On or about 9/22/24 I was driving on a parkway and was alerted by a high pitched alarm in the vehicle’s dashboard that the airbag had a malfunction and that the seatbelt was not engaged. I removed my seatbelt and clipped it back in but that did not stop the alarm. The vehicle continued to beep and say the airbag was malfunctioning. I made an appointment with Toyota service for 9/26/24 and when I arrived I was told they do not do diagnostic tests on Thursdays. They proceeded to give me a new appointment for today 9/28/24, and when I arrived they once again turned me away explaining that today was not a good day for a diagnostic. They mockingly told me that my vehicle warranty was about to expire. Furthermore, the Toyota has refused to fix the recall issue, and now is refusing to even run a diagnostic test to see what the problem is with the airbags. I am afraid the airbags will fail if I am in an accident. This is a very dangerous situation. Please help me!
2022 Toyota Highlander complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA about this vehicle, newest first and reproduced as filed. They are unverified accounts: one proves nothing, and a pattern across many is the thing worth reading. Back to the full 2022 record →
When braking the brakes will occasionally “quit”, causing unexpected acceleration. They kick back on if I stomp hard on the brake, causing the occupants to jolt forward. It could easily cause a collision if an unexpected vehicle or pedestrian were in the way, and could cause a rear end collision were I to have someone following close behind and hard brake unexpectedly. This has been reported to the dealership but they have been unable to replicate it. It happens intermittently, primarily when braking on a slight downhill slope. The issue has been since the vehicle was new. No warning lights or alerts activate inside.
As my wife had the wheels turned and was pulling up to the curb stop in a parking spot the car suddenly lurched forward without putting the accelerator on and went up and over the curb. Stop and hit a pole. my thoughts are is that the engine possibly changed from hybrid to gas or vice versa and as my wife’s foot was let off on the brake to inch forward to the curb stop it suddenly lunged forward as previously stated.
Degenerative breaking. When breaking sometimes it jolts- seems to lose braking power. This is a safety hazard. It could cause a crash.
My father in law drove my highlander car and got into an accident on 8/27/2024. Front of the car was damaged but did not deploy the airbags. And as far I know it is equipped with automatic braking system but the damaged looks really bad.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. 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 stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the lower front bumper cover assembly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander equipped with a Kuat Transfer V2 Bike Rack. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 MPH, the contact noticed that the bicycle was lowering from the rear windshield. The contact inspected the bike rack attached to the vehicle and noticed that the shorter tray where the second wheel had turned in a vertical direction had caused the bike's wheel to drop. Additionally, the bike rack's second tray did not have any screws to secure the tray in an horizontal position. The contact also noticed that the second tray was significantly shorter than the first tray, resulting in less space for the bike tire to rest appropriately. The contact was unable to secure the second tray after several attempts. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and provided the contact with a new second tray. No further information was provided. The vehicle mileage was 15,000.
The clips on the roof rails are not sealed and it allows water to leak into the car through the roof. This was an issue with previous RAV4 vehicles and is continuing on with the Highlander design. The water enters the vehicle anytime it rains or the vehicle is washed.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front bumper cover detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer referred the contact to an auto body shop for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. 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 stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact heard a dragging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed that the lower section of the front bumper had almost detached from the vehicle and was cracked due to the impact with the road. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the replacement of the bumper would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.
