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2019 Toyota Highlander Electrical Problems

50 owner-reported electrical complaints from NHTSA data

50
Complaints
3
Crashes
Jan 2023Dec 2019
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (50)

criticalELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2026

Your transmission lost the ability to shift into 3rd gear, which caused your vehicle to stall while you were turning in traffic with your children in the car. The Toyota dealership confirmed this was the problem during inspection. The transmission will likely need internal repair or replacement to restore proper gear shifting.

NHTSA #: 11727156
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Your vehicle stalled while driving at 30 MPH, and you had to shift into park and restart it to get back to normal. You saw "Auto START/STOP Failure" and "See Dealer" messages on the dashboard, even though no warning lights came on. This happened multiple times. The dealer diagnosed the problem as a faulty wiring harness that needs to be replaced.

NHTSA #: 11723947
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2026

Your transmission is making noise and causing power loss while driving. The vehicle loses power intermittently and you've noticed smoke, suggesting possible transmission fluid overheating or internal damage. A transmission inspection and fluid service will likely be needed to diagnose the issue.

NHTSA #: 11720836
highELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Feb 2026

After your SOS subscription expires, your vehicle's built-in communication system produces a loud feedback noise through the speakers every time you start the car. This noise is loud enough to potentially cause hearing damage with repeated exposure. The issue has been reported by multiple owners of 2019 Highlanders. Fixing this will likely require updating or reconfiguring your vehicle's communication module settings.

NHTSA #: 11718433
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2026

Your overhead console occasionally makes a loud, piercing sound when you start the car that can be painful to hear. This appears to be a known issue affecting 2019 Toyota Highlanders in Limited Platinum trim, and it's happening more frequently now that your vehicle is out of warranty. The dealership has been unable to recreate the problem despite your reports and video evidence. Fixing this will likely involve diagnosing and replacing the speaker or audio module in the overhead console.

NHTSA #: 11725158
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jan 2026

Radio head unit keeps resetting. While using navigation. Disturbing driving. Something it will continually loop resetting. Can not determine consistent cause. Would like a free replacement and or upgrade including navigation

NHTSA #: 11711732
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

The car randomly shuts off, while waiting in line or when the break is depressed. The vehicle won’t start, battery is completely dead and then comes back randomly.

NHTSA #: 11706378
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2025

What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? 12V battery How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? Vehicle unable to start. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Inspected by independent service center. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? No warning of impending failures. 2/17/2020, vehicle purchased new from Toyota of Morristown (NJ). 2/23/2023, vehicle's (3 year old; 1 week outside of warranty) original OEM 12V battery failed and was replaced with Toyota OEM 12V battery (Part #2880031291) by independent service center ($376.61). 12/18/2025, vehicle's (less than 2 year old) replacement Toyota OEM 12V battery failed and was replaced with Toyota OEM 12V battery by independent service center ($407.88).

NHTSA #: 11706399
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2025

This is the second time this year 2025 my Toyota Highlander 2019 stalled fist in the middle of of intersection and second on the drive thru in in&out. Suddenly my car died. Tried to turn on followed the on screen instructions but the car failed to turn on. The first time it happened in the middle of the intersection while waiting for the light to change, after the issue I when straight to a car shop and oreilly they have this machine to check any possible issues and he said nothing shows in his machine but he think it’s the battery but I told the guy my battery and on the car shop Midas same result no major issue found and one of the technicians says It could be the auto shot off features, that must be manually turn off since this will automatically turn on. The second incident in In&Out the car died suddenly, tried to turn the car but it was on Drive so change to stop then tried to turn on multiple times but faulted , the crews decided to help us push the car out of the drive thru since we are blocking all the customers car, the steering wheel so stiff could hardly turn. We can’t change gear from stop, I was told to push off and on manual break foot pedal and this this help able to change gear to neutral, so we can push the car out of the drive thru. No message or failure message in the screen. We just push the car in the parking lot. Tried to turn on but failed. One of in&out staff was so kind to help us, he has a portable jumpstart and the car able to start. Able to drive home safe. Now I’m afraid to turn on my car or drive far distance due to this issues.

NHTSA #: 11699693
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2025

Clog of evaporator box caused water intrusion into vehicle. Water leaked onto Airbag ECU causing malfunction and requiring replacement of Airbag ECU.

