2022 Toyota Highlander: Valve seals burning oil on startup
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2022 Highlander report: valve seals burning oil on startup. CarComplaints.com lists 1 owner complaints, average mileage 1,900 miles.
NHTSA has 12 owner complaints for the 2022 Highlander in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11733925 (filed 04/27/2026): “Goodwill repair for my 2022 highlander transmission whine, referencing tsb t-sb-0008-21。”…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11678899 (filed 08/06/2025): “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…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: none clearly reported. Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range: get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
AutoZone · O'Reilly · Advance · RockAuto
Sources
- CarComplaints.com: Valve seals burning oil on startup (2022 Highlander)
- NHTSA complaints API, 2022 Highlander
Page last updated .