Transmission shudders, slips or shifts hard

What got replaced

Owners who name the part that was replaced mention the transmission (3 reports) and the torque converter (3 reports).

Recalls and investigations

No recall on the transmission and drivetrain covers the 2019 model year as of Sep 9, 2026.

What owners paid

6 of the 28 reports quote a price. Each dot is one quote. The middle half runs $7,220 to $11,000.

When it happens

The middle half of failures fell between 16,000 and 87,896 miles, from the 15 reports that gave a mileage.

What owners wrote

“Hundreds of thousands of 2017–2022 gas-powered Toyota Highlanders (equipped with UA80E/UA80F 8-speed transmissions) are experiencing high-pitched whining noises, hard or erratic shifting, and sudden hesitation. This is caused by a factory defect where a retaining nut and locking tab in the counter drive gear sub-assembly were improperly installed, causing premature internal wear and gear movement”

Filed Jul 9, 2026

“Transmission began making high pitch whining sound with hard shifting to second gear. Within one year the transmission completely went out and was stuck in third gear.”

Filed Mar 16, 2026

“My car does have a similar transmission as the one that was recall in Siannas, and Camrys. I have experience the same serious transmission issues—including high-pitched whining, erratic shifting, clunks, hesitation, and premature failure. These vehicles are equipped with the UA80F (AWD) and UA80E (FWD) 8-speed automatic transmissions.”

Filed Oct 27, 2025

“A wine and hard shifting, toyota does not agree. I experience this issue several times a day. Taking it into the dealership again to try to diagnose.”

Filed Jun 11, 2025

Other problems on this car

• Engine stalls or loses power while driving 81 reports
• Transmission fails or needs replacement 66 reports
• Check engine light or misfire 40 reports
• Fuel pump failure 37 reports