2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER Engine Problems

Engine cam tower oil leak due to the manufacturer's inadequate assembly of the engine parts. The mating surfaces were not adequately prepared and/or application of a contaminated sealant did not adhere to the surfaces creating a small oil leak that eventually became larger and finally noticed. The Car Care Nut automotive shop performed this repair and documented in the video: [XXX] The 2018 engine (3.5L DOHC V6 D-4S Engine with Dual VVT-i Direct Shift) with 52,500 miles has by now (2024) developed a large oil leak coming from the cam tower seal, and requires replacement. I'm the original owner with the car always being garaged and maintained by the book at the dealer. Toyota of America is refusing any assistance with the defective engine component even though it is under the 60,000 miles powertrain warranty, but past the 60 months warranty period. The leak likely has been there since leaving the factory floor, but was not noticeable until after five years of use. Leaking engine oil on hot components of the engine bay may result in smoke, burning odor, and even fires. This vehicle has a concurrent vehicle safety complaint NHTSA ID Number: 11611353 INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Wife was driving and out of nowhere axle to the transfer case broke leaving her stranded in the middle of the road. Seems like transmission had been a common issue in these vehicles around the same year

My husband took my car from the carport and parked it in the driveway near the water hose to wash the car. When he finished, it would not start. The message “Braking Power Low” , “STOP in a Safe Place”, “ See Owner’s Manual”showed up. Of course, we could not find anything in the large owner’s manual concerning that! I checked with my VIN to see if mine was included in the recall regarding this same matter, but it was NOT, just as all other Toyota Highlander 2018 owners who complained were told!!! We will find out tomorrow and pray it won’t be a lot of money. We have a Thanksgiving trip planned to see our grandchildren. Today is Sunday and we planned to leave on Tuesday. I shudder to think what could have happened if it suddenly stopped on [XXX] with all the holiday traffic. My husband was looking to buy a car after the first of the year and was going to buy a Toyota. After this, he has reconsidered. Toyota needs to see all these complaints and how many were not included in the recall!!! Something’s not right! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

While driving the car at approximately 40 mphs the car suddenly jolted and stopped moving. Luckily no one was behind and I pulled over also noticing check engine light came on. I immediately called Toyota and was able to drive it to them. I spent $140 diagnosis fees for them to say it was ignition coil B. After replacing the coil the light and same problems continued. We took the car to another mechanic, spent $600 diagnosis fees to find out it is the ECM. We then contacted the Toyota dealer asking about previous recalls that were on the ECM for 2018 Toyota Highlanders which is our car. They stated our car based off the VIN has no recalls. How could this recall be for 2018 Toyota Highlanders but not for our 2018 Toyota Highlander with the same issues? Our car only has 80,000 miles.

The 2018 Toyota Highlander has less than 100K miles on it and has been diagnosed with an $11K repair for essentially a new engine! The dealership (Coughlin Toyota, Heath OH) has said it needs cylinder head assembly for $10,684.20. The error message we are getting is a "Check Engine" light "Take Vehicle to Dealership" and the AWD/ Traction Control shuts off. When searching online forums, there are MANY people experiencing the same problem, apparently a well know issue with Toyota (not just Highlanders). We have only owned this vehicle for a few years and believe this is a manufacturer error that desperately needs investigated. Please.

The 2018 engine (3.5L DOHC V6 D-4S Engine with Dual VVT-i Direct Shift) with 52,500 miles has by now (2024) developed a large oil leak coming from the valve cover to cam tower seal, and requires replacement of valve cover assembly and gasket priced at $2173.51 by a local Toyota dealer. I'm the original owner with the car always being garaged and maintained by the book at the dealer. Toyota of America is refusing any assistance with the defective engine component even though it is under the 60,000 miles powertrain warranty, but past the 60 months warranty period. The leak likely developed prior to the first 60 months of use, but was just now noticeable to the technician. Leaking engine oil on hot components of the engine bay may result in smoke, burning odor, and even fires.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, and it was determined that there was low compression in cylinder #1. The contact was informed that the engine was damaged and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 61,000.

