2015 TOYOTA Highlander Problems & Complaints
Real owner complaints and problems reported to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). View common issues by component.
180
Complaints Reported
Complaints by Component
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
30 complaints
Trunk keeps malfunctioning. During lift would not open all the way or at all and sometimes once open will not close.
Dec 12, 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.
Jun 09, 2024
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.
Feb 04, 2023
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.
Feb 03, 2022
MOLD SMELL IN CAR. MUSTY SMELL COMING FROM A/C, WATER ON FLOOR OF DRIVERS AND PASSENGERS SIDE FRONT, MOLD UNDER CARPET/PADDING.
Aug 28, 2020
+ 25 more complaints for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
22 complaints
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.
Apr 08, 2024
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.
Mar 03, 2022
THE SCREEN FREEZES AND RESTART FOR NO APPARENT REASON. THE SITUATION IS HAPPENING WITH MY VEHICLE IS IN MOTION OR STATIONARY.
Feb 28, 2021
DOOR ACTUATORS ON BOTH REAR PASSENGER DOORS HAVE STOPPED WORKING. DOOR LOCKS DO NOT RESPOND TO POWER DOOR LOCK SWITCH NOR THE KEY FOBS.
Oct 17, 2020
THE MONITOR RESETS/ REBOOTS AT LEAST ONE TIME EVERY TIME YOU IN MOTION WITH THE VEHICLE. MEANING THAT THE GPS, BLUETOOTH AND MUSIC ALL STOPS AND RESTARTS. I'VE PAID TO HAVE THE MONITOR REPLACED BUT IT STILL DID NOT STOP THE ISSUE. THERE ARE MANY COMPLAINTS ON LINE ABOUT THIS HAPPENING. I CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY ARE NOT ACKNOWLEDGING THAT IT IS AN ISSUE AND THE DEALERSHIPS DON'T KNOW HOW TO FIX IT WHICH I BELIEVE MAKES IS A LARGER ELECTRICAL ISSUE.
Jul 23, 2020
+ 17 more complaints for this component
STEERING
18 complaints
Driving the car was hard to steer. Check engine light came on and check speed sensor. Went to a mechanic and disconnected the battery, the sensor reset and back driving ok for about two weeks. This went on for a few weeks. Been a month now and it hasn't come on but it was dangerous due to driving and turning issues.
Dec 12, 2024
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.
Oct 23, 2023
steering rack/box
Aug 14, 2022
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40-45 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED WITHOUT WARNING. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DRIFTED SAFELY OFF OF THE ROADWAY. THE IGNITION WAS CYCLED OFF AND ON; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE PERSISTED. ADDITIONALLY, WITH THE IGNITION IN THE OFF POSITION, THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO MANUALLY TURN THE STEERING WHEEL IN EITHER DIRECTION. WITH THE IGNITION IN THE ON POSITION, THE STEERING WHEEL REMAINED SEIZED IN ONE POSITION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO GALE TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 50 PALOMBA DR, ENFIELD, CT 06082, (860) 741-3761) TO BE DIAGNOSED, BUT THE MECHANIC WAS UNABLE TO RETRIEVE A FAULT CODE OR DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (STEERING). THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ON APRIL 24. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 63,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *BF*JB
Apr 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE CONTACT'S SON WAS DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE STEERING WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE SAME SYMPTOMS AS LISTED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (STEERING). THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER TO HAVE IT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN A RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 43,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Jul 10, 2018
+ 13 more complaints for this component
STRUCTURE
15 complaints
The blizzard pearl paint on my vehicle is peeling off of the roof and possibly the side of the vehicle.
Jul 31, 2025
Unknown-tailgate failure keeps beeping will not automatically go up or down not sure why?
Nov 24, 2024
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.
Oct 05, 2021
[XXX]. 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, 70,000 MILES. WHILE PARKED, VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY. DRIVER SIDE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN FROM OUTSIDE WHEN UNLOCKED VIA KEYFOB OR THE MANUAL KEY. OCCURRED SEVERAL TIMES WITH 2 DIFFERENT KEY FOBS ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS THIS MONTH. OPENS FINE FROM THE INSIDE AFTER CRAWLING ACROSS THE SEATS TO ACTIVATE DOOR LATCH FROM INSIDE HANDLE. PARTS OF THIS DOCUMENT HAVE BEEN REDACTED TO PROTECT PERSONALLY IDENTIFIABLE INFORMATION PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).
Mar 19, 2021
THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR CHECK STOP HAS FAILED TWICE THROUGH NORMAL USE (OF OPENING AND CLOSING THE DOOR). I HAVE NEVER HAD A CAR WHERE THIS PART HAS FAILED EVEN ONCE. FIRST TIME WAS IN FEB OF 2017.
Jul 25, 2019
+ 10 more complaints for this component
VISIBILITY/WIPER
10 complaints
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.
Aug 23, 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.
Jul 05, 2021
REAR WINDOW EXPLODED INWARD WHILE DRIVING. VERY LOUD BANG SOUND. NOTHING HIT IT. TEMP WAS 66 DEGREES, CLEAR SKIES. I HAD THE FRONT DRIVER'S WINDOW PARTIALLY OPENED WHEN THIS HAPPENED.
Aug 26, 2019
BOTH DIVER AND PASSENGER VISORS DO NOT STAY SET. THEY MOVE UP WHEN NOT EXPECTED AND THE SUN IS IN YOUR EYES ESPECIALLY IN THE MORNINGS AND EVENINGS WHEN THE SUN RISES AND SETS!! EXTREMELY DANGEROUS!!! DEALER SAID IT WAS NORMAL. I HIGHLY DISAGREE.
Aug 01, 2018
THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP AND DROPS DOWN OBSTRUCTING THE DRIVERS VIEW OF THE ROAD COMPLETELY(IF TALLER THAN 5'9'). WHEN SWUNG TO THE SIDE IT OBSTRUCTS THE VIEW OUT THE LEFT WINDOW, AND DISTRACTS THE DRIVER BY SWINGING INTO THE LEFT SIDE OF THEIR FACE WHILE TURNING/CHANGING LANES WHILE DRIVING. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA VEHICLES DUE TO A POOR DESIGN FRICTION MECHANISM THAT SHOULD HOLD THE VISOR AT ANY ANGLE OUT OF THE DRIVERS WAY. REPLACEMENT IS $300 DISCOURAGING PROPER REPLACEMENT AND CAUSING DRIVERS TO ENDURE THE SAFETY HAZARD. TOYOTA HAS PREVIOUSLY REPAIRED VISORS UNDER A TECHNICAL BULLETIN ON OLDER VEHICLES. DUE TO THE COST THERE ARE DOZENS OF REPAIR PROCEDURES AND REMOVAL PROCESSES RECORDED ON YOUTUBE TO ILLUSTRATE HOW WIDESPREAD 'TOYOTA VISOR WON'T STAY UP' JUST SEARCH ON YOUTUBE. REMOVED THE VISOR DOES NOT BLOCK THE DRIVERS VIEW BUT REMOVES SAFETY WARNINGS FOR THE AIRBAG AND SAFE OPERATION ROLLOVER WARNING. TOYOTA SHOULD ISSUE ANOTHER TECHNICAL BULLETIN FOR THIS SUPPOSEDLY IMPROVED VISOR MECHANISM AND REPAIR FOR OWNERS.
May 23, 2018
+ 5 more complaints for this component
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
7 complaints
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.
Jun 22, 2023
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.
Oct 20, 2022
REAR BRAKE LIGHT SEALS FAILING ALLOWING WATER INTO LEFT AND RIGHT BRAKE LIGHT HOUSINGS. WHEN I ASKED DEALER ABOUT REPLACEMENT THEY SAID THAT THEY ARE NOT COVERED UNDER SAFETY WARRANTY.
Oct 12, 2020
CONDENSATION AND LIQUID/WATER IN REAR EXTERIOR LIGHTS. LIGHTS OR SEALS WARP WITH CONTACT TO HEAT MANUFACTURERS DEFECTS
Mar 12, 2020
IN 2017 I HAD MY PASSENGER SIDE REAR INNER LIGHT ASSEMBLY REPLACED DUE TO CONDENSATION AND NOW 2019 I AM HAVING TO REPLACE THE DRIVERS SIDE INNER LIGHT ASSEMBLY DUE TO CONDENSATION TO THE COST OF $235. TOYOTA BODYWORK SHOULD HOLD UP BETTER THAN THAT. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN WRECKED.
Apr 19, 2019
+ 2 more complaints for this component
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
6 complaints
On [XXX] my vehicle suffered an unintended acceleration on a very busy highway of The Dominican Republic, reaching a speed of 100 MPH. I was able to drive the car into the bushes of the highway service road hitting all king of obstacles such as trees, wall, advertising signs and safety barriers. The car damages resulted in a total loss. My life and my family life were in extremely dangerous situation. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Jun 07, 2025
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AND APPLYING THE BRAKES, THE CAR UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATED AND HIT THE BUILDING WALL. SINCE I WAS PUZZLED BY WHAT HAPPENED, I READ SEVERAL ARTICLES ABOUT TOYOTA AUTOMOBILES DOING JUST THIS SAME THING. MOST OF THE ARTICLES COVERED TOYOTA AUTOMOBILES OLDER THAN MINE, I DID FIND SEVERAL RECENT REPORTS, INCLUDING TWO THAT INVOLVED 2015 HIGHLANDER MODELS JUST LIKE MINE. I PLAN TO ALSO NOTIFY THE MANUFACTURER, TOYOTA.
Apr 24, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. ON AUGUST 31, 2018, WHILE DRIVING AT UNKNOWN SPEEDS, THE VEHICLE SURGED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE LOCAL DEALER (LAKESIDE TOYOTA, 3701 N CAUSEWAY BLVD, METAIRIE, LA 70002, (877) 512-8274) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE THROTTLE BODY NEEDED TO BE CLEANED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT CONTACTED. ADDITIONALLY, ON AUGUST 31, 2018, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED WITHOUT WARNING, JUMPED THE PARKING BUMPER, AND CRASHED INTO THE QUARTER PANEL OF A TRANSPORT VAN. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED CHEST INJURIES AND MEDICAL ATTENTION WAS PROVIDED. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE SAME DEALER, BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AT 800-331-4331, EXT 73822 AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 1809053132. THE MANUFACTURER STATED THAT THE EVENT DATA RECORDER WOULD BE RETRIEVED FROM THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 68,000. *DT *JB
Oct 03, 2018
I WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT THAT I BELIEVE WAS CAUSED BY SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELERATION (SUA). I WAS PULLING INTO A DIAGONAL PARKING SPACE ON A CITY STREET, PROCEEDING AT A VERY SLOW SPEED, WHEN THERE WAS A SUDDEN SURGE IN ACCELERATION ACCOMPANIED BY A GRINDING SOUND. I HIT THE BRAKE TO NO EFFECT, AND THE VEHICLE JUMPED THE CURB AND HIT A POLE (NOT CONNECTED TO ANYTHING). THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY, AND WE WERE SHAKEN UP BUT NOT INJURED. THE CAR WAS NOT DRIVABLE AND WAS TOWED TO A BODY SHOP.
Apr 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 5 MPH WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BEING DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE DECREASED IN SPEED AND AN UNKNOWN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS UNABLE TO BE DETERMINED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT WAS TOLD THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED DUE TO DRIVER ERROR AND WAS DOCUMENTED ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS ON THE VEHICLES BLACK BOX. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 10,000. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Oct 30, 2015
+ 1 more complaint for this component
POWER TRAIN
6 complaints
Upon being reviewed the rear U Joint was loose & needed replaced @ 167,361 miles.
Jun 09, 2024
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.
Feb 05, 2023
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.
Dec 15, 2022
IN THE FREEWAY RUNNING 65 MPH , CAR START JUGGLING AND VIBRATION , SO I SLOW DOWN TO 60 MPH AND PROCEED GOING HOME , HAPPENED LAST NIGHT 9 PM
Oct 11, 2020
WHEN TRYING TO MERGE WITH TRAFFIC AT AN ONRAMP, THE VEHICLE WILL FREQUENTLY REFUSE TO DOWNSHIFT TO MATCH TRAFFIC SPEED WHEN DOING 35-50MPH. THIS HAS RESULTED IN SEVERAL CLOSE CALLS UNDER THESE CIRCUMSTANCES AND I NEVER KNOW WHEN THIS WILL HAPPEN. THIS FORCES A MANUAL DOWNSHIFT THAT CANNOT ALWAYS BE IN TIME. THIS SAME PROBLEM HAS BEEN REPORTED ON NUMEROUS FORUMS AND SOME HAVE REPORTED HAVING TO "TRICK" THE TRANSMISSION INTO DOWNSHIFTING
Feb 23, 2020
+ 1 more complaint for this component
SERVICE BRAKES
6 complaints
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.
