2022 Toyota Highlander: Reliability, Recalls, Known Issues & Cost to Own
Data last updated 2026-07-04 · sources listed throughout · based on public NHTSA data
Final V6/UA80 8-speed year, still the documented whine/harsh-shift/failure risk, but lower complaint volume and a premium, very safe family SUV otherwise. 4 known issue patterns are documented below, with frequency and the mileage windows where they typically appear. New, the 2022 Toyota Highlander ranged from $35,855 to $48,010 depending on trim (base MSRP, before options and destination).
This listing
Context from the listing you were viewing, not a market-price judgement.
Final V6/UA80 8-speed year, still the documented whine/harsh-shift/failure risk, but lower complaint volume and a premium, very safe family SUV otherwise.
Sources (3)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
- cargurus.comhttps://www.cargurus.com/research/articles/toyota-highlander-buying-guide
Known issues
-
UA80 8-speed automatic (paired with the V6) develops a high-pitched whine, harsh or erratic shifting, hesitation and premature failure, often just past the powertrain-warranty window; replacements are very expensive.
widespread · typically 45k–100k miles · transmission
-
Owners report being unable to fill the fuel tank to its advertised capacity, with the pump shutting off early.
commonly reported · fuel
-
Brake surge or lurch during the regenerative-to-friction transition on hybrid models.
occasional · brake
-
Power rear liftgate, hatch struts and bumper/structure complaints.
occasional · body
Based on public NHTSA complaint data and AI synthesis: patterns, not guarantees.
Sources (7)
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- api.nhtsa.govhttps://api.nhtsa.gov/complaints/complaintsByVehicle?make=toyota&model=highla…
- carcomplaints.comhttps://www.carcomplaints.com/news/2020/toyota-8-speed-transmission-problems-…
- lemonlawexperts.comhttps://lemonlawexperts.com/toyota-highlander-transmission-problems/
- change.orghttps://www.change.org/p/toyota-the-ua80f-e-transmission-defect
- gearsmagazine.comhttps://gearsmagazine.com/magazine/the-ua80e-a-closer-look-at-the-8-speed-fro…
Recalls & safety
Recall history hasn't been loaded for this model year yet.
Whether a recall is still open on a specific car depends on its VIN. Check it free at NHTSA's VIN lookup (nhtsa.gov/recalls), or ask the seller for proof the repair was done.
Pros & cons
Pros
- Smooth, strong 295-hp V6 with comfortable, secure handling and a refined ride.
- Upgraded interior fit and finish and a high standard safety content.
- Excellent resale and Toyota durability on regular fuel.
Cons
- Third row and cargo behind it are modest for the class.
- Early fuel-tank fill complaint and some hybrid brake-feel quirks.
- V6 is paired with the trouble-prone UA80 8-speed automatic.
Trims & original pricing
| Trim | Original base MSRP | New today | Engine | MPG |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| L | $35,855 | discontinued | — | — |
| LE | $38,055 | discontinued | — | — |
| XLE | $41,055 | $45,870 | — | — |
| XSE | $42,650 | $47,940 | — | — |
| Limited | $45,010 | $50,325 | — | — |
| Platinum | $48,010 | $53,525 | — | — |
Prices are base MSRP for each trim's standard configuration. Options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (2)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/2022-toyota-highlander-price
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-highlander-price
Depreciation
Move your cursor along the line to see the estimated value for any year.
This listing sits above the typical depreciation curve. Common for heavily-optioned cars and for 2021-2023 model years (pandemic-era pricing); the curve is anchored at base MSRP, which excludes options.
Curve anchored at the entry-trim base MSRP ($35,855). Higher trims started higher (up to $48,010), and options added more.
Curve outlook: a typical 2022 loses roughly another 30% of its value over the next 3 years. These are estimates from public data, not a market-price claim.
2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Sources (1)
- iseecars.comhttps://www.iseecars.com/car/toyota-highlander/resale-value
Cost to own
| Repairs (rises with mileage) | ≈ $450–500/yr |
| Insurance (medium tier) | ≈ $2,000–2,100/yr |
| Expected lifespan | ~250k miles |
National-average estimates based on public data. Your costs vary by region, driver, and condition.
Sources (2)
- repairpal.comhttps://repairpal.com/reliability/toyota/highlander
- moneygeek.comhttps://moneygeek.com/insurance/auto/toyota-highlander-insurance/
Frequently asked questions
What problems does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
Documented issue patterns include: UA80 8-speed automatic (paired with the V6) develops a high-pitched whine, harsh or erratic shifting, hesitation and premature failure, often just past the powertrain-warranty window; replacements are very expensive; Owners report being unable to fill the fuel tank to its advertised capacity, with the pump shutting off early; Brake surge or lurch during the regenerative-to-friction transition on hybrid models; Power rear liftgate, hatch struts and bumper/structure complaints. Frequency is based on public NHTSA complaint data: patterns, not guarantees.
Is the 2022 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Final V6/UA80 8-speed year, still the documented whine/harsh-shift/failure risk, but lower complaint volume and a premium, very safe family SUV otherwise.
How much did the 2022 Toyota Highlander cost new?
Between $35,855 and $48,010 depending on trim. Those are base MSRPs for each trim's standard configuration; options, packages, and destination charges added to what original buyers actually paid. 2021-2023 cars held unusually high used values due to pandemic-era supply shortages, so comparisons to original MSRP read differently for these years.
Is the Toyota Highlander expensive to maintain?
Estimated repairs run roughly $450–500/year as mileage climbs.
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Estimates are based on public data: patterns, not guarantees. CarVitals is not affiliated with NHTSA, CarMax, AutoTrader, or Cars.com. Issue frequencies come from public NHTSA complaint data, which has no denominator, so they describe reporting patterns, not failure probabilities. Always have a used car inspected before buying. How we build these reports.