Loss of brake sensation when slowing down through 20-25mph. Brake pedal takes a sudden plunge and car surges forward, forcing the driver to suddenly have to push hard on the brakes in order to stop. Usually happens under moderate braking, especially when there is a slight downhill grade. Toyota dealer confirms that it happens but says there are no codes and there is nothing they can do. Toyota dealer service advisor has had it happen to him while driving. This happens regularly, as often as 2-3 times per week, and can be reproduced.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact's vehicle was involved in a crash. The contact stated that the other vehicle that crashed into the contact stated the vehicle's speed was about 75 MPH. The contact stated that when the contact's vehicle was impacted, the contact's vehicle air bags failed to deploy. The contact stated that after the crash, the ABS warning light illuminated. The contact's vehicle was occupied by the contact's husband, who was seated in the front passenger's seat. The contact's two children, ages [XXX] and [XXX] old, were seated in the rear seat. The Police and Fire departments arrived on the scene. The contact stated that medical attention was provided at the scene. The contact sustained injuries included a concussion, a sprained left ankle, and a sprained right wrist. The contact's husband sustained injuries, including a sprained right wrist and a sprained left ankle. In addition, the contact's children sustained cuts and bruises. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and later towed to an independent mechanic. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 70,765. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Car fire (total loss of vehicle) after hybrid malfunction. My family and I were traveling west bound on [XXX] near Crawfordsville Indiana on [XXX]. Trooper Chelsey Smith from the Indiana State Police (CAD # [XXX] ) came to the scene. Our car was traveling westbound at about 70 mph when I got a notification of "a malfunction in the electronic control of the engine, throttle, or automatic transmission has been detected. Contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected" - I acknowledged the alert and kept driving, then it showed again 30 seconds later and acknowledged again. About 30 seconds later I received a "Hybrid System Alert" stating "A malfunction in the Hybrid System has been detected. Stop in a save location and contact your Toyota dealer to have your vehicle inspected". The vehicle then notified me that it was reducing power output and we went from 70 to 20 mph in a few minutes. Then while we were going about 20 mph, the vehicle notified me that its going to come to a stop and shut off its power. I engaged the brakes and before coming to a full stop, thick brown smoke came out from the hood on the drivers side. Vehicle cam to a stop and we all jumped out of the vehicle. Within 30 seconds, the car had flames coming out of hood and front drivers side quarter panel. The fire then moved through the vehicle. Fire department came about 10 min later, but worked on it for 30+ mins to put out. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving 70 MPH in the fast lane, the steering wheel failed to respond as needed while attempting to turn to the left or the right. Additionally, the brakes became inoperable and the vehicle decelerated. The contact stated that several unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to veer to the shoulder, and the vehicle shut off. The contact called Roadside Assistance and was informed that the battery needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the failure was due to the engine. The contact called the local dealer, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 17,781.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
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.
When I slow down to make a right or left turn I apply pressure to the brake pedal and my vehicle brakes feel like they are "gulping: or not holding, causing my vehicle to lurch forward slightly. This has been happening since I purchsed in July 2022. I replaced my tires last month thinking it was the tires, but the vehicle still lurches forward when braking in a turn. I will put the last time this occurred in your details below
Met with an accident in dallas north tollway due to hydro plane and hit in the median. But airbag not deployed. Four people were in the car
The Resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs detached from my 2022 Toyota Highlander on (July 9, 2023). I received a Recall letter from Toyota on February 9, 2024 (7 months) after the incident & promptly contact Toyota Brand Engagement Center. I have mailed all the required information that Toyota stated on the Recall correspondence & as of today, May 5, 2024 I have not been able to speak with the case manager to see where we are in this process for reimbursement. Since this took place in 2023 before I even knew there was a recall, we had our Highlander repaired at the body shop we were confident could fix & insure the repair. Toyota has ALL the required documentation from us but they keep asking for the same information again & again.
See attached document for complaint
The vehicle will accelerate suddenly when pressing the brake putting myself and others at risk for injury.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that after a car wash, he became aware that parts of the bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) 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. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not available.
