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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 20 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2015 Highlander is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2015 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2015 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Backup or other camera/sensors

    "The screen is at such an angle that when it is sunny out it is difficult to view what is on the screen. Needs the screen to be more upright to see it in the sun. Also on the current angle it gets dust on it making it hard to see what is on it. Can be dangerous when backing up."

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen freezes up

    "the display freezes and then the whole system reboots randomly - so the sound system goes dead for under a minute then comes back on"

    Anonymous, MN (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Random but continuously recurring problem where system freezes and then does a total reset. Retains XM channels."

    Anonymous A., WI (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""Display screen simply went dark. No radio. No rear camera. No navigation. Dealers solution was to replace unit -$1,900. It has not been repaired.""

    Anonymous, FL (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    ""Entertainment/navigation system reboots at random times while driving. Screen goes blank for a few minutes, then comes back on.""

    Anonymous, OR (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "The screen would go off and then come back on. the screen was replaced."

    Anonymous, TN (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "It just freezes sometimes and then restarts itself."

    Anonymous A., IA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    ""It started around 36,000 miles. Service manager at dealership said I needed a software update $75.00 later it was fixed . It has since done it again & from what research I could do it seems to be a problem with pairing up an iPhone & when the phone updates it does something to the system. I had the software updated again and no longer have my iPhone connected. No problems without the phone being connected except I no longer have hands free use of my phone""

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "My screen would go blank while I was driving and the whole system would reboot. I thought it was due to the software and took it to the dealership and got gouged for $100 bucks. It still happened and I figured it out. It was the cord I was using. Apparently the car jack did not like it. Not sure if it was old or if the car didnt like the brand. I switched to a new cord and it didnt happen again. But recently it wont change my phone so now I have to plug it in an adapter inside arm rest"

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)
    Heads-up display

    "Touchscreen is unresponsive if weather is not warm. Software cannot be updated I found some fixes on YouTube"

    Anonymous, GA (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Its the design on the screen its worthless in the daytime. The glare is so bad the cameras are useless. You cant see the picture due to the glare. Most times its hard to even read the radio channels. I did find my screen resetting itself and going blank while driving. I took it to the dealership for a software reboot. Still happened. Turned out to be related to the cord and jack. I bought a new cord and the issue went away. Dealership was clueless"

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)
    Radio

    "Electronic radio controls are not consistent"

    Anonymous, OK (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Voice control commands

    "System dosen't understand commands well."

    Anonymous A., NY (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Loose/rattling heat shield

    "Just purchased this vehicle. Will have our mechanic check the rattling at an idle"

    Anonymous A., IL (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Other/unsure

    "During dealer inspection they stated that the water pump appeared to show signs of leakage. I had it replaced."

    Anonymous, NY (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Water pump had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, GA (2015 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    "Tire pressure lights malfunction"

    Anonymous, (2015 Toyota Highlander LE 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

    "Noticed in 2021 the inside of both front windows looked weird. The sun filter film was detaching from the glass. It got worse and began to make wavy lines. I recently had the film replaced. Good as new!"

    Anonymous A., FL (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Broken heat shield for transmission."

    Anonymous, WA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Back Hatch struts failed."

    Anonymous, NM (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Radiator replacement"

    Anonymous, IN (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "My Highlander has a 2 episodes of squirrels/mice getting into the engine and chewing on the wires. They have ripped the felt liner inside the hood and built a nest by the wiring harness. Was told this is a common issue with Toyota's as they use soy based insulation and the rodents like to chew on them."

    Anonymous, MN (2015 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    ""Alternator went "out" about a month ago. Dealer repaired, but the bill was approximately $2500.""

    Anonymous, MS (2015 Toyota Highlander Unsure Unsure)

    "Radiator started leaking and needed to be replaced. Navigation system keeps rebooting and keeps getting cannot read SD card errors and then freezing up"

    Anonymous, LA (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Needed to be replaced and the entire engine had to be removed in order to do it."

    Anonymous, OR (2015 Toyota Highlander LE 3.5-L V6)

    "Ball joints leaking. Had to replace both front ball joints"

    Anonymous, NY (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Bushings

    "rear noise, one year after buying it used. Repair for $900 not including aligment"

    Anonymous A., MN (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    ""during a routine service, slight leaking was discovered on rear shocks. I had them replaced""

    Anonymous, IA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Shock/strut leakage during State inspection. Replaced both sides. No further issues."

    Anonymous, PA (2015 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    ""2024-07-01: 159,969 mi, required camber R front lower strut, $300""

    Anonymous, (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "wearout, they started bottoming out on routine drives, they needed replacment"

    Anonymous, (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    ""2025-04-01: 174,225 mi, replaced right front wheel bearing, $455""

    Anonymous, (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "No longer cooling"

    Anonymous A., FL (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Just started to fade (got warmer and warmer) then ceased working all together"

    Anonymous A., TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Blower (fan) motor

    ""Vehicle only has 55,000 miles & the AC wouldnt work sporadically, the fan motor had a very slight noise & Toyota service claimed the fan motor was the problem. So far the AC is working. $ 500.00 dollars for replacement on a vehicle vehicle with 55,000 miles? Toyota quality is not what it used to be ! In my opinion they are using calculated failure engineering just like the Big 3 auto makers have been using for years. Just a ploy to make you think about buying a new car.""

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Controls not available on infotainment screen

    "The A/C does not operate at all for about 30 sec after starting the engine and does not retain the settings from the previous trip."

    Anonymous, AL (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    "Just had to replace a Schrader valve and now there is no leak and the AC works great."

    Anonymous, AZ (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "Over $4000 to repair leaks in system."

    Anonymous, ME (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "refrigerant needed recharged already. AC only works if you turn all the way down to low 60's which is a sign the compressor is failing."

    Anonymous, PA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "Calipers were fused on rear brakes do to amount of heat they were difficult to remove"

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Master cylinder

    "Take pedal became very spongy. Needed new master cylinder."

    Anonymous, GA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Regular brake failure

    "No early warning like squealing starting grinding noise (metal on metal). When brought it in for service they said pads were completely gone ad it damaged rotors plus calipers were difficult to remove almost fused together"

    Anonymous, NJ (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaking

    ""brakes were replaced, pads and rotors, yet the brakes still squeak sometimes making you think the brakes need replaced when they do not.""

    Anonymous, PA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Keyless entry

    "one door does not respond to electronic key. A few times none of the locks respond. Got locked out once"

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Other electrical system problem

    "The rear door auto-opening failed to operate properly. Toyota service quoted a high-priced diagnostic and repair (over $2000). Self-repair accomplished by relplacing Struts for less than $300."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "locking mechanism on one door failed. Have to manually lock and unlock. Common problem for these toyotas"

    Anonymous, TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    ""Water leaked into the moon roof compartment, then leaked into the car's interior.""

    Anonymous, WA (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Squeaks or rattles

    "There seems to be a lot of suspension noise. The dealership has no good suggestions on how to fix it."

    Anonymous, PA (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "noise in exterior of car. Unknown cause, but persists after replaced bushing. Could be tires that need replacement."

    Anonymous A., MN (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Tailgate, hatch or trunk

    "Broken hood release cable."

    Anonymous A., ON (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Windows

    "Door and window seals wore out"

    Anonymous, OK (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Antifreeze leaks

    "Was caused by a worn out water pump"

    Anonymous, AB (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Water pump

    "Pump was worn out"

    Anonymous, AB (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    "Oil leak requires pulling engine and replacing seals/gaskets, est cost $9000."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Toyota Highlander XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Other minor engine problem

    ""check engine light at 95000 miles leading to diagnosis of oil control valve failure bank 1, replaced and no further engine problems""

    Anonymous, WI (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Paint on front section of roof gradually lost glaze and paint. Now starting to rust there. Noticing other spots below rear side windows and hatch window starting to lose glaze."

    Anonymous, CA (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    CV joint

    "Would never buy another cv axle car again. Its a poor design"

    Anonymous A., TX (2015 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2015 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, VISIBILITY
    Nov 27, 2018
    The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
    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).
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 18E107000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 8202
    STEERING
    Mar 13, 2015
    An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 15V144000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 110085
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