2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
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Common 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been reported to have several issues, primarily related to the hybrid powertrain and transmission. One owner reported experiencing transmission error codes, which required the replacement of the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) and programming by a Toyota field technician.
Another owner of a 2022 Highlander Hybrid Platinum AWD reported that the vehicle had a tendency to veer slightly when the painted lines disappeared at off-ramps and similar situations, although this was not a consistent issue. This owner also mentioned that the Highlander Hybrid performed flawlessly during two extended road trips, averaging 34 MPG or better in both instances.
While these issues are specific to the 2022 model year, it is worth noting that the Toyota Highlander, in general, has had some recurring problems over the years. For example, engine bolts becoming stripped, which can lead to coolant leakage and overheating, has been a common problem, particularly around 130,000 miles.
The 2008 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been identified as the worst model year, with the most overall complaints and the highest rating for brakes problems.
In summary, the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been reported to have issues with the hybrid powertrain and transmission, including transmission error codes, loss of power, and error messages related to the hybrid system. While these issues are specific to the 2022 model year, it is important to be aware of recurring problems in the Toyota Highlander's history, such as engine bolts becoming stripped and engine failure, which are more common around certain mileage thresholds.
Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.
Does the 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid require premium gas?
Check it out seriously it's that simple hybrids have a fuel tank just like any other vehicle and the Philip process is exactly the same -. Plus all you need is regular 87 grade gasoline to fuel up.
How many miles will a Toyota Highlander hybrid last?
The Highlander model has been found to be one of the best cars on the road when it comes to longevity. If all goes well, the potential lifespan of the Highlander can reach upwards of 250,00 miles!
How many miles can a Toyota Highlander Hybrid go on a full tank of gas?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | 36 MPG 36 35 combined city/highway city highway |
| 2.8 gal/100mi | |
| 616 miles Total Range | |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates from Vehicle Owners Learn more about "My MPG" Disclaimer | 31.7 MPG 30 Lo 34 Hi Average based on 2 vehicles View Individual Estimates |
Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.
Is Highlander Hybrid better than regular?
When you compare Hybrid Highlander vs. gas model, you'll find that the Highlander Hybrid has a higher MSRP overall. If you're on a budget, then the standard Highlander model may be a better fit. However, upgrading to a Highlander Hybrid will give you better fuel economy and some luxury amenities on your commute.
How many miles will a Toyota Highlander hybrid last?
The Highlander model has been found to be one of the best cars on the road when it comes to longevity. If all goes well, the potential lifespan of the Highlander can reach upwards of 250,00 miles!
How many miles can a Highlander Hybrid go on a full tank?
Compare Side-by-Side
| 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid | |
|---|---|
| EPA Fuel Economy | 36 MPG 36 35 combined city/highway city highway |
| 2.8 gal/100mi | |
| 616 miles Total Range | |
| Unofficial MPG Estimates from Vehicle Owners Learn more about "My MPG" Disclaimer | 31.7 MPG 30 Lo 34 Hi Average based on 2 vehicles View Individual Estimates |
2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Highlander hybrid problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Engine problems
- Service brakes problems
- Electrical system problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 5 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid.
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-10-18
- VIN: 5TDXBRCH3NS
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: The contact's wife owns 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while his wife was driving 70 MPH, the vehicle shut off with the "Maintenance Required Visit Your Dealer" message displayed. The contact’s wife restarted the vehicle and immediately pulled over to the shoulder. Despite the failure, the contact's wife was able to drive back to the residence. The contact stated that prior to the failure, a similar warning light illuminated and disrupted the contact's ability to use the GPS feature. The contact called the local dealer and scheduled an appointment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 23,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-10
- VIN: 5TDGBRCH9NS
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle independently accelerated while the brake pedal was depressed. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer on several different occasions to be diagnosed; however, the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 36,000.
STRUCTURE,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-05-07
- VIN: 5TDGBRCH7NS
- Components: STRUCTURE,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact heard a loud noise coming from the driver’s side of the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and became aware that the front lower bumper had detached on the driver's side and was dragging on the road. The bumper was attached by one screw. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V72000 (Structure). The vehicle was taken to the dealer and repaired under the recall. The dealer informed the contact that the grill shutter had been damaged and needed to be repaired. The contact stated that after retrieving the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was informed that the grill shutter had not been repaired correctly causing the check engine warning light to be illuminated. The dealer repaired the vehicle again. The contact stated that after repairing the vehicle, while driving approximately 40 miles down the road, the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact inspected the vehicle and became aware that underneath the grill shutter had not been repaired. The dealer had been contacted and informed that the failure had reoccurred. The vehicle had not been returned to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired again. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and confirmed that the repair would be up to the dealer to repair the vehicle. The failure mileage was 80,000.
SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-01
- VIN: 5TDEBRCHXNS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES,ENGINE
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed and approaching a traffic light, the brake pedal was depressed; however, the engine surged. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer on several occasions, who was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000.
SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-03-27
- VIN: 5TDEBRCHXNS
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving approximately 20 MPH and slowing down for a traffic signal, the contact felt as if the brakes had failed. The contact stated that while depressing the brake pedal, the vehicle was still rolling forward. The contact stated that he depressed the brake pedal with more force and eventually the brakes grabbed and stopped the vehicle. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer, but the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the failure had become a recurring failure. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.
2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 3 recalls for different components of the 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Gulf States Toyota, Inc.
- Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
- Summary: 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."
- Consequence: 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.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC):CONTROL MODULE:SOFTWARE
- Summary: Toyota Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2022 Lexus LX 600, Lexus NX 350h, Lexus NX 450h+, Toytoa RAV4 Hybrid, 2021-2022 Lexus LS 500h, Toyota Mirai, RAV4 PRIME, Sienna, Venza, and 2020-2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid vehicles. The Skid Control ECU software may not turn on the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system when the vehicle is restarted after the driver has disabled the VSC system. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard number 126, "Electronic Stability Control Systems."
- Consequence: Driving with a deactivated stability control system increases the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Dealers will update the Skid Control ECU software, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed May 27, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 22TA03. Lexus' number for this recall is 22LA01.
Negative 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews
Positive 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews
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I recently drove my new Highlander for 1,400 miles, mostly on my own, but also with a few passengers and a dog. The Highlander is a significant upgrade from my previous car, a 2012 Outback, with impressive new technology that is standard in 2022 models. What really stands out is the quiet and comfortable ride, which feels almost luxurious, all while getting an impressive 42 mpg. I am currently trying to maximize my mpg by watching my driving and ensuring the 'EV' light comes on as much as possible. However, I understand that this may not be a common experience for everyone. On a trip from CT to Chicago with three adults, two children with car seats, and a canine, we had to use a rooftop carrier for much of our stuff. The third row was barely usable, so I recommend checking the car seat anchors if you plan to use it. The Highlander is great for four people, but more than that on a trip will be a terrible experience. On a trip from western CT to western Maine with two adults, three dogs, and a kayak, we got an impressive 34.6 MPG, despite hills and AC use. With the third row folded flat, we were able to pack for an 8-day trip for the two of us. Overall, I would buy the Highlander again, but if I needed to haul more than four people, I would go for the Sienna.
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We hope you're enjoying your Toyota Highlander Platinum Hybrid! It sounds like you made a great choice with all the options and features it offers. The Hybrid provides plenty of power while also being fuel efficient, which is a great combination. The safety features and bird's eye view camera are definitely helpful, and we're glad to hear you're enjoying the 12.3
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We recently took a 2500 mile highway trip in our 2021 Highlander Hybrid XLE, which has already clocked up 6000 miles. Our previous vehicle was a 2005 4Runner 6-cyl, which we traded in after 180,000 miles. We're pleased to report that we're getting a steady 36 miles per gallon for both highway and city driving. The interior is spacious and easily accommodates two sets of golf clubs and matching push carts behind the second row seat. While the ride isn't quite in the luxury car class, it's certainly smooth enough. We opted for the standard entertainment system, which is perfectly adequate for our needs - we mostly listen to Sirius oldies stations. Overall, we're extremely satisfied with this comfortable and economical vehicle.
