Transmission complaints by model year
Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
What owners report
I have had my 2026 Grand Highlander Max Hybrid for only 3 months. Shortly after buying it I started noticing issues with how it shifted. It was hard for me to explain at first, but as the issue happened more it became more apparent. Periodically when driving I will be stopped at a red light or stop sign and attempt to accelerate and there is an obvious delay for a couple seconds followed by a surge of acceleration to high RPM. My foot is in a general form for acceleration at about 25 mph. This is concerning because if I pull in front of traffic timing when based on the expected acceleration, you can imagine that this is scary if I have this delay and oncoming traffic hits me. This issue is the most obvious, but there are other issues such as jerking and rough shifting at lower speeds periodically. I have taken in the car 5 times now. …
Vehicle is experiencing hesitation, stuttering, and almost stalling at low speeds when the engine is running (it is a hybrid). Sometimes when pressing the accelerator when the vehicle experiences this hesitation, the vehicle does not move forward and bogs down, almost stalling out. This has happened twice when trying to quickly pull into traffic, and has almost resulted in an accident, since the vehicle failed to move forward when commanded. The dealership was able to reproduce the issue but said there is no fix available. There are no warning lamps or messages associated with this condition.
After a complete stop at a stop sign there is hesitation/stalling when trying to accelerate. Sometimes the hesitation is several seconds and then the engine kicks in and lurches forward. Couple times this has been a safety issue as it happens when I'm trying to pull out on a busy road. The delay/hesitation has caused me to almost get hit a few times. There are no lights or warning messages when this happens. It happens a multiple times a week especially during hot weather when AC is on full (LO temp setting and maximum fan) and is usually during the first few minutes of operation usually at the same stop signs on my route to pickup my kids after the car has been sitting unused overnight. I also notice that the hybrid battery indicator is usually always at 3 bars. Dealership hasn't been able to reproduce as it's a very specific scenario (not driving/in garage overnight and short drive). …
After coming to a complete stop at a stop sign or stop light, then trying to go, the vehicle will stall. It will not go when given gas. The first time it happened, I was at a busy intersection with oncoming traffic coming towards me with the pedal to the floor, nothing would happen for 5-10 seconds. It was terrifying. Thank god the car coming towards us went around in time. It then happened again in my neighborhood a week later. Thankfully that time I wasn't in traffic. I have noted that it seems to happen when very hot outside (Florida July summer) and air is on full blast. Also seems to be happening only during the first trip of the day, within the first 5-10 minutes of said trip. The dealership has not been able to recreate this to see for themselves. I think it would have to be with them overnight and they start it/drive it for the first time that day. …
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle suddenly lost motive power. However, upon releasing, and then reapplying pressure to the accelerator pedal, the vehicle returned to normal functionality. Afterward, a message was displayed indicating that both the accelerator and brake pedals were being depressed simultaneously. The contact also stated that later, after dropping his son off for school, the seat belt warning light illuminated indicating that a passenger was not wearing a seat belt though all passenger seats were unoccupied; during this time, the radio failed to function, prompting him to restart the vehicle. After restarting the vehicle, the vehicle returned to normal functionality, but the failure became a regular occurrence. No warning lights were illuminated. …
The contact owns a 2024 Toyota Grand Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 25V595000 (Electrical System), and the vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions, but the dealer informed the contact that the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the instrument panel had failed. Additionally, the contact stated that the vehicle was not driving properly, and the vehicle was shuddering while exceeding 70 MPH. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with an axle leak, and the contact was informed that there was no warning light illuminated for the failure due to the instrument panel failure. The axle leak was repaired; however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. …
Related recalls (1)
Power train › Axle assembly
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2026 Lexus TX Plug-In Hybrid, TX Hybrid, TX, Toyota Grand Highlander Hybrid, and Grand Highlander vehicles. The rear axle carriers may have been manufactured with insufficient material strength and could break.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the rear axle carrier sub-assembly code, and replace the sub-assemblies as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed September 8, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Which Toyota Grand Highlander years have transmission problems?
By NHTSA complaints, the 2024 (51) and 2025 (17) model years. Transmission complaints make up 22% of all complaints for the 2024.
Is there a recall for Toyota Grand Highlander transmission problems?
Yes — 1 recall, including 26V-437 (axle assembly, Jul 8, 2026). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers; check a specific car with the VIN recall check.
At what mileage do Toyota Grand Highlander transmission problems start?
Across all years, half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 4,000 miles; 100% happened before 50,000 miles.
What part fails most often?
Owners most often name the axle assembly (1 mentions).
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.