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.
2022 Toyota Highlander engine problems
11 complaints (4% of all complaints for this car). 1 crash reported.
- owner complaints
- 11
- of this car's complaints
- 4%
- crashes
- 1
- recalls
- 0
Which part fails
Owners did not name a specific part.
At what mileage
Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.
Toyota Highlander engine problems in other years
Specific symptoms reported on the 2022 Toyota Highlander engine
Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.
Related recalls
No recalls on record for this model year.
What 2022 Toyota Highlander owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
Goodwill Repair for my 2022 Highlander transmission whine, referencing TSB T-SB-0008-21。”
The grill of the vehicle is too big. There is nothing to stop the condenser from being damaged. There should be a plate for airflow but also stop the damage being done to the condenser. Shouldn't have to file an insurance claim, pay out of pocket and warranty doesn't cover. Recurring problem something should be done.
Two weeks ago, I had my 2022 Toyota Highlander serviced at Romano Toyota for my state inspection and regular maintenance. The dealership passed the inspection and did not mention any problems with my vehicle. However, just two days after the maintenance, the check engine light came on unexpectedly. The vehicle began to hesitate and shift roughly, with noticeable jerking during acceleration and delayed gear engagement. This created a safety hazard, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections, because the SUV would not respond quickly when pressing the accelerator. A diagnostic scan revealed transmission-related trouble codes (P2714 – Pressure Control Solenoid D, and/or P2757 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Performance). I returned to the dealer, and they confirmed the issue but could not provide an immediate fix due to parts availability. They advised continuing to drive, which I feel is unsafe. The symptoms persist, and the transmission sometimes feels like it is slipping, which could result in loss of power in high-speed situations. This issue appears similar to other UA80 8-speed automatic transmission problems reported by Toyota owners from 2017–2022. Publicly available the federal safety agency records show over 200 similar complaints involving hesitation, rough shifting, and transmission failure. These reports suggest a potential widespread defect that may affect vehicle safety. Given the safety risk of delayed acceleration and possible transmission failure, I believe this defect needs investigation and corrective action.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH in the fast lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed while attempting to turn to the left or the right. Additionally, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder, and the vehicle shut off. The contact called Roadside Assistance and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 17,781.
The highlander has been having starting issue where the dash reads that the hybrid system is not functioning and won’t turn over. There is a consumer report program instead of a recall. This is deceiving. This morning the TPMS was reading that all tired were at 32 pounds of air when in fact the right front passenger was complete flat to the rim. Clearly the computer was malfunctioning with not just one aspect of the car but multiple. The local dealership isn’t helpful in that they charge $185 for diagnostic tests.
According to Toyota, the wire harness needs to be replaced due to damages caused by animals (rodents). My main concern is, this vehicle is not safe to drive. Because if a midsize animal could find its way inside the engine compartment and caused so much damages to a car I drive every day, what would happen if a snake or a rat shows up inside the cabin while driving at 65 or 70 mph. Secondly, what types of materials are used to make these wires and other components in the vehicle? Why are these animals attracted to them in the first place? As much as the news was chocking to me because it was the first time that I have heard of that kind of stuff, when I went online in some Toyota owners forums, that issue is prevalent in Toyotas. Even the rep. from Toyota whom I spoke to earlier stated that her cousin who owns a Toyota had to deal with the same issue. Why nothing has been done to fix the problem?
While having the eco system on, with the active system present by firmly pressing the brake hard at a stoplight, the light turned green. while taking my foot off the brake and the engine turning back on, attempting to accelerate the transmission would not allow me to get through the intersection turning left. I pulled to the far left/slow lane to stay out of other traffic. The vehicle would not allow me to go past 40mph, and the rpm’s would rev between 2000-3000 at low speeds between 10-25 mph. I had my 1 1/2 year old with me in his car seat, and it would have been tragic should this happen on the freeway and this kind of situation happened. Attempting to take it to the dealership, the truck even had trouble going over some railroad tracks with a small mound present. The dealership checked out the vehicle and called it operator error, after inspecting the reported malfunctions and finding nothing. This will not be operator error when someone is seriously injured, or if it happens to be one of their family members driving a similar vehicle.
1. The engine was on while the 'hold' feature was enabled. I've used this feature numerous times before. This time, the 'hold' feature was on for about 5+ minutes, I heard 3 consecutive beeps out of nowhere followed by the engine restarting on it's own as if the push start button was pressed. At that time, the vehicle lunged forward causing me to brake, missing the vehicle in front of me. This happened while waiting at the school drop off lane. Vehicle also lags during acceleration and stalls especially when getting up to speed on the freeway/highway. 2. My children and I could have rear ended the vehicle in front of us which in turn, could have caused a chain reaction with thr vehicles all in front of us (at least 15+ vehicles before mine). We could have been seriously injured, families / staff walking in and out of the parking lot could have been hurt. Regarding the acceleration lag and stalling, we could potentially be at risk of getting hit waiting for the vehicle to pick up speed. 3. My vehicle is at the dealership currently, waiting to hear back from them as there are other numerous reoccurring issues with this vehicle which the dealership I purchased from failed to fix three times prior. 4. The issues have only been 'looked' by the dealership only. The initial dealership failed to have the Regional Engineer come onsite to investigate. I was told my issues were non concerning. 5. Regarding the vehicle lunging, in that instance, the only warning were the three consecutive beeps, no error lights or errors were observed. Regarding acceleration problems, there are no errors or sounds indicating problems thus far when the issue takes place. I have a list documenting the various issues I have experienced thus far with the first problem starting after owning the vehicle for about 3 months.
The airbag malfunction alert message has been displayed for more than two months. The vehicle was taken to Toyota of Newnan (GA) dealership four times for repair; they kept my vehicle for an entire week at their facility the latest time (fourth). The problem still exists! It seems they have not taken this problem seriously because they have not called me regarding the problem. I called them so many times ... I need help from the your office because I have to use this vehicle for my three kids to go to and from schools every day. Please please please help me! Thank you.
Questions about the 2022 Toyota Highlander engine
Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?
Owners have filed 11 complaints about the engine of the 2022 Toyota Highlander, 4% of all its complaints.
At what mileage do 2022 Toyota Highlander engine problems start?
Not enough complaints include the mileage to tell.
Was there a recall on the 2022 Toyota Highlander engine?
There is no recall for this problem on this model year.
What year does the Toyota Highlander have bad engine?
The Toyota Highlander model years with the most engine complaints are 2003 (87 complaints), 2008 (76 complaints) and 2019 (75 complaints).
Other 2022 Toyota Highlander problems
Transmission 55Body 43Brakes 40Airbags 32Driver assistance 32Electrical 23Visibility 17Seats 14Lights 12Fuel system 10Acceleration 8Tires 5Seat belts 4Locks 3Steering 1Wheels 1
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