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

#287 of 308 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak by sevenseas

Jun 07, 2012 (7:15 pm)

Own a 2006 2wd v6 Highlander with 21,000 miles. Used 1-2 times a week to run errands for my aunt and uncle as well as 2 road trips a year. Have a Lexus as my main transportation.
 
Upon having intermediate service done the dealer advised the transmission seals were starting to leak. The powertrain warranty had expired. I was quoted $1275 to reseal the transmission. I am having a hard time wrapping my mind around this failure with so few miles.
 
I contacted Toyota Customer Support and was advised there was no TSB for transmission seal leaking for 2wd models. The rep was able to track my records and made a comment that he saw I owned two Toyota vehicles (Highlander and Lexus IS300). I was instructed to give the rep 1 day to investigate this matter and see if the repair can be done at 50% off (I would need to pay the full cost of the repair then submit a reimbursement claim).
 
I hope Toyota addresses this matter in my favor.

#288 of 308 Re: 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak [sevenseas] by wwest

Jun 09, 2012 (10:37 pm)

Replying to: sevenseas (Jun 07, 2012 7:15 pm)
You should ask the dealer what are the repercussions for ignoring the "problem". Might mean spending $8 for a quart of ATF once a year.

#289 of 308 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak cont. by sevenseas

Jun 13, 2012 (6:16 pm)

Toyota Customer Relations was able to get a reduced repair charge of $1275 to $1052 from the Toyota dealership to reseal the transmission for my 2006 2wd v6 Highlander.
 
I decided to get a second opinion at another Toyota Dealership to check the transmission seals. I was advised the transmission seals were not leaking but the transmission pan gasket was seeping and needed to be replaced with repairs costing $250.
 
It appears the initial dealership was quoting charges for unnecessary repairs.
 
I sent a letter to Toyota Customer Relations advising them that I saw the dealership as an extension of Toyota and that they have accomplished a great disservice to me as well as damaging the reputation of Toyota.

#290 of 308 Re: 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak cont. [sevenseas] by tdiver

Jun 15, 2012 (11:51 am)

Replying to: sevenseas (Jun 13, 2012 6:16 pm)
Way to go sevenseas, good job. If only more people would stand up and not let the bad dealerships get away with things like that. I for one Thank You.

#291 of 308 Re: 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak cont. [tdiver] by moonlight293

Jun 16, 2012 (6:42 am)

Replying to: tdiver (Jun 15, 2012 11:51 am)
Sevenseas, I hope you didn't specifically name the second dealership. The dealership worked for YOU but could face some kind of 'punishment' from Toyota corporate; and thereby reducing service with integrity in the future.

#292 of 308 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak cont. by sevenseas

Jun 16, 2012 (8:51 am)

I mentioned both dealerships in my letter to Toyota which included their paperwork quote for repair work. How else would I support my case that the initial dealership was damaging the reputation of Toyota as well as trying to take advantage of a customer.
 
I don't believe the second dealership that provided me an accurate description of the problem (the mechanic showed me the cracked gasket and seeping transmission fluid around the gasket seal) as well as providing the correct quote for repairs will be punished by Toyota.
 
I suspect Toyota is more interested in the dealerships meeting their sales quota then responding to my letter. In fact I would be very surprised if Toyota took this matter seriously.
 
But I learned a valuable lesson on trusting my instincts, saving money on a unnecessary repair job and identifying a dishonest dealership.

#293 of 308 Re: 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak cont. [sevenseas] by steve_ HOST

Jun 16, 2012 (9:30 am)

Replying to: sevenseas (Jun 16, 2012 8:51 am)
Probably wouldn't have mattered anyway, since Toyota can pull your service records from your VIN if they care. I'd want to give the "competent" dealer props too.
 
In fact, you can compliment them in our Dealer Ratings and Reviews section.

#294 of 308 Re: 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak [sevenseas] by izzo233

Jul 01, 2012 (11:59 am)

Replying to: sevenseas (Jun 07, 2012 7:15 pm)
I bought my 2006 2wd Highlander 1/06/06 and 9,500 miles later it needed a new transmission.. it was shifting erratically, no leaks . Whatever the reasons it would seem that Highlanders have transmission issues just not enough for SB's or recalls...

#295 of 308 Re: 2006 2wd Highlander Transmission Leak [izzo233] by luckyseven

Jul 02, 2012 (4:42 am)

Replying to: izzo233 (Jul 01, 2012 11:59 am)
Looking at low number of posts in this thread since 2006 we can safely assume that transmission problem is not a widespread issue requiring a recall.

#296 of 308 Re: 2006 Highlander has transmission oil leaking [gawarfco] by mntman53

Sep 24, 2012 (8:06 am)

Replying to: gawarfco (Oct 31, 2011 5:42 pm)
I noticed this a few oil changes ago,a very small oil leak coming out of casing seal on driver side tranny,it has red sealant in that very spot where someone tried to repair,I was able to get a few torqe flats on the bolts that can be reached,I will monitor but this is a very small drops more annoying than anything.I agree just keep an eye on level don't add unless you take some out ,replace a quart or so to replentish additives,if there aren't tranny issues don't give dealer a chance to screw somwthing else up!These trannies are very touchy,I have the hesitation also but I can live with it for fear of more issues.I also had to have two rear windows reclamped for like 700$,that was not covered under ext warrenty ,the window just fell in the door,I later found bodyshops repair these for like 100$ ,nice Toyota. This is my last Toyota,I will buy American if there are any left.
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