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Excessive Wind Noise from Driver's Side - 2022 Highlander XLE

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Emily N. · rep 0 · May 22, 2:21 AM · 1 replies · solved · Question

Vehicle: 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE

I recently purchased a new 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE, and I'm generally very happy with it, but I've noticed a really annoying issue. At highway speeds (above 60 mph), there's a distinct and quite loud wind noise coming from the driver's side door or window area.

It sounds like the window isn't fully sealed, even though it's definitely closed. It's not a whistling sound, more of a constant 'whooshing' that's loud enough to be distracting and makes phone calls difficult. I've checked the window and door seals visually, and they seem fine.

Has anyone else with a 2020-2023 Highlander experienced this? Is this a known issue, or could it be a defect with my specific vehicle? What should I ask the dealership to look for?

✓ Accepted solution

ClearTheCode Admin

ClearTheCode Team · rep 0 · May 22, 2:21 AM

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ClearTheCode admin answer:

Excessive wind noise, particularly from the door or window area at highway speeds, can be a frustrating issue, especially in a newer vehicle like your 2022 Toyota Highlander XLE. While not a universal complaint, it's a known concern for some owners across various models and can often be traced to specific areas.

  1. Common Causes:

    • Door/Window Seals (Weatherstripping): Even if they look fine, seals can sometimes be improperly seated, have minor defects, or become slightly compressed, leading to small gaps that allow wind to penetrate.
    • Door Alignment: A slight misalignment of the door itself can prevent it from sealing tightly against the body frame.
    • Window Regulator/Frame: Issues with the window's seating within its frame or the regulator mechanism can prevent it from fully closing or creating a perfect seal.
    • Side Mirror Gasket: Less common, but sometimes the gasket around the side mirror base can be a source of noise.
    • Roof Rack/Crossbars: If your Highlander has a roof rack or aftermarket crossbars, these can sometimes generate wind noise, though it usually sounds more general than specific to one door.

  2. When to See a Shop: Since your vehicle is new, this issue should be covered under warranty. You should schedule an appointment with your Toyota dealership. It's best to demonstrate the noise to a technician during a test drive if possible, so they can hear it firsthand.

  3. What the Shop Will Do:

    • Visual Inspection: Technicians will thoroughly inspect the door, window, and body seals for any visible gaps, tears, or deformities.
    • Water Test: A common diagnostic is a water test, where water is sprayed around the door and window seals while checking for leaks inside the cabin.
    • Smoke Test: Sometimes, a smoke machine is used to identify air leaks.
    • Door Alignment Check: They will check the door's alignment and adjust it if necessary.
    • TSBs: They will check for any Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) related to wind noise for your specific Highlander model year. Toyota occasionally issues TSBs for seal improvements or adjustments.
    • Road Test: A technician will likely perform a road test with you to pinpoint the exact source of the noise.

There are no OBD codes associated with wind noise, as it's a physical/structural issue rather than an electronic system malfunction.

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