2015 Toyota Highlander problems
What owners report to NHTSA, grouped by component, with the recalls that cover them.
NHTSA has 196 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Toyota Highlander, filed between 2014-12-15 and 2026-09-23. The most common problem areas are the electrical system (54, 28%), structure (32, 16%) and steering (25, 13%). Owners reported 17 crashes, 6 fires and 16 injuries in these complaints. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for this model year.
Last updated: · Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls databases
2015 Toyota Highlander complaints by component
| Component | Complaints | Share | Crashes | Fires | Injuries |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrical system | 54 | 28% | 0 | 4 | 2 |
| Unknown or other | 44 | 22% | 0 | 4 | 1 |
| Structure | 32 | 16% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 25 | 13% | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Service brakes | 15 | 8% | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Visibility/wiper | 12 | 6% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 11 | 6% | 0 | 2 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 11 | 6% | 5 | 0 | 4 |
| Exterior lighting | 10 | 5% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Air bags | 8 | 4% | 5 | 0 | 8 |
| Power train | 7 | 4% | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Electronic stability control (esc) | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 4 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 4 | 2% | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 3 | 2% | 0 | 0 | 0 |
A complaint can name several components, so shares can add up to more than 100%. Crashes, fires and injuries are as reported by owners.
The top problem areas, in plain English
Each summary is built from the complaint counts and NHTSA recall notices, not from individual owner stories.
Electrical system: 54 complaints
- 54 complaints of 196 (28%) name the electrical system — wiring, battery and charging, fuses, control modules and in-car electronics.
- 8 of them also name the unknown or other; owners reported 4 fires and 2 injuries in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Toyota Highlander; the recall, campaign 18E107000, says: “The windshields have an attached wire harness that water may leak into, possibly causing damage to the vehicle's Engine Control Module (ECM).”
Structure: 32 complaints
- 32 complaints of 196 (16%) name the structure — the body and frame structure.
- 7 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
Steering: 25 complaints
- 25 complaints of 196 (13%) name the steering — the steering wheel, column, gear and power-steering assist.
- 6 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 1 crash and 1 injury in these complaints.
- One NHTSA recall covers this system on the 2015 Toyota Highlander; the recall, campaign 15V144000, says: “A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process.”
Service brakes: 15 complaints
- 15 complaints of 196 (8%) name the service brakes — the foot-brake system: pads, rotors, calipers, lines and ABS.
- 2 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 5 crashes and 1 injury in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
Visibility/wiper: 12 complaints
- 12 complaints of 196 (6%) name the visibility/wiper — the windshield, windows, mirrors, wipers and defrosters.
- Owners reported 1 crash in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
Engine: 11 complaints
- 11 complaints of 196 (6%) name the engine.
- 5 of them also name the electrical system; owners reported 2 fires in these complaints.
- No NHTSA recall for the 2015 Toyota Highlander covers this system.
When the complaints were filed
| Year filed | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2015 | 27 |
| 2016 | 23 |
| 2017 | 24 |
| 2018 | 26 |
| 2019 | 21 |
| 2020 | 17 |
| 2021 | 12 |
| 2022 | 8 |
| 2023 | 8 |
| 2024 | 12 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2026 | 12 |
What is counted
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for the model names HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, model year 2015. Complaints are unverified owner reports; a recall is NHTSA's confirmed safety defect. See the 2015 Toyota Highlander recalls.
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
By NHTSA owner complaints, the 2015 Toyota Highlander's most common problem areas are the electrical system (54 of 196 complaints), structure (32 of 196 complaints) and steering (25 of 196 complaints).
How many complaints does the 2015 Toyota Highlander have?
NHTSA has 196 owner complaints on file for the 2015 Toyota Highlander, including 17 reported crashes and 6 reported fires.
Is there a recall for the 2015 Toyota Highlander's problems?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2015 Toyota Highlander; 2 of the top 6 complaint areas have a matching recall. Recall repairs are free at a dealer; check your VIN for open recalls.