NHTSA (USA)High Risk
At a glance
What can fail
This page covers 6 recalls, 209 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2022 Toyota Highlander.
23–36 mpg combined
6.5–10.2 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 5 tested variants for this model year.
5/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints about the 2022 Highlander cluster most heavily around the structure and powertrain, with brake-related reports close behind. The power liftgate is a standout structural issue, owners frequently describe the motorized struts failing to close the rear hatch, sometimes accompanied by grinding or whining noises during operation. Because the electric motors are integrated into the struts, manually forcing the hatch closed is reported to be unusually difficult. On the powertrain and electronics side, owners report clusters of simultaneous warning messages covering the pre-collision system, lane-tracing assist, headlights, and front camera, often several alerts triggering at the same time. A smaller but recurring pattern involves interior fogging during cold weather, where owners report that the standard front defroster clears windows slowly or incompletely, while side windows can remain obstructed for extended periods.
209
Total Complaints
12
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
2
With Injuries
By System
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has 6 recalls, the most serious involving second-row seat backs that may fail to lock into position during adjustment, leaving an occupant without proper support in a crash.
Two recalls address tires fitted with an insufficient load rating on certain Highlander L and LE models equipped with 20-inch wheels, including those sold with a Blackout Package. Tires carrying more weight than they are rated for can overheat and fail, potentially causing a blowup at speed. These recalls apply to vehicles distributed through specific regional distributors, so not all Highlanders with 20-inch tires are affected. On the exterior, the front lower bumper cover can work loose during ordinary driving after minor contact and detach fully, becoming a hazard for other vehicles on the road.
The electronic stability control system on Highlander Hybrid models can have a software fault that deactivates it without warning. Stability control is what helps the vehicle hold its line during hard cornering or on slippery surfaces, so losing it raises the risk of a skid the driver cannot recover from. Rounding out the list is a label concern affecting certain vehicles sold through Gulf States Toyota: the load carrying capacity sticker inside the door jamb can fade and become unreadable, making it impossible for an owner or loader to know how much weight the vehicle can safely carry.
At a glance
What can fail
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Driver Assistance
Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
The second-row seat backs may not lock securely when adjusted, potentially moving unexpectedly during vehicle operation.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Twenty-inch accessory tires installed on certain 2021-2024 Highlanders have load ratings below what the vehicle's axle weight capacity requires, violating federal tire safety standards.
What the fix does
Toyota will inspect and replace the tires and information placard at no cost as needed.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tires on certain 2022-2024 Highlander L and LE vehicles with the Blackout Package have a load rating that is too low for the vehicle's weight requirements.
What the fix does
Tires will be inspected and replaced as needed, and a new tire information label will be installed at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The front lower bumper cover may come loose or detach from minor impacts during normal driving.
What the fix does
Dealers will repair or replace the front bumper covers at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The label showing your vehicle's load carrying capacity may fade and become unreadable over time, making it impossible to determine safe weight limits.
What the fix does
Toyota will mail you a replacement load carrying capacity label and instructions to install it yourself at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The Skid Control computer software may not automatically restart the Vehicle Stability Control system when you restart your vehicle after turning it off. This means VSC could remain disabled without your knowledge.
What the fix does
Dealers will update the Skid Control computer software at no cost to restore proper VSC restart operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.