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
Complaints by component
One complaint can cite several components
- Power train55
- Structure43
- Service brakes38
- Air bags32
- Electrical system23
- Forward collision avoidance22
- Seats14
- Exterior lighting12
- Engine11
- Lane departure11
- Visibility/wiper10
- Fuel/propulsion system10
- Vehicle speed control8
- 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
When complaints were filed
Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
1
35
40
45
47
98
View as table
| Model year | Complaints filed per calendar year |
|---|---|
| 2021 | 1 |
| 2022 | 35 |
| 2023 | 40 |
| 2024 | 45 |
| 2025 | 47 |
| 2026 | 98 |
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.
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.”
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…”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.”
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.