So I decided that I'm going to take the loss on my new Highlander and trade it in for something else. I just can't live with this annoying 8-speed transmission with it's jerkiness, harsh up/down shifts at times and the constant identity crisis of what gear it should be in / over reaction to slight pedal pressure changes.
While it's better in the manual mode set to S-8 it's still quite jerky and harsh up/down-shifts intermittently that is really getting under my skin.
What's worse is there are other folks online complaining of the same thing in the Highlander, Sienna that have the same transmission and with the heavy miles I do it concerns me that it will get worse over time and or lead to failure all together. (There have been failures in 2017 models with this transmission)
It did seem a world better when I had switched to Amsoil from the WS fluid but it appears that the adaptive logic has gotten used to the different fluid and well we are right back where we started.
Now because my work pays for my vehicle payment, gas and repairs as part of my compensation package any loss I take won't affect me in the same way that it would who would pay out of pocket so I'm not so concerned in the loss of value being a few months old and no longer brand new.
I think I'm going to go back to my trusted Dodge Grand Caravan with the bulletproof PentaStar 3.6L V6 mated to the Mercedes/Chrysler transmission which is a good pairing and very durable. The 2012 I drove as a fleet vehicle and then bought for my dad is still going with 300K with 0 problems and my father in-law is really happy with his 2 year old one.
I found a loaded 2018 GT trim level on clear out at the dealer I dealt with in the past for my Journey and it has really good discounts due to the clearout. My payment will decrease by $200/month and I will take a year off the repayment term with this change.
I will miss the huge moon roof in the Highlander but I can live with out that being able to sleep at night the transmission isn't going to suffer an early death and then I have to fight to get it replaced and be without a vehicle while this all takes place because I use it for work and accumulate heavy miles.
Anyway, just thought I would share. Now I'm off to enjoy my Thanksgiving weekend and test drive the new van tomorrow at the dealership. (They are open)
While it's better in the manual mode set to S-8 it's still quite jerky and harsh up/down-shifts intermittently that is really getting under my skin.
What's worse is there are other folks online complaining of the same thing in the Highlander, Sienna that have the same transmission and with the heavy miles I do it concerns me that it will get worse over time and or lead to failure all together. (There have been failures in 2017 models with this transmission)
It did seem a world better when I had switched to Amsoil from the WS fluid but it appears that the adaptive logic has gotten used to the different fluid and well we are right back where we started.
Now because my work pays for my vehicle payment, gas and repairs as part of my compensation package any loss I take won't affect me in the same way that it would who would pay out of pocket so I'm not so concerned in the loss of value being a few months old and no longer brand new.
I think I'm going to go back to my trusted Dodge Grand Caravan with the bulletproof PentaStar 3.6L V6 mated to the Mercedes/Chrysler transmission which is a good pairing and very durable. The 2012 I drove as a fleet vehicle and then bought for my dad is still going with 300K with 0 problems and my father in-law is really happy with his 2 year old one.
I found a loaded 2018 GT trim level on clear out at the dealer I dealt with in the past for my Journey and it has really good discounts due to the clearout. My payment will decrease by $200/month and I will take a year off the repayment term with this change.
I will miss the huge moon roof in the Highlander but I can live with out that being able to sleep at night the transmission isn't going to suffer an early death and then I have to fight to get it replaced and be without a vehicle while this all takes place because I use it for work and accumulate heavy miles.
Anyway, just thought I would share. Now I'm off to enjoy my Thanksgiving weekend and test drive the new van tomorrow at the dealership. (They are open)
Last edited: