2022 Toyota Highlander Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
85/100
#4 most-complained of 21 Highlander years
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has 249 NHTSA complaints and a complaint index of 85, ranking 4th worst out of 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict. Structure & Body issues lead at 24% of complaints, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 21%.
- Complaints
- 249
- Recalls
- 5
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 1
- Injuries / deaths
- 13 / 1
- NHTSA overall rating
- 5 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 23
- 20 city / 28 hwy
Top 2022 Toyota Highlander problems
NHTSA owner complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Structure & Body59 (24%)
- Transmission & Powertrain53 (21%)
- Other41 (16%)
- Brakes38 (15%)
- Electrical System25 (10%)
- Airbags23 (9%)
- Collision Avoidance & Cameras19 (8%)
- Engine17 (7%)
- Visibility & Wipers16 (6%)
- Fuel System10 (4%)
What owners report
- Brakes reportedly fail to engage after the vehicle sits idling for 15 to 20 minutes, leading to low-speed collisions.
- Some owners describe the vehicle surging backward or lurching forward unexpectedly during parking maneuvers, even with the brake pedal applied.
- Airbags have reportedly failed to deploy during frontal or side-impact collisions despite forceful crashes.
- The forward collision and automatic braking system reportedly failed to detect other vehicles at intersections, preventing automatic braking.
- The backup camera reportedly goes blank intermittently while in reverse, and the proximity warning chime fails to sound.
- Owners report the fuel tank does not hold its advertised capacity, showing full on the gauge well before reaching rated volume.
2022 Toyota Highlander recalls
5 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 26V128000Mar 5, 2026Structure & Body686,588 vehicles
Seats:mid/rear assembly:recliner
Toyota 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.
Risk: 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 Toyotaâs customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
- NHTSA 24V452000Jun 18, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires4,763 vehicles
Tires
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.
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 24V419000Jun 6, 2024Suspension, Wheels & Tires4,869 vehicles
Tires
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.
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.
2022 Toyota Highlander fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 20 MPG
- Highway
- 28 MPG
- Combined
- 23 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $2,800
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2022 compared with other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- NHTSA data shows 249 complaints and a complaint index of 85 for the 2022 Highlander, ranking it 4th worst among 21 model years, with an Avoid verdict relative to other Highlander years.
- What are the main problems with the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
- Structure & Body complaints make up 24% of reports, followed by Transmission & Powertrain at 21% and Brakes at 15%, according to NHTSA data.
- Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 5 recalls for the 2022 Highlander, covering structure/body seat back locking, tire load rating issues, front bumper cover corrosion risk, and mislabeled capacity stickers; none are do-not-drive recalls.
- Are airbags a concern on the 2022 Highlander?
- Airbags account for 23 complaints, 9% of the total, with 9 crashes reported in that category, including instances where airbags failed to deploy in collisions.
- How does the 2022 Highlander compare to other model years?
- With a complaint index of 85, the 2022 Highlander ranks worse than most other years; only 2019 (95), 2021 (100), and 2020 (90) score higher, while years like 2024 and 2025 carry Best verdicts with much lower indexes.