2002 Toyota Highlander Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 14about this part
- Share
- 5%of 301 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 107,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 14 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2002 Toyota Highlander, 5% of the 301 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 107,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“At 108k miles, my 2002 Toyota Highlander transmission went out and had to be replaced. Whatever happened to toyotas lasting to 200k miles, like in the commercials? I'll never be able to jump up and be the one proclaiming how many miles my Toyota has now! I'm very disappointed, as I bought this vehicle expecting to drive it well beyond 100k miles and with further research, apparently I'm not the only disappointed Highlander owner with the same issue.”
NHTSA complaint #10341934, filed 2010-07, 108,000 miles“I placed car into reverse to back out of parking spot. When I shifted into drive, the car remained stuck in reverse. The shift linkage was no longer functioning. I backed the car into a parking spot in the corner of the parking lot. When I stopped the engine I could no longer start the engine as it was stuck in reverse. I called a tow truck. The tow truck driver was able to place the tranmission into neutral (using a wrench on the transmission) enabling the car to be pushed forward. The car was then placed on the tow truck and towed to the dealer. …”
NHTSA complaint #10545020, filed 2013-09, 83,400 miles“I am financing a 2002 Toyota Highlander. On 6/25/09 while driving on a major service road, I heard a large thump sound. I tried to pull over to make sure that I did not hit anything or blow a tire. Once that I saw that everything seemed okay, I proceeded into my vehicle and put the car into drive when I stepped on the gas the car just revved and it stayed into position, I kept changing gears not knowing what was wrong and as I changed into drive and stepped on the gas, my car quickly shifted and almost hit the car in front of me then it stopped again. …”
NHTSA complaint #10276712, filed 2009-07, 68,000 miles“With only 106,000 miles on my Highlander, the transmission has failed and needs to completely be replaced. A $4600 repair right before christmas. I am in tears. The dealership didn't seem very surprised that this would occur. Ironic? But the transmission specialist I went to for a second opinion said this should never have happened. He advised even proper maintenance wouldn't have prevented this kind of failure. It's just bad equipment. He repeatedly stated how abnormal this was and Toyota used to have a great reputation on the transmission and reliability. …”
NHTSA complaint #10296019, filed 2009-12, 106,000 miles“Pulled out of work parking lot onto major highway and heard loud clunk from engine area. Car stopped moving forward so I pulled off to side. Put car in park and engine was still running. Put car into drive and nothing happened. Put car in reverse and nothing happened. Loud metal grinding noise coming from engine compartment. Transmission shop said common problem with these transmissions. Cost to rebuild: $4,155.”
NHTSA complaint #10504125, filed 2013-03, 165,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10109404Oct 16, 2014TSB: The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide information regarding the installation of the correct torque converter bolts during automatic transmission/transaxle…
- 10109492Sep 30, 2014TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or…
- 10132084Oct 1, 2013The purpose of this service bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL ?ON,? shifting issues, and/or…
- 10133836Feb 20, 2013This bulletin contains general vehicle pulling diagnosis and repair procedures along with specific information to help correct pulling complaints.
- 10016636Aug 1, 2005U140f transmission solenoid identification.
- 10015657Apr 28, 2005Repair manual correction - differential carrier assy rear (4wd). 00400-rm918-u2. *tt 00400-rm837-u2.
Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 7% |
| 2023 | 20 | 11% |
| 2022 | 55 | 21% |
| 2021 | 228 | 43% |
| 2020 | 126 | 39% |
| 2019 | 213 | 42% |
| 2018 | 71 | 26% |
| 2017 | 77 | 28% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 | 9 | 7% |
| 2013 | 11 | 5% |
| 2012 | 7 | 4% |
| 2011 | 16 | 9% |
| 2010 | 6 | 3% |
| 2009 | 7 | 5% |
| 2008 | 18 | 4% |
| 2007 | 8 | 6% |
| 2006 | 22 | 8% |
| 2005 | 51 | 23% |
| 2004 | 58 | 20% |
| 2003 | 13 | 5% |
| 2002 | 14 | 5% |
| 2001 | 13 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2002 Toyota Highlander
139 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsBody and structure
24 complaintsEngine cooling
23 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsAir bags
13 complaintsElectrical system
13 complaintsBrakes
12 complaintsExterior lighting
12 complaintsEquipment
11 complaintsEngine
7 complaintsTires
5 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2002 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology