The Lemon Index2022 Toyota Highlander.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander is better than average by owner complaints: 173 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 62, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 23 to 36 mpg combined. The best Toyota Highlander year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 269 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Highlander year. 2022 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 14K to 52K miles on the car (37 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 5
- seats 2026
The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
- tires 2024
The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed.
- tires 2024
The installed tires have an insufficient load rating.
Show all 5 recalls
- body structure 2023
During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
- equipment 2022
The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 160 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Leak from the engine water pump
- Water leak from the roof
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota HIGHLANDER SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV AWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
| Toyota HIGHLANDER HYBRID SUV FWD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $1800–2800 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
Sunroof shattered and detached at highway speed without impact
2022 Toyota Highlander owner · NHTSA complaint 11560616
More owner reports
When I brake, the SUV feels like it accelerates/surges forward rather than slowing down. I need to apply the brakes hard to then stop the vehicle. I never know when it will happen but it happens very often.
NHTSA complaint 11590803
Vibrating driver side mirror in speeds 50-70 MPH on concrete or asphalt
NHTSA complaint 11493383
Quick answers
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Yes, better than average by government complaints. It drew 1.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 62; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota Highlander year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2022 Toyota Highlander problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (20%), body structure (20%) and transmission & drivetrain (14%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
5 safety recalls (latest: seats). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2022 Toyota Highlander get?
23 to 36 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander safe?
NHTSA gave it 5 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2022 Toyota Highlander problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 14,000 and 52,500 miles. The middle report was at 30,000 miles, from 37 complaints.
Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues make up 14% of its owner complaints.
How much does the 2022 Toyota Highlander cost in fuel a year?
About $1800 to $2800 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl.
What Toyota Highlander year is better than the 2022?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2016 and 2017.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works