VehicleVerdict

2022 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Worth extra scrutiny

The 2022 Toyota Highlander sits mid-pack among Highlander years: 291 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 237, with 5 recalls and no defect investigations. Reports tied to this model year include 3 deaths and 16 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across transmission (43), body & structure (41), and brakes (35), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

291

NHTSA complaints

5

Recalls

0

Investigations

22

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

16

Injuries

3

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2022 compare to other Highlander years?

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2022 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Transmission4315%
Body & Structure4114%
Other3512%
Brakes3512%
Driver Assistance3311%
Airbags217%
Electrical System165%
Visibility & Wipers145%
Engine103%
Speed Control83%
Seats83%
Fuel System83%
Lighting72%
Tires & Wheels41%
Latches & Locks31%
Seat Belts31%
Steering10%
Child Seat10%

Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

5 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

26V128000SeatsMarch 5, 2026 · 550,007 units

Defect

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.

Consequence

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. Interim letters notifying owners of the safety risk were mailed April 27, 2026. Additional letters will be sent once the final remedy is available. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.

24V452000Tires & WheelsJune 18, 2024 · 4,763 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

24V419000Tires & WheelsJune 6, 2024 · 4,869 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

23V720000Body & StructureOctober 26, 2023 · 750,795 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

22V310000OtherMay 6, 2022 · 661 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

As my wife had the wheels turned and was pulling up to the curb stop in a parking spot the car suddenly lurched forward without putting the accelerator on and went up and over the curb. Stop and hit a pole. my thoughts are is that the engine possibly changed from hybrid to gas or vice versa and as…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · September 10, 2024 · crash

r 2022 Toyota Highlander was involved in a motor vehicle incident wherein the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and front airbags may not have functioned as expected.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 6, 2024 · crash

r 2022 Toyota Highlander was involved in a motor vehicle incident wherein the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and front airbags may not have functioned as expected.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 6, 2024 · crash

WHEN PARKED FOR 15 TO 20 MINUTES WITH THE ENGINE RUNNING THEN MOVING FORWARD THE BRAKES DO NOT WORK. ACCORDING TO SAN MARCOS TOYOTA THIS IS NORMAL. SPEED OD VECHILE IS LESS THAN 5 MILES PER HOUR NO BRAKES AND THIS CAUSED A VERY MINOR REAR END COLLUISN. ACCORDING TO SERVICE THE BRAKE BOOSTER SHUTS…

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 2, 2022 · crash

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.

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Driver Assistance · August 27, 2024 · crash

2022 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Highlander: 291 NHTSA complaints, 5 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2022 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are transmission (43 complaints), body & structure (41 complaints), brakes (35 complaints).

Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 5 recall campaigns affecting the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2022 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2022 Toyota Highlander earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.