NHTSA // CRASH-TESTED
2022 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
The 2022 Toyota Highlander scores 80 out of 100 on the NHTSA Safety Index (Strong), with a 5-star overall NHTSA crash rating, 5 recalls, and 216 owner complaints on file.
Updated Oct 1, 2026 from NHTSA data · Reviewed by Ivanna Verstliar
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid achieved a perfect 5 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's overall safety evaluation. This strong performance in crash testing, combined with full credit for its suite of avoidance technologies, underpins its NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100, placing it in the Strong band. However, the Highlander Hybrid's defect record, specifically five recalls, pulled its defect subscore to 9/20, preventing an even higher overall Safety Index.
The 2022 Toyota Highlander Hybrid received a NHTSA Safety Index of 80/100 and a 5-star overall crash-test rating from NHTSA.
MotorCaliber Safety Desk // NHTSA data, verified Oct 1, 2026
Among the 135 SUVs from 2022 that NHTSA has crash-tested, the 2022 Toyota Highlander ranks 102 for overall NHTSA Safety Index.
- new and teen drivers who want standard crash-avoidance tech
- urban drivers exposed to side-impact risk
| NHTSA Safety Index | 80 / 100 (Strong) |
|---|---|
| Overall crash rating | 5 of 5 stars |
| Frontal / Side / Rollover | 4 / 5 / 4 stars |
| Rollover risk | 16.9% |
| Recalls on file | 5 |
| Owner complaints | 216 (unverified allegations) |
| Class rank | 102 of 135 SUVs tested for 2022 |
| Data verified | Oct 1, 2026 |
ANALYSISHow safe is the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
Five active recall campaigns depress the 2022 Highlander Hybrid's safety profile. These recalls, which involve seat hardware, two separate tire distribution issues, bumper structures, and labeling, contribute to a defect-record subscore of 9/20, the weakest of the three index components. This results in a Safety Index of 80/100, a single point below the 2021 model's 81/100, though both remain in the Strong band. Crash protection forms the backbone of the score, with a subscore of 61/70. This reflects the NHTSA's 5-star overall and 5-star side impact ratings. The vehicle also achieves a perfect 10/10 in avoidance technology, as forward collision warning, lane departure warning, and electronic stability control are all standard features. While unverified, 216 owner complaints, including alleged reports of 12 crashes, 8 injuries, and 1 death, are notable for their concentration in powertrain and structure categories. The 2022 Highlander Hybrid demonstrates strong performance in controlled crash scenarios, but its notably active recall history prevents a higher overall safety index.
NCAP // CRASH TESTHow did the 2022 Toyota Highlander perform in crash tests?
The 2022 Highlander Hybrid's crash-test profile is strong, though not uniformly perfect. While it achieved a 5-star overall safety rating from NHTSA, with a perfect 5 stars in the demanding side-crash test, its frontal and rollover categories each earned 4 stars. The rollover risk, measured at 17 percent with a dynamic tip result of No Tip, represents the relative low point in an otherwise commendable performance.
Source: NHTSA NCAP, VehicleId 16669
Index breakdown
NCAP // CRASH IMAGESCrash-test images
Crash-test images are US federal government works (NHTSA / NCAP), public domain.
NHTSA // RECALLSDoes the 2022 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Five recall campaigns cover the 2022 Highlander. Components affected include second-row seat recliner assemblies, 20-inch accessory tires distributed by Southeast Toyota, Blackout-package tires distributed by Gulf States Toyota, front and rear bumper structures, and load-carrying-capacity labels on Gulf States-distributed units. No park-outside or do-not-drive directive appears in the provided campaign descriptions, but shoppers should verify remedy status by VIN.
SEATS:MID/REAR ASSEMBLY:RECLINER26V128000
Risk: A seat back that fails to lock may not properly restrain an occupant during a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the return springs in the seat back recliner assemblies, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed September 9, 2026. This is a phased recall. Owners may contact Toyota’s customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 26TB06 and 26TA06.
Reported 2026-03-05
TIRES24V452000
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating can be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will inspect and replace the tires and information placard, as necessary free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 16, 2024. Owners may contact SET's customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET24A.
Reported 2024-06-18
TIRES24V419000
Risk: Tires with an insufficient load rating may be overloaded and fail, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will inspect and replace the tires as necessary, and install a new tire information label as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed August 8, 2024. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 24R1.
