Filed Mar 5, 2026686,588 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2021-2025 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The second-row seat backs may fail to lock into position during seat back adjustment.
Risk. A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy. Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Filed Jun 18, 20244,763 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC
Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2021-2024 Highlander vehicles. The 20-inch accessory tires with an insufficient load rating for the vehicle's Gross Axle Weight Rating (GAWR) were installed. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Filed Jun 6, 20244,869 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.
Defect. Gulf States Toyota, Inc. (GST) is recalling certain 2022-2024 model year Highlander L and Highlander LE vehicles equipped with the Blackout Package that includes 20" black alloy wheels and tires. The installed tires have an insufficient load rating. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Filed Oct 26, 2023750,795 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2020-2023 Highlander & Highlander Hybrid vehicles. During normal vehicle operation, minor impact to the front lower bumper cover may result in the cover coming loose or detaching.
Risk. A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Filed May 6, 2022661 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.
Defect. 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.
Remedy. 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.
All 5 campaigns on file, newest first.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Air Bags
Filed Oct 24, 2026AL
Headlight system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, LTA malfunction, SRS airbag system malfunction and SRS malfunction lights came on after start up.
Service BrakesCrash1 injured
Filed Oct 24, 2026GA
On October 22, 2026 at 7:55pm I was slowly pulling into a parking spot at our community building applying the brake when the engine started rapidly accelerating causing the car to jump over the curbing even as I continued to press on the brake pedal. I wasn’t able to stop the vehicle before it crashed into the community building wall. The engine was still racing but the vehicle being lodged in the wall and corner support kept the vehicle from going further into the building. I was finally able to shut off the engine and luckily for me the airbag system didn’t deploy.
Power Train
Filed Oct 21, 2026105,000 milesMI
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed; however, the vehicle failed to respond as intended. The contact stated that the transmission was shuddering however, the vehicle was able to be driven to the residence. The dealer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and the dealer associated the failure with the transmission. The manufacturer was contacted and made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.
Air BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Oct 16, 2026CA
Accident where Toyota Highlander was struck on the front driver’s side and airbags did not deploy. Driver and passenger were injured. Driver was hospitalized. Need to have car inspected before destruction.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Oct 9, 20268,000 milesLA
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the brakes failed to respond causing the braking distances to be extended. The contact stated that the failure was intermittent but had occurred on several occasions almost causing a crash. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, but the cause of the failure was not yet determined. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 8,000.
Structure › Body
Filed Oct 7, 2026CA
I am writing to formally express my dissatisfaction regarding a failure of the power liftgate on my Toyota Highlander and the fact that I was required to pay out of pocket to have it repaired. The liftgate is an important and frequently used component of the vehicle, and I did not expect it to fail under normal use. When the liftgate stopped functioning properly, I was faced with an unexpected and costly repair expense. I believe Toyota should take responsibility for this failure, particularly given the nature of the component and the circumstances surrounding the repair. I purchased my Highlander with the expectation that Toyota’s reputation for quality and reliability would be reflected in the vehicle. Having to pay for a repair resulting from a failed liftgate has been extremely disappointing and has diminished my confidence in the vehicle and the Toyota brand. I am requesting that Toyota review my situation and consider reimbursing me for the cost of the repair. I would also appreciate an explanation as to why this failure occurred and whether Toyota is aware of similar liftgate issues with this model. I am happy to provide my repair invoice, vehicle identification number, mileage, and any other documentation necessary for Toyota to investigate this matter. I hope Toyota will take this complaint seriously and work with me toward a fair resolution. I look forward to hearing from Toyota regarding reimbursement and what can be done to address this issue.
