander Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2019 Toyota Highlander. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2019 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 441 owner complaints, 22 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2019 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
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?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2019 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 22 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 441 total complaints. 18 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2019 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2019 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2019 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Transmission / Drivetrain during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
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.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2019 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.