2015 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Electrical system is the leading concern among 192 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 15th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2015 reports, 17 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 16 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemNov 27, 2018
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).
The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 18E107000 on NHTSA.gov
Steering, electric power assist systemMar 13, 2015
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.
An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
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.
Campaign 15V144000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
192 reports, newest first.
Other or unspecified, Jun 9, 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.
Power train, Jun 9, 2024
Upon being reviewed the rear U Joint was loose & needed replaced @ 167,361 miles.
Electrical system, Apr 8, 2024, fire
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 system; the contact's wife and children immediately exited the vehicle. The fire department was called to the scene and extinguished the fire. The contact's wife suffered minor burns on her right hand but did not seek medical attention. The contact had the vehicle towed back home where it remained in the contact's possession. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a claim was filed. The vehicle had yet to be diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 104,000.
Electrical system, Seats, Mar 1, 2024, fire
My Highlander had a strange burning smell and we couldn’t find where it was coming from. We took it to a shop where they checked everything over and suggested that the smell was our brakes. They lubricated the brakes and replaced my tires and struts. When I went to pick up the vehicle I still noticed the strange smell, and I had the mechanic come out and check. He suggested that it was the leather conditioner that our detailer had used. I left and headed for home and in about 5 miles the control for the drivers heated seat started smoking and about 30 seconds later the plastic around the control began to melt and flames were coming out of the area next to the control. I was able to use a fire extinguisher to put the fire out. All of the heated seat components were original and we haven’t had any work done to it. The obvious safety concern here would be fire in the cabin of the vehicle while in motion. The fire and sheriffs departments showed up to the scene and the incident report was filed. The vehicle was towed to a shop where we are awaiting insurance adjuster to look at it. There were not any warning lights or signals of any kind; only the smoke very shortly before the visible flames.
Electrical system, Structure, Oct 27, 2023
We have a 2019 Toyota Highlander. VIN: [XXX] . There are two issues with this vehicle... 1) Our bumper fell down after an uneventful car wash. We didn't hit anything. Reported it to the car wash place (Ollie's Car Wash in Walker, LA) after we noticed it fell. We had to tie-strap it back up because the clips no longer worked right. This happened August 12, 2023. We have pictures of the damage. 2) A second issue is totally separate from the first. This one has to do with the back lifting door. It often gets stuck to where we have to manually force it closed. We have to reset the button often. Sometimes it gets stuck open and sometimes it won't open at all. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Steering, Oct 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the steering became firm. The steering wheel independently moved to the left and to the right. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.
Electrical system, Engine, Jul 26, 2023
I experienced a sudden engine failure while driving my 2015 Toyota Highlander on Interstate 294 outside Chicago. I was driving about 75 mph in the far left lane. A warning message "Check AWD" came on the screen, followed by the Engine icon lighting up, then a "TRAC off" message appeared on the screen. I began to merge to the right across four lanes of traffic to get to the shoulder. As I was doing so, a beep sounded, and the message "Engine Stopping" appeared on the screen. The accelerator stopped working. I reached the shoulder and the car came to a stop just as I made it to the shoulder. The whole incident, from the time the first warning light came on until the car completely stopped, lasted about three minutes. Prior to this, there were no warning lights, and I had been driving the car without incident. The car had received all regular maintenance at proper intervals. Mileage was 86,100 at the time. There were five people in the car, including myself, my teenage daughter, her friend, and her friend's parents. We were driving the girls home from a summer camp. We are unharmed -- and possibly alive -- only because I was able to merge across four lanes of traffic and reach the shoulder before the engine completely failed. Just behind us and just ahead of us on this stretch of interstate, there is no shoulder. Semi trucks populate this very busy road. We had to sit on the shoulder for two hours waiting for a tow truck. We are all truly fortunate to be alive and unharmed. The vehicle is in the possession of [XXX] Toyota, [XXX] . The service department has diagnosed as follows: "Performed diagnostic and found codes P0300, P0301, P0302, P0303, P0306 engine misfire codes. Code P1603 Engine stalls out. P1604 Stability malfunction. Code P1605 Rough idle. Spark plug number 6 is damaged. Check piston with borescope, piston is also damaged." I am being advised to replace the engine at a cost of $8820. Toyota US has been notified. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Exterior lighting, Jun 22, 2023
I have replaced several day light running lights /low beam bulbs. Approximately every 6-9 months since I purchased the vehicle in December of 2014.
Electrical system, Air bags, Structure, Jun 14, 2023
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.
