2022 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER reports

TIRES · WHEELS

This complaint concerns the administration of an EXISTING federal safety recall, NHTSA 24V-419 / Gulf States Toyota 24R1, not a new defect. My 2022 Toyota Highlander was equipped with tires later recalled because they had an insufficient load rating. I experienced premature tire wear and, on June 8, 2024 at approximately 41,300 miles, I paid $1,225.50 out of pocket to replace all four tires. At that time I had not received any recall notice. Gulf States Toyota later required the tires on my vehicle to be replaced again under Recall 24V-419 because the vehicle was covered by the recall and the tire configuration had to be corrected. The original tires are no longer available for inspection because they were replaced. The safety issue was the insufficient tire load rating identified by the recall, which could increase the risk of tire failure. There were no warning lamps or dashboard messages before the tire wear. I submitted a reimbursement claim to Gulf States Toyota for the June 8, 2024 tire replacement. GST denied it with the statement: “Repair Did Not Remedy Recall Condition: The repairs performed on your vehicle did not remedy the specific condition outlined in the recall notice.” My concern is that GST did not substantively address my pre-notification reimbursement claim or explain why the expense does not qualify under its recall reimbursement plan. The tire replacement occurred before I received notice, and GST later replaced the tires again because it was required to perform the recall remedy. I am asking NHTSA to review Gulf States Toyota’s administration of Recall 24V-419 and its handling of pre-notification reimbursement claims under 49 CFR § 573.13. Please document this as a recall-administration/reimbursement issue associated with existing Recall 24V-419.

POWER TRAIN · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle begin making grinding noises, and stalling during accelerating and also fuel smell. Took vehicle into Toyota Waldorf, MD dealership for diagnostic. At 58,000 miles, 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE stalls to accelerate due to front differentials failing, causing large chunks of metal on the drain plug indicating internal failure. Vehicle needs transmission and front differential replaced. I have 4 children, 3 of them still small, and driving with the fuel smell would impact them greatly as 1 of my children has asthma. It's also a hazard to be on the road with this vehicle as it can stall at any moment, causing a traffic incident. The problem has been reproduced by dealer, who is refusing to approve the fix under the 60,000 mile Power Train Warranty. There were no other warning signs, no check engine light came on, no issues prior to me hearing this grinding noise and stalling.

POWER TRAIN · UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Vehicle begin making grinding noises, and stalling during accelerating and also fuel smell. Took vehicle into Toyota Waldorf, MD dealership for diagnostic. At 58,000 miles, 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE stalls to accelerate due to front differentials failing, causing large chunks of metal on the drain plug indicating internal failure. Vehicle needs transmission and front differential replaced. I have 4 children, 3 of them still small, and driving with the fuel smell would impact them greatly as 1 of my children has asthma. It's also a hazard to be on the road with this vehicle as it can stall at any moment, causing a traffic incident. The problem has been reproduced by dealer, who is refusing to approve the fix under the 60,000 mile Power Train Warranty. There were no other warning signs, no check engine light came on, no issues prior to me hearing this grinding noise and stalling.

SEATS

UNKNOWN CONCERNED THE SAFETY WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED SINCE 3/5/26. AS OF TODAY (9/13/26), THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED

SERVICE BRAKES

I would like to file a complaint regarding Toyota’s known brake surge issue addressed in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0059-23. I believe this is a serious safety issue because the unexpected braking or brake surge when stopping can potentially cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle or contribute to an accident. I contacted a Toyota dealership near me about the issue, but they were unwilling to provide any assistance. I then contacted another Toyota dealership, which informed me that they could perform the repair but would charge approximately $400. I am concerned that Toyota has identified and documented this issue through T-SB-0059-23 but does not provide the repair free of charge unless the vehicle is still within the 36,000-mile warranty period. A known safety-related defect should not necessarily become the customer’s financial responsibility simply because the vehicle has exceeded the mileage limitation of the basic warranty. I am requesting that Toyota review this matter and consider providing the repair at no cost, particularly given the safety implications of the brake surge issue and the fact that Toyota has already acknowledged the condition through its technical service bulletin.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed around an S-curb, the vehicle jerked into the nearby lane. The local dealer was contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

POWER TRAIN

While accelerating, the vehicle produces a loud whining noise from the transmission area underneath the vehicle. I took the vehicle to Modern Toyota in [XXX] on XXX at 103,287 miles. The dealer diagnosed the condition and their invoice states the vehicle "needs the transmission replaced due to a gear whine." The estimated repair cost is approximately $10,498. This vehicle is equipped with the UA80E 8-speed automatic transmission. Toyota documented this same condition in Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0008-21, which describes a whine or grind noise from the transmission caused by the front carrier assembly pinion shafts, and prescribes transaxle replacement as the repair. My vehicle exhibits the identical symptom and requires the identical repair. The vehicle is the original purchase, bought new on XXX. The failure occurred outside the 60,000-mile powertrain warranty limit, leaving the full repair cost to the owner. This appears to be a widespread defect affecting UA80-equipped Toyota vehicles across multiple model years, and I am reporting it so it is on record. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Wind shield seemed to crack spontaneously and it continued to grow over several days until the crack went from one edge to another.

SERVICE BRAKES

When I’m driving with the A/C on when I start to decelerate to a stop at a stop sign or light, my car lurches forward. It feels like I’m going to crash into the car in front of me, but I’m not sure how far it actually moves. It happens more in the summer months (more than once per week) when the A/C is on. In the winter it does happen less often. I purchased the car in 2021 and it has done this for at least the last 3 years if not longer.

SEATS

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair.

SEATS

My 2022 Toyota Highlander XSE is subject to Toyota safety recall involving the second-row seat recliner assemblies. Toyota states that the recliner assemblies may not fully lock after seatback adjustment, which could result in the seatback failing to properly restrain an occupant and increase the risk of injury in a crash. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. Toyota notified me of the recall on April 30, 2026 and specifically recommended that no one sit in or use the second-row seats while the vehicle is moving until the remedy is performed. My children routinely occupy these seats, so Toyota’s instruction prevents me from safely using the vehicle for its intended purpose as a family vehicle. I presented the vehicle to an authorized Toyota dealership on May 1, 2026, immediately after receiving the recall notice. The dealership confirmed that my vehicle is affected by the recall but was unable to perform the repair because Toyota did not have a remedy/parts available. I left the vehicle with the dealership, where it has remained while awaiting the recall remedy. As of September 8, 2026, more than four months after I presented the vehicle, Toyota has still been unable to perform the safety recall repair or provide me with an estimated date when the repair will be available. I have also contacted Toyota directly multiple times regarding the unresolved recall. I have not personally experienced a seatback failure, warning lamp, or warning message. My safety concern is based on Toyota’s confirmed safety recall and Toyota’s instruction not to allow occupants to use the affected second-row seats while the vehicle is moving. I am filing this complaint because Toyota has been unable to remedy this acknowledged safety recall for my vehicle for more than four months despite my making the vehicle available for repair.

POWER TRAIN

Car started to have a whining noise only when accelerating at 122,000 miles took it to the Toyota dealer where I bought it from. They did a diagnostics and told me it was the transmission and that it cost almost 10,000 to fix it. Car did not have no check engine light at all.

SERVICE BRAKES

The cars brakes will release and car will lurch forward forcing you to hit the brakes again to avoid colliding with car in front of you. This is a KNOWN problem called "HYBRID REGENERATIVE BRAKE TRANSITION FEELING IMPROVEMENT" PER Toyota's TSB-0059-23. They know of the problem, but do not tell people about it upon bringing car in. My car is starting to do it more now, and they will not cover because it is "beyond 36,000 miles or 3 year manufacturer warranty" This is NOT a minor safety problem. I have had this happen being first car to stop at red light and brake will release and lurch forward almost causing me to go into cross traffic! It has happened multiple times almost making me hit the car in front of me (rear ending the car stopped in front of me). This is not a warranty issue like the weatherstriping on window is bad! THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE INVOLVING 100,000 OF CARS. DO NOT WAIT for someone to get seriously injured by this or killed because of it (think kid in crosswalk walking and Suv stops, then lurch forward into them!) who is going to sue whom? Also, the injury or death could of been prevented. Now they charge over $350 to fix. This is with 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrids. Make Toyota know that this is unacceptable and a SAFETY hazard NOT a non injury causing type event. Thank you

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

According to Toyota service department in Bozeman front pump or input bearing failed causing whine noise with transmission

SEATS

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure.

POWER TRAIN · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Because I am not an expert, I cannot say with certainty what exact vehicle components contributed to this incident. On August 17, 2026, at approximately 12:40 PM, I was slowly driving my 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE in a parking garage where I park my car every week. I saw a parking space, so I slowed down and began pressing the break as I went into the parking space. All of a sudden, the engine revved up, and the vehicle lunged over the wheel stop and hit the cement wall, even though I continued pressing on the break. I then shifted the gear into "Park" and turned off the ignition. It all happened so fast and was quite frightening. I, subsequently, inspected the damage; among other things, the hood, front bumper, fender, and some of the trim around the lights were damaged. The seat belt restrained me, but the air bag did not activate. My chest is still sore, and I have some bruising on my left shoulder. I have reported the incident to my insurance agency. On August 20, 2026, I took the vehicle to a collision repair center recommended by the insurance claims agent. I have another appointment on August 24th to have a different repair center inspect and asses the damages and give me a quote on the repairs needed. The experience was shocking, and I would not want this to happen to anyone, which is why I am reporting the incident. This kind of malfunction could have resulted in an injury to another human, so I am thankful that only my vehicle and I were affected. This unfortunate and alarming experience has definitely made me hesitant to drive the vehicle for fear of it malfunctioning again.

