2009 Toyota Highlander Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“T-sb-0201-11 from Toyota states some vehicles equipped with 2gr-fe/fxe towing package engines may exhibit an oil seep from the engine oil cooler pipes. This TSB affects Toyota and lexus vehicles going back to at least 2008-present. This is a major issue, and I feel this should be handled as a recall instead of a TSB due to the severity of the issue if/when the pipe breaks. I recently elected to have my vehicle repaired on my own just so I wouldn't have to worry about this issue happening to me or my wife, and thus blowing up my Highlander's engine causing thousands of dollars in damages. …”

“I purchased a 2009 Toyota Highlander, in february 2009. On june 1, 2009, I was northeast of rockville, indiana on highway 47 in this Toyota Highlander. I approached a slow moving vehicle on a straight section of roadway and passed the vehicle. As I was passing I felt like the car was going faster than I was accelerating. When I pulled back into the right lane the car was going even faster and I realized that the car was accelerating on its own. Luckily, I was still on a long straight section of the road and had some time. I first tried to brake but the car kept going even faster. …”

“My 2009 Toyota Highlander with keyless start allows the vehicle to shut off when not in park and the vehicle starts moving. It also will turn off in reverse, or neutral and will turn back on in neutral and will also turn off in drive. This does not feel safe and should be immediately investigated. The vehicle should have to be in park to turn off and start like all other cars with keys to start the vehicle. Local dealer investigated but said all keyless start vehicles operate this way and didn't indicate there was a fix to the situation.”

“We bought a new 2009 Toyota Highlander in july,2009. Immediately, it demonstrated a huge vibration in reverse, and now in drive. When I stop at a light, it feels like it will bolt when I take my foot off the brake. We went through arbitration, but they claimed, since we couldn't prove it was a safety hazard, we had no case. I think these vehicles should also be investigated. I have read similar complaints on the internet from other Highlander owners. I am really fearful to drive my family in this vehicle. …”

“The contact owns a 2009 Toyota Highlander. While turning at approximately 5 MPH in snowy conditions, the vehicle became stuck in the snow. The vehicle was able to reverse but would not accelerate forward. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealership where the contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The transmission was replaced at that time. The failure and current mileages were approximately 11,000. Updated 11/03/10 updated 11/04/10”