Toyota Highlander Complaints (2022)

272 consumer complaints on file.

#11687960September 17, 2025
POWER TRAIN, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: AUTOMATIC EMERGENCY BRAKING
I own a 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE (UA80E transmission, ~66k mi). The vehicle exhibits a severe transmission defect: uncommanded braking/drag at 35–40 mph and sudden loss of power when accelerating from a stop, making merging/crossing intersections dangerous. Two Toyota dealers (Bryan Toyota and Plano Toyota) reproduced the issue, documented the vehicle as unsafe to drive, and recommended full transmission replacement. The failed unit is preserved at the dealer for inspection. (Toyota Corporate Case #250917001779.) This mirrors long-standing defects within Toyota’s UA80 family that Toyota itself has documented: • Customer Support Program ZJC / POL19-04 (4/18/2019)—UA80 whine, harsh shifts, reduced power 2019 MC-10159730-9999 . • T-SB-0160-18 Rev1 (12/17/2018)—UA80 whine/harsh shift/MIL/reduced power 2018 MC-10198131-9999 . • T-SB-0001-18 Rev2 (1/8/2018)—ECM/UA80 mismatch causing harsh shifts 2018 MC-10185780-9999 . • T-SB-0008-21 (2/9/2021)—UA80E/F failures in 2021 Highlander (whine/grind, pinion shaft) 2021 MC-10188917-9999 . The same safety-critical behavior now recurs in my 2022 model. I request NHTSA investigate this as an ongoing UA80 transmission safety defect trend and consider recall/coverage for affected vehicles.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686665September 11, 2025
POWER TRAIN
The transmission on this vehicle has failed - I’ve been told by Toyota Dealer Maintenance that I need the transmission replaced on this vehicle with under 70,000 miles and just over three years old. I began hearing a whining noise while accelerating, and brought it in for service. No system warnings.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685709September 8, 2025
POWER TRAIN
HIGH PITCH WHINING SOUND WHEN DEPRESSING ACCELERATOR. DEALER DIAGNOSED THE ISSUE AND SAYS THE TRANSAXLE AND TORQUE CONVERTER HAS TO BE REPLACED. ALL STARTED HAPPENING JUST AFTER 60000 MILES SO OUT OF WARRANTY. $8500 REPAIR BILL
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11685112September 4, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I am writing to express my concerns regarding my 2022 Highlander. As a loyal Toyota family, with this being my fourth Toyota, my husband’s second, and my parents’ fifth, we have consistently valued the Toyota brand and our dealership in Bryan, TX. Recently, I brought my Highlander with (73,000 miles) to Family Toyota in Arlington due to a whining sound during acceleration. I was informed that the transmission requires replacement, at an estimated cost of $8,291. Furthermore, the transmissions are currently on back order, which would leave me without my vehicle for several months. While I have not found any official recalls addressing this specific issue, I have noted that this is a common concern with this model, and there are several class-action lawsuits pertaining to similar transmission problems across various models. I have also sought opinions from two independent transmission repair shops, both of whom have quoted a full transmission replacement. I contacted Toyota several times on what options may be available to me. They so far have left me with no rental car assistance and offered a very small discount on their known issue. I have already incurred approximately $800 in rental car and diagnostic expenses and am unable to cover the $8,291 replacement cost. It is disheartening to have owned my Highlander for less than three years, be unable to drive it, and still owe $20,000, which is not what I associate with the Toyota standard of quality. I now can not get to work and have a $47,000 piece of junk in my driveway and not even an apology from the company I once thought was #1 in customer service and reliability.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11684033August 29, 2025
VISIBILITY:REARVIEW MIRRORS/DEVICES:EXTERIOR
The part that failed is the driver side mirror cover. It has never been struck by anything and just flew off the side of the car while driving on the highway. This part flying off the car could cause an accident if striking a motorist, motorcycle, pedestrian. I do not have the part that flew off because I can't go back and pick it up off the highway. This just happened today. I have called a body shop to order a new part. The plastic part can only be replaced by purchasing the whole $1500 side mirror assembly. There was no sign that it was going fly off the car as there has never been struck by anything. it was in perfect shape just as the rest of the car.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683733August 28, 2025
AIR BAGS
Water leaking into airbag area. Known leak issue per NHTSA [XXX] ) from defective roof rack attachment clips. Per Toyota, not covered by Toyota unless car still under warranty. Leak issue is common issue with many Toyota (RAV4, Highlander). I cannot tell if the potentially waterlogged airbag area is defective unless I get into an accident to test it. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11683442August 27, 2025
POWER TRAIN
UA80 transmission failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11681095August 16, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Complaint Description: The automatic transmission in my 2022 Toyota Highlander failed completely at only 62,800 miles. Toyota Brand Engagement Center offered to cover 50% of the replacement cost, but I was informed that the transmission is on national backorder with an estimated wait time of 4–5 months. This leaves me without a safe and reliable vehicle for an extended period of time. The failure is consistent with Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21 (Feb 9, 2021), which acknowledges internal component failures and abnormal noises (whine/grind) in UA80E/UA80F transmissions. A major drivetrain failure at this mileage is unacceptable and raises concerns about safety, reliability, and Toyota’s handling of known transmission defects. I am requesting NHTSA to investigate this issue as it appears to be systemic and affecting many 2021–2022 Toyota Highlander owners.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11679297August 8, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES, POWER TRAIN, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
While driving my 2022 Toyota Highlander (VIN: [XXX] , 29,427 miles), I have experienced multiple recurring safety defects that Toyota has been unable or unwilling to repair under warranty. •Front collision sensors frequently trigger without any object present, creating a risk of unexpected emergency braking at freeway speeds. •Transmission hesitates and surges unpredictably, sometimes propelling the vehicle into traffic. •In heavy rain, my windshield wipers activated on their own and multiple system failure warnings appeared (including ABS failure), nearly causing a crash. •Persistent startability issue when fuel is below half a tank. •Seatbelt malfunction caused a passenger to strike their head. •Seat heater failure, seat separation, persistent coolant odor, and nonfunctional factory wireless charger since purchase. These defects are intermittent but recurring, and their unpredictability increases the danger. Toyota and the dealer have failed to duplicate the issues during short test drives, but they continue to occur during normal operation. This vehicle remains under factory and extended warranty, yet repairs have been denied. I believe these defects pose a serious risk to myself, my passengers, and others on the road. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678899August 6, 2025
STRUCTURE:BODY, ENGINE
The grill of the vehicle is too big. There is nothing to stop the condenser from being damaged. There should be a plate for airflow but also stop the damage being done to the condenser. Shouldn't have to file an insurance claim, pay out of pocket and warranty doesn't cover. Recurring problem something should be done.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11678354August 4, 2025
ENGINE, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, BACK OVER PREVENTION: WARNINGS
Two weeks ago, I had my 2022 Toyota Highlander serviced at Romano Toyota for my state inspection and regular maintenance. The dealership passed the inspection and did not mention any problems with my vehicle. However, just two days after the maintenance, the check engine light came on unexpectedly. The vehicle began to hesitate and shift roughly, with noticeable jerking during acceleration and delayed gear engagement. This created a safety hazard, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections, because the SUV would not respond quickly when pressing the accelerator. A diagnostic scan revealed transmission-related trouble codes (P2714 – Pressure Control Solenoid D, and/or P2757 – Torque Converter Clutch Pressure Control Solenoid Performance). I returned to the dealer, and they confirmed the issue but could not provide an immediate fix due to parts availability. They advised continuing to drive, which I feel is unsafe. The symptoms persist, and the transmission sometimes feels like it is slipping, which could result in loss of power in high-speed situations. This issue appears similar to other UA80 8-speed automatic transmission problems reported by Toyota owners from 2017–2022. Publicly available NHTSA records show over 200 similar complaints involving hesitation, rough shifting, and transmission failure. These reports suggest a potential widespread defect that may affect vehicle safety. Given the safety risk of delayed acceleration and possible transmission failure, I believe this defect needs investigation and corrective action.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11674960July 21, 2025
BACK OVER PREVENTION
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while in reverse(R), the backup camera would intermittently fail to operate as the screen would appear blank. The contact also stated that the warning chime would fail to alert the driver to people or objects in the vicinity of the vehicle while reversing. The dealer was notified of the failure, and the contact was given an estimate for a diagnostic. After negotiating with the dealer, they agreed to reset the vehicle's sensors; however, the failure persisted. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, and the contact was informed that the backup camera was not covered under the warranty. The contact then stated that while backing out of a parking space, the back up system failed to alert her of her proximity to another parked vehicle; as a result, the contact crashed into a parked vehicle. The air bags did not deploy, no injuries were reported, and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
Crash:
Yes
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11669022June 24, 2025
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the mounting pad on the driver's side front bumper had detached and fallen off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11664579June 3, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Experiencing erratic transmission shifts and jerking. Intermittent in nature.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11662460May 21, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
When applying the brakes at speeds less than 40 miles per hour, the car will surge forward at a point during braking process. This happens regularly but not every time brakes are applied. This is an issue as the car surges forward during braking.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661699May 18, 2025
POWER TRAIN
This is regarding an issue with a 2022 Toyota Highlander with 79,668 miles at the dealership now waiting on a new transmission. On April 15, 2025, the vehicle was taken in to the dealership with whining noise and put on a diagnostic machine. Diagnosed as transmission. Took for second opinion at independent transmission company and stated the same issue. This vehicle is 4, 668 miles over warranty and we spoke with Toyota Brand Engagement and also district manager for this area. We are asking for help in replacement of this transmission costing over $10,000. Toyota was not willing to help in any way other than saying, "Sorry". We had to pay $5000 before the dealership would even order it. Now it has been three weeks and the transmission is still not at the dealership.We continue to make payments on a vehicle that is not even in service. I am seeing numerous incidents on the internet regarding Toyota's faulty transmissions. I am asking for a recall due to the issue of the age of the vehicle and the extreme expense of replacing a faulty transmission with no help from Toyota in any regard. This vehicle has been serviced as required and even transmission fluid change out per recommendation in Nov. 2024. There were never any warning lights that came on prior to failure. We took the vehicle into the service department within a few days of whining noise.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11661187May 15, 2025
POWER TRAIN
Vehicle is displaying a whining noise, especially when reaching 3rd gear / 35+ mph. Per mechnical review, it is the transmission failing. Only option is to replace the transmission. Similar to an issue already reported on similar models for both 2021 and 2022 Toyota Highlanders. No current recalls exist
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658668May 3, 2025
SERVICE BRAKES
Car lunges forward while constant braking. Problem is not consistently repeatable and occurs at various speeds, road conditions, and weather conditions. It seems to be in the transition between regenerative braking and mechanical braking from the hybrid system. The car will coast for a brief moment while braking increasing the stopping distance and time required to come to a complete stop. We've noticed this issue since we bought the car
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11658405May 2, 2025
AIR BAGS, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The component that failed is the roof rail clips that hold the roof rack to the vehicle (Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0040-24). The clips under the rail fail and cause water to leak into the headliner and down the A-pillars on both sides of the vehicle. It presents itself by causing water staining where the headliner meets the A-pillar cover. This issue presented itself in January of 2023, a few months after we bought the vehicle. Toyota Bountiful (Utah) tried to tell us that it is the sunroof drain lines that are clogged and required a $100 service to clear them which is an annual service. After some push back they found the problem with the roof rack clips. However, they only replaced the passenger side and neglected to repair both sides. April of 2025 the driverside failed and Toyota Bountiful once again confirmed that the driverside clips failed. This creates a danger to the front occupants of the vehicle by allowing a possible mold issue within the cabin. Secondly, it allows water into the front curtain airbags of the vehicle.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11657006April 26, 2025
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:DOORS:LATCH
I was driving around a corner and the driver's door popped open into the ajar position (not fully open, just ajar) and safety alarms went off. Confirmed that the doors were locked at the time this happened.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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