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Old 01-26-2021, 01:52 PM   #1
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Name: Vicki
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new highlander transmission problems/lawsuit

I'm researching the best vehicle for a Scamp 13. One of the ones I am considering is the Highlander. I came across this:

http://https://www.motorbiscuit.com/...transmissions/

Otherwise, I don't find much more about it and many seem to keep buying them. Does anyone know about this and if it's widespread and a definite no for buying a 2021 Highlander?
Apparently the Highlander Hybrid does not have the same setup and thus none of these problems. I actually would like to have the hybrid but have heard some people have reservations about towing with one, even though Toyota rates the HH to tow 3500#.
I also like the Pilot, but they are having major problems with the infotainment system.
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:16 AM   #2
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First I've heard of it. Seems to be especially an issue with the 2016s, but even then not all that common. Just vaguely poking around it seems to be something that starts at low mileage and happens regularly rather than something that shows up at higher mileage. I'd say take a test drive and if it seems OK go for it.
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:51 AM   #3
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AlohaVicki View Post
I'm researching the best vehicle for a Scamp 13. One of the ones I am considering is the Highlander. I came across this:

http://https://www.motorbiscuit.com/...transmissions/

Otherwise, I don't find much more about it and many seem to keep buying .

That link you posted takes me to spam sites.
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:02 AM   #4
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I have used this site (Car Complaints) to check for serious problems. Here I don't see any serious Toyota Highlander transmission problems.

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Highlander/
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:17 AM   #5
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Doing a web search there were numerous articles concerning the Toyota 8 speed transmission (2017 to 2021) The first / lead was from Motor Biscuit about a class action lawsuit involving over one million transmission units. I did not see any conclusions that indicated the failures were mechanical or software related .
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:40 AM   #6
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OK, per this CR article, the new 8 speed transmission on the 2017 Toyota Highlander had a software problem that is corrected with a software update:

https://www.consumerreports.org/toyo...hift-smoother/

Car Complaints didn't catch this. Car Complaints only showed 2 individuals citing transmission problems, one required replacing the transmission. Two out of hundreds of thousands is a very small number.
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:44 AM   #7
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Best place to research issues IMHO are the model specific forums. People with problems WILL post to these groups. If you find a topic with dozens of pages, look out!!
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:59 AM   #8
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Must say I do check the model specific forums when I am digging for details. If there is a widespread transmission problem or any problem, the model specific forum will have pages and pages of posts on the problem, and possibly how to address, e.g., software fix or transmission part redesigned or just get rid of the vehicle.
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Old 01-27-2021, 09:40 AM   #9
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I met a man once who considered himself an audiophile.
He said "I like both kinds of music....Country AND Western!"
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Old 01-27-2021, 10:28 AM   #10
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Must be fake, or an isolated incident.
We are pulling our Parkliner 15ft with a '17 Highlander, and had a '07 HH that pulled a 16 DLX Scamp. no problems with either one.
A 13 Scamp we pulled with a VW Vanagon and a Camry. You could go with a Rav4 on almost any car.
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Old 01-27-2021, 10:32 AM   #11
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Hi my daugther, my son and I have highlanders 2010 , 2015 , 2015 , one with 200K miles , we tow with them and absolutely no problems , We love them ! GO !
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Old 01-27-2021, 11:01 AM   #12
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It doesn't take many people to form a class action, and there are plenty of lawyers waiting to take them on. They often end with a limited warranty extension (covering the specific issue), reimbursement for people who paid for repairs out of pocket, and large checks to the lawyers. They involve real problems, sometimes quite serious, but not necessarily widespread.

My Sienna and Pilot have had two each. Only one of the issues affected mine, and the issue was relatively mimor. The class action settlement netted me a warranted replacement of a pair of front suspension components on the Pilot at 98K. We're now approaching 200K and going strong.

I agree that model-specific owner's forums can be a good way to gauge how widespread a particular problem is.
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:24 PM   #13
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We have an '06 Scamp 16 with a traveling weight about 2400 lbs. We towed it with our 2008 Highlander Hybrid and now with our 2017. A very good combination.
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Old 01-27-2021, 12:31 PM   #14
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On the subject of towing with a Highlander Hybrid, I've been towing my 16' Casita with my HH for over a year -- 25,000 miles, over the Rockies, etc. Never a problem. I used the low gear when going down steeply. No problems going up steep grades. No overheating.
I also took my rig to be Smart Weighed and found that the trailer and TV combo was good to go. Nothing overweight, nothing imbalanced side to side.
I'm currently getting around 20MPH while towing with the HH.
Recommend it!
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Old 01-27-2021, 02:14 PM   #15
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Originally Posted by Lisle View Post
I'm currently getting around 20MPH while towing with the HH.
Recommend it!
May I assume this is typo ?
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Old 01-27-2021, 03:01 PM   #16
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Suggest taking a look at Toyota Nation forum. I found nothing to indicate a trend rhttps://www.toyotanation.com/threads/highlander-2018-transmission-question.1588906/#post-13446498egarding Highlander transmission.
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Old 01-27-2021, 08:05 PM   #17
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Whoops! Yes, I meant 20 miles per gallon.
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Old 01-28-2021, 07:11 AM   #18
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Many Toyota's have a fuel pump recall.
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Old 01-29-2021, 03:01 PM   #19
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Check for tsb on the transmission. when I bought my tacoma in 2016 the transmission shifted wonky, after 2 years and 3 updates they got the tranny working extremely well. Toyota doesnt notify you of TSB updates being issued they only update to complaints. unless its a safety issue then you get notice of a recall. Being on board with the many toyota forums you hear about these updates. Should be a highlander forum out there.
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Old 01-29-2021, 03:26 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by stevebaz View Post
Should be a highlander forum out there.

Google Toyota Nation.
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