Jun 17, 2021
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE APPROACHING A PARKING SPOT, WHEN THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED INDEPENDENTLY AND RAN OVER A PARKING SIGN. THE CONTACT STATED SHE WAS DEPRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL BUT FAILED TO STOP THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT STATED NO WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO CONTINUE TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE TO HER DESTINATION. NO POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO LOCAL DEALER DOWNEAST TOYOTA (652 WILSON ST, BREWER, ME 04412: (866) 620-9023) AND WERE IT'S STILL BEING SERVICED. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED AS OF YET. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 72,000.
Jan 20, 2021
ON 10/30/16 I TOOK MY 2015 HIGHLANDER TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR WARPED ROTORS. THEY AGREED THE ROTORS WERE WARPED AND SINCE IT WAS AT 35,000 MILES THEY REPLACED ALL 4 ROTORS UNDER WARRANTY PLUS 2 NEW BRAKE PADS WHICH I HAD TO PAY FOR. I NOTICED THE SAME ISSUE IN LATE MAY OF 2017 AND CALLED TO ASK ABOUT THIS. THEY SAID "WE DON'T WARRANTY WARRANTY WORK" AND SUGGESTED I CALLED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS. ON JUNE 21, 2017 I CALLED TOYOTA AND FILED A COMPLAINT. I WAS TOLD TO TAKE THE CAR TO A DIFFERENT LOCAL DEALER, CLOSER TO MY HOME, AND THEY WOULD INSPECT THE ROTORS FOR A CHARGE. ON JULY 11, 2017 I DID THIS AND THE SERVICE REP TOLD ME SHE NOTICED THAT THE ROTORS WERE "BLUE" AND SHE NOTED THAT THEY SHOULD BE CHANGED. THE SERVICE MANAGER CALLED TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS WITH THIS INFO BUT THEY REFUSED TO COVER THIS, STATING THAT THIS WAS NORMAL WEAR AND TEAR. LATER THAT DAY I HEARD FROM THE TOYOTA HQ REP WHO REPEATED THAT TOYOTA COULD NOT COVER THIS. ON 8/7/2017 I FILED A COMPLAINT WITH VERMONT ATTORNEY GENERAL'S OFFICE. AS OF 10/10/17 THIS COMPLAINT IS STILL NOT RESOLVED AS THEY WON'T COVER THE REPAIR. THE CAR IS NOW AT 63,000. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE. NOTE: ACCORDING TO TOYOTA NATION WEBSITE MANY OTHERS HAVE HAD THESE SAME ISSUES. BELOW IS THE RESPONSE FROM THE DEALER ON AUGUST 24, 2017. I DISCUSSED THIS SITUATION WITH OUR ASSISTANT SERVICE MANAGER. SHE DID CONTACT TOYOTA TO ASK THEM TO COVER THIS REPAIR AND THEY DECLINED. THEIR REASONING FOR THIS IS THAT THE CONDITION OF THE BRAKE ROTORS, I.E. THEY ARE BLUE, INDICATES A HEAT EVENT. THIS USUALLY RESULTS FROM HEAVY BRAKING, BRAKING WHILE GOING DOWNHILL OFTEN OR SOMETIMES IF THE BRAKES GOT HOT AND THEN WENT THROUGH COOL WATER. IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO ADDRESS THIS WITH TOYOTA FURTHER, I ENCOURAGE YOU TO REACH OUT TO THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE CENTER AT 800-331-4331 OR VIA EMAIL USING THIS FORM. . .
Oct 15, 2017
WE WERE DRIVING DURING HEAVY RAINS AT FREEWAY SPEEDS. TRAFFIC WAS SLOWED AHEAD. THE SYSTEM SIGNALS AN ALARM THAT TRAFFIC AHEAD IS SLOWING, A VERY NICE FEATURE. HOWEVER, WHILE THE ALARM WAS GOING OFF, I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL WITH ZERO RESPONSE, LIKELY DUE TO THE ABS NOT WANTING ME TO SLIDE ON THE WET ROADS. HOWEVER AS I GOT CLOSER AND CLOSER TO THE SLOWED TRAFFIC AHEAD, I NEEDED TO PRESS THE BRAKE HARDER AND HARDER. THE BRAKES SIMPLY STOPPED DECELERATING THE HIGHLANDER AND WE SMASHED INTO THE BACK OF A SMALLER VEHICLE. WHILE I APPRECIATE ABS AND THE DESIRE TO PREVENT SLIDING, I MUST BE ABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE. I HAVE READ COUNTLESS COMPLAINTS ABOUT THIS OCCURRING, YET I DO NOT SEE A RESOLUTION.
Nov 06, 2016
HAD A PROBLEM WITH A 13 MO. OLD HIGHLANDER(STILL UNDER WARRANTY). WAS BACKING INTO MY GARAGE WHEN THE BRAKE PEDAL SUDDENLY BROKE(RUBBER PIECE FELL OFF). IT CAUSED MY FOOT TO SLIP OFF THE BRAKE AND CONSEQUENTLY BACKED INTO A REFRIGERATOR WE HAD IN THE GARAGE. IT RUINED THE REFRIGERATOR AND DAMAGED THE BACK OF THE HIGHLANDER($1000+) WORTH OF DAMAGE. FILED A CLAIM WITH TOYOTA(CORPORATE) AND COOPERATED FULLY WITH THEIR INVESTIGATION. AFTER 4 MOS. OF GETTING NOTHING BUT A RUN AROUND FROM TOYOTA FINALLY GOT THEIR ANSWER TO THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID THE VEHICLE WAS FINE(WHY THEN DID THE BRAKE PEDAL FALL APART?) AND THAT THEY DIDN'T CARE AT ALL ABOUT MY PROBLEM. THEY ALSO DIDN'T ANSWER WHY THE BRAKE PEDAL FELL APART IF 'ALL WAS FINE' AS THEY ASSERTED. KIND OF LIKE WHAT TOYOTA DID 6 OR 7 YEARS AGO WHEN THE ACCELERATOR PROBLEM FIRST SHOWED UP. BACK THEN THEIR FIRST REACTION WAS TO BLAME TH VICTIMS(OWNERS) FOR CAUSING THE PROBLEM!! I SUGGEST TO OTHERS TO NOT BUY A TOYOTA. AS MY PROBLEM SHOWS, IF AN UNUSUAL PROBLEM HAPPENS THEY WILL NOT STAND BEHIND THEIR VEHICLE OR DESIGN!!
Nov 01, 2016
+ 1 more complaint for this component
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,STRUCTURE
5 complaints
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)
Oct 27, 2023
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.