Exterior lighting, Structure, May 13, 2023
The rear tail gate seal for lamps on both the left and right side have failed and the lamp assemblies condense and fill with water. I have read other reports on your website of the same problem with the highlander. In your other reports the a person was told Toyota will not warranty the lamps because of moisture in them because it is not a safety issue. While it is because the moisture blocks the light for the vehicle behind to see and thus rear end. I live in Massachusetts and there is a yearly vehicle inspection and when I went to get it done I was told it would not pass safety inspection with moisture in the lamp so I had to get the left hand one replaced to pass. Now 6 months later my righthand tailgate lamp is full of moisture and will not pass my upcoming Massachusetts safety inspection. The cost was $205.44 now another of the same. It is definitely a safety issue in Massachusetts and in my opinin should also be treated as such by the NHTSA for Toyota recall and reimbursement.
Power train, Feb 5, 2023
On the Freeway off ramp, during the slow down- and down shifting-process the vehicle appeared to block the wheels and to skid for a short time. Also, the vibration feature that indicates loss of traction got activated for that time and the “slip indicator” warning light lit up (I do not know for how long). During the incident I felt not in control of the vehicle. Once the incident passed I retained control of the vehicle , yet the automatic transmission started to act very peculiar and frequently failed to downshift in a normal way which could only be achieved by intentionally taking pressure of the gas pedal, and only after the downshift had happened, more power cold be applied. Another brief and less pronounced perceived jolt happened on the short remainder of the drive home. Once parked at home I realized that the car would not engage when the lever was put in “reverse”, but would engage when put in “drive”. I plan to have the vehicle towed to my Toyota service station and have it inspected/fixed.
Other or unspecified, Feb 4, 2023
Front half of panoramic sunroof spontaneously exploded. Conditions were light rain, morning, freeway at 65 MPH. Exploded outward, not much traffic or anything around, not hit by debris. Did not seem like safety issue in this case other than startling noise, cloth cover was closed.
Power train, Dec 15, 2022, crash
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH, the vehicle accelerated without any warning at high speed. The contact desperately depressed the brake pedal, but the vehicle would not stop, causing the vehicle to drive into traffic and striking several vehicles causing front damage to the vehicle. The contact was unsure if anyone was injured. A police report was filed. The vehicle was not diagnosed. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 98,000.
Exterior lighting, Oct 20, 2022
Rear tail lamps on lift gate both sides have failed seals that allow moisture to condense inside the lens. This occurs to the point the water collects inside the lens and obstructs the emission of light when the brake pedal is depressed. Several reports of this happening can be found with a simple online search for the issue. The Manufacturer (Toyota) has to be aware of the defect in manufacturing process or design by the shear number of occurrences, yet they deny any responsibility in repair or replacement costs. The issue was first noticed at 4 years of age and around 45,000 miles. This need to be reviewed and addressed as a matter of maintaining basic safety.
Air bags, Aug 23, 2022, crash
*AIRBAG FAILURE* -Head on impact with tree. -Significant front end damage. -Vehicle towed from scene, deemed total loss by insurance company. -Police report on file (can provide if needed) -All First Responders on scene we’re shocked/commented/observed that airbags were not deployed: police, fire, ems. As well as all bystanders. -no vehicle warning lamps on prior: car was just inspected and oil change in recent months. -no recalls on vehicle. -not sure if vehicle still avail for inspection: it’s at junkyard under insurance co and title has been passed to them. -able to provide multiple pictures of vehicle, police and bystanders able to provide pics also. -3 vehicle occupants: driver seat, passenger seat, rear passenger side car seat. -2 adults, one 4.5y/o child. -all occupants in seatbelts. -all occupants rcvd medical care, 2 ongoing care. How was our safety put at risk? Please see pics, and read above. Our safety was put in the line of fire due to this faulty system. Accident details: My car with right of way. My car t-boned by car who ran a blinking red light and stop sign. My car hit on rear drivers side. My car spun into oncoming traffic, across oncoming lane, over curb, through a fence and into a tree. My car stopped by tree in front end. Significant front end damage. **NO AIRBAGS WERE DEPLOYED** Engine drop and frame damage. Car not drivable. All occupants EMS transport to hospital. Other car: Unknown speed. Driver states she ‘had a green light’ (no green light at that intersection). No evidence of slowing prior to impact. Car also towed/not drivable. **this was a manufacturer error** Please contact me for more info.
Steering, Aug 14, 2022
steering rack/box
Air bags, May 29, 2022
Airbags did not deploy in front end crash. The vehicle is available at tow center for inspection. Driver sustained concussion from frontal head impact to roof/windshield area of vehicle. No dealership has been contacted. The police have inspected the vehicle. The insurance has been notified of damage and location of tow center. There were no indication lights of any kind for check concerns. The vehicle has never previously been involved in an impact accident.
