Toyota Highlander Complaints (2022)

272 consumer complaints on file.

#11741832June 3, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES:ELECTRONIC LOCK/LATCH ACTUATOR
The only door that will lock or unlock using the fab key or the master lock button on the drivers armrest is the drivers side rear door. My vehicle is not able to be locked unless I do it manually and can not be unlocked unless i use the rear drivers side door. This has been reproduced by the dealership. There were no warning lamps or messages and no other symptoms. This has been going on for a month. I am being told by the dealership service department that 3 actuators failed at the same time. My lift gate also malfunctioned this year. Dealership diagnosed it with needing new struts. Not sure if this is related. Lift gate would not open or open only a small amount. This was using the inside button and the outside one as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11740609May 28, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the exterior of the vehicle. The driver pulled to a highway hot shop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the upper side of the lower front bumper cover had detached and the cover was hanging and dragging. The contact secured the cover with strings and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repair due to collateral damage caused by the cover dragging. The vehicle was then taken to Toyota of Manhattan (679 11th Ave, New York, NY 10019), where the contact was denied assistance because the previous dealer had already opened a case. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11739388May 21, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
The contact owns a 2022 TOYOTA Highlander. The contact stated that the front upper bumper assembly is separating from the headlight on the passenger side, creating a noticeable gap on the fender portion directly below the headlight. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 23V720000 (STRUCTURE), however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,827.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11738117May 15, 2026
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Motorized struts to lift and close the rear lift gate have failed. The struts do work to open the lift gate but they do not work to close it. Manually closing the lift gate is extremely difficult because of the electric motors inside of the struts. A known problem by Toyota as they have issued a TSB. Toyota’s solution is to replace the struts at a cost of $1200. My concern about this being a safety issue: Closing the lift gate after accessing the spare tire is extremely difficult. If my wife would inadvertently open the lift gate, which does work, after leaving the grocery store to put all of the groceries in the back, she would not have the strength to manually close it. Obviously, the vehicle cannot be driven with the open tail gate. This is not any different than if any of the doors could not be closed due to defective hinges. The premature failure of motorized struts is a fairly common problem with Highlanders. ToyotaNation, which is a Toyota sponsored forum for owners to communicate with other owners about issues/problems, contains numerous posts about the failure of motorized struts on the rear lift gate. Your attention to this matter is greatly appreciated. [XXX] 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
#11735085May 1, 2026
EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING
Headlight system malfunction, Pre-collision system malfunction and LTA malfunction
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735084May 1, 2026
AIR BAGS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
PKSB malfunction, LTA system malfunction, SRS system malfunction, Per-Collision system malfunction, Headlight system malfunction and Front camera unavailable.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11734915April 30, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
The power back door struts were not completely operational for about 6 months or more from the date of repair on 2/26/26. Therefore, the back hatch would not close without manipulating it by starting the vehicle and using the inside button to close it. There was also a loud grinding/whining noise each time we opened and closed the hatch. The dealer said it's a common problem and maybe the struts were blown out because we had to open the rear hatch to get a mobility scooter in and out . Since we were concerned that eventually the hatch would be stuck in the upright position permanately, we relented and paid to have the Toyota dealer replace the struts. The dealer said it may become a recall because it's so common.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733925April 27, 2026
ENGINE
Goodwill Repair for my 2022 Highlander transmission whine, referencing TSB T-SB-0008-21。”
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11733272April 23, 2026
VISIBILITY:DEFROSTER/DEFOGGER/HVAC SYSTEM
During very cold tempratures 25 F and below all windows fog up. Defroster is turned on but windows remain fogged. I can turn on rear defroster (electric grid) and clears back window. All windows fog so you cannot see out. With front defroster fan on high it will after a time (starting from the bottm) clear. Side windows on drivers and passenger side will some times clear. Not back passenger windows. Taken to dealer several times. Replaced thermostat. After more complaints dealer said there was no mechanical problem.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732479April 20, 2026
STRUCTURE
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, water was leaking from the overhead console on the driver's side, where the sunglasses holder was located. Additionally, water stains were on the headliner above the driver’s side rear third row seats. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fracture to the driver’s side roof rack attachment clip or a sealant interference. The vehicle was repaired with Part Number: 90467-08235. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732195April 19, 2026
AIR BAGS, LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS
During start up SRS airbag system malfunction, front camera unavailable, pre-collision system malfunction and LTA malfunction lights and warnings came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732194April 19, 2026
LANE DEPARTURE: WARNING, FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During start up LTA malfunction, Pre-Collision system malfunction and Headlight system malfunction lights and warning indicators came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732193April 19, 2026
FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE: WARNINGS, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
During start up Headlight system malfunction and Pre-Collision system failure lights and waring came on.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11732007April 18, 2026
POWER TRAIN
To Whom It May Concern, I am submitting this complaint to report a serious mechanical issue involving the transfer case on my 2022 Toyota Highlander. This problem raises concerns regarding the safety, reliability, and overall performance of the vehicle. While driving, I began hearing a grinding noise coming from the vehicle. Concerned, I brought the vehicle to an authorized dealership for a diagnostic inspection. I was informed that there is a transmission-related issue and that the vehicle requires a transfer case replacement. At the time of diagnosis, the vehicle had approximately 77,000 miles and has been primarily driven locally under normal conditions. This type of major drivetrain failure at such mileage is unexpected and concerning, especially given that the vehicle has been properly maintained. The failure of a critical component such as the transfer case can significantly affect vehicle control and drivability, posing a potential safety risk. This raises concerns about a possible defect in the drivetrain system or a broader issue affecting similar vehicles. I respectfully request that this matter be investigated to determine whether this is an isolated incident or part of a wider pattern. If necessary, appropriate corrective actions should be taken to ensure consumer safety. Thank you for your attention to this matter. I am available to provide any additional documentation, including service records and diagnostic reports, upon request.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11731743April 16, 2026
POWER TRAIN
I am reporting a premature transmission failure on a 2022 Toyota Highlander LE at approximately 85,000 miles. The vehicle began exhibiting a whining noise. When brought into the Toyota Dealership, I was notified that it needs a full transmission replacement. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized Toyota dealership, which determined that the transmission has failed and requires full replacement at an estimated cost of approximately $9,400. There were no warning lamps or messages of the problem prior to the failure. A transmission failing at this mileage creates a significant safety risk, especially when merging into traffic, accelerating from a stop, or maintaining highway speeds. This vehicle has been regularly maintained, with service performed through authorized Toyota dealerships. Despite this, Toyota has declined to provide assistance for the repair. This has caused a massive financial stress and strain. There is a documented pattern of similar transmission failures involving Toyota Highlander vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission (UA80 platform) across multiple model years.This appears to be part of a broader pattern of premature transmission failures that may indicate a defect affecting vehicle safety. The consistency of complaints across multiple vehicles and model years suggests this is not an isolated incident. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate this issue for potential safety defects and determine whether further action, including recall or manufacturer accountability, is warranted.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729993April 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE:SUPPORT DEVICE/STRUT
The struts for the tailgate appear to be a problem for these cars. Mine are failing intermittently and so if the technicians don’t witness it, they refuse to cover it under warranty. If I crash and the trunk is the only way out, I willl die. The trunk gets stuck and won’t open or close unless forced. This is a disaster and should be recalled. I see multiple complaints all over the internet about this issue and the dealers are NO help. I have gone 4 separate times and they have wasted my time because there was no resolution.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11729179April 4, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE
Rear tailgate won’t open ir close correctly. The keyfob or the button om the tailgate won’t work. Really heavy tailgate to close manually.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11727607March 27, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The transmission began making a whining noise at about 70,000 miles. It gradually became more noticeable. We had recently completed a thorough service, including transmission fluid exchange at 68,538 miles at a Toyota dealer. In March 2026 we took it to a Toyota dealer at 75,196 miles to report the noise and the dealer said the noise was coming from the transaxle and advised replacing the transaxle, which will require replacing the transmission. This was confirmed by a second Toyota dealer a few weeks later. Upon further research, it is clear that this is a significant safety issue and I will need to expend between $6k - $8k for repair from an independent shop and at a much higher expense if done through a Toyota dealer.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726915March 25, 2026
POWER TRAIN
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, there was an abnormal sound coming from the engine while the accelerator pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired out-of-pocket. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 125,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11726694March 24, 2026
POWER TRAIN
Noticed a sound coming from the car. I took it to the dealership which they said I would need my transmission replaced. They could only get me a refurbished one, which after parts and labor, it would cost 10,000 dollars. Upon talking with the technician, the transmission my car uses has been known to be faulty and having issues, usually after the warranty. So much so that Toyota did a recall on previous car years to extend the warranty for the transmission. The technician said they are replacing them often, which is why the supply is so low. These transmissions are the ones Toyota has been using since 2016, which have had many defects and causing issues. If this was known for years, why did Toyota continue to use them?
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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