2015 Toyota Highlander: problems, recalls and reliability
2 recalls and 193 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is electrical system (25% of complaints).
Data updated weekly · 3 new complaints in the last 90 days · latest recall Nov 2018
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 193 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“The paint is severely peeling on the outside. This can likely flake off and damages other vehicles, property, and roadway infrastructure. This is the factory coat of paint. Color is Toyota Blizzard Pearl (070)”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2026
“The moon roof in my car completely shattered out of no where while I was driving down the road and fell all into my backseat. If my children were in the car, they would have had glass all over them.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Mar 2026
“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the power liftgate consistently failed halfway through while opening and closing the liftgate. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The contact became aware of information online about Technical Service Bulletin: SB0023/16, NHTSA ID Number: 10134306 (Structure, Electrical System); and associated the failure with the TSB. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue and confirmed that the vehicle was not covered under warranty, TSB, or a recall. The failure mileage was approximately 133,000.”Owner report · Electrical System · Mar 2026
Show 7 more owner reports
“The side mirrors are too large and located in a position that when the driver is turning left the driver's side mirror blocks the ability to see the crosswalk and also the center divider of the lane they are turning into and has almost caused me to strike a center divider and not see a pothole on a freeway on ramp causing damage to the left side strut and alignment. There were other multiple times I almost hit the smaller center dividers in town and the glare in the mirror causes glare that you can't see where you are going. terrible design”Owner report · Visibility/Wiper · Feb 2026
“Paint is peeling off my car, This is confirmed by Toyota it was covered by the Consumer Support program which expired in July however the paint did not start peeling off until last week.Toyota said that there wasn't anything they could do. this is clearly a manufacture defect and should be repair by Toyota at no charge to me.”Owner report · Structure · Dec 2025
“On [XXX] my vehicle suffered an unintended acceleration on a very busy highway of The Dominican Republic, reaching a speed of 100 MPH. I was able to drive the car into the bushes of the highway service road hitting all king of obstacles such as trees, wall, advertising signs and safety barriers. The car damages resulted in a total loss. My life and my family life were in extremely dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)”Owner report · Vehicle Speed Control · May 2025
“Driving to take my son to work. Check engine light came on said check and system. Hard shifting put in manual drive and made it to destination.”Owner report · Engine · Dec 2024
“Driving the car was hard to steer. Check engine light came on and check speed sensor. Went to a mechanic and disconnected the battery, the sensor reset and back driving ok for about two weeks. This went on for a few weeks. Been a month now and it hasn't come on but it was dangerous due to driving and turning issues.”Owner report · Steering · Aug 2024
“I am curious as to why my front tires are wearing out on the outside? It was suggested to get a front end alignment & I did. But as the photos shows these tires are wearing uneven. I also have a rumbling vibration that comes from the front tires upon accelerating from a traffic light. Please advise.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Feb 2024
“Water leak at sun roof caused by rubber seal failure in sun roof frame due to faulty material and or installation. Water damage to side air bag so tat it does not deploy properly & is a safety hazard. Mold carpet which is a health hazard & impedes drivers ability to drive.”Owner report · Electrical System · May 2023
When filing, owners marked a crash in 17 of these complaints and injuries in 16 - self-reported to NHTSA, not verified accident statistics.
Recalls - 2 campaigns
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles. The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).
Remedy: Wanda will notify owners, and service centers will replace the windshields, and inspect the ECM for damage, having it replaced, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began January 29, 2019. Owners may contact Wanda customer service at 1-864-281-2760.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Trouble codes owners mention
OBD-II codes that appear in NHTSA complaints about this car.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2015 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact Highlander by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander reliable?
NHTSA has 193 owner complaints and 2 recall campaigns on record for the 2015 Toyota Highlander. The most complained-about area is electrical system (25% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2015 Toyota Highlander problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 34,250 miles or less.
Does the 2015 Toyota Highlander have open recalls?
2 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning visibility:windshield. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.