Seats: mid
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.
Complaints for each Highlander model year we’ve synced.
| Model year | NHTSA complaints |
|---|---|
| 2001 | 136 |
| 2002 | 327 |
| 2003 | 270 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 225 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 406 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 238 |
| 2011 | 187 |
| 2012 | 191 |
| 2013 | 212 |
| 2014 | 138 |
| 2015 | 193 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 271 |
| 2018 | 273 |
| 2019 | 508 |
| 2020 | 323 |
| 2021 | 535 |
| 2022 | 266 |
| 2023 | 189 |
| 2024 | 43 |
| 2025 | 10 |
“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.”
“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…”
“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.”
Towing, payload and dimensions aren’t in the EPA or NHTSA data, so we don’t list them.
| Version | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Highlander Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI; Stop-Start · Front-Wheel Drive | 21 | 29 | 24 | $2,700 | 372 |
| Highlander Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L, SIDI & PFI · Front-Wheel Drive | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,800 | 389 |
| Highlander AWD Auto (S8), 6 cyl, 3.5 L · All-Wheel Drive | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,800 | 387 |
| 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 |
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.
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.
The EPA rates the 2022 Toyota Highlander at 23–24 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain (3 versions rated).
NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program gives the 2022 Toyota Highlander 5 out of 5 stars overall.