NHTSA #: 11693031
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2025

Intermittent EXTREMELY LOUD ear-piercing high pitched noise coming from speakers upon starting the vehicle. The volume of the sounds is extremely high, the loudest noise I've ever heard. The sound lasts about 5 seconds. I am concerned for the safety of our hearing, for my family, including our children. It has not been reproduced at the service center because it is intermittent. I have read online where others with the similar year/make/model experienced it and have varying success by re-subscribing to Toyota SOS Safety connect ($80/year), or replacing the Data Communication Module (DCM). If not uner warranty, this costs thousands of dollars. I have tried re-subscribing to the Safety Connect but it does not work, and the dealer wants me to pay additionally for them to see why this safety feature is not working in my car. There is no warning before this loud sound presents.

NHTSA #: 11691043
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2025

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the SOS button only flashes red/green once. My wife, the primary driver of the car, has slowly developed tinnitus and this is the only loud, ear piercing, noises she have been exposed to. This noise can also bring on extreme headaches. I can't imagine the damage it could do to a child. We have tried to get this fixed at the mechanic and Toyota says the part is backordered. When we go to Toyota they state they have not heard of the issue. When we search the internet it is easy to find threads of this same issue on the same model, Toyota seems to be hiding this is a known issue.

NHTSA #: 11663520
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: May 2025

When starting the vehicle, and extremely loud feedback noise is emitted from the front right speaker. This happens intermittently. Sometimes it's every 5th time you start it, and sometimes every 29th start. This started happening after the dealer-provided SOS Safety subscription expired. The noise is extremely loud and very disturbing especially for individuals like our daughter who has special needs. I would not be surprised if it is damaging our hearing. It would likely be especially harmful to children! It has been confirmed by the dealer and is currently back at the shop whule they are further investigating the cause.

NHTSA #: 11660681
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2025

Complaint Regarding DCM Module Failure in 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum Our 2019 Toyota Highlander Platinum is experiencing severe audio system malfunctions, beyond simple Bluetooth and connectivity failures. The vehicle sporadically emits an extremely loud screeching feedback sound upon startup and at unpredictable times while driving. This deafening noise is highly distracting to the driver, posing a significant safety risk. Toyota has been aware of this issue for years and documented it in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0112-20, which identifies the faulty vehicle assembly locations. However, despite widespread reports from owners and the high cost of repairs, Toyota has failed to issue a recall. Given the clear safety hazards associated with this defect, I firmly believe Toyota should recall affected Highlanders and provide immediate replacements for the defective DCM module. Owners should not be forced to cover costly repairs for a known issue that compromises driver safety.

NHTSA #: 11660270
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2025

[XXX] Dear staff there are other people complaining of ENGINE MISFIRE also [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11643789
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2025

Dear Staff, after SEVERAL payments made for DIAGNOSTICS i feel like I should commit suicide maybe because of this TOYOTA I can not afford to pay DIAGNOSTICS every single day to HEAR the SAME STORY over and over I understand there is a ENGINE CHECK LIGHT, I need it repaired PLEASE instead of having to pay DIAGNOSTIC FEES which ADVANCE AUTOPARTS doesnt even charge and TOYOTA takes $172 DIAGNOSTIC FEES when they can not even themselves RULE OUT the PROBLEM in their ENGINEERING or MANUFACTURING PLEASE look out for similar issues, ENGINE problems in 2GR-FKS engines as more people experiencing issues will CONFIRM its TOYOTA's fault They should either shut down their manufacturing in Japan or BRING BACK the STANDARDS of JAPANESE AUTOMOTIVES

NHTSA #: 11643328
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2024

When starting the 2019 Highlander, the car would intermittently emit a screeching noise. This noise is startling and can potentially cause a crash if it is emit while driving. This is a known issue since it made to the Toyota Forum: [XXX] However, when I brought the car to the dealership, they’re stating that they don’t know about the issue, and want to charge $300 just to diagnose the problem without guarantee the fix or acknowledge the known issue. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11628891
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Nov 2024

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers. It's so loud you instinctively close your eyes and put your hands on your ears, ignoring whatever you were doing before (like maybe putting the car in gear). It lasts a second or two then stops. It doesn't happen every time, more like every 10 starts. I called Toyota and they said take it to the dealer. I'm still waiting to get their feedback.

NHTSA #: 11627715
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Oct 2024

Upon starting the Highlander, there is a very loud screeching/feedback noise through the speakers- it appears to be coming from the DCM as described y a Toyota representative. . This happens upon stating the car at least once a day and frequency is increasing.

NHTSA #: 11620194
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Oct 2024

Extremely loud high pitched noise when the vehicle starts. The problem began early October 2024 and has continued. It happens every time the car turns on.

