2022 Toyota Highlander

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.

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.

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)

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.