2004 Toyota Highlander Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 58about this part
- Share
- 20%of 286 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 10,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 58 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 2004 Toyota Highlander, 20% of the 286 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 10,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2004 Toyota Highlander with approximately 70k miles. For the second time the wheel bearings have failed on the vehicle. I spoke with Toyota and they do not believe it is a safety issue even though this is a know issue (all over the web). I believe anything related to the drivable/steering is a safety issue and Toyota should further investigate the failures.”
NHTSA complaint #10233330, filed 2008-07, 70,000 miles“My 2004 Toyota Highlander limited v6 developed substantial transmission/ transaxle leak at 56,000 miles. Transmission fluid was able to leak into the front transaxles and then onto the ground. Toyota is aware that the #2 axel seal is at fault as it is well reported. The repair was over $2,000. I fixed mine, but am concerned about those that won't be fixed. I am concerned that if the transmission leaks out in total would the resulting transmission failure result in injury.”
NHTSA complaint #10307262, filed 2010-02, 56,000 miles“My 2004 Toyota Highlander v6 at time has very rough shifts. The transmissions seems to hesitate and lag when I try to accelerate during normal driving speeds. This has happened when I was going 20 to 60.”
NHTSA complaint #10334610, filed 2010-06, 85,000 miles“My 2004 Toyota Highlander v6 (3.3l with 5-speed transmission) has an intermittent fault where the automatic transmission will abrubtly drop down a gear (or gears) while simultaneously trying to accelerate creating a sensation like it is bucking or porpousing. Usuall stepping off of the accelerator is sufficient to eliminate the bucking sensation. This has occured since I purchased the vehicle new in august 2004.”
NHTSA complaint #10128904, filed 2005-07, 500 miles“When attempting to accelerate to merge with faster moving traffic there is a significant hesitation. I've nearly been hit several times because I just couldn't get up to speed in time. This is a 2004 Toyota Highlander, v6 awd. I contacted the manufacturer with no results.”
NHTSA complaint #10100216, filed 2004-11, 1,100 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…
- 10134454Aug 24, 2015TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been…
- 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.
- 10015488Jun 3, 2005Engine control module (ecm) calibration: transmission shift feeling enhancement.
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 | 214 | 42% |
| 2018 | 72 | 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 2004 Toyota Highlander
40 complaintsSteering
35 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaintsBrakes
24 complaintsEngine cooling
20 complaintsElectrical system
18 complaintsElectronic stability control
17 complaintsEngine
16 complaintsExterior lighting
14 complaintsEquipment
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTires
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 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