2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Complaints

My 2017 Toyota Highlander, VIN [XXX], has just under 85,000 miles. I was notified at the dealership (Stevinson Toyota in Lakewood Colorado) who inspected the vehicle yesterday that the vehicle has developed a timing cover oil leak on the passenger side. After further research I learned this is caused by premature failure of the factory applied FIPG sealant at the timing cover’s T junction. This is well documented as a known, widespread defect in the V6 engine used across multiple Toyota and Lexus models between 2014 and 2019. This failure is not due to wear, neglect, or misuse. It is the result of a documented manufacturing flaw that requires full engine removal and carries an extremely high repair cost — a burden that should not fall on customers when the underlying cause is a defective sealant application at the time of manufacturing of the vehicle. I was quoted $5400. I am deeply concerned that Toyota has not issued a recall for this problem, despite its prevalence and the clear safety risks it presents. This leak is not merely a “durability issue.” It has legitimate and serious safety implications, including: •The potential for engine fire due to oil contacting hot components •Serpentine belt failure, which can cause sudden loss of power steering, alternator function, and vehicle control •Additional engine damage if the leak worsens •The possibility of the vehicle breaking down in unsafe or remote conditions Any of these outcomes pose a real safety hazard to drivers, passengers, and others on the road. Toyota’s decision not to address this known defect through a recall is extremely disappointing. I have reached out to Brand Engagement and was turned down by a gal named [XXX]. I then escalated the issue and was again turned down by a gal named [XXX]. I firmly believe Toyota should have issued a recall for this known issue costing consumers $5400 to repair a safety issue due to what is documented as a manufacturing defect. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B

I had been shopping, as I attempted to increase speed, my car wouldn't respond. I smelled something burning and I switched lanes because I needed a safe place to stop. I turned onto [XXX] in Pembroke (I think) and still had no forward (or backward) movement. The lower gears (D5 & D4 ) DID NOT show on the dashboard indicator. I called my husband and he came to me. Then we called AAA and had the car towed to Chichester Car Care. They couldn't fix my car. I then had it towed from Chichester Car Care to McGovern Toyota in Bow. NH. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

I was driving down the road about 50 miles an hour just south of otter Valley Union, high school and Brandon Vermont when I heard an extremely loud poof/thud sound. It also caused my ears to pop. I pulled over and realized it was the front sunroof that had basically shattered. Now there is a big hole and it’s just getting bigger. I was in a clear area with no overhanging trees. There were no vehicles in front of me or passing me in the opposite direction. I was alone on the road at around 8:30 in the morning.

The engine stalled because the fuel pump is failing. We have found that many 2017 Toyota Highlanders have had the fuel pump recalled for this exact issue, yet our VIN is not included in this recall. We experienced the exact issue the recall was issued for stalling while driving. Issue on July 24, 2027: The engine stalled while driving on the highway at high speed and lost power steering, creating a major safety issue. We had our vehicle towed to a car care center. The car care center identified diagnostic codes related to low pressure fuel system pressure, engine stall history, etc. but cannot reproduce the issue. After checking multiple systems, he believes the issue is a failing fuel pump. Background: Over the past 6 months, we have had problems with the check engine light turning on. On multiple occasions, we have brought the car to get diagnosed and the reading has consistently been fuel pressure codes. Each time we get the car diagnosed, the technician could not reproduce the issues and cleared the codes without resolution.

Vehicle is a 2017 Toyota Highlander (VIN [XXX]) experiencing the UA80 8-speed transmission whine defect (T-SB-0160-18) upon acceleration. An authorized Toyota dealership test drove and officially verified the transmission failure and recommended a full replacement. However, Toyota Corporate is refusing to honor the ZJC Customer Support Program warranty extension due to an arbitrary VIN cutoff. The failing internal transmission components pose a safety risk as they can lead to harsh shifting, slipping, or a sudden loss of motive power while driving in traffic. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

bought the car in 2018 and ever since it makes a rttling noise, Toyota says it is the hybrid system engaigeing, hybrid cars are not supposed to make noise.

Vehicle had history of hard shifting from 1st drive. On January 24, 2026 we heard a ringing sound as we were driving. Approximately 10 minutes after the noise began, the Check Engine light illuminated. We drove back home and connected our code reader to find P0741, P2714 and P2757. Had the vehicle towed to my Toyota Service Center and upon inspection, was informed that the transmission had failed and would require replacement. I was informed that although it was a 2017 with the UA80E manufacturered in April 2017 - it did not qualify for free replacement under Toyota. A rebuilt unit was secured and installed on 2/11/26. Toyota authorized $2000 Goodwill Assistance and their Warranty Labor Rate. I paid the remainder of the bill. The 'new' transmission also shifts hard and just doesn't feel like it it working right.

The contact owns a 2017 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, who determined that the spark plugs needed replaced. The spark plugs were replaced by an independent mechanic, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the independent mechanic, who retrieved diagnostic trouble codes P11F0 (Air-Fuel Ratio Imbalance) and P0305 (Misfire In Cylinder Number 5). The mechanic cleaned the fuel injectors, but the failure persisted. The contact was informed that the fuel injectors needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer, Toyota of Cedar Park (5600 183A Toll Rd, Leander, TX 78641), who determined that cylinder #5 needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,000.

At 119500 miles a eev whining noise started. Only had all repairs done at a dealership.

There is a known issue with the transmission in my 2017 Toyota Highlander that causes premature failure. This is noted in a Toyota Customer Support Program Bulletin. The issues symptoms are the same as those my car has: a whining noise from the transmission while driving, harsh shifting, reduced power, and master warning light/check engine light illumination. I have contacted Toyota and explained this to them, but they have told me that my car's VIN number does not match the identified vehicles. I am reaching out as I believe there are vehicles with this problem that Toyota has not identified, and it could be a dangerous issue.