POWER TRAIN · UNKNOWN OR OTHER · FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

Because I am not an expert, I cannot say with certainty what exact vehicle components contributed to this incident. On August 17, 2026, at approximately 12:40 PM, I was slowly driving my 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE in a parking garage where I park my car every week. I saw a parking space, so I slowed down and began pressing the break as I went into the parking space. All of a sudden, the engine revved up, and the vehicle lunged over the wheel stop and hit the cement wall, even though I continued pressing on the break. I then shifted the gear into "Park" and turned off the ignition. It all happened so fast and was quite frightening. I, subsequently, inspected the damage; among other things, the hood, front bumper, fender, and some of the trim around the lights were damaged. The seat belt restrained me, but the air bag did not activate. My chest is still sore, and I have some bruising on my left shoulder. I have reported the incident to my insurance agency. On August 20, 2026, I took the vehicle to a collision repair center recommended by the insurance claims agent. I have another appointment on August 24th to have a different repair center inspect and asses the damages and give me a quote on the repairs needed. The experience was shocking, and I would not want this to happen to anyone, which is why I am reporting the incident. This kind of malfunction could have resulted in an injury to another human, so I am thankful that only my vehicle and I were affected. This unfortunate and alarming experience has definitely made me hesitant to drive the vehicle for fear of it malfunctioning again.

AIR BAGS

My mother was involved in a motor vehicle collision while properly restrained by her seat belt. During the collision, the vehicle sustained a significant impact; however, the airbags did not deploy. Following the accident, my mother went to the ER with significant bruising and injuries consistent with the force of the collision and seat-belt restraint. She has a fractured sternum, cardiac contusion and bad bruising. We are concerned that the airbags did not deploy and would like the airbag/restraint system investigated to determine whether it functioned as designed during the crash. We are reporting this incident to NHTSA so that the airbag non-deployment can be documented and reviewed as a potential vehicle safety issue.

SEATS

Seat Back Recliner Assembly May Not Securely Lock Toyota opened this recall on March 5th. They have not provided a remedy within a timely manner and my car is not usable.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

The headlights on this vehicle are not properly aimed and or poorly designed causing excessive glare to oncoming traffic. Even during broad daylight I could see the light scattered all around the headlight assembly appearing as though the high beams were shining directly at me. E Also excessively bright sparkly headlights like these are distracting impairing my situational awareness.

AIR BAGS

Was in collision - front impact- vehicle was a total loss, airbags did not deploy for driver or passenger side

STRUCTURE

In the past 3 days, the trunk of the vehicle has opened on its own even though it was locked. This has also happened 3 additional times in the past since I have taken it to the Toyota service center in Fairlawn, NJ. I am concerned because yesterday, I was at a supermarket and was inside for about 15 minutes and when I came out, the back was opened. This has not happened while I was driving but I was fortunate that nothing was taken from the vehicle.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

I was parking the car. Car in park. Foot on brake. Carr violently lunged forward. Hitting, and tilting, concrete pole. Put car in reverse. Lunged forward then backward. Someone could have been killed. Thank God no person was near. I could have lunged through a storefront if Parked by shop.

POWER TRAIN

loud noise when accelerating. noise is gone when let go of gas pedal. noise like internal gears from transmission

STRUCTURE

The fender liner detached and was getting caught up in the tire, I had to pull it out and then it was dragging on the ground. It was hard to turn because it was getting under the tire. Finally, one was pulling into my driveway and I felt a bump. I thought I’d ran over something, it was the fender liner underneath the truck. These liners are made of terrible materials. I never had a problem with one until this truck.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

Rear window on the tailgate spontaneously cracked and broke into small pieces. No warning and no one touched the glass. The glass crumbled into small pieces.

POWER TRAIN

2022 Toyota Highlander 8 speed transmission started making noise at highway speed. Vehicle has 61,000 miles on it. Also has erratic shifting. Toyota dealer said it needs a new transmission. Just out of warranty so Toyota only agreed to pay 25% of the bill.

POWER TRAIN

After multiple visits to a private mechanic, it has been determined that the transmission on this 2022 Highlander will need to be replaced. I have seen multiple reports stating this is a common issue with certain Toyotas.

