2018 Toyota Highlander: Power Train complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 69 owner complaints for the 2018 Toyota Highlander that list the power train component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11771987 (filed 10/18/2026): “My transmission had to be replaced at 30,000 miles and a year and two weeks later it needs replaced again at 42000 miles. toyota will only cover 1/2 the replacement the second time and nothing the first.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11768866 (filed 10/04/2026): “I took my car in to the dealer for a noticable hum sound that was staying to occur. ua80 transmission model has been determined to be failing by the dealership that i took it to. they determined there's metal flakes showing in the fluid.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11768129 (filed 09/30/2026): “The contact owns a 2018 toyota highlander. the contact stated that while driving 75 mph, there was an audible chime followed by the message "transmission overheating". the vehicle started jerking and hesitating while depressing the accelerator pedal. additionally, there was a burning odor coming fro…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
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
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .