2015 Toyota Highlander problems, complaints & recalls

Updated Oct 11, 2026 from NHTSA data · How we count

Owners have filed 74 complaints with NHTSA about the 2015 Toyota Highlander, most often about electrical system. There is 1 recall for this model year.

Complaints: 74
Recalls: 1
Crashes: 6
Fires: 4
Injuries: 9
Median mileage: 93,000 mi

Key facts

Electrical System is the most-reported problem area, named in 26 of 74 complaints (35%).
Body & Structure (17) and steering (7) follow.
Half of the complaints that list mileage happened before 93,000 mi.
Owners reported 6 crashes, 4 fires and 9 injuries.
The 2015 Toyota Highlander has 1 recall on file.
It ranks 8th of 22 Toyota Highlander model years by our severity-weighted complaint score (1st = worst).
That is 76% more complaints than the 2014 model year (42).

A complaint can mention more than one problem area, so categories add up to more than the total.

Most-reported components

Component (as filed with NHTSA)	Complaints
Electrical system	26
Structure:body	14
Unknown or other	13
Steering	7
Engine	7
Exterior lighting	6
Air bags	5
Service brakes	4

When problems happen (mileage)

Mileage at the time of the problem, for 2015 Toyota Highlander complaints that list mileage.

2015 Toyota Highlander recalls (1)

Recall 15V144000Mar 13, 2015110,085 vehicles
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
Risk: 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.

Recent 2015 Toyota Highlander complaints

Excerpts of the newest owner complaints, lightly cleaned of personal details. Complaints are unverified owner reports.

Filed Sep 23, 2026NCBody & Structure
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)
NHTSA complaint #11766542 · source
Filed Aug 27, 2026TNElectrical SystemEngineOther / Unknown
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.
NHTSA complaint #11760154 · source
Filed Aug 4, 2026OHBody & Structure
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 factory base coat and primer. First noticed 5/5/2026 at ~137,193 miles, it has spread across the roof and pillars, with the largest…
NHTSA complaint #11754797 · source
Filed Jul 21, 2026ALBody & Structure
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)
NHTSA complaint #11751753 · source
Filed Jul 17, 2026133,000 miWVBody & StructureElectrical System
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…
NHTSA complaint #11750990 · source
Filed Jun 1, 202699,800 miUTElectrical SystemSteering
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving on several occasions at various speeds, the infotainment screen would go blank and the system would turn on inadvertently. This issue became more frequent, occurring approximately every 10 seconds. The power steering warning light also illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an auto parts store where a handheld diagnostic machine did not detect any failures or codes. The contact stated that while…
NHTSA complaint #11741329 · source
Filed May 6, 2026LAElectrical System
Door lock actuators, yes it is available for inspection. Doors cannot be locked or unlocked with a remote key fob or the interior power door locks. Lock defect poses a significant safety hazard in that a single or multiple doors may not lock at any time, whether the vehicle is on or off and despite actions or commands by the driver. The alleged defect is dangerous to passengers as it can cause unintentional door openings while a vehicle is in use, result in inoperable doors…
NHTSA complaint #11736019 · source
Filed Mar 20, 2026NCOther / Unknown
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.
NHTSA complaint #11725954 · source

Compare the 2015 Toyota Highlander with another vehicle →

Other 2015 Toyota models

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Office of Defects Investigation public data, as of Oct 11, 2026. Complaints are submitted by owners and are not verified by NHTSA or by us; a complaint does not prove a defect exists. View this vehicle on NHTSA.gov Methodology