2019 Toyota Highlander

Introduction

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a midsize SUV offered with three engine options: a 3.5L V6, a 2.7L 4-cylinder, and a 3.5L V6 hybrid. The V6 engine produces 295 horsepower and 263 lb-ft of torque, the 4-cylinder produces 185 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, and the hybrid system produces 240 horsepower. The V6 engine comes standard with an 8-speed automatic transmission, while the 4-cylinder engine comes with a 6-speed automatic transmission. The hybrid system uses a CVT.

People like the Highlander for its spacious interior, comfortable ride, and impressive fuel economy. However, some people have reported issues with the vehicle’s engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior.

Engine

3.5L V6

• Oil consumption
  • Description/Symptoms: Excessive oil consumption, leading to low oil levels and potential engine damage.
  • Solution: Replace piston rings or short block.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain noise
  • Description/Symptoms: Rattling or ticking noise from the engine, especially at start-up.
  • Solution: Replace timing chain and related components.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,500
  • Recalls: None Found

2.7L 4-cylinder

• No Issues Found

3.5L V6 Hybrid

• Battery life
  • Description/Symptoms: Premature battery failure, leading to reduced fuel economy and performance issues.
  • Solution: Replace battery pack.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

8-speed Automatic

• Shifting hesitation
  • Description/Symptoms: Transmission hesitates or slips when shifting gears.
  • Solution: Reprogram transmission control unit or replace transmission.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500
  • Recalls: None Found

6-speed Automatic

• No Issues Found

Suspension

• Strut mount bearing failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Clunking or popping noise from the front suspension, especially when turning or going over bumps.
  • Solution: Replace strut mount bearings.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear coil spring breakage
  • Description/Symptoms: Broken or cracked rear coil springs, resulting in a sagging rear end.
  • Solution: Replace coil springs.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Keyless entry system malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Keyless entry system fails to unlock or lock the vehicle, or it unlocks/locks randomly.
  • Solution: Replace keyless entry module or door lock actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $250 - $500
  • Recalls: None Found
• Radio display screen failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Radio display screen becomes unresponsive or displays glitches.
  • Solution: Replace radio display screen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Windshield wiper motor failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Windshield wipers fail to operate or operate intermittently.
  • Solution: Replace windshield wiper motor.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $150 - $250
  • Recalls: None Found
• Tailgate lock failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Tailgate lock fails to open or close properly.
  • Solution: Replace tailgate lock actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $300
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Climate control malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Climate control system fails to control temperature or airflow.
  • Solution: Replace climate control module or actuators.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $300 - $600
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment system touchscreen failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Infotainment system touchscreen becomes unresponsive or displays glitches.
  • Solution: Replace infotainment system touchscreen.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,000
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2019 Toyota Highlander is a generally reliable SUV, but some owners have reported issues with the engine, transmission, suspension, electrical system, exterior, and interior. The severity and cost of these issues vary, but some can be expensive to repair. Overall, the vehicle’s interior space, comfortable ride, and fuel economy make it a good choice for many buyers.