2022 Toyota Highlander: What to check before buying
Owners have filed 186 complaints with NHTSA about this car, most about the transmission, brakes, and body and structure. The 9 checks below target those problems, in the order you would do them at the car.
2022- Owner complaints
- 186
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes reported
- 12
- 8 injuries
Your inspection sheet
Tick items off on your phone at the car, or print it. Ticks stay on this device.
0/9 checked
2022 Toyota Highlander: inspection sheet
Paperwork and questions
Before you go, or before you touch the car0/3
Walk-around and cabin
Engine off, key in hand0/2
Cold start, engine bay, and underside
Ask the seller not to warm the car up first0/2
Test drive
At least 20 minutes, with some highway0/2
These checks are specific to this model year. For tires, body panels, fluids, and the other basics every used car needs, use the general inspection guide.
Which Highlander is it?
EPA figures for each version of the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Use them to confirm you are looking at the version that was advertised, and as a yardstick on the test drive.
| Version | Drive | EPA rating |
|---|---|---|
| 3.5L 6-cylGas | AWD, FWD | 23–24 mpg |
| 2.5L 4-cylHybrid | AWD, FWD | 35–36 mpg |
- The 2022 Toyota Highlander was sold in two versions. Confirm which one this is from the window sticker, the engine cover, or the VIN report before you compare prices.
- On the hybrid, watch for the car moving off on electric power at low speed and for any hybrid system warning on the dash.
- Reset the trip computer at the start of the drive. A Highlander that averages well under the EPA 23 mpg combined on a mixed route may have an engine or tire problem.
Check the odometer against these mileages
Owners report these failures starting around the mileages below. A car inside one of these ranges deserves a closer look at that part, or records showing it was already fixed.
Unintended acceleration while braking
13,000–36,000 miles
Front bumper cover detaching
33,000–85,000 miles
Transmission whine and failure
60,000–88,000 miles
Why these checks: what owners reported
NHTSA complaints for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, grouped by the part owners named. Open a row to read what goes wrong.
Transmission301 crash
A high-pitched whine under acceleration grows louder until the transmission fails and needs replacement. Most reports land just past the 60,000-mile warranty, and dealers quote $8,500 to $10,000 for the job. Owners cite the UA80 transmission and bulletin T-SB-0008-21, and some wait months for a backordered unit. Fewer reports describe hesitation and surging, or a sudden lurch while parking that caused a crash. One fire destroyed a vehicle at highway speed after engine, transmission, and hybrid system warnings.
Brakes302 crashes
While slowing down, the SUV surges forward for a moment, as if the brakes let go. It is worst at low speeds, often 20 to 25 mph, on slight downhill grades and in turns. Many reports come from hybrids, and some owners link it to the handoff between regenerative and friction braking. Dealers often cannot reproduce it, though bulletin T-SB-0059-23 addresses it. Two crashes are reported, including a minor rear-end collision after brakes failed to respond following a long idle. Brake vibration from faulty rotors also appears at low mileage.
Body and structure30No crashes
The front lower bumper cover detaches, often at 60 to 70 mph, and drags or flies into traffic. Recall 23V720000 covers it, but most reports describe the repair part being unavailable for months, sometimes close to a year, with dealers unable to help or offering paid rentals. Detachments are reported between 33,000 and 85,000 miles. A smaller group says the open grille leaves the A/C condenser exposed to damage, and some report failed rear hatch struts.
Airbags197 crashes
Front impacts often end with no deployment at all, according to most crash reports. Some say the automatic braking or stability control also did not respond. These reports include 7 crashes and 8 injuries. A separate, common pattern is a warning light for the restraint system that comes on at startup after the car sits in the sun for 30 minutes or more, sometimes along with pre-collision and camera warnings. A restart clears it. Leaking roof rail clips also let water run down the A-pillars, a problem covered by bulletin T-SB-0040-24.
Electrical10No crashes
Failures range from minor annoyances to sudden loss of power at speed. The power liftgate stops partway, will not latch, or quits altogether, and the center screen goes blank or glitches. Several reports describe a wave of driver-assist and brake warnings on the highway, and some cars shut off at 70 mph. The heated steering wheel can overheat and smoke. In cold weather, the throttle plate ices up and puts the car in limp mode, which a software update addresses. Most of these surfaced at low mileage.