NHTSA #: 11619263
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2024

Was stuck in traffic on a highway for about 25 minutes going 0 miles per hour because of an accident about 5 miles away. Then the traffic started to clear and began driving on the road again. About five minutes later, the vehicle lost full drive abilities and the check engine light came on, traction control light on, brake light was on, ABS light was on, stability control warning light on, and then on the info screen the vehicle stated, "Hybrid System Malfunction Stop in a Safe Place, See Owner's Manual", screen then showed within 2-seconds, "Pre-Collision System Malfunction Visit Your Dealer", then in about 2 additional seconds later the info screen stated, "Check Engine Visit Your Dealer", then most every waring light turned on, and there was no power for drive with either hybrid or gasoline engine. The vehicle basically came to a sudden halt in the middle of traffic with steering wheel locked and no control. Had to get police involved and a tow to get off the road. Had vehicle towed to a local toyota dealership and they do not open until Monday at 9am. This incident occurred on Saturday around 3pm.

NHTSA #: 11615799
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2024

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked and attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the failure had been recurring, and the battery was replaced, as recommended by the local dealer; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken to another local dealer where it was diagnosed that the START/STOP system was draining the battery. As a result of the failure, the START/STOP system was turned off. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and referred contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 77,000.

NHTSA #: 11600453
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Mar 2024

I have a sporadic high pitch screeching beep when I start my car. It started about 3 months ago. It is so LOUD and glad I don’t have little kids or older adults I have to transport. I have noticed my SOS consistently blinks green and red.

NHTSA #: 11579038
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2024

There is a loud, ear splitting sound that occurs at start up. It doesn’t happen every time but has happened multiple times since I’ve owned the car for 1 year. It is very loud—like a shrill feedback noise from a microphone.

NHTSA #: 11573489
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Dec 2023

When I start the Highlander, there is a loud (hurts your ears) feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the SOS button only flashes once.

NHTSA #: 11560619
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Nov 2023

When I start my 2019 Highlander there is a loud screech that startles you and makes you jump out of your seat. It’s a very loud feedback noise through the speakers, and the red and green lights near the SOS button flash multiple times. This happens very often but intermittently, and when it doesn't happen the SOS button only flashes red/green once. This happened after the SOS trial service had expired. I called the SOS service and they told us to talk to the dealership. There needs to be a recall of the SOS module or whatever is causing this.

NHTSA #: 11557349
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2023

The car turns off when driving which was supposed to be corrected by recall. It doesn’t appear the recall has been successful in correcting the issue. I actually am not 100% sure they actually swapped out the recall part so I’d like that checked. I also purchased a new battery from the dealer about 3 weeks ago and the problem actually got worse in that it stalls while driving or resets the computer while driving at least once a week.

NHTSA #: 11551267
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,LANE DEPARTURE
Filed: Sep 2023

Originally, 2019 Toyota Highlander lost engine power, steering, and braking on U.S. Route 30, a very busy highway. Managed to pull off side of road AND WAITED. AFTER A FEW MOMENTS CAR STARTED AND RAN AS EXPECTED.Took to local dealer who had the car for several days, but couldn't identify the problem. This instance was 2020/2021. Fast forward to this past September 26th. Pulling out of a private parking lot the car stalled exactly as it had previously.This complete failure of engine is going to get me killed. Further I now notice my dash lights are dimming for no reason then coming back to bright. Now I read where other Highlander are doing the exact thing. I have a car, I'm afraid to drive.

NHTSA #: 11547479
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2023

Random Battery Drain. Driver and passengers can be put in danger if car doesn’t start and vehicle is in an unsafe location. AAA replaced battery with a new one but the random battery drain problem continues to occur. No warning signs prior to dead battery. First appeared end of 2020/beginning of 2021. Internet search returns complaints for same problem from 2017 to present.

NHTSA #: 11513680
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE
Filed: Jan 2023

The door locks will not unlock or lock. Had to replace two so far and now the other side is doing the same. Pre collision, Lane departure, cruise control and traction have malfunction. Unknown as to why at this moment.

NHTSA #: 11499853
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2022

This is a 2019 hybrid Highlander and the vehicle continually stalls or won’t start and we get a warning message that the hybrid system has stopped working and to put car in Park and restart. While this is happening regularly during startup, fortunately this has only happened once with the vehicle in Drive but represents a serious safety concern for us! We were being assigned to Germany and reported the issue to our local Toyota dealer who couldn’t duplicate the problem and said that the Toyota engineers said it couldn’t happen. Since arriving in Germany, the problem during startup has occurred on almost a daily basis. Last occurrence was this evening, 12 Dec 22.

