Research · Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD

2022 Toyota HighlanderRecalls, problems, MPG & safety

NHTSA lists 5 safety recalls and 266 owner complaints for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Most complaints involve power train (55) and structure (43). The EPA rates it 23–24 mpg combined, and NHTSA gives it 5 stars overall.

Combined MPG
23–24mpg
EPA · 3 versions
NHTSA overall
5of 5 stars
NCAP crash tests
Safety recalls
5campaigns
Latest Mar 2026
Owner complaints
266
Top: power train
Fuel cost / yr
$2,700est.
EPA estimate, best version
01 —Recalls

Safety recalls

5 NHTSA campaigns · applies to some vehicles, check your VIN

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.

SeatsReported Mar 5, 2026NHTSA 26V128000

Tires

Free remedy

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."

TiresReported Jun 18, 2024NHTSA 24V452000

Tires

Free remedy

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."

TiresReported Jun 6, 2024NHTSA 24V419000
Data from NHTSA Recalls API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · All recall detailsNHTSA vehicle page
02 —Complaints

Owner complaints by component

266 complaints filed with NHTSA · Nov 2021 – Oct 2026
  1. Power train55
  2. Structure43
  3. Service brakes38
  4. Air bags32
  5. Electrical system23
  6. Forward collision avoidance22
  7. Seats14
  8. Exterior lighting12
  9. Engine11

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

By model year

Complaints for each Highlander model year we’ve synced.

View as table
Model yearNHTSA complaints
2001136
2002327
2003270
2004286
2005225
2006278
2007124
2008406
2009134
2010238
2011187
2012191
2013212
2014138
2015193
2016111
2017271
2018273
2019508
2020323
2021535
2022266
2023189
202443
202510
Crashes reported
20
Fires reported
1
Injuries reported
16
Deaths reported
1
Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Full problem breakdownNHTSA vehicle page
03 —Common problems

What owners report most

Verbatim excerpts from NHTSA complaints, by component

Power train

55 reports4 crashes1 fire
“The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was shuddering however, the vehicle was able to be driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer associated the failure with the transmission. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 21, 2026Power trainODI 11772634

Structure

43 reports1 crash
“I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a failure of the power liftgate on my Toyota Highlander and the fact that I was required to pay out of pocket to have it repaired. The liftgate is an important and frequently used component of the vehicle, and I did not expect it to fail under normal use. When the liftgate stopped functioning properly, I was faced with an unexpected and costly repair expense. I believe Toyota should take responsibility for this failure, particularly given the nature of the component and the circumstances surrounding the repair. I purchased my Highlander with the expectation that Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability would be reflected in the vehicle. Having to pay for a repair resulting from a failed liftgate has been extremely disappointing and has diminished my confidence in the vehicle and the Toyota brand. I am requesting that Toyota review my situation and consider reimbursing me for the cost of the repair. I would also appreciate an explanation as to why this failure occurred and whether Toyota is aware of similar liftgate issues with this model. I am happy to provide my repair invoice, vehicle…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical system, Structure, Unknown or otherODI 11769632

Service brakes

38 reports4 crashes
“On October 22, 2026 at 7:55pm I was slowly pulling into a parking spot at our community building applying the brake when the engine started rapidly accelerating causing the car to jump over the curbing even as I continued to press on the brake pedal. I wasn’t able to stop the vehicle before it crashed into the community building wall. The engine was still racing but the vehicle being lodged in the wall and corner support kept the vehicle from going further into the building. I was finally able to shut off the engine and luckily for me the airbag system didn’t deploy.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Electrical system, Service brakes, EngineCrash reportedODI 11773397
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026
04 —Key specs

Engines, transmissions & drive

3 versions rated by the EPA
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD, Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Engines
3.5L 6-cyl
Transmissions
Automatic (S8)
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 3, 2026EPA listing
05 —Fuel economy

EPA fuel economy by version

City / highway / combined, annual fuel cost and CO₂
EPA
VersionCityHwyComb.Fuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive
212924$2,700372
Highlander
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI · Front-Wheel Drive
202823$2,800389
Highlander AWD
Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive
202723$2,800387
  • Highlander
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start
    21 city · 29 hwy · $2,700/yr
    24
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI
    20 city · 28 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
  • Highlander AWD
    Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L
    20 city · 27 hwy · $2,800/yr
    23
    mpg comb.
Data from EPA fueleconomy.gov · synced Nov 3, 2026 · Fuel cost is EPA’s annual estimate (15,000 mi, 55% city)
06 —Safety

NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings

2 tested variants
Overall rating
5/ 5
5 of 5
Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.4%
Overall
5 / 5
Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD
Frontal crash
4 of 5
Side crash
5 of 5
Side pole
5 of 5
Rollover
4 of 5
Rollover risk
16.9%
Data from NHTSA NCAP Safety Ratings API · synced Nov 3, 2026Vehicle 16668Vehicle 16645
07 —Maintenance

Maintenance basics

General guidance, not the OEM schedule. Check your owner’s manual.
General guidance
ItemMilesTimeNote
Engine oil & filter5,000–10,000 mi6–12 monthsFollow the oil-life monitor if fitted
Tire rotation5,000–7,500 miEvery oil changeCheck pressure monthly
Engine air filter15,000–30,000 mi1–2 yearsSooner in dusty areas
Cabin air filter15,000–25,000 mi1–2 years
Brake fluid—2–3 yearsAbsorbs moisture over time
Coolant60,000–100,000 mi5–10 yearsLong-life coolants last longer
Spark plugs60,000–100,000 mi—Iridium/platinum plugs at the long end
12V battery—3–5 yearsHeat 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.
09 —FAQ

2022 Highlander questions

How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?

5 safety recalls as of Nov 3, 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 problems?

Owners filed 266 complaints with NHTSA. The most-cited components are power train (55), structure (43), service brakes (38). Complaints are unverified owner reports and aren't adjusted for how many cars were sold.

What MPG does the 2022 Toyota Highlander get?

The EPA rates the 2022 Toyota Highlander at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).

How safe is the 2022 Toyota Highlander?

NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Toyota Highlander 5 out of 5 stars overall.

Data from NHTSA & EPA · synced Nov 3, 2026