How common are transmission problems in the 2022 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA lists 53 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Highlander, which makes up 21% of the 249 total complaints filed for that model year.

Is there a recall for the 2022 Toyota Highlander transmission?

No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls for this issue on the 2022 Highlander.

At what mileage do these transmission problems usually happen?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 98,000 miles, though some owners reported failures well before that, including cases under 70,000 miles.

What symptoms do owners report before the transmission fails?

Owners commonly describe a whining or revving noise when accelerating, hesitation or surging at low speeds, and in some cases complete loss of power or inability to move.

Did the transmission issue cause any crashes?

NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2022 Highlander lists 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the 53 complaints.

2022 Toyota Highlander Transmission & Powertrain Problems

NHTSA lists 53 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, 21% of its 249 total complaints, with a median failure mileage of 98,000. No related recall exists for this issue.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints: 53; 21% of 249
Crashes reported: 3
Fires reported: 1
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 98,000 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical transmission symptoms owners report

Owners describe a high-pitched whining or revving noise when accelerating, often starting around 20 mph and worsening near 35 mph or 3rd gear.
Several complaints describe complete transmission failure requiring full replacement, sometimes with dealers citing a bad bearing or failed torque converter.
Some drivers report the vehicle hesitating, surging, or refusing to accelerate through intersections when trying to move from a stop.
One owner reported a sudden unintended lurch forward while parking that ended in a collision with a pole.
One driver experienced a transmission failure on the highway with fluid leaking from the drivetrain shortly after purchase, leaving the car unable to move.
Owners note the whining/failure pattern appears to be shared with 2021 Highlander models, though no recall has been issued.

When 2022 Toyota Highlander transmission complaints were filed

First complaint Sep 24, 2022, latest Sep 20, 2026.

53 complaints filed with NHTSA from Sep 2022 to Sep 2026; peak Jun 2026 (7).

Transmission & Powertrain recalls for the 2022 Toyota Highlander

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Transmission & Powertrain complaints by Highlander model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

20106 (3%)
201116 (9%)
20127 (4%)
201311 (5%)
20148 (6%)
20157 (4%)
20161 (1%)
201773 (27%)
201865 (25%)
2019195 (40%)
2020125 (40%)
2021222 (43%)
202253 (21%)
202320 (11%)
20243 (7%)
20250 (0%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are transmission problems in the 2022 Toyota Highlander?: NHTSA lists 53 Transmission & Powertrain complaints for the 2022 Highlander, which makes up 21% of the 249 total complaints filed for that model year.
Is there a recall for the 2022 Toyota Highlander transmission?: No. NHTSA does not list any related recalls for this issue on the 2022 Highlander.
At what mileage do these transmission problems usually happen?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA for this problem area is 98,000 miles, though some owners reported failures well before that, including cases under 70,000 miles.
What symptoms do owners report before the transmission fails?: Owners commonly describe a whining or revving noise when accelerating, hesitation or surging at low speeds, and in some cases complete loss of power or inability to move.
Did the transmission issue cause any crashes?: NHTSA data tied to this problem area for the 2022 Highlander lists 3 crashes, 1 fire, and 2 injuries among the 53 complaints.