Owners have reported 12 crashes, 1 fire, 8 injuries and 1 death to NHTSA for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. These are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defect rates.
Owner complaints30
SERVICE BRAKES
Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the braking system, with many describing a sensation of the vehicle surging or lunging forward when attempting to stop. Typical symptoms include a momentary loss of braking power, unexpected acceleration, and a spongy brake pedal feel, often requiring drivers to apply additional pressure to the brakes. These issues are particularly noted during low-speed braking, downhill driving, or when transitioning from regenerative to mechanical braking in hybrid models. Complaints often mention that these problems have been present since the vehicle was new, with some owners experiencing them as frequently as several times per week. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints reference crashes, and multiple reports express concern over the potential to cause collisions. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering this model, as it highlights a pattern of intermittent braking failures that could impact safety.
Severity signals: 2 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints30
STRUCTURE
Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's front bumper cover detaching, often while driving at highway speeds. Typical symptoms include abnormal sounds such as popping or dragging, and visual observations of the bumper hanging or detaching completely. These issues are often reported around 7,000 to 50,000 miles. Some owners indicate that the detachment of the bumper can lead to temporary loss of control or create road hazards for other drivers. Additionally, there are complaints about delays in the availability of parts needed for recall repairs, which may affect the ability to address these issues promptly.
Owner complaints30
POWER TRAIN
Owners report frequent transmission failures in the 2022 Toyota Highlander, often accompanied by a whining noise, particularly between 35,000 and 89,000 miles. Symptoms commonly described include difficulty accelerating, jerking during gear shifts, and unusual noises, with some instances leading to complete transmission replacement. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle lurched forward unexpectedly, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these issues and the potential for costly repairs outside of warranty coverage.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 1 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints20
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's moonroof, which shatters unexpectedly, often described as sounding like a gunshot or loud bang, creating a safety hazard due to distraction and potential glass intrusion. Complaints also highlight problems with the power liftgate failing to close properly, with parts on backorder and unresolved warranty claims. Additionally, multiple reports describe the driver side mirror vibrating at higher speeds, causing distraction and safety concerns. These issues are often reported within the first year of ownership, with some vehicles having as few as 2,100 miles. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications, including sudden acceleration during braking and unexpected glass breakage, which could pose risks while driving.
Owner complaints19
AIR BAGS
Owners report that the 2022 Toyota Highlander experiences airbag system malfunctions, particularly when parked in the sun, with issues often resolving after restarting the vehicle. Multiple complaints describe water leaks into the airbag area due to faulty roof rail clips, potentially affecting airbag functionality. Several reports involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, with some incidents resulting in injuries. These issues are noted across varying mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential for airbag system malfunctions and water intrusion affecting safety features.
Severity signals: 7 crash, 0 fire, 8 injury reports
Owner complaints10
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Owners report several issues with the 2022 Toyota Highlander's electrical system, notably involving the infotainment head unit and power liftgate. Complaints frequently mention the head unit going blank or glitching, affecting navigation, climate control, and camera systems, with some repairs requiring multiple dealer visits. The power liftgate is described as intermittently failing to open or close, posing a risk of cargo loss or exhaust fumes entering the cabin. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle shutting off or losing control at highway speeds, often accompanied by warning lights, with some incidents occurring under 20,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and inability to exit through the rear liftgate in emergencies.
Owner complaints8
VISIBILITY/WIPER
Owners report two primary issues with the 2022 Toyota Highlander related to visibility and wipers. The most frequently mentioned problem involves the driver's side mirror vibrating at speeds over 20 miles per hour, which several owners describe as impairing visibility and causing distractions, particularly during lane changes and at night. This issue has been acknowledged by Toyota, but owners indicate no resolution has been provided. Another reported issue involves the windshield, with complaints about it chipping easily and developing cracks, as well as fogging and frost forming in colder temperatures despite using the defroster. These issues are noted to occur even under normal driving conditions and have potential safety implications due to reduced visibility.
Owner complaints5
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
Owners report that the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently has issues with headlights aimed too high from the factory, which leads to other drivers flashing their high beams in response. Complaints consistently describe this as a problem from the moment the vehicle is driven off the dealer's lot. Additionally, one owner mentions a headlight system malfunction warning light appearing at startup, which resolved after restarting the vehicle. These issues have safety implications, as improperly aimed headlights can cause visibility problems for other drivers at night. Buyers considering a used 2022 Highlander should be aware of potential lighting adjustment needs.
Owner complaints5
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander report issues related to unintended acceleration and loss of vehicle control. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating independently, even when the brake pedal is depressed, occurring at mileage as low as 13,000 and up to 36,000. One incident resulted in a crash when the vehicle surged backward unexpectedly, leading to a collision with a tree. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle skidding and veering off course while driving at constant speeds in snowy conditions, with no warning lights or error codes detected. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including loss of control and unintended acceleration, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.
Severity signals: 1 crash, 0 fire, 0 injury reports
Owner complaints4
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Owners report issues with the fuel system of the 2022 Toyota Highlander, particularly concerning the inability to fill the fuel tank to its advertised capacity. Multiple complaints describe the tank only accommodating approximately 14 gallons, despite being advertised as having a capacity of between 17.1 to 17.9 gallons. This results in inaccurate fuel gauge readings and reduced driving range, with some owners noting premature depletion of fuel. Additionally, one owner reports a transmission issue at 73,000 miles, requiring replacement and leading to significant vehicle downtime. No safety incidents such as crashes or fires are mentioned in the complaints. These issues may affect a used car buyer's decision, especially regarding potential repair costs and vehicle usability.
