r/ToyotaHighlander

In 2023 I purchased a used 2019 Toyota Highlander Limited Platinum V6 AWD from a Toyota dealer in FL. Little did I know, there is a common transmission failure that happens to many V6 Toyotas around this gen.

Had an argument with the finance dept after I denied the $8,000 dealer warranty and the gap insurance. No joke, the guy actually yelled at me because I wouldn't budge on it, then after speaking with the manager they made him apologize and find another person to finish signing off with us. Signed papers showing that it comes with the manufacturer used warranty (as far as I can tell is 7 Years, 100k miles powertrain) and no dealer warranty. Forgot to ask for the warranty paperwork, but got the paperwork I signed.

Moved out of state early 2025.

Fast forward to July 2025 at 85k miles, shop confirms that there is a transmission whine and I didn't have the money to fix it and somehow didn't consider the warranty. So I tried to let it ride out a bit.

Now, yesterday I began to REALLY feel it fail. Took it to a Toyota dealership and they say it looks like the prior dealer never activated the warranty and they can't start a claim now.

What can I say to the FL dealer or Toyota to get them to sort this issue out, I need to know the right words or consumer protections that will get them to do something about their failing product and honor what I signed. Any help is much appreciated.

TLDR: Bought Highlander, financing was unprofessional and didn't file warranty paperwork, I flubbed and didn't get warranty in hand, ends up rearing it's ugly head after moving out of state, what do?

Does your 2026 XLE have front and back parking sensors? (Visual/audible)

Because mine sure the fck doesn’t!

as above: which used HYBRID year is most reliable .. considering between 2023-2025 thanks! please comment if youve had any major issues with any

thank you for any insights from owners

I’m ordering my ‘26 Nightshade Grand Highlander. Would it be less expensive to put puddle lights, cargo lights, and sill lights on by myself? Are they plug and play and an easy DIY for an old gal? Thanks

I am in the market for a Highlander and am set on the 2014-2019 Highlander Hybrid. I've never owned a hybrid, but have driven a few. A year ago I drove a RAV4 hybrid rental car 2500+ miles in CO and WY. What should I look for when taking one for a test drive (120k miles or less)?

I was recently looking at getting tint for my Highlander because it feels like a fishbowl when I drive it. Then, my friend got starlights in his car and they look sickkkk. I kind of want them now but with the sunroof and stuff idk if it will look silly in my car. Any advice?

where do you get your new filters, just bought mine at 48k miles and gonna go ahead and replace if the dealership didn't already. 2023 hihy LE. Thanks

What would be a decent monthly payment for Highlander hybrid MSRP $57,800. 12 months x 15,000 miles per year lease with zero down? Would appreciate advice!

I recently bought 2026 highlander platinum hybrid and I want to keep the shine but I didn't opt in to do ceramic coating at the dealership. Is it worth it? You can buy ceramic coat spray for less than $100 which lasts for 6 months+ so I don't know why people do it for $1k+?

Like several folks in this community, my vehicle was subject to its UA80 deciding to completely destroy itself under normal driving conditions, due to a manufacturing flaw. Toyota is replacing the transmission for me under coverage of a used car extended warranty.

My question is: when service installs the new or re-manufactured UA80 on my Highlander, will it still be prone to the same manufacturing defect and transmission failure, or have Toyota since revised the flaw?

Should I continue to drive the Highlander when it gets back to me, or should I try to get rid of it ASAP?

Thanks in advance for any helpful insights or experience you can share.

I have a chance to get a Silver 2025 Highlander Limited with 31K miles. It used to be a rental vehicle and it's being sold by CarMax.

They're asking $42980. Should I jump at it or avoid. I had to pay $125 to have it shipped for me to check out.

So, Toyota is giving me the runaround on a transmission replacement, they keep saying they drove the car and couldn’t get a feel of my claim. My car has been slipping since 20k miles—it’s always goes gear searching when I’m driving and even at stop signs, it struggles to find the right gear for a smooth takeoff…

I’m currently at 92k miles, which means I’ve only got 8,000 miles left on my powertrain warranty. I’ve never changed the trans fluid, and I’m honestly worried it’s going to die on me the second I hit 100k. I definitely don't want to buy a new car or deal with monthly payments again. Any advice on how to get them to actually fix this, what’s my best move here?"

2015 Highlander with standard 6 speed transmission (not cvt) with 80000 miles.

I am reading some people recommended changing fluid, and some don't recommend.

Some say over 200K mileage with original fluid. Dealers don't recommend and say toyota does not recommend either. I'd like to hear what is the final consensus : to change or not to change? And if to change, is there a good how to video/tutorial how to change. Thanks all!

I’m starting to prep for a solo car camping trip and I’m having trouble deciding what I want to do in regard to a bed. I’m not interested in building anything out, something simple that I can set up easily and break down easily at the end of my trips. Has anyone used lounge chair cushions? Or chair cushions that have the back and seat as one piece? I don’t really want to spend a bunch of money right now, so I’m trying to find an affordable but comfy solution. I also have to consider the seats do not lay completely flat. Can anyone share what they use or share any ideas? Thanks ✌🏼

Thinking about buying a buddies 2017 Highlander. He will make me a good deal. Only issue is that one headlight is dimmer than the other one. Is this as simple as a bad connection or ground wire. Thoughts on how much to fix?