Aug 18, 2021
REAR BOOT LID NOT OPERATIONAL. TRIED USING.MY KEYS AND ALSO THE DASH BUTTON BUT THE GATE WONT OPEN OR CLOSE. HAD TO OPEN FRON THE WINDOW TO LOAD MY SHOPPING. ON MY WAY ON FREE WAY, THE DOOR OPENED AND LOST A BIT OF MY BOTTLED STUFF AND SHOPPING AS IT TOSSED AWAY. SO LUCKY TO BE ON A LINE WITH LIMITED TRAFFIC . HAD NO ACCIDENT
Jul 12, 2020
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR POWER HATCHBACK DOOR MADE AN ABNORMAL NOISE WHEN BEING OPENED. IN ADDITION, THE DOOR ONLY OPENED HALFWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NALLEY TOYOTA OF ROSWELL (11130 ALPHARETTA HWY, ROSWELL, GA 30076, (404) 994-5422) WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS NOT COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 30,800.
Apr 23, 2019
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE REAR DOOR FAILED TO PROPERLY OPEN AND CLOSE. THE CONTACT HAD TO APPLY FORCE OR THE DOOR WOULD REMAIN OPEN. THE VEHILCE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER (FURIEL TOYOTA PONCE, INDUSTRIAL SAN RAFAEL, 00731, CALLE NAVARRA, PONCE, PUERTO RICO, 1-787-284-2020) FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THE WARRANTY EXPIRED ON NOVEMBER 1, 2017. IN ADDITION, THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 15V144000 (ELECTRICAL SYSTEM). THE FAILURE WAS REPORTED TO THE MANUFACTURER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 17,400. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
Dec 28, 2017
AIR BAGS
5 complaints
*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.
Aug 23, 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.
May 29, 2022
We were involved in a car accident on 04/29/2021 and the front airbags that are suppose to come out the wheel and dashboard didn't deploy just the rear airbags. Toyota told me the impact wasn't hard enough for them to deploy but as you will see from the pictures attached the whole front end of the car is gone. Please see attached police report and photos for more details.
Jun 17, 2021
ANOTHER DRIVER PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME ON A CITY STREET ON 03/23/17 AND I HIT THE SIDE OF HIS CAR WITH THE FRONT OF MY SUV. I WAS GOING ABOUT 35-40 MPH THE FORCE FROM HIS CAR THEN KNOCKED ME HEAD ON INTO A LIGHT POLE. I WAS KNOCKED UNCONSCIOUS AT THE INITIAL HIT. MY SUV WAS TOTALED AND THE FRONT FRAME WAS BENT FROM THE IMPACT INTO THE POLE. THE AIR BAG NEVER CAME OUT AT ALL. THE RESCUE MEN ALL REMARKED ABOUT IT BECAUSE THE ACCIDENT WAS SO FORCEFUL. I HAD A CONCUSSION & HAD TO RETIRE FROM MY JOB & CONTINUE TO HAVE MEMORY ISSUES. I CALLED TOYOTA ABOUT A WEEK AFTER THE ACCIDENT WHEN I FELT A LITTLE BETTER SO THEY COULD LOOK INTO IT. BY THE TIME THEY GOT WITH THE PLACE WHERE THE CAR HAD BEEN TOWED, THE SUV HAD BEEN SOLD FOR SCRAP ( I GUESS) SO THEY SAID THEY COULD NOT GET THE DATA BOX.
Nov 13, 2018
MY DRIVER'S SIDE AIRBAG FAILED TO DEPLOY. I HIT MY CHEST ON THE STEERING WHEEL. I WAS IN A CAR ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 30, 2015 AT 10:00 AM ON HIGHWAY 95, THE SPEED LIMIT WAS 65. A MAN HYDROPLANED IN FRONT OF ME, I HAD TO BE GOING AT LEAST 40......UPDATED 10/19/15 *BF.. ...UPDATED 12/29/15 *BF *JS *JS
Oct 05, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
5 complaints
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.
Feb 09, 2022
WHILE DRIVING, THE RADIO AND MAPPING SYSTEM WILL SUDDENLY STOP WORKING. THERE THEN IS NO WAY TO RESET THE MAP AND/OR RADIO, OTHER THAN TO STOP THE VEHICLE, TURN IT OFF AND THEN RESTART IT. SOMETIMES, IT TAKES MORE THAN ONE RESTART TO HAVE THE SYSTEM BACK TO RUNNING NORMAL. THIS HAPPENS WHEN THE VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND ON VARIOUS TYPES OF ROADWAYS OR HIGHWAYS. IT HAS HAPPENED ON VARIOUS DATES, BUT THE MOST RECENT OCCURRENCE WAS ON AUG. 10, 2019.
Aug 12, 2019
SOON AFTER WARRANTY RAN OUT THE LIFT GATE TO THE TRUNK HATCH BEGAN LEAKING LUBRICATION AND INTERMITTANLY WOULD NOT OPEN ALL THE WAY, CLOSE ALL THE WAY, OR OPEN OR CLOSE AT ALL. MANY TIMES, I WOULD NEED TO MANUALLY PUSH THE HATCH DOWN TO CLOSE, WHICH REQUIRED EXTREME FORCE. THE SAME FORCE WOULD BE REQUIRED TO OPEN THE HATCH AT TIMES. ESENTIALLY, THE LIFT GATE IS UNRELIABLE TO LIFT OR CLOSE MOST OF THE TIME.THE COST ESTIMATE FROM THE DEALER EXCEEDED $1,800 FOR THE REPLACEMENT OF BOTH STRUTS.
Sep 30, 2018
THE POWER LIFTGATE CLOSED ON MY HEAD WHEN I WAS PUTTING STUFF IN THE TRUNK. IT WAS OPEN LIKE NORMAL, BUT THEN IT SUDDENLY DROPPED WITHOUT WARNING. BEFORE THIS HAPPENED IT WAS HAVING PROBLEMS CLOSING COMPLETELY. IT IS STILL HAVING THESE PROBLEMS. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALERSHIP TO GET FIXED AND THEY "RESET" THE SYSTEM BUT THAT DIDNT FIX ANYTHING. IT IS STILL NOT CLOSING COMPLETELY SOMETIMES. IT WILL SEEMINGLY OPEN FINE (ALTHOUGH IM AFRAID IT WILL FALL ON MY HEAD) BUT WHEN I HAVE TO CLOSE IT WILL SOMETIMES CLOSE AND IT WILL SOMETIMES CLOSE ALMOST ALL THE WAY AND THEN IT WILL BEEP TWICE AND OPEN A BIT AGAIN AND SIT THERE. I WILL HAVE TO HIT IT TO OPEN AND CLOSE AGAIN AND HOPE THAT IT WORKS. SOMETIMES I GET IT IN 2 TRIES AND SOMETIMES IT TAKES 4 OR 5 TIMES TO GET IT TO CLOSE.
Sep 04, 2017
TAKATA RECALL-THIS PAST SUNDAY MY CAR HAD BEEN PARKED IN THE DRIVE WAY FOR A FEW DAYS AND WHEN I WENT TO DRIVE MY CAR AND THERE WAS A STRANGE NOISE UNDER THE HOOD, I BACKED OUT OF THE DRIVE WAY AND WHEN THE CAR SHIFTED FROM FIRST TO SECOND IT JURKED AND WAS NOT SMOOTH SO I PARKED THE CAR. I LOOKED UNDER THE HOOD AND THERE WERE MOUSE DROPPING ON THE ENGINE. I CALLED TOYOTA ON MONDAY MORNING AND THEY SAID TO HAVE IT TOWED SO I DID MONDAY NIGHT. TODAY WEDNESDAY THEY CALLED AND SAID THERE WERE A LOT OF WIRE DAMAGE AND SOMETHING ELSE BUT THEY STILL NOT ABLE TO FIND THE PROBLEM. THEY SAID AT THIS POINT IT WAS GOING TO BE $500 MAYBE MORE. AND NOT UNDER MANUFACTURERS DEFECT WARRANTY. WHICH I THINK IF THEY ARE GOING TO PUT SOMETHING IN THE WIRE CASING THAT RODENTS LOVE THEN THEY SHOULD CORRECT ANY PROBLEMS AS A RESULTS OF THE PRODUCT USED AT NO COST TO THE CUSTOMER. MY CAR IS A $45,000 CAR AND I HAVE ONLY HAD IT A FEW MONTHS. THIS IS BULL.
Dec 02, 2015
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SEATS
2 complaints
I have a 2015 Toyota Highlander XLE. Last winter I began noticing a burning smell which I believed to be electrical inside the vehicle. I was able to determine it was the driver seat heater and the burning smell continued even with the toggle switch turned off. I stopped at a local Toyota dealership, Koch Toyota, who refused to show me which plug under the seat to unplug to disconnect power. They tried to insist that I drop the car off and let them check it. Due to past negative experiences with that Toyota dealership I refused. I was able to speak to my own mechanic who instructed me to remove the fuse for the driver's seat heater which I did and the smell stopped however the seat heater is not functioning now. Upon recent research online it appears this is a common problem especially in 2015 Toyota Highlanders. I found a couple other owners of the xle models on a website called Toyota Nation who experienced similar problems where their vehicles actually caught fire and melted the center consoles after the burning smell was misdiagnosed. I believe this is a huge safety concern and have recently filed a report with Toyota Corporate in hopes to get the issue rectified. There were no warning messages or lights that came on to advise that there was an issue.
Nov 05, 2024
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.
Mar 01, 2024
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
2 complaints
VEHICLE STALLED WHILE DRIVING IN TRAFFIC, WITH MORE THEN 1/2 FULL ON FUEL. VEHICLE WOULD NOT START AGAIN UNTIL FUEL ASSEMBLY REPLACED.
Nov 26, 2020
I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING A SITUATION WITH MY 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER (VIN# 5TDJKRFHXFS1[XXX]) THAT HAS BECOME QUITE CONCERNING. WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL FROM A DEAD STOP POSITION, I HAVE EXPERIENCED AN INITIAL ACCELERATION AND THEN A HESITATION FOLLOWED IMMEDIATELY BY A RESUMPTION OF ACCELERATION. THIS HAS HAPPENED AT LEAST SEVEN TIMES. AT FIRST I THOUGHT MY FOOT WAS SLIPPING OFF THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL. AFTER EXAMINATION I REALIZED THIS WAS NOT POSSIBLE. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED (APRIL 16, 2018) I WAS ATTEMPTING TO PROCEED FROM A STOP LIGHT ACROSS 3 LANES OF HIGHWAY TO THE FOURTH LANE. AS I STEPPED ON THE GAS THE CAR ACCELERATED FORWARD AND THEN HESITATED. I PURPOSELY LEFT MY FOOT RIGHT WHERE IT WAS ON THE GAS PEDAL AND WITHIN ONE OR TWO SECONDS IT RESUMED AND AGAIN ACCELERATED FORWARD. WHEN THIS HAPPENS THERE IS NO SPUTTERING OR BACKFIRING, JUST A TOTAL VOID OF ANYTHING HAPPENING UNTIL IT AGAIN RESUMES FORWARD MOTION. I JUST HAD THE CAR SERVICED ON APRIL 25, 2018 AT MY TOYOTA DEALER AND MENTIONED THE PROBLEM. THEY DROVE THE VEHICLE AND COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. THEY ALSO RAN A DIAGNOSIS OF THE SYSTEM AND FOUND NO ABNORMALITIES. MY QUESTION IS, HAS THIS BEEN REPORTED BY OTHERS AS A POSSIBLE PROBLEM WITH THIS MAKE OF VEHICLE OR IS THIS A ONE OFF AND OTHERS ARE NOT EXPERIENCING OR NOT AWARE OF THIS QUIRK IN THE SYSTEM.[XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).' *PM
May 03, 2018
ENGINE
2 complaints
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE LOSS MOTIVE POWER AND FAILED TO ACCELERATE AS NEEDED. THE CONTACT INDICATED THAT THE VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE ABOVE 10 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF BRAINTREE LOCATED AT 210 UNION ST, BRAINTREE, MA 02184, AND DIAGNOSED WITH A DEFECTIVE ENGINE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE ENGINE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
Oct 01, 2020
VEHICLE IS BURNING EXCESSIVE AMOUNTS OF OIL.
Sep 25, 2020
SEATS
2 complaints
FRONT DRIVER SEAT IS BROKEN , FRAME IS COMING THROUGH THE UPPER RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT IN THE FRONT OF THE SEAT STICKS INTO MY BACK
Jul 15, 2019
CAR GOING IN FOR THE SECOND TIME TO REPLACE THE ELECTRICAL SEAT ADJUSTMENT PANEL AND THE OTHER COMPONENTS NEEDED TO KEEP IT HELD IN PLACE. THE PLASTIC CLIPS ON THE PARTS JUST DO NOT APPEAR TO BE SUFFICIENT TO KEEP THE PANEL IN PLACE. CAR HAS JUST UNDER 33K MILES. THE PANEL IS RARELY USED AND IT APPEARS THAT JUST THE ENTRY AND EXIT FROM THE VEHICLE APPEARS TO BE CAUSING ENOUGH MOVEMENT FOR THE PARTS TO WEAR OUT.
Nov 10, 2016
TIRES
2 complaints
ON SEPT. 14, 2014, WE PURCHASED A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER XLE, WHICH CAME WITH BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA TIRES. ON AUG. 20, 2015, WHEN THERE WERE 10,235 MILES ON THE CAR, WE REPLACED 1 OF THE TIRES WITH A NEW BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA TIRE. ON SEPT. 26, 2016, WHEN THERE WERE 23,324 MILES ON THE CAR, WE REPLACED ANOTHER OF THE TIRES WITH ANOTHER NEW BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA TIRE. ON AUG. 17, 2017, WHEN THERE WERE 31,228 MILES ON THE CAR, WE BROUGHT THE CAR TO TOYOTA OF HACKENSACK FOR ITS 35,000-MILE FACTORY MAINTENANCE, BEFORE WE WOULD DEPART FOR A FAMILY VACATION WHERE WE EXPECT TO DRIVE APPROXIMATELY 2,500 TO 3,000 MILES. DURING THE MULTIPOINT INSPECTION OF THE CAR, THE TECHNICIAN NOTED THAT ALL 4 TIRES WERE WORN. AFTER DISCUSSING THIS MATTER FURTHER, THE TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER RECOMMENDED THAT WE SHOULD REPLACE ALL 4 TIRES. TOYOTA AND THEIR WHOLESALE TIRE DEALER BOTH CONTACTED THE BRIDGESTONE TECHNICAL DEPARTMENT TO DETERMINE THE AMOUNT OF COURTESY CREDIT THAT BRIDGESTONE WOULD PROVIDE TO US TOWARDS THE PURCHASE OF NEW TIRES, AS ONE OF THE ALREADY-REPLACED TIRES WAS ONLY USED FOR 7,904 MILES (I.E, 31,228 23,324 = 7,904), ANOTHER OF THE ALREADY-REPLACED TIRES WAS ONLY USED FOR 20,993 MILES (I.E., 31, 228 10,235 = 20,993), AND THE 2 REMAINING ORIGINAL TIRES WERE ONLY USED FOR 31,228 MILES, AND THE BRIDGESTONE DUELER H/L 422 ECOPIA TIRES HAVE AN EXPECTED TREAD WEAR LIFE OF 65,000 MILES. TOYOTA ALSO ADVISED BRIDGESTONE THAT THE TIRES WERE ROTATED EVERY 5,000 MILES AND WERE PROPERLY ALIGNED. NONETHELESS, BRIDGESTONE TOOK THE POSITION THAT SINCE THE TREAD WEAR ON THE 4 TIRES WAS 6-4-4-2, IT INDICATED THAT THE TIRES WERE NOT PROPERLY ALIGNED AND A WARRANTY CLAIM WAS IN APPROPRIATE. TOYOTA TRIED EXPLAINING TO BRIDGESTONE THAT BY REPLACING TWO OF THE TIRES IN 2015 AND 2016 AND HAVING USED TWO OF THE TIRES OR ONLY 7,904 MILES AND 20,993 MILES, DESPITE ROTATING THE TIRES PROPERLY, THE TREAD WEAR HAD TO BE SLIGHTLY UNEVEN.
Aug 23, 2017
DRIVING DOWN ROAD. ALL OF A SUDDEN, THE INNER SIDE WALL OF THE MICHELIN PREMIER LTX TIRE BLEW OUT IN TWO PLACES. THEY WERE BOTH RECTANGULAR BLOWOUTS COMING FROM THE CENTER OF THE TIRE. *TR
Oct 23, 2016
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
1 complaint
Paint is peeling off my car, This is confirmed by Toyota it was covered by the Consumer Support program which expired in July however the paint did not start peeling off until last week.Toyota said that there wasn't anything they could do. this is clearly a manufacture defect and should be repair by Toyota at no charge to me.
Dec 18, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
When right front pax sits in seat and fastens seatbelt, the airbag indicator correctly says "ON." But after a few minutes, the airbag turns "OFF" and the driver's dash gets an "unfastened seatbelt" warning and a "faulty airbag" warning. All of these occur while the front right pax has remain seated and buckled. If the pax unbuckles and exits the seat, these incorrect warnings all remain the same. The right front pax seat belt buckle has been replaced with no effect. The seat has been recalibrated (seat sensors) with no effect. The wires under the seat have been disconnected, cleaned, and re-connected with no effect. This is a safety issue in that the airbag on that front right side de-activates when a passenger is in that seat. There is a Toyota Recall Campaign for this identical problem, but it does not include my model year (2015). Requesting NHTSA get Toyota to extend their recall to include 2015 models, please.
Dec 09, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
I have noticed speed issues or high idling with this vehicle for a while. I committed a rear end collision with a vehicle on July 4, 2025, at approximately 2pm. My car rear ended his truck while it was stopped behind another vehicle. My vehicle sustained total damage to the front end. I was ticketed for not reducing speed to prevent a accident. The only warning light was that it need maintenance, which comes on prior to an oil change. My safety was put at risk because the car is idled too fast for the type of driving I do, which is small town and rural road driving. Due to the speed of this vehicle during normal driving, it's difficult to stop quickly to avoid an accident. If it was rainy and slippery, the situation could have been much worse.
Jul 04, 2025
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
Driving to take my son to work. Check engine light came on said check and system. Hard shifting put in manual drive and made it to destination.
Dec 12, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,LANE DEPARTURE
1 complaint
BSM works when it want to and sometimes not at all
Sep 28, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VISIBILITY,ENGINE
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled, and the steering wheel became difficult to turn. The check engine warning light and several other unknown warning lights were illuminated. The contact was able to pull into a parking lot. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after 45 minutes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The dealer was notified of the failure and charged a fee for diagnostic testing. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 18E107000 (Electrical System, Visibility); however, the VIN was not included. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 193,000.
Sep 26, 2024
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
SPONTANEOUS VEHICLE FIRE: While driving approximately 20-30 miles per hour, with no other symptoms or advance warning signs, a message suddenly appeared on the dashboard saying "Engine Failure - Turn off Ignition". The temperature gauge was firmly in the normal range; the car had been inspected a few months prior, and had recently had routine maintenance. There was no indication that anything was amiss before this incident. 30 seconds after the sudden warning message appeared, smoke began pouring from the hood and I immediately pulled over to the side of the road and exited the vehicle with my young daughter. The smoke continued and the entire front section of the vehicle quickly caught ablaze. Police and the fire department arrived on the scene to assist and extinguish the fire. The vehicle was towed and determined to be a total loss by insurance. Our safety was put at risk because our vehicle spontaneously caught fire with no early warning signs; if we had been driving on a highway or a road without space to quickly stop the vehicle and safely exit, we would have certainly faced injury or possible death given the speed and ferocity with which the fire erupted. After we contacted Toyota several times, they sent an inspector to look at the vehicle, and reported: "The inspector observed extensive fire damage to the engine compartment and interior of the vehicle. The inspector also observed that there was no oil registered on the dipstick. There were no arc marks on the wiring in the engine compartment when inspected. The inspector did not observe any oil leaks when inspected. The battery hold down bracket was in the proper location. The cause of the fire was undetermined, and there was no evidence from the inspection to indicate that this incident was a result of a vehicle defect." Toyota has shown a complete lack of curiousity as to determining what could have caused the fire and has only focused on avoiding liability, thereby putting customer safety at risk.
Jul 21, 2024
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
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)
Jul 26, 2023
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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.
Jun 14, 2023
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
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.
May 13, 2023
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
The contact owns a 2015 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the front driver’s and passenger’s side doors failed to unlock while using the keys. The contact stated that there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed with the door lock actuator needing to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was not informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.
Jun 09, 2021
STRUCTURE,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
BACK STOP LIGHT GET RAIN WATER! PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BREAK ALWAYS WEARING OUT BEFORE OTHERS BREAKS ! TRUNK DOOR AUTOMATIC BROKEN! 3 ROW SIT UNDER NEED GET RUSHED! SEAT BELT MOUNTED ON THE FLOOR IF YOU PUT MATS PULL YOU BACK ALL TIME ! AC WENT U TURN ON NOT WORKING RIGHT AWAY TAKE 5-10 MIN TO COOL DOWN !
Apr 10, 2021
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
THIS VEHICLE HAS A REALLY BAD ELECTRICAL ISSUE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL,IT FEELS LIKE IT WONDERS FROM TIME TO TIME.THEN THE MOTOR WILL STALL OUT ALMOST COMPLETELY WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD. TAKEN TO DEALER TO ONLY HAVE THEM NOT REPLICATE THE SAME PROBLEMS AS WHEN WE HAVE IT. I KNOW IT'S NOT ME BECAUSE MY SPOUSE HAS DISCUSSED IT WITH ME TOO. I SEE THERE'S RECALLS FOR SIMILAR PROBLEMS WITHIN THE SAME PRODUCTION ON THIS VEHICLE BUT SOMEHOW IT DIDN'T GET ANY NOTIFICATIONS BUT CLEARLY IT DESCRIBES THE SAME PROBLEMS.
Jan 17, 2021
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
OUR 2015 HIGHLANDER STEERING INTERMITTENTLY LOCKS UP AND HAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF POWER. FIRST HAPPENED WHEN STARTING THE VEHICLE AND HAD TO SIT AND START AND STOP OVER 15 TIMES AND THE STEERING FINALLY CAME BACK. WE IMMEDIATELY CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THEY SAID THIS VEHICLE HAD NO RECALLED PARTS AND THERE IS NO PROBLEM. WHEN IT HAPPENED THE SECOND TIME WE TOOK IT IN AND THEY SAID IT HAD A BAD BATTERY AND THE PROBLEM WAS FIXED. WE PAID A HEFTY SERVICE FEE AND PAID FOR A REALLY EXPENSIVE BATTERY. TWO DAYS LATER IT HAPPENED AGAIN AND WHILE MOVING ON A CITY STREET ABOUT 35/40 MPH. WE GOT OVER SAFELY BUT WAS SO DANGEROUS. TOOK IT BACK TO TOYOTA AND THEY ARE TELLING US THE VEHICLE HAS NO PROBLEM AND WE JUST NEED TO USE IT TILL IT HAPPENS AGAIN AND BRING IT BACK! IF WE DON'T KILL OURSELVES OR ANOTHER MOTORIST! AFTER DOING OUR OWN RESEARCH WE FIND OUR CAR IS DOING EXACTLY WHAT THE VEHICLES WITH THE RECALL ARE DOING BUT THEY WILL NOT REPLACE THE EPS SYSTEM AND TOYOTA IS PUTTING US BACK ON THE ROAD IN A DANGEROUS VEHICLE. SO NOW WE ONLY HAVE ONE VEHICLE AND STRUGGLING TO GET BY. I FIND IT COMPLETELY UNACCEPTABLE THAT TOYOTA CUSTOMER RELATIONS WAS OF NO HELP AND RUDE ON THE PHONE. NOW WE HAVE BOUGHT A $40,000.00 CAR WE CAN NOT DRIVE AND BE SAFE ON THE ROAD WITH. HOW CAN THEY NOT HELP US AND FIX THE PROBLEM? WE WILL HAVE TO GET A SECOND OPINION AND END UP PAYING MORE MONEY TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THANKS TOYOTA WE WILL NOT BUY ANOTHER.
Jan 16, 2020
SEAT BELTS,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TOUCH SCREENS AUDIO SYSTEM IS NOT WORKING FOR THE PASS TWO YEARS
Mar 11, 2019
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
1 complaint
FOR TWO YEARS NOW, MY VEHICLE WILL RANDOMLY HAVE AN ENGINE STALL WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE. IT HAPPENS AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS AND WHILE GOING STRAIGHT AHEAD OR TURNING. THE ENTIRE INSTRUMENT PANEL AND NAVIGATION SCREENS SHUTS OFF AND TURNS BACK ON. I HAVE TAKEN THE CAR IN TO TOYOTA TWICE AND WAS TOLD THEY COULDN'T FIND ANYTHING WRONG OR GET THE THE VEHICLE TO MALFUNCTION AGAIN. TODAY, THE ENGINE DIDN'T IMMEDIATELY COME BACK ON AFTER STALLING, AND I HAD TO PULL OVER AND TURN THE CAR OFF AND BACK ON AGAIN. MY CAR HAS LESS THAN 33000 MILES ON IT AND HAS HAD REGULAR MAINTENANCE. THIS IS TRULY A SAFETY CONCERN AT THIS POINT AND IT SEEMS I'M NOT THE ONLY ONE WITH THIS ISSUE ACCORDING TO THOSE REPORTED TO THE NHTSA.
Feb 06, 2019
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR SIDE MARKERS AND HEADLIGHTS RETAINED WATER. IN ADDITION, WHEN PARKING AND RELEASING THE BRAKE PEDAL, A LOUD UNKNOWN NOISE OCCURRED FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO NORTHRIDGE TOYOTA (LOCATED AT 19550 NORDHOFF ST, NORTHRIDGE, CA 91324, (833) 650-5833) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THERE WAS MOISTURE IN THE HEADLIGHTS. THE DEALER RECOMMENDED REPLACING THE HEADLIGHTS DUE TO FAULTY SEALS. THE FAILURE WAS NOT COVERED BY A WARRANTY AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,665.
