2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Complaints

There is a voice listening device or microphone on the headliner right above the driver's side seat which leaks water. I see there is a recall for a windshield but it could be coming from the sunroof.

August 14, 2025 while coming home from work, truck started to lose power. It slowed down on the main street and then coasted to a complete stop in the middle of the road. There were no signals or alerts until it went dead. The vehicle will start, but it will not advance when put in drive. I have had the vehicle towed to my dealership to expedite diagnosing the issue.

I just found out that there was an initial recall #20V012000 and an expanded recall #20V682000 on my 2018 Toyota Highlander that I was unaware of regarding the low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank could fail risking engine stalling and potential crash. I found this out after paying 1100.00 to Sheehy Toyota in Fredericksburg to replace the fuel pump. I reported it to Toyota Brand Services for reimbursment and was told that it was NOT a recall it was a CSP (which to them is different they said) and that the fuel pump that I had replaced was a low pressure fuel pump and the CSP was for a high pressure fuel pump. I need help getting my money back after being charged for a recall.

The transmission has failed after only 39,000 miles. As a result, the vehicle would not accelerate which lead to a dangerous situation while crossing an intersection. No engine light was shown and no sensors were triggered on the onboard computer so it was impossible to know there was an issue.

At 11:15 AM, June 13, 2025 when I turn right at intersection, my steering wheel suddenly became hard (could not turn). My car nearly hit median in my left hand when the steering wheel back to normal. So I could steer my car avoid accident. This is first time I encountered problem like this. Everything is normal right now. No warning or everything popped up on display.

While driving my 2018 Toyota Highlander (UA80F transmission), I began noticing a faint high-pitched whining noise between 25–45 mph around 63,000 miles. Over time, it progressively worsened, eventually including intermittent jerking and hard low-speed shifts, particularly during acceleration or uphill climbs. In wet conditions, the drivetrain lurches slightly under throttle, increasing risk of loss of control. I had a transmission fluid drain and fill service performed by a Toyota dealership at ~58,000 miles, along with full 4WD maintenance (differentials and transfer case). Despite this, symptoms developed shortly afterward. Toyota was notified and a corporate case was opened. I provided clear sound recordings, videos, and a full inspection history, and cited their Customer Support Program ZJC (POL19-04) for known defects related to UA80F whine and washer tab failures. Although my build date falls within the general failure range, Toyota refused coverage and claimed it was “operating to spec.” Tier 1 support initially confirmed ZJC eligibility, but Tier 2 reversed course with no follow-up. Dealership service also failed to elevate the case properly to my Zurich warranty provider, who required dealer confirmation to proceed. Multiple other owners have reported similar failures around 60K–100K miles, and I believe this is a dangerous latent defect that Toyota is attempting to narrowly contain. Whining precedes jerking, and jerking precedes full failure. Many complainants, like me, are met with stall tactics, deflection, or no follow-through. There were no warning lights or diagnostic codes, but the safety risk is growing. I believe this transmission issue deserves expanded CSP eligibility and potential recall investigation.

The brakes are very soft and unreliable. There is a recall #18V-211 dated April 2,2018. This recall did not include this specific car but the car was manufactured within a few days of the recall. After Toyota failed to repair the problem I took the car to a a private auto repair shop who replaced the Vacuum Pump. The brakes now work as they should. I beleve the recall should be extended to include more vehicle made about this time.

The fuel pump system is malfunctioning. This vehicle needs to be part of the current recall on 2018 Highlanders with fuel pump issues. This is putting me and my family at risk, as well as others. The code is coming back to the fuel pump. The check engine light is currently on.

Whining noise coming out from the tranmission and dealer recommended for transaxle to be remanufatured. The issue was on going with Toyota Customer Support Program for Transmission UA80 but my VIN is not covered upon checking with them

Engine cam tower oil leak due to the manufacturer's inadequate assembly of the engine parts. The mating surfaces were not adequately prepared and/or application of a contaminated sealant did not adhere to the surfaces creating a small oil leak that eventually became larger and finally noticed. The Car Care Nut automotive shop performed this repair and documented in the video: [XXX] The 2018 engine (3.5L DOHC V6 D-4S Engine with Dual VVT-i Direct Shift) with 52,500 miles has by now (2024) developed a large oil leak coming from the cam tower seal, and requires replacement. I'm the original owner with the car always being garaged and maintained by the book at the dealer. Toyota of America is refusing any assistance with the defective engine component even though it is under the 60,000 miles powertrain warranty, but past the 60 months warranty period. The leak likely has been there since leaving the factory floor, but was not noticeable until after five years of use. Leaking engine oil on hot components of the engine bay may result in smoke, burning odor, and even fires. This vehicle has a concurrent vehicle safety complaint NHTSA ID Number: 11611353 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)