Problems · NHTSA complaints

2022 Toyota Highlander problems

Owners filed 266 complaints about the 2022 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA between Nov 2021 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (55).

Complaints
266
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
20
Reported by owners
Fires
1
Reported by owners
Injuries
16
People reported injured
Deaths
1
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  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
  10. Lane departure11
  11. Visibility/wiper10
  12. Fuel/propulsion system10
  13. Vehicle speed control8
  14. Visibility7

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 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20211
202235
202340
202445
202547
202698

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

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 crash1 related recall
“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

Air bags

32 reports11 crashes
“Headlight system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, LTA malfunction, SRS airbag system malfunction and SRS malfunction lights came on after start up.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 24, 2026Electrical system, Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11773377

Electrical system

23 reports1 crash1 fire
“The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around an S-curb, the vehicle jerked into the nearby lane. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 15, 2026Electrical systemODI 11764306

Forward collision avoidance

22 reports4 crashes
“SRS air bag system malfunction, front camera unavailable, RSA malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, headlight system malfunction and LTA malfunction lights came on.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Sep 26, 2026Exterior lighting, Air bags, Forward collision avoidanceODI 11767158
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026

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