NHTSA #: 11497073
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2022

I have had my vehicle for a little over 3 years, with about 35K miles on it. At first, I realized my vehicle jerked a bit, but I dismissed it because it never stopped. However, I did notice that my battery was dying quickly. I was changed once by the dealership because they said the battery was defective. After they changed that battery, the next battery also went bad. While driving with my children and mother, my vehicle began sputtering and a message that said, "Check Engine Reduced engine power" came on along with "Traction Control turned off" and my engine light. My vehicle barely accelerated as I was trying to cross the intersection thankfully I managed to get out of the way of oncoming vehicles. Somehow, the vehicle ran smoothly after I turned it off and turned it back. After that issue, I then experienced an error message in reference to the Start/Stop system along with the check engine light. That issue also cleared when I turned my vehicle on and off. I then experienced another power loss issue, at which time I traveled to my local Toyota dealership but they were unable to help me then due to a battery issue. The issue then cleared itself somehow again; however, the issue came back the next day. I managed to get my vehicle to the side of the roadway at which time the vehicle stalled. I tried starting the vehicle again; however, it would not turn over. After being on the roadside for about 2 to 3 hours, I tried starting my vehicle again, and it drove fine until I reached the dealership. My vehicle was placed on a machine where they received the code for a fuel rail issue along with a misfire. I was then advised that this issue is not covered under warranty. I was also told that the problem would cost me over 4K for the part which does not include labor. I have been doing my research since and I now find that there is a recall on my vehicle.

NHTSA #: 11480385
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
CrashFiled: Aug 2022

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while reversing out of a driveway, the vehicle began to jerk without warning. Once the contact reached the base of her driveway, the vehicle accelerated backward into a neighbor's tree. The air bags did not deploy upon impact. The contact called the ambulance where her daughter was transported to a hospital after she suffered a gash to the back of her head due to the accident. The contact and her daughter's friend both suffered whiplash as a result of the accident. A police report was filed. The contact was able to drive the vehicle back into her driveway where it remained in her possession. The contact called the dealer to check for recalls and was informed that there were zero recalls on the vehicle. The manufacturer had yet to be notified about the failure. The vehicle had to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 52,000.

NHTSA #: 11476970
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2022

When running, after stopping at a stop sign, the car hesitates to go, kind of sputters. When turning the car on, the lights on the dash flicker and now the car won’t start. On days prior, you would turn the car key, but the car wouldn’t start on the first time. It sounded like it wouldn’t turn all the way on, like the battery died. I didn’t leave the radio on or anything that would warrant that.My safety was put at risk because I work in healthcare and get off work at midnight so if I broke down or stalled in traffic, this could cause an accident.

NHTSA #: 11466370
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: May 2022

On occasion I have been walking around this car while its just parked in my garage and I hear a a humming sound like a electric gas pump. This is 4 hours after it was used last. It is a faint sound coming from the the rear seating area. Just before I started to write this I went out to check it again and its not doing it. This is not a one time event and its concerning since I believe its electric and may be involved with gas in a parked garage. The vehicle is in like new condition and had one minor cosmetic type accident while in its first year of use. Scratches to driver side panels and front bumper. I will call the dealer tomorrow to see what they have to say. Thanks in advance for any info you can share on this issue, a fire in my garage would bad.

NHTSA #: 11463979
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Nov 2021

I was driving and stopped at a red light on 4 lane intersection (very busy). I went to press on the gas and my car would not move. I put it in park and and then back in drive. It still did not move. It "died". I looked at the dash and it said "electrical system - move over to a safe place". My car would not start - I could not move it. I was stuck in the middle of the street -scared out of my mind. I had to call 911 and they told me someone already called for me and the police were on their way. When the police came he told me to stay in my car and he would stay behind me. There were no warning lights or anything to let me know that this was going to happen. If there was, I would not be in the middle of a 4 lane road. Toyota states it is the start-stop battery system. This is completely unsafe.

NHTSA #: 11442096
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
Filed: Oct 2021

Since having recall work done my vehicles computer system has not been functioning the same. My vehicle has been stalling out and saying braking power low,stop in a safe place, charging system malfunction. I’ve reached out to Haley Toyota 8301 Midlothian Turnpike, Richmond, VA 23235 where the diagnostic was done and let them know of the error code I was given ( P0335) Crankshaft Position Sensor “A” Circuit. I took it in for diagnostic there and they told me they couldn’t find any issues with my vehicle , ( picked up Oct.3, 2021). It’s Oct.4 , 2021 and here I am at Sams Club trying to leave but my vehicle will not start. I contacted Toyota again and let them know of the same issue and they said to once again bring it in for diagnosing. I asked the gentleman on the phone if they had previously had it for a week and didn’t seem to find any issues with it after doing diagnostic then what were they planning on doing differently. My vehicle is under warranty and I’m trying to figure out who and where I can take it to to get some answers.

