2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER: complaints, problems and recalls
Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.
Key facts
238 owner complaints analyzed
5 distinct recall campaigns
23,750 mi median reported failure mileage
Scope: 2022 model year. Data snapshot: . 28 complaints include usable failure mileage.
Most common problems
Power Train is the most frequently named component, appearing in 50 of 238 complaints (21.0%). A complaint can name multiple components.
| Topic | Matching reports | Share of complaints |
|---|---|---|
| Transmission and shifting | 49 | 20.6% |
| Braking behavior | 49 | 20.6% |
| Steering behavior | 9 | 3.8% |
| Engine operation | 3 | 1.3% |
| Electrical and battery issues | 3 | 1.3% |
| Fuel system concerns | 2 | 0.8% |
Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.
Component breakdown
Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Power Train | 50 |
| Service Brakes | 35 |
| Unknown Or Other | 35 |
| Air Bags | 23 |
| Structure:Body | 18 |
| Electrical System | 16 |
| Structure | 14 |
| Seats | 12 |
Power Train: 50; Service Brakes: 35; Unknown Or Other: 35; Air Bags: 23; Structure:Body: 18; Electrical System: 16; Structure: 14; Seats: 12
Reported problems by failure mileage
Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| Under 25,000 | 14 |
| 25,000 to 49,999 | 7 |
| 50,000 to 74,999 | 5 |
| 75,000 to 99,999 | 1 |
| 100,000 to 149,999 | 1 |
| 150,000 and above | 0 |
Under 25,000: 14; 25,000 to 49,999: 7; 50,000 to 74,999: 5; 75,000 to 99,999: 1; 100,000 to 149,999: 1; 150,000 and above: 0
Under 25,000 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (14). 210 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.
Complaints over time
Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.
| Category | Count |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 70 |
2021: 1; 2022: 35; 2023: 40; 2024: 45; 2025: 47; 2026: 70
Pattern summary
Power Train leads the component reports. Transmission and shifting appears in 49 complaint narratives. Braking behavior appears in 49 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 9 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.
Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.
Examples from the source records
Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.
Owner report 11441642 · 2021-11-24 (November 24, 2021)
When driving down interstate, ticking came from above followed by a loud bang. Moon roof busted out and glass shattered out while on interstate.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11441642 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11448511 · 2022-01-23 (January 23, 2022)
The Toyota highlander was advertised as a family vehicle that safely fits 7 passengers with the captain chairs. We purchased a brand new 2022 Toyota Highlander for our family of 5. However, you cannot safely install a booster car seat in the third flow as advertised in ANY position. In every position of the third row the booster car seat covers the buckle not allowing you to secure the seat belt/booster seat. The car manual show on page 58-59 to install the booster seat on the passenger side of the third row but there is not enough space. The s…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11448511 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11451756 · 2022-02-13 (February 13, 2022)
The vehicle is advertised with a 17.9 gallon fuel tank. But I can only get about 14 gallons in the tank. Gauge reads full but my distance to empty is only showing 286 miles. It should read closer to 400.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11451756 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11453159 · 2022-02-20 (February 20, 2022)
Car does not fill to stated 17.1 gallon capacity. Most it will fill is between 12 to 13 gallons causing the vehicle to prematurely run out of gas.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11453159 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11457187 · 2022-03-17 (March 17, 2022)
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the sunroof glass exploded unexpectedly. There was no impact on the sunroof that could have caused it to shatter. The contact and her daughter did not sustain any injuries. The dealer was made aware of the failure and scheduled an upcoming appointment for inspection. The vehicle was repaired and was covered under warranty. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 2,050.
Owner-reported narrative. 2,050 miles reported. Look up ODI 11457187 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11457457 · 2022-03-19 (March 19, 2022)
We were driving and heard a loud boom. After the initial shock we saw that the moonroof had shattered.
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11457457 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11460425 · 2022-04-11 (April 11, 2022)
When coming to a stop, intermittently the brakes feel like they disengage for a moment before kicking back in and lunging me forward. The first time it happened I thought my foot has slipped off the brake pedal. When I happened again, I knew something was wrong and started noting when it happens and the driving conditions. I have taken it in the dealer 4 times now, have opened a ticket with Toyota and have been told since they can’t reproduce the problem there isn’t much they can do to fix it. The service manager did advise that a scan of my ca…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11460425 at NHTSA ↗
Owner report 11462224 · 2022-04-26 (April 26, 2022)
When braking the car will start braking then stop slowing down for 1/2 to 1 second and resume braking. If you have ever braked when hitting an ice patch this is exactly how it feels. The obvious answer was an intermittent braking problem and I was delighted to hear about the recall for the stability control. We had it reprogrammed last week but when driving it home it happened twice again but for the first time when braking the car ACTUALLY ACCELERATED 3-4 MPH. This is clearly not a braking failure but a very brief intermittent acceleration o…
Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 11462224 at NHTSA ↗
Recall history
5 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.
22V310000 · Equipment:Other:Labels
Reported: 2022-05-06 (May 6, 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."
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗23V720000 · Structure:Body:Bumpers
Reported: 2023-10-26 (October 26, 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.
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V419000 · Tires
Reported: 2024-06-06 (June 6, 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."
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗24V452000 · Tires
Reported: 2024-06-18 (June 18, 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."
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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗26V128000 · Seats:Mid/Rear Assembly:Recliner
Reported: 2026-03-05 (March 5, 2026)
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. 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.
NHTSA campaign record ↗