2019 Toyota Highlander: Electrical System complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 56 owner complaints for the 2019 Toyota Highlander that list the electrical system component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11764218 (filed 09/14/2026): “My 2019 highlander was driving totally normal, when all of a sudden the transmission started slipping and then would no longer accelerate. i was on a windy back road in alaska with no service, so after letting it sit for a bit i tried to drive it again. it then drove maybe 1/2 more miles before slip…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11727156 (filed 03/26/2026): “My transmission is now missing the 3rd gear and left me and my kids stalled in traffic as i was turning in oncoming traffic. toyota dealership confirmed that was the problem upon inspection.…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11725158 (filed 03/18/2026): “Sporadically, when starting up the vehicle, from the overhead console, it emanate a loud, ear piercing sound that is painful to one's ears. apparently, this is a known issue with 2019 toyota highlanders in the limited platinum trim level. this issue has been presented to the dealership numerous ti…”
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: Moderate
Finding and splicing chewed wiring is doable with a multimeter and patience but can be time-consuming; harness replacement is pro work. (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 .