Seats: mid
Free remedy
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.
Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
2022 Toyota Highlander HybridRecalls, problems, MPG & safety
NHTSA lists 4 safety recalls and 6 owner complaints for the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Most complaints involve electrical system (2) and engine (2). The EPA rates it 35–36 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.
Combined MPG
35–36mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
4campaigns
Latest Mar 2026
Owner complaints
6
Top: electrical system
Fuel cost / yr
$1,750est.
EPA estimate, best version
Safety recalls
4 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN
Structure: bumpers
Free remedy
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.
Equipment: labels
Free remedy
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."
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 11, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
Owner complaints by component
6 complaints filed with NHTSA · Jul 2023 – Mar 2026
- Electrical system2
- Engine2
- Service brakes2
- Steering1
- Vehicle speed control1
- Structure1
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 11, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
What owners report most
Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component
Electrical system
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the second-row seats had been making an abnormal rattling sound. Additionally, the contact stated that there was an abnormally strong foul odor inside the vehicle. The contact stated that upon taking the vehicle to the car wash, the contact was informed that the foul odor was coming from the steering wheel. The contact stated that the foul odor was stronger while the steering heater was engaged, causing the contact to suffer from headaches. The contact stated that the foul odor was transferred to the driver's hands, requiring the driver to thoroughly wash his hands. The contact had not received medical assistance. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was only included in the second-row seats recall. The contact was referred to the dealer for assistance. The dealer was not yet contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000.”
Engine
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and became aware that the front lower bumper had detached on the driver's side and was dragging on the road. The bumper was attached by one screw. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V72000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the grill shutter had been damaged and needed to be repaired. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was informed that the grill shutter had not been repaired correctly causing the check engine warning light to be illuminated. The dealer repaired the vehicle again. The contact stated that after repairing the vehicle, while driving approximately 40 miles down the road, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that underneath the grill shutter had not been repaired. The dealer…”
Service brakes
2 reports
“The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine surged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.”
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 11, 2026
Engines, transmissions & drive
3 versions rated by the EPA
- EPA class
- Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl hybrid
- Transmissions
- Automatic (AV-S6)
- Drive
- Front-Wheel Drive · All-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Regular Gasoline
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026EPA listing
EPA fuel economy by version
City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Hybrid Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · Front-Wheel Drive | 36 | 35 | 36 | $1,750 | 245 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 35 | 35 | $1,800 | 254 |
| Highlander Hybrid AWD LTD/PLAT Auto (AV-S6), 4 cyl, 2.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 35 | 34 | 35 | $1,800 | 253 |
- 36mpg comb.
- 35mpg comb.
- 35mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 11, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings
2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV AWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.9%
Overall
5 / 5
Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV FWD
- Frontal crash
- 4 of 5
- Side crash
- 5 of 5
- Side pole
- 5 of 5
- Rollover
- 4 of 5
- Rollover risk
- 16.4%
Maintenance basics
General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
| Item | Miles | Time | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engine oil & filter | 5,000–10,000 mi | 6–12 months | Follow the oil-life monitor if fitted |
| Tire rotation | 5,000–7,500 mi | Every oil change | Check pressure monthly |
| Engine air filter | 15,000–30,000 mi | 1–2 years | Sooner in dusty areas |
| Cabin air filter | 15,000–25,000 mi | 1–2 years | |
| Brake fluid | — | 2–3 years | Absorbs moisture over time |
| Coolant | 60,000–100,000 mi | 5–10 years | Long-life coolants last longer |
| Spark plugs | 60,000–100,000 mi | — | Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end |
| 12V battery | — | 3–5 years | Heat shortens battery life |
- Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi
6–12 months - Tire rotation5,000–7,500 mi
Every oil change - Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi
1–2 years - Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi
1–2 years - Brake fluid—
2–3 years - Coolant60,000–100,000 mi
5–10 years - Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi
— - 12V battery—
3–5 years
Typical intervals for modern cars. Severe service (towing, short trips, extreme heat or cold) shortens them.
2022 Highlander Hybrid questions
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have?
4 safety recalls as of Nov 11, 2026, according to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at a dealer. Check your VIN to see whether your car is included and whether the repair was done.
What are the most common 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?
Owners filed 6 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are electrical system (2), engine (2), service brakes (2). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.
What MPG does the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
The EPA rates the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at 35–36 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
How safe is the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid 5 out of 5 stars overall.
Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 11, 2026