NHTSA Complaint #11708965 — 2017 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER

-- What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? This report is regarding a premature transmission failure in our 2017 Toyota Highlander equipped with the UA80F 8-speed automatic transmission. Our highlander is currently stuck at High Tech Automotive in Wenatchee, WA 150+ miles from home after experiencing a transmission failure on the highway. -- How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? During the transmission failure while driving on the highway the Check Engine Light came on as well as ABS light and vehicle went into a limp mode. The transmission failure and subsequent limp mode rapidly decreased our speed while traveling on the highway and forced us to limp the vehicle at low speeds across traffic putting ourselves and others traveling on the highway at risk. This vehicle has been well maintained and serviced in accordance with Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule. Despite this, the transmission failed unexpectedly during a recent family road trip to Wenatchee, WA, leaving us stranded far from home. -- Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes, the vehicle was towed to High Tech Automotive in Wenatchee WA (where it is currently stranded). The diagnostics report there confirmed proper transmission fluid level and a failed transmission with burnt transmission fluid. -- Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? Not yet. A request for assistance was sent to Toyota today. -- Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? There were no warning lamps, or messages. We've had the vehicle maintained and there was a whirring sound which we had inspected at Dougs Auto Tune and Repair thinking it could be the timing chain or alternator but there was no indication of transmission issues.