What are the most common Toyota Highlander problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 920+ owner reports, the 2024 Toyota Highlander has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure, Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128), 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Hesitation. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander has 5 known issues documented across 920+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure and Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128). Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Highlander problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota Highlander issues range from $0 to $12,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure, typically costs $0-$12,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2020-2024 Toyota Highlander UA80 8-Speed Transmission Whine/Grind — Front Carrier Pinion Shaft Failure?
The UA80E/UA80F 8-speed automatic in V6 Highlanders can develop a whine or grind noise traced to defective front carrier assembly pinion shafts/bearings. As the bearings delaminate they shed metal debris through the fluid, which can progressively damage the torque converter and t… Repairs typically run $0-$12,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2021-2024 Toyota Highlander Second-Row Seat Back May Fail to Lock (Recall 26V-128)?
Toyota recalled approximately 550,007 model-year 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid SUVs (NHTSA 26V-128) because the second-row seat-back recliner teeth may not fully engage when the seat back is adjusted, due to a supplier design change to the recliner guide/ratchet comb… Repairs typically run $0-$0. Severity: high.
What is the 2020-2024 Toyota Highlander 8-Speed Automatic Transmission Shudder and Hesitation?
The Direct Shift 8AT transmission in 4th-gen Highlanders exhibits shudder, hesitation on acceleration, and rough downshifts. The torque converter lockup clutch causes vibration at low speeds, particularly between 25-45 mph. Repairs typically run $0-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Toyota Highlander Windshield Cracks Easily and Costly Safety Sense Camera Recalibration?
Owners of Toyota Safety Sense-equipped Highlanders frequently report the windshield cracking easily from minor stone chips, and the replacement is far more involved and expensive than a traditional windshield because the forward camera below the rearview mirror (used for pre-coll… Repairs typically run $350-$1,100. Severity: medium.
What is the 2020-2024 Toyota Highlander Panoramic Moonroof Rattle/Creak and Water Leak?
Fourth-generation (XU70) Highlanders with the panoramic/twin-panel moonroof are widely reported to develop a rattle or creaking noise over bumps and on angled driveway approaches, caused by the glass and seal rubbing against the folded sheet-metal roof edge. A separate but relate… Repairs typically run $0-$600. Severity: low.
