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Toyota Highlander Transmission Problems

308 messages,  Last post on Apr 04, 2013 at 8:56 PM

You are in the Toyota Highlander Forum.

What is this discussion about? Toyota Highlander, Transmission, SUV

Messages Page 12 of 32

#106 of 308 Highlander Transmission Fluid Leak by ft20

Dec 14, 2007 (12:35 pm)

As if there aren't enough issues with the transmission on this SUV, add one more to your list....
 
I have a 2005 V6, AWD. I bought the car used with just 10000 miles on it. I have maintained it according to the owner's manual and have not abuse it in any shape or form. During an oil change at 62000 miles, the mechanic told me that there is a transmission fluid leak. I did some research on my own and found out that there is a TSB out for the transmission fluid leak on this model/vin. I can forward a copy of the TSB if anyone wishes to have it. If you read the bulletin, it becomes quite clear that the there is a faulty transmission seal that is prone to failure and Toyota has recently changed the seal in newer models. They are essentially hoping that no one will have this problem and even if they do, it would be outside the warranty period, as in my case! To make the long story short, took the car back to the dealer, they looked at it and sure enough is the seal that is mentioned in the TSB that has failed. The dealer quoted me a price of $1300 to have it fixed. The repair would have been covered under the 60K power train warranty but since my car now has 63K, I am basically SOL. I just called Toyota last night to ask for their assistance but not getting my hopes up. I think it is unfair for a company to know about a problem and not stand behind their product. I will keep you posted on what I hear back from Toyota.
  
In the mean time, if your 2004-2006 highlander is under 60K, please check for this leak problem. Make sure you document it and have stupid Toyota pay for this. Otherwise, get ready to fork up some dough soon as the warranty expires. Toyota should be ashamed of their business practices.

#107 of 308 Transmission leak- update by ft20

Dec 24, 2007 (4:39 pm)

So a week after contacting the customer assistance line, I was informed that Toyota will NOT cover any of the expenses related to fixing this faulty transmission seal. I have contacted the corporate office by mail and am waiting to hear back. Any other suggestions?

#108 of 308 Re: Transmission leak- update [ft20] by wwest

Dec 25, 2007 (10:36 am)

Replying to: ft20 (Dec 24, 2007 4:39 pm)
$1300.00....
 
Just which seal are we talking about here..??
 
And what is the severity of the leak?

#109 of 308 Re: Transmission leak- update [wwest] by ft20

Dec 26, 2007 (8:43 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Dec 25, 2007 10:36 am)
The official name for the seal is the trans-axle bearing retainer seal #2. Essentially it is the seal that seats between the transmission and the front differential. From what I understand, the seal itself cost only $20 or so but replacing it involves removing the entire transmission and the labor cost associated it! The leak is not terrible, just a few drops. However, I would like to replace it soon before it fails completely and the transmission seizes.

#110 of 308 Re: Transmission leak- update [ft20] by wwest

Dec 27, 2007 (1:07 am)

Replying to: ft20 (Dec 26, 2007 8:43 pm)
If I understand correctly as to exactly which seal has failed then I wouldn't bother spending that much money. Check with the dealer but I'm pretty sure that seal isn't under any pressure other than that provided by gravity. A quart of ATF costs what, $4.00..??
 
If you lose more than a quart between engine oil changes then maybe there is cause to worry, otherwise....
 
Looked up the TSB and the seal involved has to do with the right front axle/halfshaft bearing within the PTO, Power Take-Off, for the rear driveline.
 
With only 63,000 miles I would contact the Toyoat factory rep for a warranty repair.

#111 of 308 Re: Transmission leak- update [ft20] by wwest

Dec 27, 2007 (1:33 am)

Replying to: ft20 (Dec 26, 2007 8:43 pm)
Weird...
 
The TSB calls for the entire engine, transaxle, and PTO/transfer to be pulled from the vehicle as a unit and then the PTO separated for work on the bench.
 
From looking at the TSB and then looking at the underside of my '01 AWD RX300 it's pretty obvious to me that this bearing seal can easily be replaced absent even removing the PTO.
 
Your dealer may be looking for an easy $1300.00 for $200 in labor and a $10 part.
 
My reading of the TSB leaves me with the implication that your leak is the result of improper assembly at the factory. In that case I would REALLY lean on the Toyota factory rep for full compensation.

#112 of 308 Re: Transmission leak- update [wwest] by ft20

Dec 27, 2007 (6:34 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Dec 27, 2007 1:33 am)
Thank you for your input.
 
I wrote a letter to Toyota corporate after my attempts to address the issue over the phone failed. Any suggestions about getting in touch with factory reps?

#113 of 308 Re: Transmission leak- update [ft20] by wwest

Dec 27, 2007 (7:14 pm)

Replying to: ft20 (Dec 27, 2007 6:34 pm)
You can often make an appointment with a factory rep through the dealer.

#114 of 308 Re: Highlander Transmission Fluid Leak [ft20] by 06driver1

Mar 26, 2008 (5:07 pm)

Replying to: ft20 (Dec 14, 2007 12:35 pm)
Can you post a link or a copy of the actual TSB?
The only ones I find are at alldata.com and they charge a fee.
 
I have a 2006 Highlander but seem to be having the same problem. Thanks for the info. posted but if you have a full TSB, that would be helpful. I'm almost at 60,000 miles and want to be ready if Toyota gives me trouble.
 
Everyone have your transmission checked before 60K!!

Messages Page 12 of 32

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