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Buying A 3rd Gen, avoid 2017+?

1.5K views 11 replies 11 participants last post by  golftango29  
#1 ·
My 2012 HiHy is needing a new battery which is $6k or so installed new... Think I'd rather invest this back into the best Highlander body style! I was homing in on the improved MPG of the 2017 8 speed transmission models but seems that the transmission is not working out to be so reliable? Is there a class action replacement in progress for these or would I assume just eating that cost at some point?
 
#4 · (Edited)
Regarding the 2017 up transmission issues. There is a Customer Support program for some 2017/2018 HLs with the UA80 transmission, but it is a very small sampling and the issue is more widespread. Still crickets from Toyota on this known issue. But it is hit or miss on if it will happen. Some people have the issue and some don't. And it's the same transmission in the 2020 up HL too.

If you want piece of mind, I'd look for a 2016 MY with the lowest mileage you can find. Or if you get a 2017 up, I'd shop at Carmax and get their extended warranty. That's what I did and it saved me $8K.
 
#5 ·
Regarding the 2017 up transmission issues. There is a Customer Support program for some 2017/2018 HLs with the UA80 transmission, but it is a very small sampling and the issue is more widespread. Still crickets from Toyota on this known issue. But it is hit or miss on if it will happen. Some people have the issue and some don't. And it's the same transmission in the 2020 up HL too.
If you want piece of mind, I'd look for a 2016 MY with the lowest mileage you can find. Or if you get a 2017 up, I'd shop a Carmax and get their extended warranty. That's what I did and it saved me $8K.
This is what we did- I was concerned about the new 8speed (and this was before I knew about any issues) so I got a 2016 with 24K miles from Carmax and the extended warranty just in case (cost was actually reasonable, even though I tend to turn them down). Its been several years now and we're loving the 2016 (our first Toyota). I had thought about upgrading to a newer Highlander for the wife (and I would take the 2016) and that's when I started reading about the transmission issues. I'm waiting to see what Toyota does before I make a move. I've got a few years before my youngest gets the hand-me-down 06 Pathfinder I have now. I tend to keep my vehicles and drive them until they almost fall apart.
 
#7 ·
My 2017 Highlander SE V6 AWD has been one of the best vehicles I have owned. Purchased it CPO with 50k over 4 years ago and currently have 118k and absolute no issues. I do all my maintenance, fluids, brakes, suspension, plugs, filters etc. I run amsoil fluid in my diff, transfer case and transmission and Valvoline maxlife 5w-30 every 3-5k miles as well.
 
#8 · (Edited)
I've bought the 2017 HL Limited brand new and here are what I encounter. Right after 35K miles while driving under 10 mph or at the red light slow acceleration the car would jerk a bit. In the services maintenance booklet doesn't say or tell consumer to replace transmission fluid at any interval and only need to be check. Don't know how anyone can check it when there isn't a dipstick? Anyway, I think Toyota is doing this to compete with other car manufacture to looks good on paper when it come to scheduled maintenance cost. I assume most people just keep driving without replacing the fluid since there isn't require to be replace or change and it may be the cause of the transmission going bad?

At 45K miles I couldn't deal with the jerking as it getting worse and was about to trade the car in before the transmission give in as there isn't a recall on 2017. But before trading it in, I try to drain and refill the transmission fluid, transfer case and rear diff. Took it for a spin and damn it was smooth like hot knife going through butter. No more jerking. Now that the car is 71K the jerking is back, but only happen once in a while during slow speed under 10 mph and does not happen while slow accelerating. I assume it time for another fluid drain/refill.

The other minor issues was the thermostat stuck open at 67K miles for me (lucky it was stuck open not close) and that throw a CEL error code read coolant temp below threshold. It was a major pain in the rear to replace as DIY. Stealership wants $1750 to replace a thermostat, Yes! you heard that right. The last issues is the Air Bag and VSC light come on when weather is dip below 30F outside as this starting to happen last year. I did try to wiggle the connector underneath both front seat but doesn't seem to fix it, may be it need to be disconnecting the airbag sensor connector and reconnected. When temp outside goes up or in your inside your car hit normal temp and you turn off the car and turn it back on the light goes away. One other side note is the V6 engine in 2017 are direct port injection which mean the intake valves will get build up and eventually lose compression and horsepower. So I installed a catch can to reduces the risk and change the PCV every 35K miles.

Other than that I'm very happy with the vehicle after owning it for 7 years. Still get an average MPG of 22 MPG and hit 350-360 miles on a full tank of gas til this day.
 
#10 ·
I just picked up a CPO 2018 xle for $18k. Highish mileage at 108K in 6 years. Was a car that was always serviced at the same dealer in NJ that it was purchased from and service history looked good. Just did a coolant spill and fill, looked mostly fine. Also did the front transfer case and rear diff, some light metal on the magnet but fluid was not dark. Seems it was maintained.

I have 4 quarts of WS so i plan on doing a spill and fill in the next week or so. i do feel a little weird shift ing in the low gears at light throttle but that go away if you put it in sport mode. see what happens.

I have a year of warrenty to work out any kinks.

I think i got a good deal!