Mileage: 61,000

As I was returning to my house and about to pull into our garage I was driving very slowly, riding the brake in fact. I was going less than 1 mph but as I first entered the garage my car engine suddenly roared very loudly and sped inside. I pressed as hard as I could on the brakes and the car skidded towards the left and slammed into the garage wall. I firmly believe that the only thing that kept my car from traveling farther was the garage door frame. Between my braking and then turning off the engine, I came to a stop. There were skid marks on the pavement at the garage entrance from the hard braking and both the driver's door and the passenger door on that side were severely damaged. The car was now angled to the left and not pointed straight into the garage as it should have been. At no time did I press on the accelerator.

Transmission is bad. Toyota dealership says it needs to be replaced. Really? In a 2018 Toyota. I thought these were good cars. Supposed to last a long time. That’s why I paid over $30,000 for it. And this is what I get. There is something wrong with this scenario. I could have bought a much cheaper car and it would still be functioning fine.

Driving on I75 at 75mph, while trying to adjust the steering wheel, as soon I unlocked steering wheel lock and put the steering all the way to lowest position it just stalled on highway. Lucky enough I was alone and was able to pull over safely. There is seriously something wrong with steering wheel electrical or ignition system or something with else.

Engine light came on, took to auto parts store and they checked for the code. Was told it was an issue with the fuel pump/ vacuum. Reset engine light, stopped to fill up with gas and car would not restart. The steering wheel locked and car would not crank. Was jumped off by a bystander, still would not turn over. After sitting for approx 15 minutes, I tried to restart vehicle again and it cranked. One week later, on vacation, car would not start after getting gas. Once again, took it to auto part store and same code and check engine light was on. Reset engine light, drove fine. Once check engine light is on, I am unable to use cruise control, this was very inconvenient since we were traveling! I have had this same issue happen about 5 times now! Making appointment with dealership to see if this weill be covered by my warranty and hopefully it is a simple fix.

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle lost motive power after coming to a full stop at a traffic light. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic and the dealer; however, the mechanic and the dealer were unable to duplicate the failure. The contact related the failure to a faulty Auto Start/Stop feature. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

Mileage: 50,000

Low brake fluid pull over immediately warning ⚠️,vehicle engine shut off would not restart was on highway going 55 mph .Had to get vehicle towed . There was a recall on brake booster but my Vin was not included same model year 2018

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the check engine warning light illuminated informing the driver that the AWD system and stability were disabled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where they diagnosed the failure of the sub-assembly and the water temperature sensor needed to be replaced. The contact stated that he was informed that the onboard computer disabled the system due to the weather. The dealer informed the contact that the parts were on national backorder. The dealer performed a temporary repair by placing plastic on the grill to keep cold air out; however, the failure reoccurred several times. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the parts were not covered under warranty. The approximate failure mileage was 48,000.

Mileage: 48,000

Unable to start vehicle twice. In both instances, foot was placed on the brake before pressing Start button and brake was extremely stiff. When Start button is pushed, electronics engage (control panel lights, A/C, etc.) but engine will not engage. In the first incident, car had been stopped to refuel and would not restart. Car had been started without incident and been running for approximately 20 minutes prior to stopping for refueling. Tried to restart the engine for 20-30 minutes unsuccessfully and had to have vehicle towed to authorized Toyota dealer. Dealer was unable to look at it for two days and was able to start engine on the first try two days later. Dealer could not replicate problem. In the second incident, car had been in a parking lot for two hours on a hot day. Again, brake was extremely stiff, electronics engaged but engine would not start. A message appeared Brake Power Low. We shut off A/C and were able to restart the vehicle. In both instances, the driver-side door was open to try and let hot air out - we don't know if this has any bearing on the issue.

The contact owned a 2018 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated the recall repair for NHTSA Campaign Number: 20V012000 (Fuel System, Gasoline) had been completed on the vehicle. The contact stated while her husband was driving 55-65 MPH, the vehicle inadvertently stalled. An unknown warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that her husband veered to the side of the road. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who informed the contact's husband that they could not determine the cause of the failure; however, the computer onboard was reset. The contact stated that the failure recurred while driving. The contact's husband was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts however, the failure recurred several times while the contact's husband was taking the vehicle to the nearest dealer. The vehicle was taken to a second dealer - Lithia Toyota of Billings (1532 Grand Ave, Billings, MT 59102) who diagnosed that no issues were found and advised the contact's husband to trade-in the vehicle. The vehicle was not repaired and was traded. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but offered no assistance. The approximate failure mileage was 49,000.

