VehicleVerdict

2015 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2015 Toyota Highlander sits mid-pack among Highlander years: 245 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 238, with 2 recalls and no defect investigations. Complainants reported 17 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across electrical system (55), other (42), and body & structure (27), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 5 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

245

NHTSA complaints

2

Recalls

0

Investigations

19

Crash-involved

11

Fires reported

17

Injuries

0

Deaths

5

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2015 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2015 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2015 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Electrical System5522%
Other4217%
Body & Structure2711%
Steering2510%
Brakes156%
Visibility & Wipers146%
Engine114%
Speed Control114%
Lighting104%
Airbags83%
Transmission73%
Fuel System42%
Seats42%
Suspension31%
Seat Belts31%
Tires & Wheels31%
Latches & Locks21%
Driver Assistance10%

Does the 2015 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

2 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

18E107000Visibility & WipersNovember 27, 2018 · 8,202 units

Defect

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).

Consequence

The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.

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.

15V144000SteeringMarch 13, 2015 · 110,085 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. While stopped at a gas station with the engine on, the contact's wife smelled an abnormal, burning odor coming from the vehicle without warning. Upon inspecting the vehicle, the contact's wife saw flames shooting from the dashboard near the infotainment…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · April 5, 2024 · fire

“PICKED UP 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM THE DEALER DROVE IT HOME. OPERATED THE CAR FOR ONE DAY, PARKED IT IN THE GARAGE AND LATER HAD A FIRE IN THE GARAGE THAT DESTROYED THE HOUSE AND 2 OTHER VEHICLES . AS THE CAUSE OF THE FIRE IS STILL "UNDETERMINED" SEVERAL FIRE INSPECTOR 'S I SPOKE WITH "SUSPECT"…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · May 9, 2015 · fire

“VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STRAIGHT GOING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A VEHICLE TRAVELING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ATTEMPTED TO MAKE LEFT-HAND TURN AND STRUCK THE FRONT OF THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2015. BOTH CARS WERE IN MOTION WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED. WHEN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2015 WAS BROUGHT…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · March 4, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 50 MPH ON A WINDING ROAD, THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED UP AND PREVENTED THE CONTACT FROM MAINTAINING CONTROL. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE INTO A DITCH AND FLIPPED OVER. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED AND…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · April 8, 2016 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING AT 5 MPH, THE BRAKES FAILED WITHOUT WARNING. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR END OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THERE WERE UNKNOWN INJURIES SUSTAINED THAT REQUIRED MEDICAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 12, 2016 · crash

2015 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Highlander: 245 NHTSA complaints, 2 recalls, and no investigations on file.

What are the most common 2015 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are electrical system (55 complaints), other (42 complaints), body & structure (27 complaints).

Does the 2015 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recall campaigns affecting the 2015 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2015 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2015 Toyota Highlander earned an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.