The central belt got stuck and they had to cut it off.
The worst 2022 Toyota Highlander problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Transmission55
- Body43
- Brakes40
- Airbags32
- Driver assistance32
- Electrical23
- Visibility17
- Seats14
- Lights12
- Engine11
- Fuel system10
- Acceleration8
- Tires5
- Seat belts4
- Locks3
- Steering1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2022 Toyota Highlander
Whining noise 26Headlights 22Transmission failure 21Collision warning 15Airbag light 14Jerking 13Sudden acceleration 10No deployment 9Grinding brakes 7Sunroof shattered 6Brake failure 5Check engine light 5
Recalls 5
Seats: mid/rear assembly: recliner
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- Risk
- A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Remedy
- Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Recall number 26V128000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1‑866‑405‑4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Recall number 24V452000 · Recall details
Tires
- What is wrong
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1‑800‑444‑1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Recall number 24V419000 · Recall details
Structure: body: bumpers
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- Risk
- A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Recall number 23V720000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
- Risk
- An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1‑800‑444‑1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.
Recall number 22V310000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2022 Toyota Highlander 160
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Water leak from the roof rack attachment clips
- Condition in which the air conditioner does not cool due to a leak and/or corrosion in the rear underbody...
- Obsolete notice
- Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System...
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- Condition in which the Power Back Door (PBD) will not open or close and/or stops moving while opening or...
- Although the HV Floor Under Wire Harness and Rear Traction Motor Cable is covered by Toyota’s New Vehicle...
- The air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air...
- To assist with the early detection and early resolution of audio related concerns you may be asked to...
- Some 2018 – 2024 model year Toyota vehicles equipped with a Premium Audio with Dynamic Navigation System...
2022 Toyota Highlander fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5L 4‑cyl Hybrid | AWD | 35 | 34-35 | 35 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | FWD | 20-21 | 28-29 | 23-24 |
| 3.5L 6‑cyl | AWD | 20 | 27 | 23 |
What 2022 Toyota Highlander owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
On October 22, 2026 at 7:55pm I was slowly pulling into a parking spot at our community building applying the brake when the engine started rapidly accelerating causing the car to jump over the curbing even as I continued to press on the brake pedal. I wasn’t able to stop the vehicle before it crashed into the community building wall. The engine was still racing but the vehicle being lodged in the wall and corner support kept the vehicle from going further into the building. I was finally able to shut off the engine and luckily for me the airbag system didn’t deploy.
Headlight system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, LTA malfunction, SRS airbag system malfunction and SRS malfunction lights came on after start up.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was shuddering however, the vehicle was able to be driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer associated the failure with the transmission. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Accident where Toyota Highlander was struck on the front driver’s side and airbags did not deploy. Driver and passenger were injured. Driver was hospitalized. Need to have car inspected before destruction.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond causing the braking distances to be extended. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred on several occasions almost causing a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a failure of the power liftgate on my Toyota Highlander and the fact that I was required to pay out of pocket to have it repaired. The liftgate is an important and frequently used component of the vehicle, and I did not expect it to fail under normal use. When the liftgate stopped functioning properly, I was faced with an unexpected and costly repair expense. I believe Toyota should take responsibility for this failure, particularly given the nature of the component and the circumstances surrounding the repair. I purchased my Highlander with the expectation that Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability would be reflected in the vehicle. Having to pay for a repair resulting from a failed liftgate has been extremely disappointing and has diminished my confidence in the vehicle and the Toyota brand. I am requesting that Toyota review my situation and consider reimbursing me for the cost of the repair. I would also appreciate an explanation as to why this failure occurred and whether Toyota is aware of similar liftgate issues with this model. I am happy to provide my repair invoice, vehicle identification number, mileage, and any other documentation necessary for Toyota to investigate this matter. I hope Toyota will take this complaint seriously and work with me toward a fair resolution. I look forward to hearing from Toyota regarding reimbursement and what can be done to address this issue.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 25-30 MPH with the contact seated in the front passenger's side seat, another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front air bags and curtain air bags failed to deploy as expected. The driver and the passenger sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The driver's chest struck the steering wheel, causing a mark and swelling. The contact sustained cuts to the right arm, excruciating pain on the left side of the body, bruises, pain between the shoulder blades, a concussion, a hard hit to the left rib cage, and deep tissue trauma to the front of the neck that activated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The contact returned to the emergency room due to severe headaches, vision and hearing issues on the left side. The contact underwent X-rays, CT scans, craniosacral therapy, and TMJ treatment. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later towed to a collision center to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
On September 23, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM, I was driving the vehicle in a parking garage at an estimated speed of approximately 10 mph. While driving over a curve in the parking garage and applying the brakes to slow the vehicle and maneuver into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own despite the brakes being applied. The vehicle struck the metal wire safety fence and then came to a stop. Prior to this incident, over the preceding 2–3 months, I had experienced intermittent problems with the transmission. Specifically, when shifting from neutral to reverse, the transmission would occasionally become temporarily stuck or fail to engage properly. It would then begin functioning after a small tap. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? : Possibly transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There was no one else in the parking garage as it was early in the morning, otherwise it could have resulted in loss of additional property and possibly injuries. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Going to consult with the dealer soon Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? insurance has been informed. Awaiting their response. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? As mentioned about 2-3 months prior there were minor transmission issues.
The Airbag and the windshield piller A trim was not properly repaired by Yark Toyota in [XXX] after an accident prior to selling it to the next customer on XXX. Inspection of car finding this out was on XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Compare the 2022 Toyota Highlander
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Other model years
1997199820012002200320042005200620072008200920102011201220132014201520162017201820192020202120222023202420252026
Questions about the 2022 Toyota Highlander
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Owners have filed 267 complaints about the 2022 Toyota Highlander, 1.2 times a typical Highlander model year.
What is the 2022 Toyota Highlander year score?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander scores 66 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Highlander: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
Transmission and drivetrain, with 55 complaints. Next is body (43).
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
5 recalls, covering seats, tires and structure.
What year does the Toyota Highlander have bad transmission?
The Toyota Highlander model years with the most transmission complaints are 2021 (233 complaints), 2019 (217 complaints) and 2020 (127 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2022 Toyota Highlander get?
Official estimates for the 2022 Toyota Highlander range from 23 to 35 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.5L 4-cyl hybrid, AWD) gets 35 city and 34-35 highway.
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