2022 Toyota Highlander Body & structure Problems

In the past 3 days, the trunk of the vehicle has opened on its own even though it was locked. This has also happened 3 additional times in the past since I have taken it to the Toyota service center in Fairlawn, NJ. I am concerned because yesterday, I was at a supermarket and was inside for about 15 minutes and when I came out, the back was opened. This has not happened while I was driving but I was fortunate that nothing was taken from the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11751740

Incident

Jul 20, 2026

The fender liner detached and was getting caught up in the tire, I had to pull it out and then it was dragging on the ground. It was hard to turn because it was getting under the tire. Finally, one was pulling into my driveway and I felt a bump. I thought I’d ran over something, it was the fender liner underneath the truck. These liners are made of terrible materials. I never had a problem with one until this truck.

NHTSA ID

11750894

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

While traveling on interstate highways from [XXX] to [XXX], the front lower bumper cover on my 2022 Toyota Highlander Limited (VIN [XXX]) partially detached during normal driving at approximately 81,859 miles. The aluminum crash bar became exposed. The vehicle is subject to NHTSA Recall 23V-720 regarding the front lower bumper cover detaching while driving. This incident appears to be the exact defect described in the recall. Fortunately, no crash or injuries occurred, but complete separation could have created a serious roadway hazard. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11748970

Incident

Jul 7, 2026

The contact's daughter owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving approximately 65 MPH, the contact noticed an abnormal sound coming from the exterior of the vehicle. The driver pulled to a highway hot shop. Upon inspection, the contact noticed that the upper side of the lower front bumper cover had detached and the cover was hanging and dragging. The contact secured the cover with strings and was able to continue driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be repaired under NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the dealer refused to complete the recall repair due to collateral damage caused by the cover dragging. The vehicle was then taken to Toyota of Manhattan (679 11th Ave, New York, NY 10019), where the contact was denied assistance because the previous dealer had already opened a case. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ID

11740609

Incident

May 5, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 TOYOTA Highlander. The contact stated that the front upper bumper assembly is separating from the headlight on the passenger side, creating a noticeable gap on the fender portion directly below the headlight. The contact referenced NHTSA campaign number: 23V720000 (STRUCTURE), however, the VIN was not included in the recall repair. The dealer was notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 32,827.

NHTSA ID

11739388

Incident

May 21, 2026

Mileage

32,827 mi

The power back door struts were not completely operational for about 6 months or more from the date of repair on 2/26/26. Therefore, the back hatch would not close without manipulating it by starting the vehicle and using the inside button to close it. There was also a loud grinding/whining noise each time we opened and closed the hatch. The dealer said it's a common problem and maybe the struts were blown out because we had to open the rear hatch to get a mobility scooter in and out . Since we were concerned that eventually the hatch would be stuck in the upright position permanately, we relented and paid to have the Toyota dealer replace the struts. The dealer said it may become a recall because it's so common.

NHTSA ID

11734915

Incident

Aug 1, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in inclement weather, water was leaking from the overhead console on the driver's side, where the sunglasses holder was located. Additionally, water stains were on the headliner above the driver’s side rear third row seats. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with a fracture to the driver’s side roof rack attachment clip or a sealant interference. The vehicle was repaired with Part Number: 90467-08235. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 56,000.

NHTSA ID

11732479

Incident

Apr 13, 2026

Mileage

56,000 mi

The struts for the tailgate appear to be a problem for these cars. Mine are failing intermittently and so if the technicians don’t witness it, they refuse to cover it under warranty. If I crash and the trunk is the only way out, I willl die. The trunk gets stuck and won’t open or close unless forced. This is a disaster and should be recalled. I see multiple complaints all over the internet about this issue and the dealers are NO help. I have gone 4 separate times and they have wasted my time because there was no resolution.

NHTSA ID

11729993

Incident

Apr 8, 2026

Rear tailgate won’t open ir close correctly. The keyfob or the button om the tailgate won’t work. Really heavy tailgate to close manually.

NHTSA ID

11729179

Incident

Mar 23, 2026

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while using the rear liftgate with the key fob or the actuator on the liftgate door, the liftgate failed to raise properly and failed to close properly. The contact stated that the liftgate made a beeping sound and then stopped. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer several times and was unable to duplicate the failure. The dealer recommended changing both liftgate pistons. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 48,000.