See attached document for complaint
I GOT A RECALL FROM TOYOTA AND CAN'T DRIVE FOR ALMOST A YEAR .I WENT TO THE CAR DEALER SHIP TO ASK FOR A REPAIR , THEY TOLD ME MAYBE YOUR CAR NEEDS THIS BUMPER OR NO NEEDS , I ASKED THEM TO CHECK MY CAR IF IT WAS SAFE TO DRIVE TO WORK ,MANY TIMES TO CONSTANT NUMBER OF OVER 10 TIMES.THEY REFUSEDTOR MY CAR COME IN TO CHECK . O REALLY WORIED IF I DIVE ON THE ROAD AN HAVE AN ACCIDENT .BIT ITS ALOMOST HOPELESS BECAUSE THIS CAR COMPANY DOEANT CARE ABOUT SAFETY, ONLY THINKS ABOUT THEIR PROFITS. I HAVE BEEN ASKING THEM FOR RENT ME A CAR TO DRIVE BECAUSE FOR NEARLY A YEAR NOW I'VE BEEN DRIVING IN FEAR BUT NO ANWSER. I WONDER IS THERE A DEALINE WHEN TOYOTA WILL PRODUCE THIS BUMPER? THEY KEEPS SAY THEY DONT KNOW? IT IS VERY DANGEROUS IF THE CUSTOMER'S USES THIS TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FOR DRIVING WITHOUT KNOWING IT IS SAFE OR NOT
This is related to an existing recall released by toyota but that did not include my vehicle year/time frame: Toyota is conducting a safety recall in the U.S. involving certain 2020-2023 model year Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid vehicles. Approximately 751,000 vehicles are involved in this recall. The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. My entire front is sinking and tags are coming off forcing me to regularly pull the front fender back up into place. The way the front fender is secured is not supporting the weight of the front fender. You can clearly see the difference from when the vehicle is left alone versus me putting the front fender back in place and holding it to its original position. Now that I saw that Toyota issued a recall about the same issue, I am certain that more vehicle like mine are affected and believe this recall should be extended to ALL vehicle manufactured between 2020 - 2023
On March 16, 2024 this vehicle experienced a complete brake system failure. This is a very serious braking issue and the vehicle has had several braking incidents leading up to the complete failure. Toyota Motor Corp has dismissed the issue each time as there have been no codes or warning lights prior to this incident. We filed a complaint concerning this braking issue on June 12, 2023, Ref#11526496 Since that first report there have been several other incidents where the brake pedal went soft and depressed to the floor as the vehicle accelerated forward. Since the complete system failure occurred on a Saturday, as of this writing, it has not yet been reported to the service department. We filed a complaint with Toyota Motor Corp stating that this is a very serious safety concern that could lead to injury or death and they dismissed it.
See attached document for complaint
Front bumper has been falling off. We are on our 4th repair now in 1.5 years. Toyota claims that we aren't part of the recall but having issue with it staying in place. They might need to extend it further.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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 stated while driving at approximately 65 MPH, he heard an abnormal sound as if there was an object trapped underneath the vehicle. The contact stated that he pulled over and saw that a section of the front bumper was trapped underneath the vehicle. The contact was able to pull the part out from underneath the vehicle. The contact drove the vehicle to a local dealer who advised that the part to complete the recall repair was not yet available. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 15,000. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Front Bumper is detaching I feel unsafe driving this car
Open recall since October 2023 without any resolution from the manufacturer: NHTSA Recall Number23V720 Recall StatusRecall Incomplete, remedy not yet available Summary The subject vehicles are equipped with a resin front lower bumper cover assembly, connected with mounting tabs. If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users. Safety Risk If there is minor impact to the lower front bumper cover assembly that causes the mounting tabs to detach from the vehicle during normal operation, one or more parts of this assembly could detach, which could become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash or injury for other road users.
At night, drivers frequently flash their bright lights at my vehicle, "complaining that my high beams are on." Sometimes, they turn on their brights at me and leave them on until our vehicles pass. My high beams are NOT on. This is a safety hazard from my vehicle if the low beams are adjusted too high, an increased hazard when the driver of the approaching vehicle flashes their lights at me, and an even more serious issue when they leave their lights on. This is a constant problem that has existed from the moment I drove the NEW vehicle off the dealer's lot. The dealer refuses to adjust the headlights under warranty repair. If a vehicle is improperly assembled from the factory, that should be corrected under warranty repair.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the trunk was opened, and the contact was storing items in the trunk space and the trunk lid fell on the contact's back. The contact stated that the failure occurred two or three times. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 70,732.
Brakes vibrate at highway speeds above 60 mph. Car does stop but steering wheel and seat noticeably shake. Car only 1 year old and started during winter. Seems to be related to TSB-0072-18 but does not cover my vehicle year.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the vehicle vibrated, and the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from underneath the front end of the vehicle. The contact had driven over a bump or an object on the roadway. The contact looked in her rear-view mirror and saw a plastic object on the road behind the vehicle. The contact later observed that the lower portion of the front bumper had detached from the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer who advised her that the damage was from an accident and to contact her insurance provider. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that she related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was 9,206. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that there was an obscuring and milky pattern on the windshield while driving under certain weather conditions; significantly reducing the visibility of the roadway while driving. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 3,000.
