Powertrain complaints and recalls from NHTSA
Summary
The 2018 Toyota Highlander has 56 NHTSA powertrain complaints and 0 powertrain-related recalls.
56
Complaints
0
Recalls
0
Injuries Reported
Data source: National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) · Last updated June 23, 2026
| Date ↓ | Component | Summary |
|---|---|---|
| Jun 2, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Complaint: I am writing to report a transmission defect in my 2018 Toyota Highlander AWD (UA80 8-spe... |
| May 22, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission failure (whining noise similar to the well-documented issue with UA80F 8-speed transmis... |
| May 11, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | UA80F Transmission failure at 100k miles for the 2018 Toyota highlander SE. No warning lights, engi... |
| May 8, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission went on my 2018 Toyota Highlander. The other day as I was driving on highway, lost ... |
| Apr 8, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | I am reporting a documented safety defect in my 2018 Toyota Highlander (VIN: [XXX] ). On March 31, 2... |
| Apr 7, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The UA80 8-speed automatic transmission failed catastrophically without any prior warning symptoms w... |
| Apr 6, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Currently at 113k miles. VIN # is not on the recall or extended warranty list for transmission issue... |
| Mar 12, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle makes a whining noise like a siren when accelerating at 40mph or more when you let go of the... |
| Mar 2, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | 2018 toyota highlander awd. Whining noise when gas is pressed. Whining stops when gas pedal not enga... |
| Feb 16, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed s... |
| Feb 3, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Failed UA80/F Transmission needs replacement for poor manufacturing |
| Jan 20, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed s... |
| Jan 2, 2026 | POWER TRAIN | Transaxle (Transmission) failure. Whining noise then failed while driving freeway. Towed to dealer/m... |
| Dec 17, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission has started making a whining sound just like the cars/transmissions effected buy th... |
| Dec 1, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Transmission whining, hard shifting on 1 and 2 and 3 JP Pauley toyota claim my 2018 Highlander is ... |
| Dec 1, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | My 2018 Toyota Highlander with 143k miles has poor acceleration shift lag and a whining noise from t... |
| Dec 1, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | TANSMISSION DIED AT 102,000 MILES, 2,000 MILES OVER THE WARRANTY. Toyota said it will pay $6,000 for... |
| Nov 30, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving uphill and depressi... |
| Nov 17, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | Vehicle experienced whining noise when decelerating. Toyota dealer service technician documented the... |
| Nov 12, 2025 | POWER TRAIN | The transmission makes a whining noise, especially when pulling, as in driving up an incline. I too... |