2022 Toyota Highlander Report
Known issues, recalls, running costs, and what to check before you buy.
Overall Score
Key Takeaways
- Service Brakes are the leading complaint, with owners experiencing surging and disengagement issues.
- Power train concerns, including transmission problems, are also frequently reported.
- A high volume of complaints (218) and 8 recalls suggest potential long-term reliability challenges.
- NHTSA awarded the Highlander a 5-star overall safety rating, with 4 or 5 stars in specific crash tests.
2022 Toyota Highlander
The 2022 Toyota Highlander, a three-row SUV, offers a comfortable ride and a strong safety score, achieving a 5-star overall rating from NHTSA. However, used car shoppers should be aware of its 'Below Average' reliability verdict, stemming from a notable number of owner complaints and recalls. The primary areas of concern are the service brakes, with owners reporting issues like intermittent disengagement and surging, and the power train, which has seen transmission failures. With 8 recalls documented, including issues with bumper covers and tire load rating labels, potential repair costs associated with these known weaknesses should be factored into ownership expectations.
Critical Failure Risk
The eight-speed automatic transmission (UA80E/F) may fail between 60,000 and 80,000 miles, indicated by a whine or grind. This is attributed to internal component wear or software issues affecting clutch packs.
Early detection can help you avoid a $4,506-$8,057 repair.
Safety & Bulletins
Owner Complaints
Performance & Efficiency
Reliability
Practicality
The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption.
Who This Car Is For
Best for
Buyers prioritizing safety and comfort over long-term mechanical predictability.
+2 more buyer-fit notes in the full report
Avoid if
Risk-averse buyers or those seeking a trouble-free ownership experience.
+2 more buyer-fit warnings in the full report
2022 Toyota Highlander Reliability Analysis
Explore comprehensive reliability data including official safety recalls, consumer complaints, and common mechanical failures for the 2022 Toyota Highlander.
Vehicle Specs
- Fuel Type
- Regular
- Seating Capacity
- 8
- Transmission
- Automatic
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Body Style
- Suv
- EPA Combined MPG
- 23
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Most Common Issues
1. Braking System
Most reportedUsage: 33 reports
2. Powertrain
Usage: 24 reports
First Service Interval
- Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Check - Wiper Blade Inspection - Driver's Floor Mat Check
Est. shop cost: $100 - $200
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FAQ
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?
The CarFocal Reliability Score for the 2022 Toyota Highlander is 7.3/10. Reliability score is 7.3/10. NHTSA recalls: 8. Owner complaints: 218.
How practical is the 2022 Toyota Highlander for daily use?
Practicality score is 4.8/10. The score is mainly limited by high fuel consumption. EPA combined economy is 23 MPG. Seating capacity is 8.
What is the overall score for the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
The CarFocal Overall Score for the 2022 Toyota Highlander is 7.3/10. Overall score is 7.3/10 (Good). Confidence 85%. Maintenance 8.4/10. Tuning 2.0/10. Practicality 4.8/10.
What does it cost to own and maintain a 2022 Toyota Highlander?
Based on Carfocal's data, First listed service: - Oil Change (Parts: 5W-30 Synthetic Oil) - Tire Rotation - Brake Inspection - Fluid Level Check - Wiper Blade Inspection - Driver's Floor Mat Check at 5,000 miles. Estimated first-year maintenance: $400 - $600. Repair prediction highlight: Transmission (typical at 70,000 miles, estimated cost Min: $4,506 • Max: $8,057).
What engine is in the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
Engine specs list 2GR-FKS • 6 • 3.5.
What transmission does the 2022 Toyota Highlander use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, transmission is Automatic. The paired drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive.
What is the combined EPA MPG for the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
EPA combined estimate is 23 MPG.
What kind of powertrain does the 2022 Toyota Highlander use?
Powertrain classification is Hybrid (HEV).
What driver assistance and safety features are available on the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
16 standard driver assistance features. Key features include Anti-lock Braking System, Electronic Stability Control, Traction Control.
How many people fit in a 2022 Toyota Highlander?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, seating capacity is 8.
What body style is the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, body style is suv.
What drivetrain does the 2022 Toyota Highlander use?
According to CarFocal's specs for the 2022 Toyota Highlander, drivetrain is Front-Wheel Drive. Transmission is Automatic.
What are the NHTSA safety ratings for the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA ratings: Overall 5/5 • Frontal 4/5 • Side 5/5 • Rollover 4/5.
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander good for tuning?
Tuning potential is rated 2/10. The 2022 Toyota Highlander is a capable hybrid SUV with a focus on comfort and efficiency. While its 3.
What are the most common service brakes problems on the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
Top complaint category: service brakes (33 reports, 15.1% of complaints).
Are there open safety recalls on the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
This model year has 8 official safety campaigns listed.