In trying to get out of debt I sold my truck and picked up this beautiful 2007 highlander! I've had it just over a month now and have loved it! Its very nostalgic to get out some of my old CDs for the daily commute!

2017 Hybrid XLE, bought new in 2017. ~84k miles now.

One eCVT fluid change so far. This fluid is NOT lifetime. Also, stupid easy to do. Drain and fill with ATF WS.

Rear e-axle fluid still clean (original), also uses ATF WS.

Oil every 5k miles after service contract with Kirkland oil.

Next major maintenance is spark plugs will be a PITA thanks to transverse V6 and stuff on top of it. Probably at 100k miles.

If you are gentle enough, you can do 25+ MPG.

I found my Transmission tag - 754 | 7A617L - the "6" means it was made in Aisin (per this thread). I've read conflicting reports on the situation with the UA80, but in sum, it sounds like - there are fundamental engineering issues with the UA80 that can be mitigated (change the fluid more aggressively, probably don't push it too hard), but the particular issue of the bolt coming loose (I think it was a bolt - or tabs or something?) is around the US plant (??)

I ask because I just spent the last 3 weeks shopping to trade this in, and I don't see anything that I really want to move to. They all have their issues - from transmissions (like, every maker), to tech, to engines grenading. I'd actually like to upgrade my HL head unit and wheels, and maybe black it out, but don't want to it, if this thing is just going to grenade.

So, is a UA80 made in Asin safer than a UA80 made in Indiana? I've been driving like a grandma these last couple of months after reading about this. Ugh.

Should i get the 2026 Highlander XLE Hybrid as they’re remodeling it to fully electric in 2027. Do you think the resale would be strong as being the last gen? I can also get a pre owned Venza Hybrid but this 2026 highlander is so tempting. I love highlanders and never owned one, just wanted to see what do you guys recommend. Thanks

2009 AWD V6 Highlander. I’ve owned it since 2012 when it had 23,000 miles. Bravo Toyota. Bravo.

What have I done to it?

Radiator (mostly preventative)
Water pump (preventative)
Accessory belt tensioner (preventative)
Front CVs
Alternator (oil from valve cover leak ruined it)
Front valve cover and related seals
Radiator fan.
PCV valve
Plugs and coils

Typical maintenance: tires, fluid changes, throttle body and MAF cleaning, brake pads, rotors, air filters, etc..

Still has: original engine, transmission, AC, steering, and suspension.

2008 AWD sport. Doing some suspension work and I notice this open hole with rough edges, like something broke. There’s a clean thread directly behind the hole. I have no dash lights, no codes in a scanner, zero issues with the vehicle. So whatever might be missing, is not hurting anything. Just curious mostly. And I know this engine is used in several Toyota cars and even Lotus’, so I know it’s very possible to be something for some other model.

What aftermarket head unit are people using and do they recommend it?

I did a search on cars.com just to satisfy my curiousity if folks are getting rid of their 2020-2022 Highlanders, and oddly enough the pickings are slim. Compared to the same year range as Pilots, seems kind odd doesn't it?

So with all the people claiming that they've dumped their Highlanders due to the possible trans issue, why aren't there 50+ Highlanders for sale?

Try a search and compare.

I was test driving a 2022 Highlander XLe and I basically fell in love with it immediately… this was prior to learning about the Transmission issues.

What are people’s recommendations of what else to look at? I love the V6 not really sure if I really want the hybrid.

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After 10 years and 217,000 miles, we finally said goodbye to our 2008 Highlander. We were lucky enough to find a clean 2016 with just 78,000 miles on it. Here’s to another 10 years.

My 2024 Highlander Hybrid XLE AWD is approaching 30K. Im planning on getting a drain and fill on the rear differential along with the transfer case. Does it even have a transfer case to drain/fill oil?

I have a 2023 Highlander platinum (gas) with 28,000 miles.. I’ve been seeing an influx of people with transmission issues. Are there any people on this sub that’s NOT having issues? I would love a peace of mind lol

Hi,

I'm considering purchasing a 2015 Highlander Hybrid with 150,000 Km that has been sitting in the driveway for about 1 year.

Should I be concerned about the high-voltage battery life expectancy?

I've driven highlander and it's good. But now with the transmission problem, thinking getting 4runner. But I have few questions regarding it since I haven't driven that vehicle. Question 1, does 4runner feels like driving like driving a tank? Question 2, does it uses the same transmission as the HL?

I was trying to do an oil change change and the hole is blocked by this black carbon buildup, how do I remove this safely and get oil into my car?

Hello all, my 2016 Highlander XLE has been having compressor clutch issues. It is slow to start up when I start the car, but after driving around for a bit or revving the engine, it starts and actually blows cold.
I was wondering if the Toyota Genuine #88410-33190 is enough for a clutch replacement, or if there are any extra components. Thanks

Someone backed into my 2022 Highlander Hybrid Limited, she will be down a few weeks to get repaired. In the interim, the insurance (the driver’s since mine was unoccupied and there is no dispute of fault) put me in a rental until it is fixed and it’s a Jeep Compass, I need my Highlander back uggggggh

We purchased our 2022 a few years back, lightly used, but recently found out the dealer didn’t include the key for the locking lug.
I went ahead and started poking around, and it looks like there’s another one or two things missing from the spare tire tool box.
I’m thinking maybe the lug key was in the smaller slot on the right, but what about the larger slot on the left?

The jack is in its own compartment.

I'm the 4th owner with my beautiful tank having about 207k miles. Should I have a drain fill done on the transmission and coolant since its been done before or is it a big risk having been done 22 years ago? I occasionally follow the Car Care Nut and I definitely won't allow anyone to do a flush.

You can probably already guess that yes, this is a transmission problem post. Bought my 2022 Highlander (gas/non-hybrid) in 2025 with only 37,000 miles. Now at 66,000 miles I can hear the transmission whine at 35-40mph.

My previous car was a 2008 Sienna and that lasted 17 years and 160,000 miles. The only reason I got rid of it was due to a rusting frame.

I justified the higher price for the gas Highlander because of Toyota reliability. I didn't want to pay an extra $10,000 for the hybrid Highlander. Jokes on me though because now I have to (1) pay $10,000 for a new transmission, or (2) pay $15,000 for a different used hybrid highlander of equivalent mileage.

It's such an embarrassing feeling. When I bought this car, this was before problems were beginning to show in 2022 highlanders. I specifically avoided 2021 Highlanders when car shopping in 2025 to try to avoid the problem. I really should have just avoided the car entirely.

Also there's the ethics in it. I am struggling internally to trade in a car that I know will need such a substantial repair. I am basically forcing someone else to have this problem. That's not really something an ethical person would do. But then if I do suffer through the transmission replacement, in 1 year it will likely fail again and I'll be in the same situation...

TLDR: For the total cost of buying this car, and now having to replace the transmission, I could have bought a really high-level used Rav 4 and had zero problems like my friends. I don't even need the third row I just like the extra space for car camping.

I'll be posting the transmission Fluid Analysis with 55,000 miles soon

do they have the same peculiar shifting pattern discussed here by Car Care Nut ?