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Driving on twisty two lane roads in moderately hilly country with very few stop lights can result in better gas mileage than the EPA rating, perhaps 3-4 mpg better. I live out of town on roads without painted lines and with only one stop light in the county I live in. With only a couple of fill-ups so far, I'm absolutely amazed at the gas mileage. The car rides smoothly, is a joy to drive, and is not noisy at all. For those complaining about engine noise and lower than expected mileage, they must be talking about high-speed interstate travel which I rarely ever encounter. I've made a couple of long trips on the interstate and achieved 38 mpg. My typical local mileage has been 39 to 41 mpg per tank. My other car is a 2028 Mazda CX-5, but I can't believe that I think the Highlander handles better. Maybe I need new tires on the Mazda? I've had my Highlander for 5000 miles so far and I love it. It has a smooth, gliding ride and handles turns unexpectedly well. I like driving it, perhaps more than my Mazda CX-5. It seems well-made and worth the money. I don't use the third row and have the platinum with captain's chairs. I never need to carry more than four people. I would like the third row to be removable. The only issue I have is with how fast forward works on podcasts, it's too slow. Other than that, it's hard to find fault. I've had no trouble exceeding 36 mpg on every tank full. I've had it for nearly a year now and have had no problems at all. It has plenty of power for me and a comfortable ride. Nothing much compares if you want a hybrid SUV with some size to it. I just had my one-year free oil change and check and I'm still loving it. It's spring and gas mileage is back up around 40 from a low during winter of 37. As a friendly reminder, please avoid listening to the radio (accessory mode) for over two hours waiting on your wife at the doctor to prevent any issues with the battery.I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share my experience with the Highlander. I recently discovered that the 12V battery can deplete quite quickly. Did you know that unless the lead acid battery is above a certain voltage, you aren't permitted to start the car (software)? To avoid this, I now use headphones to listen to podcasts and avoid accessory mode for extended periods. I also carry a small jump-start battery, just in case. I think it's important for owners to be aware of this. Despite this, I still love my Highlander! It's still getting 38-40 mpg and is quiet and smooth. I haven't had any other issues in the 2 1/2 years I've owned it. At my last free maintenance check/oil change, they informed me of tire wear and brake pad wear. It seemed excessive to me, considering I drive very conservatively and use regenerative braking almost exclusively to get max mpg. Nearly all of my miles were local, non-interstate, at or below 55 mph. I drove about 14,000 miles. These findings don't make sense to me. At this rate, I'll need brakes and tires at 45K. I've been told that regenerative braking saves on brake pads and slow, gentle driving saves on tires. Otherwise, though, I still highly recommend the car. Thanks for listening!
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The vehicle has great build quality. I opted for the LE trim model and it has all the features I need. The fuel economy has been consistently great, around 37mpg. I checked the display against miles driven and gallons used and the mpg was virtually the same between the two. The car has plenty of acceleration for my driving needs and is generally very quiet. Although the engine might be considered noisy, you really have to step on it to make noise. I had to change my acceleration habits to get the fuel economy, but I found that I was keeping up or going faster than others accelerating around me. The third seat has no room for adults as others have stated, but we never use it and have it laying flat for more cargo space. I got the cargo cover and net across the back of the cargo area, which are really needed for security and to prevent items from dropping out on your foot. They should come with the vehicle. Unfortunately, there is no lumbar adjustment on the driver's seat, which is not ideal. Perhaps higher trim models have that option. Overall, it's a great vehicle for a family, and for just two people with some adults sitting in the back at times, it's perfect.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems:
Common problems on 4th Gen Highlanders? : r/ToyotaHighlander
Nov 30, 2022 ... We are looking to get a new to us vehicle for my wife, we have narrowed it down to a used 2021 Highlander Limited, used 2022 GMC Acadia AT4, ...
2022 Toyota Highlander Reliability - Consumer Reports
Owner Reported Trouble Spots · Noises And Leaks · Exhaust · In-car Electronics · Electrical Accessories · Brakes · Body Hardware · Engine Minor · Steering And ...
Winter problems to be expected with the Toyota Highlander (Hybrid ...
Mar 31, 2023 ... Returned and vehicle started no problem. Lots of long and short trips. Never had problem. Now we got 2022 XLE hybrid. Upvote 2. Downvote Reply ...
2022 Toyota Highlander Top Complaints - Is Your Car A Lemon?
Vibrating mirrors and faulty brakes are the most common problems that 2022 Toyota Highlander owners are complaining to the National Highway Traffic Safety ...
Grand Highlander Hybrid Max - The Nightmare Continues : r ...
Sep 2, 2023 ... Toyota hybrids are more reliable than regular gas cars with "normal" transmissions. 303,000 miles 15 years and we've never had a problem that ...
Other years of Toyota Highlander hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2022 Toyota Highlander hybrid?
Keshaun Russel 2024-08-05
I recently purchased a 2021 Highlander and have noticed an issue with the hybrid system. While I have previously owned a 2013 Highlander Hybrid and currently own a Rav4 Hybrid, both of which were excellent, this new model seems to have a flaw. If the car is left idle without moving, it runs completely on 12 volts, which drains the battery quickly and requires a jump start. Unlike my previous hybrids, this model does not start the hybrid engine if the 12v battery is going down. If stuck in traffic, it is recommended to turn the system off to avoid any issues. Overall, I have had a different experience with this hybrid compared to my previous ones.
