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9.9

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
170 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.

2004 Toyota Highlander transmission problems

transmission problem

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2004 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #3

Sep 012004

Highlander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 500 miles

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

My 2004 Toyota Highlander V6 (3.3L with 5-speed transmission) has an intermittent fault where the automatic transmission will abrubtly drop down a gear (or gears) while simultaneously trying to accelerate creating a sensation like it is bucking or porpousing. Usuall stepping off of the accelerator is sufficient to eliminate the bucking sensation. This has occured since I purchased the vehicle new in August 2004.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #2

Feb 142005

Highlander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
2004 Toyota Highlander hesitation in the transmission. Dealer said it was "normal", but I see complaints have been filed and the NHTSA is contemplating a formal investigation. My Highlander hesitates every time I remove my foot from the gas and quickly reapply it. In some conditions, it happens as I'm decelerating and press the gas. Also, periodically, the transmission will jump back and forth between gears as though the vehicle doesn't know which gear to be in.

- Arvada, CO, USA

problem #1

Aug 152004

Highlander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10 miles
Transmission hesitation and sudden downshifting create unpredictable and hazardous driving conditions on the streets (not highway).

- Lisle, IL, USA

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