NHTSA ID

11724894

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

Mileage

48,000 mi

LIFTGATE MALFUNCTION

NHTSA ID

11722246

Incident

Feb 20, 2025

Failure of the rear hatch power struts. Door not opening or closing properly.

NHTSA ID

11715269

Incident

Feb 3, 2026

The grill of the vehicle is too big. There is nothing to stop the condenser from being damaged. There should be a plate for airflow but also stop the damage being done to the condenser. Shouldn't have to file an insurance claim, pay out of pocket and warranty doesn't cover. Recurring problem something should be done.

NHTSA ID

11678899

Incident

Aug 2, 2025

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the mounting pad on the driver's side front bumper had detached and fallen off the vehicle. The dealer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 50,000.

NHTSA ID

11669022

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

Mileage

50,000 mi

The component that failed is the roof rail clips that hold the roof rack to the vehicle (Toyota Service Bulletin T-SB-0040-24). The clips under the rail fail and cause water to leak into the headliner and down the A-pillars on both sides of the vehicle. It presents itself by causing water staining where the headliner meets the A-pillar cover. This issue presented itself in January of 2023, a few months after we bought the vehicle. Toyota Bountiful (Utah) tried to tell us that it is the sunroof drain lines that are clogged and required a $100 service to clear them which is an annual service. After some push back they found the problem with the roof rack clips. However, they only replaced the passenger side and neglected to repair both sides. April of 2025 the driverside failed and Toyota Bountiful once again confirmed that the driverside clips failed. This creates a danger to the front occupants of the vehicle by allowing a possible mold issue within the cabin. Secondly, it allows water into the front curtain airbags of the vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11658405

Incident

Apr 27, 2025

r 2022 Toyota Highlander was involved in a motor vehicle incident wherein the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) and front airbags may not have functioned as expected.

NHTSA ID

11648263

Incident

May 6, 2024

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 was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 20,000.

NHTSA ID

11628602

Incident

Aug 15, 2024

Mileage

20,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the front lower bumper cover had detached. Additionally, the contact stated while driving 60 MPH, the front lower bumper cover separated, flew underneath the vehicle and into traffic, causing the contact to temporarily lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where the contact was informed that there was a cost for the repair of the front lower bumper prior to the recall repair. The contact declined to pay for the repair because it was a minor bump. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 7,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11621001

Incident

Sep 26, 2024

Mileage

7,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The local dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the part was not available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while his wife was driving approximately 65 MPH, the lower front bumper cover assembly detached from the vehicle. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The failure mileage was 85,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11608040

Incident

Apr 1, 2024

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure). The contact stated while driving 70 MPH, the front bumper cover detached from the vehicle. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer but was not diagnosed. The dealer referred the contact to an auto body shop for further assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 49,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11604025

Incident

Jul 23, 2024

Mileage

49,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was unavailable. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal sound coming from the front of the vehicle. The contact heard a dragging sound coming from the vehicle. The contact stopped the vehicle and observed that the lower section of the front bumper had almost detached from the vehicle and was cracked due to the impact with the road. The contact had taken the vehicle to a local dealer and was informed that the replacement of the bumper would be an out-of-pocket expense. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 30,000. Parts distribution disconnect.

NHTSA ID

11603342

Incident

Apr 19, 2024

Mileage

30,000 mi

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure); however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The dealer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that parts were not yet available. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11591127

Incident

May 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was not contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was not made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. VIN tool confirms parts not available.

NHTSA ID

11591030

Incident

May 28, 2024

The contact owns a 2022 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that after a car wash, he became aware that parts of the bumper had detached. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact received notification of NHTSA Campaign Number: 23V720000 (Structure) however, the part to do the recall repair was not yet available. The local dealer was contacted. The contact stated that the manufacturer had exceeded a reasonable amount of time for the recall repair. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The contact had not experienced a failure. The failure mileage was approximately 33,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11583642

Incident

Aug 1, 2022

Mileage

33,000 mi

See attached document for complaint

NHTSA ID

11583302

Incident

Aug 5, 2023