NHTSA #: 11435575
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
CrashFiled: Sep 2021

I was involved in an accident that I believe was caused by sudden unintended acceleration (sua). In a very busy commercial parking lot, I was pulling into a parking space proceeding at a very slow speed, when there was a sudden surge in acceleration accompanied by a grinding/acceleration sound. I hit the brake to no effect, and the vehicle jumped the curb and hit a building shop and entered the shop. The air bags did not deploy, and I was shaken up but not injured. Thankfully, there was no one at the front desk area of the business. The car was not drivable and was towed to a body shop.

NHTSA #: 11433498
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2020

THE VOICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM WAS INOPERATIVE. I BOUGHT IT AS A PRE-CERTIFIED 2019 HIGHLANDER FROM A TOYOTA DEALER WITH 16K MILES. AT THE TIME IT WAS WORKING THE STOPPED WORKING. AFTER 3WKS I FOUND OUT THAT I HAVE TO PUSH THE START BUTTON 2X WITH THE ENGINE OFF TO GET IT TO WORK. TOYOTA HAS KNOW ABOUT THIS FOR 2 YEARS BUT NO ONE INCLUDIJNG SUPPORT TOLD ME ABOUT IT! WILL THERE BE ANY RECALLS? IT IS TOO LATE TO TAKE IT BACK! I WILL HAVE TO DO THIS EACH TIME I USE THIS FEATURE.

NHTSA #: 11360974
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2020

THE COMPUTER/RADIO AUTOMATICALLY SHUTS ITSELF OFF AND THEN REBOOTS. IT HAS DONE THIS TOO MANY TIMES TO COUNT. IT DOES THIS RANDOMLY AND UNEXPECTEDLY. IT BECOMES DANGEROUS BECAUSE I LIVE IN A STATE WHERE I AM NOT ALLOWED TO HOLD A PHONE WHILE DRIVING, SO WHEN I DON'T HAVE WIRELESS PHONE CAPABILITY IT IS VERY DISRUPTIVE. IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS AND INCONVENIENT WHEN IT HAPPENS WHEN I'M USING NAVIGATION IN AN UNFAMILIAR PLACE, I AM LEFT STRANDED. THERE HAVE BEEN TIMES WHEN IT CONTINUES TO REBOOT CONTINUOUSLY DURING MY TRIP TO OR FROM SOMEPLACE. I HAVE BEEN TO THE DEALERSHIP 5 TIMES TO HAVE MY COMPUTER RESET/REBOOTED AND THE PROBLEM STILL OCCURS. THE SECOND TIME I TOOK IT, THE TECHNICIAN LEFT THE SERVICE TICKET OPEN SO THAT EACH TIME I TOOK IT AFTER THAT THEY WERE PUTTING THE "REPAIR" UNDER THE SAME TICKET SO THAT IT ONLY SHOWED AS 1 REPAIR! I NOW KNOW OF AT LEAST 5 OTHER PEOPLE HAVING THE EXACT SAME PROBLEM BETWEEN TOYOTA HIGHLANDERS AND TOYOTA 4 RUNNERS. MY VEHICLE HAS BEEN BOTH STATIONARY AND IN MOTION WHILE THE AUTOMATIC SHUTOFF OF THE COMPUTER SYSTEM OCCURRED. OF COURSE THE DEALERSHIP ALWAYS SAYS MY COMPUTER NEVER SHUTS OFF WHILE MY VEHICLE IS THERE, EVEN THOUGH IT DOES IT WHEN I DRIVE OFF THE LOT, SO I RECORDED VIDEO OF THE RADIO/COMPUTER SHUTTING OFF WHILE I WAS DRIVING AND SHOWED IT TO THEM. I WOULD HATE FOR THE PROBLEM TO ESCALATE OR BECOME MORE DANGEROUS.

