[Don_S]

How often should automatic transmission fluid be changed? My service manual makes no recommendation except when the vehicle has been used for towing. Local Toyota dealer recommends every 30,000 miles and charges $175. I am very skeptical about the recommend frequency.

My 2004 Highlander only 55,000 miles. It is a 4 cylinder FWD.  I have never changed the transmission fluid. I obviously do not drive much. Because of that and the price of new cars I plan to keep my car until I start to get major problems. I have always parked in my garage and it was never a commute car so it looks immaculate inside and out.

I would not ask for recommendations except both my local Toyota dealers have terrible Yelp scores as does the lube shop I was also considering. It is very discouraging.

So:  How often and how particular is the Toyota about what transmission fluid is used? Change the filter too? I am guessing yes on that one. Reasonable price?

[Joe Frances]

I think transmission fluid should be changed at least every 75K miles.  I got to 80K because I had thought I had done it earlier, but I didn't, so when it was changed transmission performance improved markedly.  If you drive a car hard (20K or more miles a year) I would think every 50-60K would be good.

[jmolsberg]

Have it changed w synthetic and don’t worry about it for another decade 😊

[opnly bafld]

Whatever you do don't let anybody flush it.

Have it changed w synthetic and don’t worry about it for another decade 😊

He has gone more than that (16 years) already.

[Early B.]

I think transmission fluid should be changed at least every 75K miles.  I got to 80K because I had thought I had done it earlier, but I didn't, so when it was changed transmission performance improved markedly.

Agreed. The performance improvement was my experience last year, as well, at around 80K. Forget about mileage, though, because your oil is old. I'd suggest changing it.   

[Don_S]

No worries. I won't be driving anywhere for a while. I am under house arrest like everyone else in CA.