2017 Toyota Highlander: Transmission failure
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2017 Highlander report: transmission failure. CarComplaints.com lists 4 owner complaints, average mileage 57,600 miles.
NHTSA has 77 owner complaints for the 2017 Highlander in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11772328 (filed 10/20/2026): “Transmission whining, rough shifts at lower gears. dealership says my car doesn't fall under the secondary csp even though it has the same symptoms.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11769850 (filed 10/08/2026): “Transmission failure after whining noise, taken to toyota multiple times with no diagnosis. today was informed the transmission is failing by another mechanic. 193,000 miles.…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace transmission (3 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $8,600 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
Page last updated .