Wipers and visibility8No crashes
The driver's side mirror shakes at speed and over bumps, which blurs the view during lane changes and makes headlights flicker at night. Owners say Toyota knows about the problem but has offered no fix for this model. Other reports describe windshields that chip and crack easily or develop a spreading internal defect. Windows also fog and frost over in freezing weather even with the defroster running, and wipers have stopped working in the rain.
Acceleration and cruise control51 crash
The car accelerates on its own while the brake pedal is pressed. This happens at stoplights, at 45 mph, and once while reversing, which ended with the car hitting a tree. Dealers usually cannot find a cause, and the failures are reported at 13,000 and 36,000 miles. A separate report describes the car repeatedly skidding sideways at constant speed on snow with no warning lights. Another describes rodents chewing through the wiring harness.
Exterior lights5No crashes
The low beams are aimed too high from the factory, so oncoming drivers flash their brights or leave them on. Owners say the problem has been present since delivery, and one dealer refused to adjust the headlights under warranty. A smaller pattern is a headlight system malfunction warning at startup, sometimes with a pre-collision warning, that goes away after a restart.
In owners' own words
Excerpts from complaints Highlander owners filed with NHTSA, as written. Listen for the same symptoms on your test drive.
Car developed a whining noise coming from transmission at 63,000 miles. Known manufacturing defect that will lead to transmission failure. No recall issued and Toyota would not extend warranty. I do not feel safe driving the car pending a transmission failure. Toyota’s solution is to replace the transmission at a cost of $9000.
Filed with NHTSA, December 2025
The transmission on this vehicle has failed - I’ve been told by Toyota Dealer Maintenance that I need the transmission replaced on this vehicle with under 70,000 miles and just over three years old. I began hearing a whining noise while accelerating, and brought it in for service. No system warnings.
Filed with NHTSA, September 2025
When applying the brakes at speeds less than 40 miles per hour, the car will surge forward at a point during braking process. This happens regularly but not every time brakes are applied. This is an issue as the car surges forward during braking.
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
Car lunges forward while constant braking. Problem is not consistently repeatable and occurs at various speeds, road conditions, and weather conditions. It seems to be in the transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking from the hybrid system. The car will coast for a brief moment while braking increasing the stopping distance and time required to come to a complete stop. We've noticed this issue since we bought the car
Filed with NHTSA, May 2025
The Front bumper came loose on the interstate, creating a loud noise as it slid under the tires. Once safely pulled over on the side of the road the car appeared to have spontaneously dropped the front bumper, we did not encounter any debris in the road, the weather is good and clear, there was no prior damage to the vehicle. The clips that hold the bumper in place seemed to be broken.
Filed with NHTSA, October 2023
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.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2025
My father in law drove my highlander car and got into an accident on 8/27/2024. Front of the car was damaged but did not deploy the airbags. And as far I know it is equipped with automatic braking system but the damaged looks really bad.
Filed with NHTSA, August 2024
On June 26 2023 the vehicle didn't stop automatically when another car was in view in the intersection, the automatic breaking system didn't work and the air bags didn't deploy,
Filed with NHTSA, June 2023
How the 2022 compares with other Highlander years
Complaints for this year next to the average for the other model years, area by area.
The 2022 ranks sixth for owner complaints among 8 Highlander years, close to the average of the others. Newer years have had less time to collect complaints, so compare like with like.
- Transmission3065
- Brakes3020
- Body and structure3018
- Airbags1920
- Electrical1018
- Wipers and visibility80
Where the 2022 fits in the Highlander's history
Redesigns and mid-cycle updates change what can go wrong.
The 2022 is the third model year of the Highlander's fourth generation (2020–2026).
Recalls to confirm (5)
Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, but the seller may never have had them done. Check each campaign number against the VIN.
24V452000Wheels and tiresJun 2024
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.
Fix: 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.
24V419000Wheels and tiresJun 2024
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.
Fix: 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.
23V720000Body and structureOct 2023
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.
Fix: 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.
22V310000EquipmentMay 2022
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.
Fix: 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.
22V239000Stability controlApr 2022
Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems.".
Risk: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
Fix: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Also looking at these instead of a Highlander?
Cars shoppers compare with the Toyota Highlander, with their own 2022 checklists.
2022 owner complaints, side by side
- Mazda CX-99
- Ford Edge113
- Nissan Pathfinder119
- 2022 Toyota Highlander186
- Ford Explorer208
- Volkswagen Atlas217
- Hyundai Santa Fe223
