Last updated: 2026-03-04

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 avgEst. Annual Cost
$489
Below avgMajor Repair Risk
13%
NHTSA Rating
5/5
Score Breakdown
Component-weighted complaints normalized by sales volume
Independent repair cost ratings
Recall count weighted by severity
Breadth of reported problem categories
Acceptable reliability — worth considering with a pre-purchase inspection.
Top Issues
7 recalls on record
Generation & Refresh (US)
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)
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
2022 Volkswagen Atlas
Score: 50/100
2022 Nissan Pathfinder
Score: 66/100
2022 Hyundai Palisade
Score: 65/100
2022 Hyundai Santa-FE
Score: 66/100
2022 Kia Telluride
Score: 63/100
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)
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 soldSegment avg: 13.7
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.
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.
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.
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
Crash Test Results by Configuration (expand)
Gas Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.9%
Safety Technologies
HEV Powertrain
Rollover risk: 16.4%
Safety Technologies
Toyota Highlander Repair Costs & Maintenance
Maintenance Rating
4Maintenance rating: 4 out of 5Based 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
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.
SERVICE BRAKES
30 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
STRUCTURE
30 complaintsOwners 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.
POWER TRAIN
30 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER (20 complaints)
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
20 complaintsOwners 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.
AIR BAGS (19 complaints)
AIR BAGS
19 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM (10 complaints)
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
10 complaintsOwners 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.
VISIBILITY/WIPER (8 complaints)
VISIBILITY/WIPER
8 complaintsOwners 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.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING (5 complaints)
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
5 complaintsOwners 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.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (5 complaints)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
5 complaintsSafety-relatedOwners 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.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM (4 complaints)
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
4 complaintsOwners 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.
When Do 2022 Toyota Highlander Problems Start?
Based on owner complaint patterns, here's when common issues tend to appear.
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).
2025
8 recalls · 40 complaints
2022(this page)
7 recalls · 186 complaints
2023
13 recalls · 140 complaints
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.
Scores 0–100. Higher is better. Current year highlighted.
| Year | Score | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 72/100 | Good |
| 2019 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2020 | 71/100 | Good |
| 2021 | 70/100 | Good |
| 2022 | 74/100 | Good |
| 2023 | 73/100 | Good |
| 2024 | 67/100 | Good |
| 2025 | 76/100 | Good |
Toyota Highlander Reliability Compared to Other Years
2022 Toyota Highlander Reliability by Powertrain
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is available with 2 powertrain options. Here's how they compare on reliability.
| Powertrain | Complaints | Recalls | Incidents* | Crash Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gas | 181 | 4 | 13 | 5 out of 5 |
| HEV | 5 | 3 | 0 | 5 out of 5 |
| Total | 186 | 7 | 13 |
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?
What are the most common problems with the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander expensive to maintain?
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
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.
Repair Costs
Independent reliability ratings based on repair frequency, average repair costs, and severity of typical repairs for each model.
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.
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.
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