2019 Toyota Highlander
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 490
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Power train
Campaigns on file for 2019
None on file
41% of complaints
Complaints per year
2019: 490 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 192 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 269 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 527 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 181 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Power train
41% · 203 reportsMost commonly citing torque converter and automatic transmission.
Show complaint excerpts
My 2019 Toyota Highlander has the same UA80 transmission that Toyota was required to fix under CUSTOMER SUPPORT PROGRAM ZJC, which covers 2017-2018, the transmission has the same whining noise and shifting issues.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-08-02
In April of 2026 started hearing a whining noise in the engine of my 2019 Toyota Highlander. The vehicle has 110471 miles. Have had it checked at the dealership twice and a mechanic twice. All have said the transmission is going out.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-30
I have a 2019 Highlander XLE AWD that had 85000 miles when the transmission started whining. It got worse pretty quickly so iI took it to a transmission shop. They rebuilt it for $6700.00.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-22
Fuel/propulsion system
18% · 87 reportsEngine
14% · 69 reportsShow complaint excerpts
The car is was a 2019 Toyota Highlander with approximately 125,000 miles. White Smoke started appearing in the exhaust. Quickly after that, the check engine light appeared and started blinking, meaning the engine was misfiring.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-11
Electrical system
11% · 56 reportsService brakes
4% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2019Complaint volume 490 complaints filed for this model year.
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2019-05-24Equipment19V244000 Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles.
Remedy: GST will notify owners, and dealers will provide corrected load carrying capacity modification labels, free of charge. The recall began May 24, 2019. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 19R1.
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2020-05-01Fuel system, gasoline20V012000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987.
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2021-01-21Fuel system, gasoline20V682000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021.
Buy-smart checklist
2019 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Power train: 203 reports on file for this year.
- Fuel/propulsion system: 87 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 69 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 19V244000 · Equipment
- Recall 20V012000 · Fuel system, gasoline
- Recall 20V682000 · Fuel system, gasoline
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2019 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2019 Toyota Highlander is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2019 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is power train, accounting for 41% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2019 Toyota Highlander have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.