Llewellyn Cronin 2024-06-25
The passenger heated seat was reported to be malfunctioning intermittently, and even when functioning, it was barely noticeable on the highest setting. However, the driver's heated seats functioned great on all heat settings. Despite the initial report stating 'unable to duplicate customer complaint', a service technician spent an hour with the customer and the vehicle to investigate the issue. The technician acknowledged the problem and agreed to research the cause, but unfortunately did not follow up. The ventilated seats also had issues, with the passenger seat being less effective than the driver's seat. Although the issue was addressed during a previous service, the report stated 'unable to perform customer's complaint'. On a hot day, the cabin did not cool down even after the vehicle was serviced, and the air conditioning stopped working. The issue was eventually fixed, but the seats still did not ventilate to the ambient cabin temperature. However, during the 10,000 mile service, the seats began functioning fine. It is unclear why they were not working previously. Additionally, taller persons may find it difficult to enter the vehicle due to the inability to adjust the seat height.Some Toyota dealerships, along with other dealers, have been found to add unnecessary fees to their sales, which is a practice that Subaru has pointed out. Although I have not purchased a Subaru, the owner of a Subaru dealership who also owns a Honda and Toyota dealership explained that this is a common practice in many dealerships across the US, but not all dealerships do it. He also explained why it is not necessary. However, some dealerships in Boise, Nampa, Ontario Oregon, and Bend, Oregon (all surrounding areas) have been found to engage in this practice. I have noticed that the fuel mileage in my hybrid vehicle is far less than expected, averaging between 26.8 and 30mpg, with occasional spikes to 32mpg and rarely 34mpg. Despite watching videos and applying what I learned from their suggestions, I have not been able to achieve better results. A service tech explained that it is common for hybrids to experience this and that Toyota's claim of 'up to' 36mpg is affected by various variables. Although it was an exhausting experience, I appreciate the tech's thorough explanation. The driver easy speak feature in my vehicle screeches at the lowest setting and screeches while talking to the rear passenger, making it impossible to adjust to medium volume without lots of screeching. The highest setting is almost constant. A service tech spent quite a bit of time with me in my vehicle testing it out and agreed that it is a problem that he needed to look into. Unfortunately, after three weeks, he never got back to me, so I took my vehicle back in.The performance of the vehicle's easy speak feature was tested with similar vehicles and found to be within the same range. However, my passengers (including my mom, husband, and grandkid) have complained about it and prefer to turn it off. As a result, I have resorted to turning my head to speak to those in the third row and back seat. Although the passenger front door initially had a pop noise when opening and required more force to close, the issue was resolved after the second visit to the dealership. While Toyota claims to have excellent warranty and service, it is disappointing that they initially accepted these problems as normal. It is important to fix any issues with the vehicle, regardless of the cost of replacement parts or labour. Substandard features are not acceptable when paying extra for them.
David Ondricka 2024-05-08
This car seemed great on paper, but unfortunately my experience with it was not as positive. My wife and I test drove the 2021 Highlander Hybrid after enjoying the RX450h, hoping for more space. While we were initially concerned about the reduced engine to 4 cylinders, the test drive seemed promising and we were excited about the first year of Apple CarPlay. However, after purchasing the car, we noticed that the transition to 4 cylinders produced a terrible sound from the engine that made us want to immediately drop acceleration. Additionally, the vehicle struggled to make it up a 30 degree slope. Another annoyance was that the lane assist could not be completely turned off and constantly beeped and corrected us if we crossed the lane, making us very conscious of how we were driving. This was not ideal for a $45K vehicle from Toyota, and we ended up trading it in after only 3 months.
Lon Rolfson 2024-03-23
I just purchased a 2021 Highlander AWD Platinum Hybrid. I am very easy on the gas pedal. I purposely bought this vehicle for the MPG rating it had. I just did my first fill up and got 20 MPG. I'm a bit concerned and plan to visit the dealer service department to see what they say. Hopefully, they can help me figure out what's going on. I really hope I didn't just blow $51,000.
Wyman Witting 2024-03-20
Hey there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share my experience with you. I recently drove down the interstate at 78 mph for half the way and 81 mph for the other half, and I got 22.7 mpg with a full tank. The terrain was mostly flat with a few rolling hills, but nothing too steep. I noticed that when I drove faster than 65 mph, my mpg dropped quite a bit. Just thought I'd share in case it's helpful to you!