Is the 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER reliable?

The 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER has 289 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.1x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: TRANSMISSION problems.

What are common problems with the 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Top problems: TRANSMISSION (42 complaints, avg repair $500); BODY/STRUCTURE (41 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (36 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS, TIRES, TIRES, SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

The 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER gets 24 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2000. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER is approximately $1,735/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER has 289 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.1x the segment average of 272. The most common issue is transmission problems (15% of all complaints), specifically: when i'm cruising about 35 mph, let off the gas and decelerate, then give a slight bit of gas, i feel a "bump" in the drive train. it's more like slop in the transmission....sounds like a metal to metal noise...this happens after car is driving more then 30 min or 45 min.. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports 20 crash reports 16 injuries

289

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

5/5

Safety Stars

1.1x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

TRANSMISSION

42 complaints

15%

• When I'm cruising about 35 mph, let off the gas and decelerate, then give a slight bit of gas, I feel a "bump" in the drive train. It's more like slop in the transmission....sounds like a metal To metal noise...this happens after car is driving more then 30 min or 45 min.
• Highlander with approximately 650 miles on it had a transmission failure while on interstate 69 north of Evansville Indiana. The car seemed to shift into passing gear a few times while the cruise was set and we bumped it off cruise and coasted to a stop . The car would not move after we stopped . T
• While having the eco system on, with the active system present by firmly pressing the brake hard at a stoplight, the light turned green. while taking my foot off the brake and the engine turning back on, attempting to accelerate the transmission would not allow me to get through the intersection tur

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports💥 1 crashes

“When I'm cruising about 35 mph, let off the gas and decelerate, then give a slight bit of gas, I feel a "bump" in the drive train. It's more like slop in the transmission....sounds like a metal To metal noise...this happens after car is driving more then 30 min or 45 min.”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Based on 32 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 19K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

Later than typicalmedian 31K mi · 14 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred. This vehicle is under 5 years old, so most of the fleet hasn't accumulated high mileage yet — low-mileage peaks reflect fleet age, not necessarily premature failure.

Recalls (5)

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS06/05/2022

Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022 4Runner, Tacoma, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The load carrying capacity modification labels may not be permanent and can fade, becoming illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,001

Per month

$167

Per mile

16.7¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$1,656/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2022 Toyota HIGHLANDER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,735

Full coverage / month

$145

Liability only / year

$600

vs US avg

+4%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating0.94x

× vehicle age1.05x

= Full coverage estimate$1735

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota HIGHLANDER Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2022 HIGHLANDER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

TRANSMISSION(~50K mi)

$500

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

BRAKES(~50K mi)

$500

DRIVER ASSIST/CAMERAS(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 289 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
TRANSMISSION: When I'm cruising about 35 mph, let off the gas and decelerate, then give a slight bit of gas, I feel a "bump" in the drive train. It's more like slop in the transmission....sounds like a metal To metal noise...this happens after car is driving more then 30 min or 45 min.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: When cruising on a highway at around 70MPH my driver side mirror started shaking. The visibility through that mirror is getting worse. The left side mirror is fine no issue with vibration.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: When driving down interstate, ticking came from above followed by a loud bang. Moon roof busted out and glass shattered out while on interstate.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
BRAKES: When coming to a stop, intermittently the brakes feel like they disengage for a moment before kicking back in and lunging me forward. The first time it happened I thought my foot has slipped off the brake pedal. When I happened again, I knew something was wrong and started noting when it happens and
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)