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2022 Toyota Highlander: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Highlander years.
255 owner complaints, most about power train. 6 recalls.
Should I buy a 2022 Highlander?The 2022 Toyota Highlander has 255 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 6 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and structure. Owners most often flag 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure): primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+.
Safety record for the 2022 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2022 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Highlander years only. How we score it
Is 2022 a good year for the Highlander?
Across the 25 Highlander model years we track, complaint volume runs from 139 (2001) to 1,005 (2008). With 255 complaints, the 2022 Highlander sits below the model's median of 324.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2022 Highlander
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 22V310000Gulf 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."
structure:body:bumpers
Campaign 23V720000Toyota 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.
tires
Campaign 24V419000Gulf 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."
tires
Campaign 24V452000Southeast 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."
Show 2 more recalls
seats:mid/rear assembly:recliner
Campaign 26V128000Toyota 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.
electronic stability control (esc):control module:software
Campaign 22V239000Toyota 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."
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value.
- Very frequent8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure)
Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+.
- Very frequentTransmission problems in gas models
General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander. See the full Highlander owner picture and every model year.
Other Highlander model years
Compare every Highlander year side by side to see how 2022 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Highlander against its rivals
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