Was in a frontal collision air bags failed to deploy and forward collision system did not work. Received error messages from both systems that they failed
The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. 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. VIN tool confirms parts not available.
Occasionally when slowing to a stop, the brakes feel like they slip and i begin to speed up suddenly. Pressing hard on the brakes stops the car again. This is a safety issue if for example you were braking for someone in a crosswalk or a car in front of you. The dealer was unable to reproduce the issue. It happens maybe once a week, for the last several months. They examined the brakes and said they are fine. No warning lights.
Sunroof shattered and detached at highway speed without impact
The 3rd row seat belt buckle is imbedded too deep in the seat. This makes it very difficult for a child to buckle themselves and in several attempts the parent or another adult was required to insert the seat belt into the locking device. What is more concerning is the difficulty a child has when trying to release the seat belt. While this may be an annoyance that requires adult intervention it is of particular concern when a child, in an emergency is required to release the seat belt.
The hood is latched, but not sealing flush. There is approximately a half inch gap. While driving the wind catches. I can see the hood moving up and down while driving. Especially if I am on the interstate.
In November 2023, I received a notification about TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2022 OPEN SAFETY RECALL WITH NO REMEDIES. I went to the local DeLuca Toyota (www.delucatoyota.com ) Dealership. The address is 1719 SW College Rd, Ocala, FL 34471, (352) 732-0770. I bought this car from this dealership. I was talking with service manager about these issues about safety recall WITH NO REMEDIES. He said they cannot do anything about. They offered a different car as a rental solution. The first problem with rental car is an additional cost. I must pay for the rental vehicle. Another problem is limit of the mileages per day. I am working in Gainesville, FL, which is 49 miles away (one way) from my home. I will use this limit in one week, and then I must pay for the mileage excess in addition to rental cost, monthly payments for Highlander and additional rental car insurance. Dealers do not know when the remedy is going to be and try to push/refer to the “LOW RISK” issue. LAW RISK cannot be measured yet should not be discussed. Risk is the risk that is why an open safety recall was issued. I discussed with repair service department and seller’s department to provide me with either of these options: repair, replacement, or refund. All these remedies were denied. I mention that I carry “A CAP INSURANCE”. The associates stated that the cap insurance, is not suitable for this situation. I think, if there are no remedies available for safety recall available for 0ver 45 days, and I aren’t provided with
Driver side mirror shakes in its housing at varying speeds and on non-smooth roads. It becomes a distraction of focus when you are looking at the mirror to then switch back to front. The mirror vibration almost caused an accident while overcorrecting a turn.
I got hit by a full size van at the red light and pushed to the traffic. Van is totaled and airbags deployed. I and my passenger got a whiplash, yet airbags deploy.
The highlander has been having starting issue where the dash reads that the hybrid system is not functioning and won’t turn over. There is a consumer report program instead of a recall. This is deceiving. This morning the TPMS was reading that all tired were at 32 pounds of air when in fact the right front passenger was complete flat to the rim. Clearly the computer was malfunctioning with not just one aspect of the car but multiple. The local dealership isn’t helpful in that they charge $185 for diagnostic tests.
The Front bumper came loose on the interstate, creating a loud noise as it slid under the tires. Once safely pulled over on the side of the road the car appeared to have spontaneously dropped the front bumper, we did not encounter any debris in the road, the weather is good and clear, there was no prior damage to the vehicle. The clips that hold the bumper in place seemed to be broken.
Toyota 2022 Highlander XLE AWD has a safety issue with the drivers side mirror. The issue is that the mirror vibrates when driving over small bumps or imperfections in the road. It is especially hazardous when driving at night and the following vehicles headlights flicker the reflection back in your face. It is very distracting to the driver. Toyota has similar vehicles (Rav4) that have TSB's for the same problem. Also many Lexus vehicles have similar TSB. I hope NHSTA will convince Toyota that the Highlander with mirror vibration problems need to be addressed similar to the Rav4 and Lexus models.
Reading these
NHTSA publishes every complaint as the owner wrote it and investigates only a fraction. Spelling, capitalisation and judgement are the filer’s own. What carries weight is repetition: the same component failing the same way across many filings, and whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Full record for the 2022 Toyota Highlander → · Every Highlander year → · How the figures are calculated →