Mileage: 49,000

LIGHTS CAME ON FOR ENGINE WARNING -- LOW FUEL PUMP NEEDS TO BE REPLACED

VEHICLE WAS DRIVING ON STREET AND CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON. TOOK VEHICLE TO SERVICE PROVIDER AND IS RELATED TO RECALL. NO REMEDY FOR RECALL HAS BEEN DEVELOPED -- CURRENTLY DRIVING A LOANER CAR.

Mileage: 32,000

AS OF THIS DATE, MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HAS DELAYED ACCELERATION, HESITATION, JERKING, LURCHING, ERRATIC THROTTLE RESPONSES, ETC. WHILE ACCELERATING FROM A STOP. THIS HAS OCCURRED TWO TIMES TO DATE. I WAS ABLE TO PULL TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD, SHUT OFF THE VEHICLE, RESTART AND THEN THE VEHICLE PERFORMED PROPERLY AFTER THAT. MY CONCERN IS WHAT MAY HAPPEN WHEN IT DOES IT AGAIN. NOTHING TO SHOW IN A PHOTO.

Mileage: 43,100

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 35 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS WITH THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO ROUTE 22 TOYOTA (109 US-22, HILLSIDE, NJ 07205, (973) 287-4741), BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND REFERRED CONTACT TO NHTSA. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 20,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Mileage: 20,000

MY 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER EXPERIENCED 4 DIFFERENT EPISODES OF SPONTANEOUS ACCELERATION WHILE ON LOCAL HIGHWAYS, 3 BEING ON RESUMPTION OF SPEED WHILE USING CRUISE CONTROL AND THE 4TH NOT WHILE ON CRUISE CONTROL.THERE ARE 10 OTHER ELECTRONIC TYPES OF MALFUNCTIONS NOT INVOLVING SAFETY ISSUES. PER THE LEMON LAW OF WA STATE, THE MATTER WAS TAKEN TO ARBITRATION. THE ARBITRATER FOUND IN MY FAVOR AND AWARDED ME A NEW REPLACEMENT HIGHLANDER. TOYOTA HAS ASKED FOR A JURY TRIAL. I THEREFORE CONTINUE TO DRIVE A VEHICLE THAT COULD CAUSE A DANGEROUS, POTENTIALLY FATAL CAR. I CAN SUPPLY FURTHER DOCUMENTATION SHOULD YOU WANT IT.

Mileage: 4,500

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT STATED AFTER STARTING THE VEHICLE, THE VEHICLE IDLED ROUGH. THE LOW-PRESSURE WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT CALLED AVONDALE TOYOTA (10005 W, PAPAGO FWY, AVONDALE, AZ 85323, (877) 554-6890) AND WAS INFORMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS OFFERED A LOANER VEHICLE BUT DECLINED THE OFFER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 9,000. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.

Mileage: 9,000

MY CAR IS ONLY 2YEARS BUT I FOUND OIL ARE LEAKING. I HAD CHECK UP AT LOCAL BODY SHOP AND THEY FOUND OUT THAT OIL LEAKS VACUUM PUMP SO I NEED TO REPLACE. *TR

Mileage: 14,000

ON MAY 5, 2020 I STOPPED AT A RED LIGHT IN THE LEFT TURN LANE, AFTER JUST HAVING A 20K MAINTENANCE PERFORMED ON MY 2018 HIGHLANDER XLE. AFTER THE LIGHT TURNED GREEN, I ACCELERATED AND AS I WAS ENTERING THE INTERSECTION, THE VEHICLE ABRUPTLY STALLED. IT WAS NOT A SMOOTH DECELERATION, BUT RATHER A JOLTING AND ABRUPT, SLAMMING DECELERATION, ALMOST SCREECHING TO A HALT. LUCKILY, THE CAR BEHIND ME SLAMMED ON THEIR BRAKES AND DID NOT HIT ME. ENGINE LIGHTS CAME ON, AND AFTER THE CAR WAS STOPPED COMPLETELY, IT RESTARTED AND I DROVE INTO THE NEAREST PARKING LOT. HAD I AND THE CARS BEHIND ME BEEN TRAVELING FASTER, IT'S LIKELY THAT I WOULD HAVE BEEN REAR-ENDED. THE STOPPING FORCE WAS ENOUGH TO SLAM ME INTO MY SEATBELT. I CALLED TOYOTA SERVICE AND THEY RECOMMENDED THAT I TURN OFF THE AUTO-START FUNCTION EVERY TIME I DRIVE THE VEHICLE, WHICH I HAVE DONE. THIS APPEARS TO BE DIRECTLY RELATED TO THE SAFETY RECALL 20TA02, WHERE THE LOW-PRESSURE FUEL PUMP MAY STOP OPERATING. THE VEHICLE IS IN AN EXTREMELY UNSAFE DRIVING CONDITION AND I'M VERY DISAPPOINTED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT ROLLED OUT THE RECALL REPAIR SOONER. I'M LUCKY THAT I WAS THE ONLY OCCUPANT IN THE VEHICLE, AND IF THIS HAPPENED ON THE FREEWAY WITH MY FAMILY IN THE CAR, THE RESULTS COULD HAVE BEEN CATASTROPHIC. *TR

