Last updated: 2026-03-04

74
GoodReliability score: 74 out of 100, rated Good
2022 Toyota Highlander

2022 Toyota Highlander Reliability Score & Common Problems

The 2022 Toyota Highlander scores 74/100 ("Good"). With 7 recalls and 186 owner complaints, reliability is acceptable but not class-leading.

2022 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (XU70).

Recalls

7

Complaints

186

Complaint Rate

8.3

per 10k sold

Below avg

Est. Annual Cost

$489

Below avg

Major Repair Risk

13%

NHTSA Rating

5/5

Score Breakdown

Complaint Severity35%
68/100 (Good)

Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume

Repair Costs30%
80/100 (Excellent)

Independent repair cost ratings

Recall Impact20%
68/100 (Good)

Recall count weighted by severity

Issue Diversity15%
84/100 (Excellent)

Breadth of reported problem categories

Consider

Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.

Top Issues

SERVICE BRAKES (30)STRUCTURE (30)POWER TRAIN (30)

7 recalls on record

Generation & Refresh (US)

Post-Redesign (Year 3)

2022 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (XU70).

  • Redesigned for the 2020 model year.
  • Well-established in its generation — most early issues should be resolved.
  • 4th generation Highlander (US).

What this means for buyers

Well into the generation cycle — most design and manufacturing issues should be resolved by now.

Fourth generation (XU70)

2020redesign
2021
2022selected
2023
2024
2025
2026

Should You Buy the 2022 Toyota Highlander?

The 2022 Toyota Highlander scores 74/100 ("Good"), placing it in acceptable but not class-leading territory. 2022 is year 3 of the Fourth generation (XU70).

With 186 owner complaints, some reported issues may need attention, but we don't yet see evidence of a single dominant failure mode.

A pre-purchase inspection is recommended for used examples, with particular attention to power train (30). An extended warranty may provide additional peace of mind.

Compared to the 2023 Toyota Highlander, which scored 1 points lower. See also the 2021 Toyota Highlander for an earlier comparison.

Pros

  • Acceptable reliability score
  • $84 cheaper to maintain than avg midsize SUVs
  • Infrequent unscheduled repairs
  • Low major repair risk (13%)

Cons

  • Above-average recall count
  • SERVICE BRAKES issues reported (30 complaints)
  • STRUCTURE issues reported (30 complaints)

Compare 2022 Toyota Highlander With

Common Problem Categories

Safety

  • 7 manufacturer recalls issued

Other

  • SERVICE BRAKES (30)
  • STRUCTURE (30)
  • POWER TRAIN (30)
  • UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20)
  • AIR BAGS (19)
  • ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)
  • VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)
  • EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5)
  • VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5)
  • FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4)
  • VISIBILITY (4)
  • TIRES (4)
  • SEAT BELTS (3)
  • SEATS (3)
  • LANE DEPARTURE (2)
  • LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES (2)
  • Chest Clip (2)
  • CHILD SEAT (1)
  • STEERING (1)
  • ENGINE (1)
  • BACK OVER PREVENTION (1)
  • EQUIPMENT (1)

See detailed breakdown by component ↓

Recall Overview

7

recalls on record

The 2022 Toyota Highlander has 7 recalls on record, which is above average. A higher recall count can indicate multiple component concerns. However, recalls also demonstrate that the manufacturer is actively addressing known issues. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

NHTSA.gov →

Complaint Breakdown

8.3

per 10k sold

Segment avg: 13.7

LowAvgHigh
Low

Safety Incidents

Crashes

12

Fires

1

Injuries

8

Deaths

1

Data sourced from NHTSA complaint filings and manufacturer recall notices. Complaint narratives are owner-reported.

2022 Toyota Highlander Recall Details

7 recalls have been issued for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. All recall repairs are performed free of charge at authorized dealerships.

24V4520002024-06-18

TIRES

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."

Consequence

Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.

24V4190002024-06-06

TIRES

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."

Consequence

Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.

23V7200002023-10-26

STRUCTURE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.

Consequence

A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.

