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EnginePart report

2022 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

Complaints
11about this part
Share
4%of 266 total for the year
Median mileage
17,781miles
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 11 complaints about the engine of the 2022 Toyota Highlander, 4% of the 266 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 17,781 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“While having the eco system on, with the active system present by firmly pressing the brake hard at a stoplight, the light turned green. while taking my foot off the brake and the engine turning back on, attempting to accelerate the transmission would not allow me to get through the intersection turning left. I pulled to the far left/slow lane to stay out of other traffic. The vehicle would not allow me to go past 40mph, and the rpm’s would rev between 2000-3000 at low speeds between 10-25 mph. …”

NHTSA complaint #11488669, filed 2022-10

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #11773397, filed 2026-10

“According to Toyota, the wire harness needs to be replaced due to damages caused by animals (rodents). My main concern is, this vehicle is not safe to drive. Because if a midsize animal could find its way inside the engine compartment and caused so much damages to a car I drive every day, what would happen if a snake or a rat shows up inside the cabin while driving at 65 or 70 mph. Secondly, what types of materials are used to make these wires and other components in the vehicle? Why are these animals attracted to them in the first place? …”

NHTSA complaint #11520271, filed 2023-05

“Two weeks ago, I had my 2022 Toyota Highlander serviced at Romano Toyota for my state inspection and regular maintenance. The dealership passed the inspection and did not mention any problems with my vehicle. However, just two days after the maintenance, the check engine light came on unexpectedly. The vehicle began to hesitate and shift roughly, with noticeable jerking during acceleration and delayed gear engagement. This created a safety hazard, especially when merging into traffic or crossing intersections, because the SUV would not respond quickly when pressing the accelerator. …”

NHTSA complaint #11678354, filed 2025-08

“1. The engine was on while the 'hold' feature was enabled. I've used this feature numerous times before. This time, the 'hold' feature was on for about 5+ minutes, I heard 3 consecutive beeps out of nowhere followed by the engine restarting on it's own as if the push start button was pressed. At that time, the vehicle lunged forward causing me to brake, missing the vehicle in front of me. This happened while waiting at the school drop off lane. Vehicle also lags during acceleration and stalls especially when getting up to speed on the freeway/highway. 2. …”

NHTSA complaint #11483459, filed 2022-09

Related service bulletins

Engine: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
2024512%
20232815%
2022114%
2021479%
2020175%
20197114%
20183513%
20174717%
201698%
2015105%
201432%
20133215%
2012179%
2011179%
2010126%
20092317%
20085814%
200776%
2006197%
200563%
2004166%
20034116%
200272%
200121%

Other parts of the 2022 Toyota Highlander

Transmission and drivetrain
55 complaints
Body and structure
43 complaints
Other or unknown
42 complaints
Brakes
40 complaints
Air bags
32 complaints
Electrical system
23 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
22 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaints
Seats
14 complaints
Exterior lighting
12 complaints
Lane departure
11 complaints
Fuel system
10 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2022 Toyota Highlander

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology