2015 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 274 |
| 2007 | 123 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 181 |
| 2013 | 205 |
| 2014 | 133 |
| 2015 | 186 |
| 2016 | 109 |
| 2017 | 260 |
| 2018 | 254 |
| 2019 | 463 |
| 2020 | 298 |
| 2021 | 471 |
| 2022 | 219 |
| 2023 | 162 |
| 2024 | 39 |
| 2025 | 7 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
26% of complaints: electrical system — 49 distinct reports on file.
FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240408
My Highlander had a strange burning smell and we couldnât 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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240301
13% of complaints: steering — 25 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY11% of complaints: structure — 21 distinct reports on file.
CRASH8% of complaints: service brakes — 15 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURY6% of complaints: visibility/wiper — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASHSAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles.
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.
Campaign 15V144000 — check if this car was fixed
Fujian Wanda Automobile Glass Industry (Wanda) is recalling certain aftermarket Replacement Windshields sold for use in 2014-2018 Toyota Highlander vehicles.
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.
Campaign 18E107000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2015 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for electrical system issues (49 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for structure issues (21 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V144000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 18E107000 (electrical system, visibility) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2015 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2015 Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported component is electrical system, accounting for 26% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2015 Toyota Highlander have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.