Air BagsCrash
Filed Oct 5, 2026TX
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while her husband was driving approximately 25-30 MPH with the contact seated in the front passenger's side seat, another vehicle crashed into the passenger's side of the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver's and passenger's side front air bags and curtain air bags failed to deploy as expected. The driver and the passenger sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital by ambulance. The driver's chest struck the steering wheel, causing a mark and swelling. The contact sustained cuts to the right arm, excruciating pain on the left side of the body, bruises, pain between the shoulder blades, a concussion, a hard hit to the left rib cage, and deep tissue trauma to the front of the neck that activated temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction. The contact returned to the emergency room due to severe headaches, vision and hearing issues on the left side. The contact underwent X-rays, CT scans, craniosacral therapy, and TMJ treatment. The vehicle was towed to an impound lot and later towed to a collision center to be repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 30, 2026OH
The Airbag and the windshield piller A trim was not properly repaired by Yark Toyota in [XXX] after an accident prior to selling it to the next customer on XXX. Inspection of car finding this out was on XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Power TrainCrash
Filed Sep 30, 2026TX
On September 23, 2026, at approximately 7:30 AM, I was driving the vehicle in a parking garage at an estimated speed of approximately 10 mph. While driving over a curve in the parking garage and applying the brakes to slow the vehicle and maneuver into a parking space, the vehicle suddenly accelerated on its own despite the brakes being applied. The vehicle struck the metal wire safety fence and then came to a stop. Prior to this incident, over the preceding 2–3 months, I had experienced intermittent problems with the transmission. Specifically, when shifting from neutral to reverse, the transmission would occasionally become temporarily stuck or fail to engage properly. It would then begin functioning after a small tap. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? : Possibly transmission How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? There was no one else in the parking garage as it was early in the morning, otherwise it could have resulted in loss of additional property and possibly injuries. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Going to consult with the dealer soon Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others? insurance has been informed. Awaiting their response. Were there any warning lamps, messages or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? As mention
Forward Collision Avoidance › Adaptive Cruise Control
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
Cruise control malfunction light illuminated.
Forward Collision Avoidance › Warnings
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
Front camera unavailable, PKSB malfunction, Pre-collision system malfunction and headlight system malfunction lights came on.
Electrical System
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
Pre-collision system malfunction and headlight system malfunction lights came on.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
PKSB malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, headlight system malfunction, SRS air bag system malfunction and LTA malfunction light came on.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
PKSB malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, headlight system malfunction, LTA malfunction and SRS airbag system malfunction lights came on.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
Pre-collision system malfunction, headlight system malfunction, LTA malfunction and SRS airbag system malfunction lights came on.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
SRS air bag system malfunction, front camera unavailable, RSA malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction, headlight system malfunction and LTA malfunction lights came on.
Air Bags
Filed Sep 26, 2026AL
LTA malfunction, SRS airbag system malfunction, pre-collision system malfunction and headlight system malfunction lights came on.
Visibility
Filed Sep 21, 202655,656 milesTN
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the tailgate glass exploded due to the heat and fell inside the vehicle. The Toyota manufacturer corporate office was contacted. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer. The glass was replaced by Safelite. The approximate failure mileage was 55,656.
Wheels
Filed Sep 21, 2026FL
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
Power Train
Filed Sep 20, 2026MD
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
Filed Sep 20, 2026MD
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
Filed Sep 16, 2026OH
UNKNOWN CONCERNED THE SAFETY WARNING HAS BEEN ISSUED SINCE 3/5/26. AS OF TODAY (9/13/26), THE PROBLEM HAS NOT BEEN SOLVED
Electrical System
Filed Sep 15, 202655,000 milesKY
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 15, 2026LA
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.
Power Train
Filed Sep 14, 2026NC
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
Filed Sep 14, 2026OK
Wind shield seemed to crack spontaneously and it continued to grow over several days until the crack went from one edge to another.
Seats
Filed Sep 10, 2026AL
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.
Service Brakes
Filed Sep 10, 2026WI
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
Filed Sep 8, 2026CA
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 concer
Power Train
Filed Sep 4, 2026PA
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
Filed Sep 2, 2026WI
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
Filed Sep 1, 2026MT
According to Toyota service department in Bozeman front pump or input bearing failed causing whine noise with transmission
Seats
Filed Aug 26, 2026FL
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 TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 22, 2026TX
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 a
Power TrainCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 22, 2026TX
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 a
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Aug 18, 2026NJ
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
Filed Aug 17, 2026AZ
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
Filed Aug 6, 2026ME
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 BagsCrash2 injured
Filed Jul 27, 2026AL
Was in collision - front impact- vehicle was a total loss, airbags did not deploy for driver or passenger side
Structure › Body › Hatchback/Liftgate
Filed Jul 21, 2026NJ
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
Filed Jul 18, 2026OH
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
Filed Jul 17, 2026NY
Loud noise when accelerating. noise is gone when let go of gas pedal. noise like internal gears from transmission
Structure › Body › Bumpers
Filed Jul 16, 2026OH
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
Filed Jul 14, 2026CA
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
Filed Jul 14, 2026MS
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
Filed Jul 13, 2026NJ
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 › Body
Filed Jul 8, 2026OH
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)
Seats
Filed Jul 8, 2026NJ
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
Filed Jul 8, 2026WI
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.
Power Train
Filed Jun 30, 2026OH
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”
Complaints 1-50 of 266, newest first, reproduced as filed.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Mar 5, 2026. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.