Mileage: 12,000

I OWN A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, ME AND MY FAMILY INCLUDING MY 4 YEAR OLD SON WERE TAKING A DRIVE UP TO NEVADA CITY. WE LIVE IN CALIFORNIA AND WHEN WE GOT ON THE ROAD AND TRIED TO COME TO A STOP ON THE HIGHWAY AND THE STEERING WHEEL AND BRAKES STARTED TO SHAKE. WE DECIDED TO PULL OVER AND AS WE PULLED OVER THE CAR STALLED, WE PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TRIED TO TURN IT ON WITH NO LUCK LEFT IT OFF FOR A COUPLE MINUTES AND STILL NO LUCK AN ERROR CAME ON THAT SAID LOW BREAKING POWER. WE HAD RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE SO WE CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY STATED THEY WOULD NEED TO CHARGE US ABOUT 200 DOLLARS TO CHECK THE CAR. TOOK THE CAR IN AND THEY DECIDED TO KEEP OUT CAR UNTIL THERE IS A RESOLUTION FOR THE RECALL WHICH THEY SAID COULD TAKE 3 TO 4 MONTHS. JUST UNETHICAL FOR TOYOTA TO CHARGE US FOR A PROBLEM THAT IS COMPLETELY OUT OF OUR CONTROL NOT ONLY THAT BUT 4 MONTHS TO FIX A RECALL ERROR IS JUST RIDICULOUS. NOW WE'RE TERRIFIED TO DRIVE THE CAR ESPECIALLY WHEN OUR 4 YEAR OLD SON IN THE CAR. CONTACTED TOYOTA MANUFACTURER AND THEY WERE REALLY UNWILLING TO HELP GAVE US A RUN AROUND AND WE DIDN'T COME TO A RESOLUTION ABOUT THE PROBLEM. THEY DIDN'T OWN UP TO THE PROBLEM AND WE WERE LEFT WITH MORE UNANSWERED QUESTIONS. *TR

Mileage: 37,000

SLOWLY (3-5MPH) MOVING TOWARD EXIT RAMP FROM HOSPITAL PARKING LOT. TRIED TO BRAKE BEFORE TURNING RIGHT ONTO RAMP, BUT SERVICE BRAKE DIDN'T RESPOND -- FELT LIKE I WAS JUST POUNDING THE FLOOR. VEHICLE CONTINUED TO COAST. I TURNED IT ONTO EXIT RAMP. DURING COAST DOWN RAMP THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY SHOWED "LOW BRAKE POWER" OR "BRAKE POWER LOW". VEHICLE SPEED REMAINED RELATIVELY CONSTANT. I SHIFTED INTO R (REVERSE), THINK THAT NO HARM WOULD COME TO TRANSMISSION AT THAT SPEED, BUT NOTHING HAPPENED; COAST REMAINED CONSTANT. LUCKILY NO VEHICLES WERE IN FRONT OF MINE AND NONE WERE COMING ON RT 25 BRIGHTON AVE WESTBOUND IN PORTLAND ME, SO I WAS ABLE TO STEER THE COASTING VEHICLE TO A SLOW STOP ALONG THE ROAD'S EDGE (BUT STILL HALFWAY INTO THE TRAVEL LANE). THEN THE MULTI-FUNCTION DISPLAY TOLD ME THAT THE VEHICLE'S ENGINE HAD BEEN TURNED OFF (NOT BY ME). A CITY BUS CAME ALONG ABOUT ONE MINUTE LATER; IF IT HAD COME BY ONE MINUTE BEFORE THAT THERE WOULD HAVE BEEN A COLLISION WITH MY VEHICLE. AFTER WAITING TO RECOVER FROM THE SHOCK OF THAT EVENT, I STARTED THE VEHICLE AND TESTED THE BRAKES, AND THEY SEEMED NORMAL AND THERE WERE NO UNUSUAL LIGHTS ON MESSAGES ON THE VEHICLE DISPLAYS. I TRIED DRIVING IT CAREFULLY, AND IT SEEMED NORMAL, SO I DROVE IT OFF BRIGHTON AVE AND ULTIMATELY GOT IT HOME IN BUXTON WITHOUT ANY MORE ADVERSE EVENTS. TODAY I LOOKED AT THE BRAKE FLUID RESERVOIR AND IT WAS NORMAL (1/4 INCH BELOW MAX). I'M HAVING IT TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT IT ON MARCH 1, 2018 AND WILL NOT DRIVE IT AGAIN UNTIL THEY TELL ME IT HAS BEEN FIXED.