NHTSA #: 11360580
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Sep 2020

2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. TODAY EXACTLY ONE YEAR FROM PURCHASE IT STALLED ON A BUSY PUBLIC ROADWAY FOR THE 4TH TIME. WITH THE 4 INCIDENTS IN JUNE, JULY, & SEPT 2020, THE CAR, WITHOUT WARNING 1."POWERED DOWN" ALMOST IMMEDIATELY TO A DANGEROUS SLOW POINT WITH NO ACCELERATION IN RESPONSE TO PRESSING GAS PEDAL IN THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS: A HIGH TRAFFIC MAJOR URBAN BRIDGE(40MPH); INTERSTATE HIGHWAY(75MPH); COMING INTO BUSY CITY INTERSECTION(5 -10MPH); COUNTRY HIGHWAY (45MPH) 2.POWER STEERING WAS SLOW AND DIFFICULT. 3.MASTER WARNING LIGHT ACTIVATED. AUDIBLE TONE/CONSTANT BEEPING ACTIVATED. "HYBRID SYSTEM MALFUNCTION., PULL OVER TO SAFETY, CALL DEALER, CHECK ENGINE, PCS" , AND MULTIPLE OTHER WARNINGS. 4.WITHIN MOMENTS THE CAR COMPLETELY DIED (BEFORE I COULD SEEK LEGAL AND/OR SAFE PARKING.) SAFE PARKING REQUIRED MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS. IN JULY (ILLINOIS) THE CAR REQUIRED TOWING OFF VERY BUSY INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. ASSESSED AS "NO ISSUES". WITHIN ONE HOUR A MINI-SERIES OF SPUTTERING, CHOKING, STALLINGS IN CITY INTERSECTION, DEALERSHIP THEN KEPT OUR VEHICLE OVERNIGHT. MORE LENGTHY DIAGNOSTICS "THREW" FUEL CODES. BAD GASOLINE? TODAY CAR SHOULD HAVE BEEN TOWED BUT TOYOTA ROADSIDE ASSISTANCE DENIED MY VIN & PHONE# EXISTED IN THEIR DATABASE. HOME DEALERSHIP CONFIRMS I AM, WITHOUT DOUBT, IN DATABASE. DURING HOUR+WAIT FOR ASSISTANCE, DASH CLEARED OF ALL WARNINGS W/ IGNITION. HOME DEALERSHIP ADVISED DRIVING TO CLOSEST DEALERSHIP.5 MILES. MY CAR CURRENTLY SITS IN A MISSOURI TOY. DEALERSHIP W/ FUEL PUMP SUSPECT. I WAS TOLD REPAIRS COULD TAKE UP TO A WEEK. 97 FUEL PUMPS CURRENTLY BACK ORDERED IN PARTS SYSTEM. 20,500 MILES/ALL SERVICE PLAN REQUIREMENTS MET PROMPTLY. I HAVE ALL INSPECTION FORMS/SERVICE RECEIPTS. NO ABILITY TO UPLOAD DOCUMENTS NOW BUT WOULD LIKE TO BE CONTACTED BY NHTSA FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO SHARE SERVICE DOCUMENTS.

NHTSA #: 11359909
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jul 2020

WHILE DRIVING IN A CITY WARNINGS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL CAME ON: "HYBRID SYSTEM FAILED", "ALL WHEEL DRIVE FAILED", "TAKE CAR TO THE DEALER", AND THE CAR STOPPED. HAD TO HAVE IT TOWED TO THE DEALER. FOLLOWING DAY THE DEALER CALLED ME TO SAY THAT EVERYTHING IN THE CAR CHECKED OUT OK AND THEY COULDN'T DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM, I'M NOW VERY WEARY OF TAKING THE CAR ON A TRIP BECAUSE I DON'T KNOW WHEN IT MAY QUIT AGAIN. THE CAR JUST TURNED 10K MILES.

NHTSA #: 11341428
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
CrashFiled: May 2020

TL* THE CONTACT LEASED A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING SLOW AND ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN A PARKING SPACE, THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL FLASHED ALONG WITH A CHIME. THERE WAS A LOUD NOISE COMING FROM THE ENGINE WHILE THE VEHICLE PROPELLED FORWARD. THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED TO STOP THE VEHICLE HOWEVER THE VEHICLE CONTINUED OVER A CURB AND CRASHED INTO A POLE WHERE IT CAME TO A STOP. THE VEHICLE WAS POWERED OFF IN ORDER FOR THE VEHICLE SPEED TO STOP. NO AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THERE WERE NO INJURIES REPORTED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE RESIDENCE. THE LOCAL MILLENNIUM TOYOTA DEALER (257 N FRANKLIN ST, HEMPSTEAD, NY 11550) WAS CALLED WHERE IT WAS SUGGESTED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE TOWED AND THAT THEY WOULD FOLLOW UP ONCE THE VEHICLE WAS IN THEIR POSSESSION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED THE DEALER BUT NO CALL WAS RECEIVED SO THE CONTACT CALLED AND LEFT A VOICEMAIL. THE MANUFACTURER WAS THEN CALLED AND MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS ALSO INFORMED BY THE MANUFACTURER THAT PAPER WORK WAS NEEDED TO HAVE THE VEHICLE INSPECTED AND THAT THE BLACK BOX WAS TO BE INSPECTED WHICH COULD TAKE A WEEK FOR THE RESULTS AND A MONTH FOR A SOLUTION. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE RECALL REMEDY WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 6,000.