Reported 2024-06-06
STRUCTURE:BODY:BUMPERS23V720000
Risk: A detached front bumper cover can become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will repair or replace the upper and lower front bumper covers as necessary, free of charge. Owner letters were mailed April 22, 2024. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is 23TB12/23TA12.
Reported 2023-10-26
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS22V310000
Risk: An illegible label may allow the vehicle to be overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: GST will notify owners by mail, including a replacement load carrying capacity modification label for their vehicle and detailed replacement instructions, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed June 30, 2022. Owners may contact GST customer service at 1-800-444-1074. GST's number for this recall is 22R1.
Reported 2022-05-06
NHTSA // COMPLAINTSWhat do owners report about the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
A total of 216 unverified owner allegations have been filed with NHTSA for this model year. The most frequently alleged problem areas are the powertrain (42 reports), structure (39), and service brakes (35), followed by unknown or other issues (31) and air bags (21). These are consumer-reported allegations, not established defects.
216 owner complaints on file. These are unverified allegations reported to NHTSA.
USED BUYERWhat should used buyers know about the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
Five recall campaigns have been issued for the 2022 Highlander Hybrid, a notable volume for a single model year. Prospective buyers of used units should verify all open recalls have been addressed, particularly those concerning seat recliners and tires. A VIN-specific search on the NHTSA website is recommended to confirm resolution of these critical safety issues, as outstanding work should not be assumed completed by dealerships.
- The 2022 model year carries five distinct recall campaigns, more than most competitors in this segment, with components ranging from second-row seat recliners to accessory tires sourced through regional distributors.
- NHTSA's crash tests gave this specific configuration a 5-star overall and a perfect 5-star side rating, but both the frontal and rollover categories landed at 4 stars, with rollover risk quantified at 17 percent.
- The defect-record subscore of 9/20 is the single largest drag on the 80/100 Safety Index and explains the one-point decline from the 2021 model year's 81/100.
- All 216 NHTSA complaints for this model year are unverified consumer allegations; the powertrain and structure categories together account for 81 of those reports, making them the most frequently alleged concern areas for this specific year.
RANKINGSWhere the 2022 Toyota Highlander places
The 2022 Toyota Highlander qualifies for these MotorCaliber safety rankings:
FAQ2022 Toyota Highlander safety questions
Was the 2022 Toyota Highlander crash-tested by NHTSA?
Yes. NHTSA crash-tested the 2022 Toyota Highlander, and it earns a NHTSA Safety Index of 80 out of 100, placing it in the Strong band. The index combines federal crash-test stars, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the recall record.
What are the 2022 Toyota Highlander crash-test star ratings?
In NHTSA testing the 2022 Toyota Highlander earned 5 out of 5 stars for overall, 4 out of 5 stars for frontal, 5 out of 5 stars for side, and 4 out of 5 stars for rollover. Its measured rollover risk is 16.9%. Categories NHTSA did not test show as not rated.
How many recalls does the 2022 Toyota Highlander have?
According to NHTSA recall data, 5 vehicle recalls are on file for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. Confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov to see which apply to your car.
How many complaints have owners filed about the 2022 Toyota Highlander?
According to NHTSA's complaint database, 216 owner complaints are on file for the 2022 Toyota Highlander. These are unverified allegations submitted by owners, not confirmed defects, and include reports involving a crash or a fire.
Cross-check this record against independent expert reviews and the live NHTSA database before you buy.
Other Highlander years
Rivals in SUV (2022)
| Vehicle | NHTSA Safety Index | Overall stars | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 Tesla Model Y 5-Seat | 100/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Infiniti Qx55 | 99/100 | not rated | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Encore GX | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Buick Envision | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 1 |
| 2022 Nissan Murano | 95/100 | 5 of 5 | 0 |
| 2022 Buick Enclave | 94/100 | 4 of 5 | 1 |
- DATA Pulled directly from NHTSA: New Car Assessment Program crash tests (VehicleId 16669), the recallsByVehicle and complaintsByVehicle records for the Toyota Highlander 2022.
- SCORE The NHTSA Safety Index (0-100) weights crash protection, standard crash-avoidance tech, and the defect record. Full formula on the methodology page. It ranks 102 of 135 in the SUV class for 2022.
- EDITED Written by the MotorCaliber Safety Desk and reviewed for accuracy and plain-language clarity by Ivanna Verstliar, Editor, against the source figures on this page.
- VERIFIED Data last synced Oct 1, 2026. Recalls change; confirm your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. See our corrections policy and disclosure.