Mileage: 12,880

APON ACCESLARATION , CAR HESITATE FOR A FEW SECOND, RPM GOES TO 5000 UNTIL VEHICLE SLOWLY START TO MOVE. FEELS LIKEW THER IS NO PROPER SYNCH BETWEEN ENGING AND TRANSMISSION. DANGEROUS WHEN PASSING OR AVOIDING A VEHICLE AHEAD OF YOU. THE SAME ISSUE WHILE USING THE CRUSE CONTROL, IT JUMPS FROM A FEW RPMS TO 5K + THAT ALWAYS I HAVE TO BRAKE TO AVID RAMMING A CAR AHEAD OF ME. BRAKES GET SOF THAT I HAVE TO PUMP IT A FEW TIMES. MILEAGE IS 1780 MILES.

Mileage: 14,800

I NOTICED A HESITATION WITH THE VEHICLE WHEN I PRESSED THE GAS PEDAL. ON ONE INCIDENT ON I-288 I PRESSED THE GAS TO PASS A CAR AND IT HESITATED AND THE RPM JUMPTED TO 51/2. FINALLY THE CAR ENGAGED SO I COULD PASS. I THOUGHT IT WAS GOING TO BLOW UP. ON THE WAY HOME ON I-295 IT REPEATED AGAIN ONLY THIS TIME THE RPM JUMPED TO 4. THIS WAS ON 3/20 AND THE DEALER STILL HAS THE VEHICLE AND CAN'T FIGURE OUT THE PROBLEM. THE SERVICE MANAGER DID DRIVE IT WITH ME AND FELT THE HESITATION.

Mileage: 10,999

SINCE THE FIRST DAY OF OWNERSHIP (07/27/2018, THIS VEHICLE HAS THE VERY PUNGENT ODOR OF ANTIFREEZE COMING FROM OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE, DRIVER SIDE.AFTER THE ENGINE REACHES NORMAL OPERATING TEMPERATURE. THERE ARE NO VISIBLE SIGNS OF COOLANT LEAKING, EITHER ON THE PAVEMENT OR INSIDE THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT. THERE IS NO ODOR INSIDE THE CAR INDICATING A LEAKING HEATER CORE. THE CAR IS ONLY EIGHT MONTHS OLD AND 4800 MILES.THIS VEHICLE HAS BEEN TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP THREE TIMES WITH NO SOLUTION YET.

AFTER VEHICLE HAS WARMED UP ENGINE RPM SPEED DROPS TO NEAR 500 WHEN BRAKE ENGAGED AT STOP LIGHTS AND VEHICLE IDLES ROUGH AND ATTEMPTS TO STALL. SHIFTING TO NEUTRAL BRINGS RPM SPEED BACK UP AND IDLES SMOOTH AGAIN. PROBLEM OCCURS DAILY OVER LAST TWO MONTHS. VEHICLE IS NEAR NEW, 1750 MILES. AUTO STOP START FEATURE IS NOT ENGAGED. TAKEN TO DEALER WHO ADVISED NO PROBLEM FOUND. RETURNING TO DEALER AGAIN FOR ANOTHER TRY AND HOPEFULLY BETTER RESULTS.

Mileage: 1,750

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT NOTICED FLUID LEAKING FROM THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BOWIE (16700 GOVERNOR BRIDGE RD, BOWIE, MD 20716) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE ENGINE GASKET WAS NOT SEALED CORRECTLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 4,200. THE VIN WAS NOT PROVIDED.

Mileage: 4,200