STRUCTURE

While traveling on interstate highways from [XXX] to [XXX], the front lower bumper cover on my 2022 Toyota Highlander Limited (VIN [XXX]) partially detached during normal driving at approximately 81,859 miles. The aluminum crash bar became exposed. The vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 23V-720 regarding the front lower bumper cover detaching while driving. This incident appears to be the exact defect described in the recall. Fortunately, no crash or injuries occurred, but complete separation could have created a serious roadway hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

POWER TRAIN

Transmission was replaced at 62,000 miles, along with the passenger headlight. Transmission had the dreaded "whine" at 60k miles. Headlight led lights were dead at 61K miles. All service work was completed at the local Toyota dealership.

SEATS

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received a recall notification for NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted and confirmed that the parts were unavailable. The contact stated that the second-row seats could not be occupied due to the unrepaired recall. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed, but the contact was informed that the parts remained unavailable. The contact had not experienced a failure.

POWER TRAIN

In March 2026, a sound was noticed at coasting speed. At regular servicing in June 2026 at 74,226, Service Department was informed of sound and stated that it might be wheels/ brakes. A further service appointment stated that the transaxle assembly will need to be replaced at a quoted cost of $10,657.97. At regular service 62,981 and 68,217 the Multi-Point Inspections showed Transmission/ Transaxle, Differential and Transfer Case all marked “OK”. At regular service 74,226, after informing Service Department of the sound, the Multi-Point Inspection shows “Sealed Transmission, fluid not checked”. Nothing was marked with Differential or Transfer case and everything “Under Vehicle”- driveshaft, drive, axle hub and bearing, steering linkage, suspension, fluid leaks, exhaust system, fuel lines were all marked “OK”

SEATS

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NTHSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experience a failure.

POWER TRAIN

Known faulty transmission. Ua 80 transmission shifts early causing erratic shifting and excessive wear and tear on the transmission causing premature wear and tear.

POWER TRAIN

System Failed -Transmission makes a high pitch whine, which Toyota has identified as a product manufacturing issue with the 2017-2022 V6 Highlander, but has not done anything to rectify the issue for those of us out of warranty. As this transmission issue usually doesn't start happening until 60,000 miles, unless you bought an extended warranty, you're out another $8K to $10K due to their negligence. Found this on Redit - Toyota knows the UA80F whines—it’s in TSB T-SB-0160-18 , T-SB-0008-21 and CSP ZJC. But unless your VIN’s on their cherry-picked list, they’ll play dumb. Safety Risk - Transmission stops working and car is inoperable. Reproduced - Yes, Toyota is aware that several cars are affected and doesn't care. Symptoms - Identified Symptoms are high pitched whine, rough shifting, transmission slippage, etc.

SEATS

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 20 MPH with a child seated in the rear passenger’s side seat with the seat back adjusted, while going around a roundabout, the vehicle was cut off by another vehicle, and the contact depressed the brake pedal aggressively to stop the vehicle. There was an abnormal clunking sound coming from the passenger’s side second-row seat, and the seat back moved or readjusted from the previous position. The contact slowed down to approximately 5 MPH to avoid the crash. The child remained secured in the car seat. There was no injury sustained. The vehicle was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (SEATS). The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but the part was not yet available for the recall repair. The failure mileage was approximately 27,500.

POWER TRAIN

Transmission failure at 38,896 miles

POWER TRAIN

I am having a problem on the transmission as described by the Geras Magazine: "The issue stems from a flawed assembly process involving the counter drive gear support. A locking tab meant to secure a vital retaining nut was not bent properly during factory assembly. This leads to gear movement, internal wear, whining, and eventually failure."

POWER TRAIN

2023 toyota highlander w AU80 transmission whinning noises when accelerating.69000K miles, serviced at Emerson Toyota, scheduled transmission check at 57000K miles, technician stated slight whinning was normal

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

Nothing happened

SEATS

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 26V128000 (Seats); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The dealer was contacted, and the contact was informed that parts were not yet available for the recall repair. The contact stated that the vehicle was used to transport children, and the unrepaired recall was a safety hazard. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The contact had not experienced a failure.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM · LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES

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.

POWER TRAIN

Whining sound, when acceleration

STRUCTURE

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.

STRUCTURE

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.

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)

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · AIR BAGS · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

PKSB malfunction, LTA system malfunction, SRS system malfunction, Per-Collision system malfunction, Headlight system malfunction and Front camera unavailable.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING · LANE DEPARTURE · FORWARD COLLISION AVOIDANCE

Headlight system malfunction, Pre-collision system malfunction and LTA malfunction

STRUCTURE

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.

ENGINE

Goodwill Repair for my 2022 Highlander transmission whine, referencing TSB T-SB-0008-21。”