Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2022 Toyota Highlander
The 2022 Toyota Highlander holds up reasonably well with only five recall campaigns and 266 owner complaints, focusing on seating issues and tire load ratings. Given the number of complaints and recalls, this model requires careful inspection, particularly in these areas. However, the evidence for widespread issues is limited.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2022 Toyota Highlander has 5 NHTSA recall campaigns and 266 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #26V128000 Second-Row Seat Backs May Fail to Lock NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V452000 Tires with Insufficient Load Rating/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #24V419000 Insufficient Load Rating on Tires/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #23V720000 Front Bumper Assembly May Detach NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #22V310000 Illegible Load Carrying Capacity Label/FMVSS 110 NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Power Train 55 complaints
- Structure 43 complaints
- Unknown or Other 39 complaints
- Service Brakes 38 complaints
- Air Bags 32 complaints
- Electrical System 23 complaints
Of the 266 complaints on file, 20 report a crash and 1 a fire; across all 266 complaints, owners report 16 injuries and 1 death (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Seats may not lock properly
How to check: Test the recline and lock function on all rear seats
Incorrect tire load rating
How to check: Review tire specifications for load ratings
Front bumper cover may detach
How to check: Inspect bumper cover for secure attachment
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine sounds
Red flag: Knocking or loud ticking noises
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for dashboard warning lights
Red flag: Persistent warning lights
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Feel for steering responsiveness
Red flag: Excessive play or stiffness
- 04
Braking
What to check: Test brakes for responsiveness and noise
Red flag: Grinding or delayed braking
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Observe smooth transmission shifting
Red flag: Rough or delayed shift
- 06
Cruise control
What to check: Ensure functionality and maintain speed
Red flag: Inconsistent speed or failure to engage
- 07
Lane changes
What to check: Test lane departure warning
Red flag: Warning system non-functional
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the rear seat issue been fixed?
- Were the tires checked for correct load rating?
- Have there been any recent recalls?
- Are there any unresolved warning lights?
- Has the bumper cover been secure?
- Was the car in any accidents?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history
- Accident history report
- Tire specifications document
- Warranty documentation
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2022 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2022 Toyota Highlander? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.