2022 Toyota Highlander NHTSA Safety Ratings

Overall Safety Rating

Overall safety rating: 5 out of 5
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)

Gas Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.9%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)

HEV Powertrain

Driver: 4/5Passenger: 4/5

Rollover risk: 16.4%

Safety Technologies

Dynamic Head Restraints (Not Available)Head Restraint (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Advanced Belt Feature (Standard)Adjustable Upper Belt Anchorage (Driver, Front Passenger)Seat Belt Reminder System (Not Available)Frontal Air Bag (Driver, Front Passenger)Curtain (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat, 3rd row)Torso/Pelvis (Driver, Front Passenger)Knee (Driver)Additional Air Bags (Seat Pan Airbag)Meets Side Air Bag Out-of-Position Requirements (Yes)LATCH Locations (Rear Seat)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) (Standard)Safety Power Windows (Anti-Pinch) locations (Driver, Front Passenger, Rear Seat)
View full safety data on NHTSA.gov →

Toyota Highlander Repair Costs & Maintenance

Maintenance Rating

4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5

Based on NHTSA complaint patterns, recall severity, and publicly available cost benchmarks.

Est. Annual Maintenance

$489

vs $573 avg for midsize SUVs

vs $652 avg for all vehicles

Repair Frequency

0.3

unscheduled repair visits per year

Severe Repair Probability

13%

chance of a major repair

Annual Cost Comparison

Highlander
$489
Category Avg
$573
All Vehicles
$652

Category-level averages derived from publicly available industry reports (AAA, CarMD). Model-level estimates produced by Auto Reliability Index.

When Buying a Used 2022 Toyota Highlander

Key things to inspect or verify before purchasing, based on the most common reported issues.

  • Listen for whining noise from transmission during test drive
  • Check for any transmission replacement history
  • Test brakes for surging or loss of power during slow stops
  • Inspect for proper operation of rear power liftgate
  • Verify infotainment system functions without glitches
  • Check for any open recalls and ensure they are resolved

Check Any 2022 Toyota Highlander's History Before You Buy

Reliability scores tell you what to expect from the 2022 Highlander in general — but every car has its own story. Uncover past accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and service records for a specific Toyota Highlander with a free VIN lookup.

Powered by VINExposed.com — free vehicle history reports using public title and safety data.

2022 Toyota Highlander Common Problems by Component

186 owner complaints grouped by vehicle system.

30
30
30
20
19
34
SERVICE BRAKES (30)STRUCTURE (30)POWER TRAIN (30)UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20)AIR BAGS (19)ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10)VISIBILITY/WIPER (8)EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5)Other (34)

SERVICE BRAKES

30 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the braking system, with many describing a sensation of the vehicle surging or lunging forward when attempting to stop. Typical symptoms include a momentary loss of braking power, unexpected acceleration, and a spongy brake pedal feel, often requiring drivers to apply additional pressure to the brakes. These issues are particularly noted during low-speed braking, downhill driving, or when transitioning from regenerative to mechanical braking in hybrid models. Complaints often mention that these problems have been present since the vehicle was new, with some owners experiencing them as frequently as several times per week. Safety implications are significant, as two complaints reference crashes, and multiple reports express concern over the potential to cause collisions. This information is crucial for used car buyers considering this model, as it highlights a pattern of intermittent braking failures that could impact safety.

30 complaints total2 crashes

STRUCTURE

30 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's front bumper cover detaching, often while driving at highway speeds. Typical symptoms include abnormal sounds such as popping or dragging, and visual observations of the bumper hanging or detaching completely. These issues are often reported around 7,000 to 50,000 miles. Some owners indicate that the detachment of the bumper can lead to temporary loss of control or create road hazards for other drivers. Additionally, there are complaints about delays in the availability of parts needed for recall repairs, which may affect the ability to address these issues promptly.

30 complaints total

POWER TRAIN

30 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report frequent transmission failures in the 2022 Toyota Highlander, often accompanied by a whining noise, particularly between 35,000 and 89,000 miles. Symptoms commonly described include difficulty accelerating, jerking during gear shifts, and unusual noises, with some instances leading to complete transmission replacement. One complaint involves a crash where the vehicle lurched forward unexpectedly, highlighting potential safety risks. Buyers considering this model should be aware of these issues and the potential for costly repairs outside of warranty coverage.

30 complaints total1 crash1 fire
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20 complaints)

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 complaints

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently report issues with the vehicle's moonroof, which shatters unexpectedly, often described as sounding like a gunshot or loud bang, creating a safety hazard due to distraction and potential glass intrusion. Complaints also highlight problems with the power liftgate failing to close properly, with parts on backorder and unresolved warranty claims. Additionally, multiple reports describe the driver side mirror vibrating at higher speeds, causing distraction and safety concerns. These issues are often reported within the first year of ownership, with some vehicles having as few as 2,100 miles. Buyers should be aware of these potential safety implications, including sudden acceleration during braking and unexpected glass breakage, which could pose risks while driving.

20 complaints total
AIR BAGS (19 complaints)

AIR BAGS

19 complaintsSafety-related

Owners report that the 2022 Toyota Highlander experiences airbag system malfunctions, particularly when parked in the sun, with issues often resolving after restarting the vehicle. Multiple complaints describe water leaks into the airbag area due to faulty roof rail clips, potentially affecting airbag functionality. Several reports involve crashes where airbags did not deploy, with some incidents resulting in injuries. These issues are noted across varying mileage ranges, with some occurring shortly after purchase. Used car buyers should be aware of the potential for airbag system malfunctions and water intrusion affecting safety features.

19 complaints total7 crashes8 injuries
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

10 complaints

Owners report several issues with the 2022 Toyota Highlander's electrical system, notably involving the infotainment head unit and power liftgate. Complaints frequently mention the head unit going blank or glitching, affecting navigation, climate control, and camera systems, with some repairs requiring multiple dealer visits. The power liftgate is described as intermittently failing to open or close, posing a risk of cargo loss or exhaust fumes entering the cabin. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle shutting off or losing control at highway speeds, often accompanied by warning lights, with some incidents occurring under 20,000 miles. Safety implications include potential loss of vehicle control and inability to exit through the rear liftgate in emergencies.

10 complaints total
VISIBILITY/WIPER (8 complaints)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

8 complaints

Owners report two primary issues with the 2022 Toyota Highlander related to visibility and wipers. The most frequently mentioned problem involves the driver's side mirror vibrating at speeds over 20 miles per hour, which several owners describe as impairing visibility and causing distractions, particularly during lane changes and at night. This issue has been acknowledged by Toyota, but owners indicate no resolution has been provided. Another reported issue involves the windshield, with complaints about it chipping easily and developing cracks, as well as fogging and frost forming in colder temperatures despite using the defroster. These issues are noted to occur even under normal driving conditions and have potential safety implications due to reduced visibility.

8 complaints total
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5 complaints)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

5 complaints

Owners report that the 2022 Toyota Highlander frequently has issues with headlights aimed too high from the factory, which leads to other drivers flashing their high beams in response. Complaints consistently describe this as a problem from the moment the vehicle is driven off the dealer's lot. Additionally, one owner mentions a headlight system malfunction warning light appearing at startup, which resolved after restarting the vehicle. These issues have safety implications, as improperly aimed headlights can cause visibility problems for other drivers at night. Buyers considering a used 2022 Highlander should be aware of potential lighting adjustment needs.

5 complaints total
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

5 complaintsSafety-related

Owners of the 2022 Toyota Highlander report issues related to unintended acceleration and loss of vehicle control. Complaints frequently mention the vehicle accelerating independently, even when the brake pedal is depressed, occurring at mileage as low as 13,000 and up to 36,000. One incident resulted in a crash when the vehicle surged backward unexpectedly, leading to a collision with a tree. Additionally, there are reports of the vehicle skidding and veering off course while driving at constant speeds in snowy conditions, with no warning lights or error codes detected. These issues suggest potential safety risks, including loss of control and unintended acceleration, which are critical considerations for prospective buyers.

5 complaints total1 crash
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

4 complaints

Owners report issues with the fuel system of the 2022 Toyota Highlander, particularly concerning the inability to fill the fuel tank to its advertised capacity. Multiple complaints describe the tank only accommodating approximately 14 gallons, despite being advertised as having a capacity of between 17.1 to 17.9 gallons. This results in inaccurate fuel gauge readings and reduced driving range, with some owners noting premature depletion of fuel. Additionally, one owner reports a transmission issue at 73,000 miles, requiring replacement and leading to significant vehicle downtime. No safety incidents such as crashes or fires are mentioned in the complaints. These issues may affect a used car buyer's decision, especially regarding potential repair costs and vehicle usability.

