2022 Toyota Highlander owner complaints

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the accelerator pedal was depressed, but the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended and made an unusual whining sound. No warning lights were illuminated. The contact's husband, a certified mechanic, diagnosed that the transmission had failed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, and a case was filed. The contact related the failure to several unknown TSBs. The contact was informed that the repair was not covered under warranty. In addition, the contact was advised to contact the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

early transmission failure and whining at 40,000 miles

Car developed a whining noise coming from transmission at 63,000 miles. Known manufacturing defect that will lead to transmission failure. No recall issued and Toyota would not extend warranty. I do not feel safe driving the car pending a transmission failure. Toyota’s solution is to replace the transmission at a cost of $9000.

AUTOMATIC TRANSAXLE WHINING FROM 35MPH-45MPH ACCELERATION. Needs to be replaced this is the third vehicle this week the dealership said had the same issue.

While driving, the vehicle’s moonroof glass spontaneously shattered/exploded without impact. It sounded like a gunshot, which caused an immediate and dangerous distraction. There was no object strike that I am aware of and no prior warning. The sudden loud noise and breaking glass created a safety hazard due to distraction and potential glass intrusion.

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.

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.

Sunroof shattered and detached at highway speed without impact

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,

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated that while driving 65 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal popping and dragging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle. The contact stated that the driver’s side bumper had detached, and the passenger’s side bumper was hanging down. The front bumper was popped back into place and the contact continued to drive. The contact stated that while continuing to drive the bumper fully detached and ripped the covering under the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to a dealer where it was diagnosed that the upper and lower bumpers needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer

Vehicle Issue Description (Rear Liftgate): The rear power liftgate intermittently fails to operate and presents a safety concern. The liftgate often will not open at all. At other times, it opens only partially (approximately one-quarter of the way) and then stops. When this occurs, the liftgate frequently will not close properly and sometimes fails to latch securely. This issue has been ongoing for approximately two years and has progressively worsened. It has now reached the point where the rear liftgate is no longer usable. If the liftgate does not open in an emergency, occupants may be unable to exit the vehicle through the rear, which could be dangerous in the event of an accident. Additionally, when the liftgate fails to latch securely, there is a risk it could open while driving,

When turning on the heated steering wheel and about 5-10 minutes, it seems there is smoke coming from the steering wheel leather and it’s very hot that almost burnt my hand and forced me to take my left hand off. I immediately turned the heated steering wheel and stopped. There is a burning spot left on the steering wheel also. The heating option still can be enabled and the same situation repeats (like no fuse was broken)

Sudden acceleration when applying the brakes. This has happened several times

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.

When I drive at night time, the opposite driver complains on low beams that looks like high beams. They are too bright.

When starting up the vehicle, the headlight system malfunctioned light came on and a pre-collision system light came on. After shutting it off and restarting the vehicle. The lights were off.

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.

Wipers quit working. Available for inspection. Unable to see road because it was raining. Wipers haven’t been inspected. No messages or warning lamps. I was driving in rainy weather with the temperature slightly above the freeze point..

When the vehicle is parked in the sun for 30 minutes or more. After pushing the start button, the SRS airbag system malfunction light came on. After restarting the vehicle, the airbag light was out.