9.1

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
2,067 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2005 Toyota Highlander transmission problems

transmission problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2005 Toyota Highlander:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2005 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #3

Dec 012005

Highlander 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 5,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recurring issue: While traveling at both highway and city street speeds, the driver attempted to pass by fully depressing the accelerator and the vehicle failed to accelerate for approximately 1-2 seconds. This has resulted in near-miss accident/injury incidents. The dealer was contacted and stated this was a routine complaint for this vehicle and the Lexus rx-330. The manufacturer, Toyota corporate, was contacted and the individual stated this was not a known issue. No mediation was provided from either contact. This issue seems to be related to existing ODI id numbers: 10113278, 10114325, 10115243, 10120592, 10128880, 10129705, 10131894, 10132578, 10137651, 10145021.

- Indianapolis, IN, USA

problem #2

Jun 052005

Highlander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2005 Toyota Highlander V6- the consumer drove off the lot on June 3, 2005; the cruise control behaved erratically and it often felt as if it was accelerating a couple of miles behind the desired speed. The consumer requested to pass this turkey which yielded different results. There is sometimes awkward down shifting and rapid acceleration which is preceded by hesitation. The consumer approached a village intersection, downhill with his foot on the brake. The consumer took his foot off of the brake and began to make a left turn onto desired street. The consumer tried to apply a bit of gas and nothing happened. The consumer tried to apply a bit more gas and again nothing happened. The third time the consumer added a bit more gas and the vehicle accelerated too fast causing the driver's and passenger's heads to tip back. This was a narrow main street in a main village. There were lots of possible targets, cars/ kids bikes, and others. Then there was the unanticipated down shifting for braking effect that tipped heads forward, but that was another story for another day, and not quite as annoying or nearly of the same concern. The dealer's service manager first asserted that there were no adjustments accessible for the mechanics. Inability to do something. After applying more gas and vehicle hesitation consumer searched for a technical service bulletin (tsb) and found none. But found one from June 3, 2005 that related to recalibrating of the transmission. Absolutely no mention of expressions of concern or earlier tsbs.

- Waldoboro, ME, USA

problem #1

Aug 072005

Highlander 4WD 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 1,200 miles
My 2005 Highlander often hesitates right when I need the most acceleration.

- Waltham, MA, USA

Not what you are looking for?