Scotty,
My wife's highlander has been making a whinning noise. After a visit to our trusted shop; and their recommended transmission shop, we learned that there is a Technical Service Bulletin on the vehicle (T-SB-0160-18). Not a recall. Car has north of 80k miles, we don't have an extended warranty. I'm sure you are aware that we are outside the powertrain warranty time and mileage. In efforts to try to wish for the best (I think) the transmission shop recommended we get in contact with Toyota... After a bit of the run around don't see any help coming from that. Shop approximates over $8,200+ in parts and labor to fix this with a 12-month warranty.
My wife and I are kicking around the idea of replacing this auto; but would be interested in your take on list of vehicles you'd trust (not with similar TSB issues). Here the initial parameters we are thinking:
- Around $28k--$35k
- Reliability (that's why I've been a Toyota guy for nearly 20-years)
- 3rd row seating
- comforts for the wife 🙂
Anything you can share on your thought process, breakdowns, and recommendation would be thankfully received!
-Josh
Reliability isn't getting much better. The V6's in your Highlander have been replaced by high strung 4 cylinder engines.
If I were you , I would consider keeping it. 80k is not that much for a Toyota. If the whining doesn't bother you too much, just keep driving it. The transmission might just keeping going for years. $8,200 is a lot less than a new car. And there's a very good chance it will last another 100's of thousands more miles after replacement.
According the experts, the problem was in assembly not design, so a replacement will likely be problem free:
https://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/the-toyota-ua80-worth-another-look/
Always make sure you change transmission fluids every 60k.
list of vehicles you'd trust (not with similar TSB issues)
You can look up issues yourself on NHTSA.gov
Anything you can share on your thought process, breakdowns, and recommendation would be thankfully received!
Scotty's video reviews and recommendations can be found near the bottom of our front page, as well as additional tips in the FAQ
I would keep your Highlander and replace the transmission. If you're a Toyota guy then you already know there aren't many other SUVs out there brand new which are as nice as what you have right now.and recommendation would be thankfully received!
If you eliminate the transmission issue, you can't find anything that's actually "better".
80K miles is nothing...
Car has north of 80k miles, we don't have an extended warranty. I'm sure you are aware that we are outside the powertrain warranty time and mileage.
Just keep the Toyota. Fix it and you’ll be fine. Your car at 80k is hardly broken in yet. It’ll be running till it’s got 400k miles, take it to the bank!
I have a 2013 Highlander Ltd. I kept it even though I have just 2024 Hyundai Santa Fe Ultimate Calligraphy. You should just replace or have the transmission rebuilt. Cheaper than new or newer vehicle and the 2gr 3.5L v6s in mine and yours will last forever. I have 293000kms and runs like a charm. Keep yer 2018 highlander. Its a great suv and is very low mileage with 80,000 miles!
get a second opinion on the transmission.