Electrical system, Mar 3, 2022
actuators, yes it's available for inspection The actuators on all the door are going out, they randomly work. It's a safety issue if you needed to exit the car for any emergency or making sure your car is locked and secured. You're at risk due to it simply not working, getting into the car it's a security issue, presents issues for parent(s) with children, children with disabilities, driver/passengers with disablities. When the car is put into reverse, they will not automatically lock as they should. Same when put into park, they do not automatically lock or unlock. Yes, the dealer confirmed the issue. The driver door actuator has been replaced but the other doors need to be replaced now as well. To my knowledge the faulty actuator has not been inspected No warning it just happened. but when they due fail to lock when using the keypad the car doesn't confirm the lock and security is set. When they fail to unlock using the keypad the car continues to beep several times after hitting the unlock button. You have to manually reach/maneuver to lock or unlock the door.
Electrical system, Other or unspecified, Feb 9, 2022, fire
On Jan 25, 2022 while sitting in my car... engine running. Smoke filled the inside of the vehicle. Prior to seeing smoke I smelled electrical smell and also my heated seat was warmer than usual. I did not think nothing of it. Smoke definitely came from the knob to turn heated seat on with and also appeared to be coming from the vent. I shut the car off. Thirty to 45min later I turned the car back on. More smoke came but it cleared out with me letting all windows down. Afterwards the panel to control air was completely out along with the clock. The clock came back on later while blinking. I immediately called Toyota Corp. I have case numbers each time I called. I took it ti the Toyota dealership with assistance of Toyota Corp. My car has been at Toyota universe in little falls, nj and they have yet to fully explain what is going on with the defective that occurred in my car. They do not call you back. I've had to go there to get answers due to them not returning calls.
Other or unspecified, Feb 3, 2022
The paint on my 2015 Highlander (Blizzard Pearl) is peeling off in chunks. I see a repair notice for other models of Toyota with this problem but not the highlander. I know it isn’t a safety issue but the information pointed me here to report it.
Structure, Oct 5, 2021
Blizzard pearl paint is peeling off the roof leading to rust and damaged structural integrity. Toyota has a recall for all blizzard pearl paint vehicles EXCEPT the highlander. They inspected it and said its wasn't in the recall even though the paint has a known problem and they would not fix the problem as it would be a legal admission of guilt that the recall is incomplete.
Visibility/wiper, Aug 23, 2021
While driving at highway speed of about 60 MPH, the moonroof burst and shattered in to thousands of pieces. There was no warning, no indication of stress or wear before the incident. Hundreds of others have had similar occurrences as discussed on internet forums.
Electrical system, Structure, Aug 18, 2021
The door locks have stopped working one by one. First I noticed the driver door not unlocking or locking with the key fob, with the touch system on the door handle, or with the button on the inside panel. Then I noticed my back door on the driver side not locking or unlocking with the key fob OR with the button on the inside panel. Both of these locks are now manual only. And the front passenger door lock only works sometimes, so I imagine it will stop working altogether soon as well. This puts the safety of my belongings, myself, and my children at risk. I don't know how long this had been happening before I noticed it, so I very easily could have been unknowingly leaving my car unlocked all over town. I am unable to enter my car quickly because I have to take the key fob apart and use the manual key to enter the driver door, and then my son has to wait for me to manually unlock his door before he can get in. My daughter sits on the other side so he can't just switch to the side that works. Well he could but then my daughter would have the same issue. If it was an emergency situation and we had to get into the car quickly it's just not possible. Also in traffic or in parking lots when we are inside the car I feel like we are left vulnerable with the doors unlocked and I can't lock them without reaching and manually doing this for each door. Which I do, but shouldn't have to. A quick internet search has made it clear that I am FAR from the first person this has happened to with these vehicles. It is clearly an extremely common issue with Highlanders and other Toyota vehicles and it 100% should be a recall.
Visibility/wiper, Jul 5, 2021
Repeated cracking of the windshield from even trivial impact from highway rocks/stones. Windshield replaced once by the Dealer service station with OEM glass at a cost of 1600 dollars out of pocket expense by the owner. Cracked again with another small rock hitting the windshield, directly in the line of sight. Inspected by the same dealer service center, advised to replace again at owners expense as Toyota does not cover glass damage. Multiple Toyota Highlanders and Sienna minivans all across the USA have had this issue of windshield cracking in the last few years . Suspect there is a design/manufacturing/ Quality control issue. NHTSA needs to look into this as it affects the safe operation of the vehicle.
Service brakes, Jun 17, 2021
The following error message appears:“Both accelerator and brake pads are depressed”. This is not actually being done.The vehicle will then brake suddenly on its own, and the driver must accelerate then brake quickly to disengage the automatic brake.This creates a highly dangerous traffic situation. It has occurred at high speeds on the expressway and makes merging into traffic especially risky.Vehicle has been inspected on 4 occasions by Toyota dealerships and they have failed to diagnose or repair the problem, simply stating that the problem "needs to go to corporate" and taking no further action. Issue has been reported to Toyota Nat'l Service Center and am now awaiting resolution with the regional service engineer.