NHTSA #: 11324106
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2020

VEHICLE INTERMITTENTLY CHUGS AND STALLS AT LOW SPEEDS. WHICH RESULTS IN POOR FUEL MILEAGE. VEHICLE HAS ALSO STALLED 3 OTHER OCCASIONS WITHOUT CHUGGING AND NOT IN MOTION, ALL 3 TIMES WAS WHILE AT A STOP LIGHT OR WHILE ATTEMPTING TO TURN. LOOSES POWER WITHOUT ENGINE MIL LIGHT DEALERSHIP INDICATED THE HYBRID SYSTEM HAS OVERHEATED 4 TIMES WITH NO ABILITY TO DUPLICATE. VEHICLE ALSO HAS HAD THE STEREO FLIP THROUGH NUMEROUS SCREENS WITHOUT BEING TOUCHED. AT ONE POINT WHEN IT STALLED THE VEHICLE STATED ' HYBRID SYSTEM INACTIVE ,PARK SAFELY', BUT IT WAS IN AN INTERSECTION. LUCKILY IT RESTARTED AND WAS ABLE TO MOVE BEFORE AN ACCIDENT OCCURRED.

NHTSA #: 11316175
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
Filed: Dec 2019

WE STARTED THE VEHICLE THAT IS PARKED IN FRONT OF OUR HOUSE AT AROUND 8AM TO GET SOME GROCERIES. THE VEHICLE STARTED AND EVERYTHING SEEMED NORMAL. SHIFTED TO D AND STARTED MOVING AND AS I WAS LEAVING THE SPOT, I PUSHED THE BREAK TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND IT WON'T STOP. PUSHED THE BREAK PAD SEVERAL TIMES AND THE CAR WON'T STOP. FINALLY MOVED THE GEAR TO P AND IT STOPPED AND THE ENGINE TURNED OFF. I STARTED THE ENGINE AGAIN AND TRIED TO REVERSE IT, IT WON'T REVERSE AND ONLY GOING FORWARD. I CALLED AUTONATION TOYOTA OF LEESBURG, THEY TOWED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED ON 11/30/19 WITH ONLY 45 MILES IN IT. IT WAS A FRIGHTENING BECAUSE MY NEIGHBOR WAS PUTTING SOMETHING TO HIS CAR AND I WAS ABOUT TO RUN AT HIM.

