High Risk / Avoid NHTSA Record ID #2015-toyota-highlander

2015 Toyota Highlander Problems & Recalls

Comprehensive defect analysis based on official US Federal safety databases.

← Compare All Highlander Years
Defect Risk Score
99 / 100
Year to Avoid
Owner Complaints
193
Filed with NHTSA
Safety Recalls
2
Free Dealer Fixes
Incidents Reported
23
17 Crashes • 6 Fires
Advertisement

2015 Toyota Highlander Top Failure Categories

Distribution of driver complaints across vehicle components according to federal taxonomy.

Electrical System 23.8%
46 reported failures
Unknown Or Other 17.1%
33 reported failures
Steering System 13%
25 reported failures
Body & Structure 11.4%
22 reported failures
Visibility & Wipers 5.7%
11 reported failures
Vehicle Speed Control 4.7%
9 reported failures
🚨 Official Federal Campaigns

Official Safety Recalls for 2015 Toyota Highlander (2)

Dealer Repairs are 100% Free
NHTSA Campaign #18E107000 Component: Electrical System

Defect Summary: 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).

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

Free 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.

NHTSA Campaign #15V144000 Component: Steering System

Defect Summary: 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.

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

Free 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.

Advertisement
🗣️ Real Driver Reports

Verified NHTSA Owner Complaints

Excerpts of actual incident reports submitted to the federal Office of Defects Investigation (ODI).

ODI #11774416 • Engine & Cooling 10/29/2026

"My 2015 Toyota Highlander equipped with the 3.5L V6 engine developed an engine oil leak originating from the timing chain cover sealing area. On April 30, 2026, Kearny Mesa Toyota in San Diego, California, identified the leak during an inspection when the vehicle had a little over 100,000 miles. I am concerned that this condition may indicate prem..."

ODI #11766542 • Body & Structure 09/23/2026

"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)"

ODI #11763771 • Body & Structure 09/12/2026

"Blizzard White color - Car paint peeling on multiple areas."

ODI #11760154 • Electrical System 08/27/2026

"The a/c condenser was damaged due to impact of road debris. This caused loss of proper system operation. The cost to repair was $1100+. The debris entered thru the front grill, which has nothing in place to prevent debris from entering the engine compartment."

ODI #11754797 • Body & Structure 08/04/2026

"The factory paint on my 2015 Toyota Highlander, Blizzard Pearl (Toyota code 070), is delaminating from the primer. The base coat lifts and peels in sheets, starting on the roof, fender, and pillars — the panels with the greatest UV exposure. There has been no collision, repaint, or chemical damage; this is spontaneous adhesion loss between the fact..."