4 complaints total

When Do 2022 Toyota Highlander Problems Start?

Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.

35,000–89,000 milesTransmission failures

Best & Worst Toyota Highlander Years

Best Toyota Highlander Years to Buy

The best Toyota Highlander year is 2025 with a reliability score of 76/100, rated good. Other strong picks include 2022 (74/100) and 2023 (73/100).

Toyota Highlander Years to Avoid

No Toyota Highlander years are statistical outliers in our data — all years score consistently.

See full Toyota Highlander years-to-avoid analysis →

Toyota Highlander Reliability Score Trend

Toyota Highlander reliability has remained consistent across model years, averaging 72/100.

avg 72
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
25

Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.

Toyota Highlander reliability scores by year
YearScoreRating
201872/100Good
201970/100Good
202071/100Good
202170/100Good
202274/100Good
202373/100Good
202467/100Good
202576/100Good

Toyota Highlander Reliability Compared to Other Years

Reliability scores compared across model years
YearScorevs Prior YearRatingRecallsComplaints
202672/100 (predicted)Predicted00
202576/100+9Good840
202467/100-6Good16198
202373/100-1Good13140
2022(selected)74/100+4Good7186
202170/100-1Good6403
202071/100+1Good8269
201970/100-2Good3414
201872/100Good5242

2022 Toyota Highlander Reliability by Powertrain

The 2022 Toyota Highlander is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.

Reliability comparison across powertrain options
PowertrainComplaintsRecallsIncidents*Crash Rating
Gas1814135 out of 5
HEV5305 out of 5
Total186713

NHTSA tracks complaints separately for each powertrain configuration. Totals reflect the sum across all variants. N/T = Not tested by NHTSA.

* Incidents = crash + fire reports. A single complaint can include multiple incident types.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has a "Good" reliability rating with a score of 74/100. It is reasonably reliable with 7 recalls and 186 owner complaints, though some issues have been reported.
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
The most commonly reported problems with the 2022 Toyota Highlander include: SERVICE BRAKES (30 complaints), STRUCTURE (30 complaints), POWER TRAIN (30 complaints), UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20 complaints), AIR BAGS (19 complaints). These issues were identified from owner complaints analyzed by Auto Reliability Index.
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has 7 recalls on record. Recalls are safety or compliance fixes issued by the manufacturer and repaired at no cost at authorized dealerships.
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander expensive to maintain?
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has estimated annual repair costs of $489/year, which is $84 less than the midsize SUVs average of $573. With a reliability score of 74/100, some repairs may be needed, but overall ownership costs are manageable.

How We Calculate Reliability Scores

Auto Reliability Index scores are calculated on a 0–100 scale using a weighted formula that combines multiple public data sources. Each factor is weighted based on its predictive value for real-world ownership experience.

Key Ranking Factors

1

Complaint Severity

NHTSA owner complaints weighted by component category (e.g., powertrain, safety systems, electronics, cosmetic) — safety-critical issues carry more weight than cosmetic ones. Adjusted for sales volume so high-volume models aren't unfairly penalized.

2

Repair Costs

Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.

3

Recall Impact

Number of NHTSA recalls weighted by severity. “Stop driving” and fire-risk recalls are penalized more heavily than minor software or labeling recalls.

4

Issue Diversity

Measures how many major vehicle systems (engine, transmission, electrical, braking, etc.) have recorded complaints. A vehicle with issues spread across many systems may indicate systemic quality issues.

Scores are grouped into four tiers:

  • 80–100: Excellent — Top-tier reliability, minimal issues
  • 60–79: Good — Reliable with some minor concerns
  • 40–59: Mixed — Notable issues, research before buying
  • 0–39: Risky — Significant problems, proceed with caution

Data is sourced from NHTSA recall records, owner complaint filings, and independent repair databases. Scores are recalculated as new data becomes available. While the weighting model is proprietary, all underlying data sources are public and traceable.

See incorrect data? Report an issue