NHTSA #: 11291140
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Aug 2019

2019 HIGHLANDER XLE LOSES POWER, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, & JERKS AND STALLS IN TRAFFIC.BOUGHT AT 200 MILES, CERTIFIED PREOWNED. IT IS A NIGHTMARE VEHICLE. ACCELERATOR HAS BEEN TOUCHY AND JUMPY AT TIMES, INTERMITTENTLY AT SLOW SPEEDS. FIRST TIME IT STALLED IT STARTED TO LOSE POWER PUT -PUT AND CHUG LIKE JERKING AND ALL DASH AND ELECTRICAL ON DASH WENT OUT, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE, THEN STALLED OUT IN ROAD, UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRENCE WAS AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF DRIVING. SECOND TIME IT STALLED OUT BEGAN TO LOSE POWER, PUTTER AND CHUG, UNABLE TO ACCELERATE APPLYING GAS PEDAL, GETTING NO GAS, VEHICLE DIES OUT, UNABLE TO STEER OR CONTROL VEHICLE. THIS OCCURRENCE WAS AFTER A LONGER PERIOD OF DRIVING. THIRD TIME WAS YESTERDAY 8-8-19. LEFT WORK AND ABOUT 5-7 MINUTES INTO MY DRIVE, STARTED HESITATING, LOSING ALL DASH AND ELECTRICAL POWER AND WILL NOT ACCELERATE WHEN GAS PEDAL APPLIED, THEN STALLS OUT, UNABLE TO CONTROL THE STEERING WHEEL AGAIN! ALMOST GOT HIT THIS TIME, MAN BEHIND ME COMING FAST AND HAD TO SWERVE INTO LANE OVER TO MISS ME. THIS CAR IS GOING TO KILL ME OR SOMEONE BY CAUSING AN ACCIDENT IF THEY DO NOT GET IT FIXED RIGHT. AFTER THE SECOND STALL IT WAS TOWED INTO DEALERSHIP AND THEY WERE NOT SURE BUT SAID FUEL PRESSURE WAS READING 22 AND WAS SUPPOSED TO BE IN THE MID TO HIGH 50'S. THEY REPLACED THE FUEL PUMP AND IT DROVE OK FOR A LITTLE WHILE BUT I NOTICED THE AVERAGE FUEL MILEAGE GOING DOWN FROM AN APPROX IN CITY 19.1--20 TO 17.1-17.3. HAS NEVER BEEN SO LOW SO OBVIOUSLY THE STALLING AND THE REPLACING OR THE FUEL PUMP ARE NOT THE REAL ISSUE. FUEL ECONOMY GOING DOWN SINCE REPLACEMENT OF THE FUEL PUMP AND NOW ANOTHER DANGEROUS STALLING ISSUE. CAR IS AT TOYOTA DEALER NOW. THEY NEED TO DIVE MUCH DEEPER & RESOLVE THIS VERY DANGEROUS SAFETY ISSUE! I BOUGHT THIS CAR TO FEEL SAFE AND HAVE RELIABLE TRANSPORTATION AND HAVE NEITHER. IT REALLY SCARES ME. *DT*JB

NHTSA #: 11242822
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Filed: Aug 2019

THE ENTIRE VOICE GUIDANCE SYSTEM IS INOPERATIVE ON MY ONE WEEK OLD 2019 HIGHLANDER HYBRID PLATINUM. NO AUDIBLE VOICE OR BEEPS WITH NAVIGATION ASSIST, NO PHONE ASSIST,, NO EYES-FREE ASSIST, NO DRIVER ANNOUNCE TO REAR CABIN VOICE, NO ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM VOICE ASSIST. THIS IS A SAFETY HAZARD ELIMINATING HANDS FREE DRIVING, AND NO NAVIGATION GUIDANCE. I WAS ON UNFAMILIAR ROADS IN THE DARK OF NIGHT, ALONE, UNABLE TO OPERATE NECESSARY EQUIPMENT WHICH PROVED TO BE UNRELIABLE. I JUST LEARNED THAT THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN KNOWN TO TOYOTA FOR SEVERAL MONTHS, YET NEW VEHICLES ARE DRIVEN AWAY FROM DEALERSHIPS BY UNSUSPECTING NEW OWNERS AFTER PAYING GOOD MONEY FOR A DEFECTIVE VEHICLE. DECEITFUL, UNETHICAL, AND UNSAFE! WHERE IS THE RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE? WHY ARE VEHICLES NOT FIXED BEFORE BEING SOLD AS NEW?

NHTSA #: 11242461
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Jul 2019

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHEN THE CONTACT PUSHED THE IGNITION START BUTTON, THE VEHICLE FAILED TO START. THE FAILURE OCCURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO OXMOOR TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 8003 SHELBYVILLE RD, LOUISVILLE, KY 40222, (502) 565-0086) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3,300.

NHTSA #: 11231030
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2019

IN NAVIGATION, IT WILL NOT GIVE VOICE DIRECTIONS WHICH IS A SAFETY HAZARD CAUSING YOU TO LOOK AT THE SCREEN AND TAKING YOUR EYES OFF THE ROAD. I TOLD TOYOTA ABOUT THIS BUT NO FIX. THIS IS DANGEROUS AND NEEDS TO BE FIXED IMMEDIATELY. THIS OCCURS WHEN STATIONARY OR MOVING. THIS HAPPENS EVERY TIME YOU TRY TO USE NAVIGATION.

NHTSA #: 11192659
mediumELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: Feb 2019

THE VOICE COMMANDS FOR THE VEHICLE DO NOT WORK WHICH REQUIRES THE DRIVER TO LOOK AT THE NAVIGATION SCREEN OR SCROLL THROUGH THEIR PHONE BOOK RATHER THAN USING THE BLUETOOTH FEATURES. THIS IS VERY DISTRACTING AND ILLEGAL IN SOME STATES WHICH REQUIRE HANDS FREE PHONE.

NHTSA #: 11181477

Other 2019 Toyota Highlander Issues