2022 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2022 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 199 complaints, with Structural Problems as the top reported area.
2022 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
β EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 5 2022 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 5 trims analysed.
2022 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested β showing 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
16.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
16.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2022 Toyota Highlander has 199 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Structural Problems. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2022
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 199
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Structural Problems
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 21 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2022 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Structural Problems
Transmission / Drivetrain
Brake System
Complaint patterns center on Structural Problems, Transmission / Drivetrain, Brake System. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2022 Toyota Highlander?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2022 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect structural components for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect structural components for any reported issues.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for transmission, brakes, and airbag systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2022 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2022 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in structural, transmission/drivetrain, and brake system issues, with a notable number of airbag and forward collision avoidance complaints. The data suggests potential problem areas, but the low confidence level and limited single-year analysis warrant caution.
- Structural Problems and Transmission/Drivetrain each account for 36 complaints, the highest counts.
- Brake System complaints total 35, nearly as high as the top two categories.
- There are 20 airbag malfunction complaints and 14 forward collision avoidance (AEB) complaints.
- 12 crash-related complaints are reported out of 199 total.
- Structural Problems (36 complaints)
- Transmission/Drivetrain issues (36 complaints)
- Brake System problems (35 complaints)
All 2022 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Structural Problems | 36 | 1 | β | β | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 36 | 1 | 1 | β | |
| Brake System | 35 | 3 | β | β | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 30 | 1 | β | β | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 20 | 7 | β | β | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 14 | 4 | β | β | |
| Electrical Faults | 14 | β | 1 | β | |
| Engine Problems | 10 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 9 | β | β | β | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 8 | 1 | β | β | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 8 | 1 | β | β | |
| Lane Departure | 7 | β | β | β | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Visibility | 5 | β | β | β | |
| Back Over Prevention | 4 | 1 | β | β | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | β | β | β | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 3 | β | β | β | |
| Door Lock Issues | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Chest Clip | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Buckle | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Harness | 2 | β | β | β | |
| Child Seat | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Steering Defects | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Equipment | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Air | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Insert | 1 | β | β | β | |
| Padding | 1 | β | β | β |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. βtransmissionβ, βstallingβ, βbrakesβ) to filter.
Goodwill Repair for my 2022 Highlander transmission whine, referencing TSB T-SB-0008-21γβ
During very cold tempratures 25 F and below all windows fog up. Defroster is turned on but windows remain fogged. I can turn on rear defroster (electric grid) and clears back window. All windows fog so you cannot see out. With front defroster fan on high it will after a time (staβ¦
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, water was leaking from the overhead console on the driver's side, where the sunglasses holder was located. Additionally, water stains were on the headliner above the driverβs sβ¦
During start up Headlight system malfunction and Pre-Collision system failure lights and waring came on.
During start up LTA malfunction, Pre-Collision system malfunction and Headlight system malfunction lights and warning indicators came on.
During start up SRS airbag system malfunction, front camera unavailable, pre-collision system malfunction and LTA malfunction lights and warnings came on.
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious mechanical issue involving the transfer case on my 2022 Toyota Highlander. This problem raises concerns regarding the safety, reliability, and overall performance of the vehicle. While driving, I began hβ¦
I am reporting a premature transmission failure on a 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting a whining noise. When brought into the Toyota Dealership, I was notified that it needs a full transmission replacement. The vehicle was inspβ¦
The struts for the tailgate appear to be a problem for these cars. Mine are failing intermittently and so if the technicians donβt witness it, they refuse to cover it under warranty. If I crash and the trunk is the only way out, I willl die. The trunk gets stuck and wonβt open orβ¦
Rear tailgate wonβt open ir close correctly. The keyfob or the button om the tailgate wonβt work. Really heavy tailgate to close manually.
The transmission began making a whining noise at about 70,000 miles. It gradually became more noticeable. We had recently completed a thorough service, including transmission fluid exchange at 68,538 miles at a Toyota dealer. In March 2026 we took it to a Toyota dealer at 75,196 β¦
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it waβ¦
Noticed a sound coming from the car. I took it to the dealership which they said I would need my transmission replaced. They could only get me a refurbished one, which after parts and labor, it would cost 10,000 dollars. Upon talking with the technician, the transmission my car uβ¦
Vehicle: 2022 Toyota Highlander Limited Mileage at failure: ~60,000 miles The driver seat began moving rearward without any driver input while the vehicle was being driven. The movement was intermittent and occurred multiple times over several days. In one incident, the seat moβ¦
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while using the rear liftgate with the key fob or the actuator on the liftgate door, the liftgate failed to raise properly and failed to close properly. The contact stated that the liftgate made a beeping sound anβ¦
LIFTGATE MALFUNCTION
Transmission failure of 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at 82,329 miles. Safety compromised due to possible roadside failure.
Component or system that malfunctioned: The braking system on my 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, specifically the transition between regenerative braking and hydraulic friction braking, appears to malfunction intermittently. During braking, the vehicle sometimes lurches or surges β¦
Transmission failed at 63,000 miles, new transmission was installed.
UA80 Transmission failure @ 3.5 yrs old and 89k miles.
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2022 Toyota Highlander.
2022 Toyota Highlander Recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2022 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?βΎ
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 199 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2022 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
#1: Structural Problems (36 complaints). #2: Transmission / Drivetrain (36 complaints). #3: Brake System (35 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2022 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2022 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2022 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 199 total complaints. 8 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?βΎ
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2022 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2022 Toyota Highlander?βΎ
The 2022 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Structural Problems during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2022 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.