2014 Toyota Highlander Transmission and drivetrain Problems

“Within the past month or so there were a few separate/sporadic occasions when the transmission of my 2014 Highlander with 82,344 gentle miles on it seemed to slip/not engage for a moment when first starting to travel at a low rate of speed. When the transmission did engage during these episodes it was abrupt and noticeable creating an audible noise and jerked the vehicle. This past weekend the same thing happened except that this time the check engine light came on and the messages trac off and check awd system were displayed. …”

“Vehicle shut off during driving, causing all electrical systems to fail including the electronic steering, which since vehicle also turned off, caused the steering column to lock up. Since the problem occurred at speed and infact while making a turn, a near collision occured. The problem occured multiple times in succession and was also intermittent with much time elapsing between episodes. Two other types of related occurrences during this timeframe were the (1) vehicle also cycling off and on and (2) would also turn on itself if the key was in the vicinity of the vehicle. …”

“This complaint relates to transmission shift sequences. When starting out, the transmission is in fourth gear. If you are at say a traffic light and are making a left turn, and then need to make a rapid acceleration, the transmission shifts down to a lower gear, probably 1st gear. When this happens, there is a significant torque steer that an inexperienced driver would find very disturbing. Also, when traveling 60 - 70 miles per hour and you shift from drive to s position, the transmission goes into fourth gear with a resultant significant increase in RPM's. …”

“Transmission failing beginning at 60,000 miles. Safety issue because car shudders and refuses to accelerate at seemingly random times. My mechanic said this is a known issue and recommended transmission flushing. We've been doing this for six years at lesser and lesser intervals before the problem reappears. Our local Toyota dealership said they've never heard of the problem but it is reported on numerous automotive forums.”

“The transmission has a flutter when trying to shift up or down to different gears. It causes a hesitancy. It has been documented by the caldwell Toyota dealership in conway, ar USA and I have also been told that is in other highlanders. I request a recall to have this fixed. Thank you”