Jan 23, 2019
POWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
1 complaint
WHEN DRIVING MY HIGHLANDER THE FOLLOWING ERROR MESSAGES APPEARED, ERROR KEEPING THE START BUTTON PRESSED WILL CAUSE AN EMERGENCY STOP. I DISMISSED THIS. THEN IT POPPED UP A MESSAGE THAT CAR CANNOT DRIVE WHILE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR ARE PRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY. I LOST ABILITY TO ACCELERATE SO TRIED TO PULL OF BUSY ROAD, PRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL RESTORED ACCELERATION. THEN WHEN I STOPPED IN TRAFFIC OR AT LIGHTS THE CAR SHUT ITSELF DOWN AND HAD TO BE RESTARTED. THESE ERROR MESSAGES KEPT COMING ON WHILE I DROVE TO THE DEALER. I SWITCHED OFF THE CAR AT THE SHOP AND IT WOULDNT REPEAT THE PROBLEM, NO CODES HAVE BEEN RECORDED BY THE VEHICLES COMPUTER BECAUSE THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT NEVER CAME ON. TOYOTA AND THE DEALERSHIP WANT TO WAIT UNTIL IT HAPPENS AGAIN. SINCE IT HAPPENED BEFORE, ALSO WHILE IT WAS DRIVING I AM UNCOMFORTABLE AS IT IS A SAFETY CONCERN. I DON'T WANT IT TO HAPPEN ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. I BELIEVE THE INTELLIGENT POWER MODULE OF THE CAR IS SHORTING OUT AND CAUSING THE CAR TO GO INTO FAILSAFE MODE AND SHUT DOWN CREATING HAZARDOUS DRIVING CONDITIONS.
Nov 20, 2018
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
1 complaint
LIGHT ON CRUISE CONTROL LEVER ON STEERING COLUMN FLICKERS OFF AND ON IF VEHICLE IS IN MOTION AND STEERING COLUMN IS IN USE. ALTERNATOR IN CAR ALREADY REQUIRED REPLACEMENT AT 73,000. DEALERSHIP WAS ADVISED OF ISSUE AND I WAS TOLD THERE WAS NOTHING WRONG WITH THE LEVER.
Sep 24, 2018
WHEELS
1 complaint
AT 2000 MILES WE NOTICED OUR WHEELS PITTING. WE THOUGHT THIS WAS UNUSUAL AS OUR WHEELS WERE PLASTIC COATED CALLED 'CROMETECH'. WE WERE AT THE DEALERS AND MENTIONED THAT OUR CAR HAD ONLY 2000 MILES AND SHOULDN'T BE HAVING THIS PROBLEM. OUR CAR NOW HAS 7070MILES YES SEVEN THOUSAND MILES AND THEY WON'T DO ANYTHING FOR US. MY WIFE AND I ARE IN OUR 80'S AND THEY ARE ARE TAKEING ADVANTAGE OF US BECAUSE WE'RE OLD. THEY WANT US TO PAY FOR NEW WHEELS $750.. EACH.
Apr 21, 2018
STRUCTURE,LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO OPEN THE REAR DRIVER'S DOOR TO REMOVE HIS DAUGHTER FROM THE CAR SEAT, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOOR WOULD NOT OPEN. THE CONTACT HAD TO GO AROUND AND OPEN THE REAR PASSENGER DOOR IN ORDER TO GET THE INFANT OUT OF THE SEAT. ADDITIONALLY, DURING THE SECOND WEEK OF FEBRUARY OF 2018, THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT DID NOT OPEN. AT THE END OF FEBRUARY, THE FRONT PASSENGER DOOR ACTUATOR HAD TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THIS WOULD BE THE THIRD DOOR THAT EXPERIENCED ACTUATOR FAILURE. THE DEALER (LUGOFF TOYOTA IN LUGOFF, NORTH CAROLINA) DIAGNOSED THE VEHICLE WITH DOOR LOCK ACTUATOR FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY THE OWNER THE FIRST TWO TIMES. THE VEHICLE HAD NOT BEEN REPAIRED A THIRD TIME. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 65,000.
Apr 02, 2018
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
WHEN THE CAR HAD 20K MILES THE BRAKES WOULD SHAKE WHEN GOING DOWN HILL, TOOK IT IN BUT THEY FOUND NOTHING WRONG. I HAVE SINCE HAD THE ROTARS TURNED BRAKES REPLACED AND WHEN BRAKING THE BRAKES SHAKE REALLY BAD ITS SCARY. I HAVE ALSO HAD TOO MANY ELECTRICAL PROBLEMS WITH THE DOOR LOCKS ONE GOES OUT THEN NEXT WEEK ANOTHER, THE OUTLETS HAVE NEVER WORKED AND NOW THE STEREO IS GOING TO BE REPLACED BECAUSE IT BLACKS OUT AND RESTARTS CONSTANTLY.
Feb 27, 2018
SEAT BELTS
1 complaint
THE SEAT BELT COILED AROUND MY 8 YEAR OLD SON'S NECK AND THE SEAT BELT LOCK WOULD NOT DISENGAGE. WE TRIED GENTLY ROCKING THE SEAT BELTS BUT IT THERE WAS NO GIVE IN IT. MOVING IT HARDER WOULD HAVE CHOKED MY SON. WE HAD TO CUT THE SEAT BELT TO RELEASE MY SON. THIS HAPPENED AFTER A 10 MIN RIDE COMING BACK FROM THE SCHOOL. HE WAS SEATED IN THE REAR RIGHT SIDE SEAT. HE WANTED TO GET OUT OF THE CAR WHEN WE REACHED HOME. SINCE HE IS EIGHT YEARS NOW, HE ENGAGES AND DISENGAGES THE SEAT BELT HIMSELF. PLEASE LOOK AT THE PICTURE.
Oct 23, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL THE WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT REMOVED THE KEY FROM THE IGNITION SWITCH AND RESTARTED THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE WORKED NORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO HARTFORD TOYOTA SUPERSTORE IN HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER SENT AN EVALUATOR TO DIAGNOSE THE VEHICLE. ACCORDING TO THE REPORT, THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING TO MANUFACTURER STANDARDS. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 16001120892. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 91,000.
Aug 11, 2017
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,ENGINE
1 complaint
I WAS DRIVING 80 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE WHEN THE ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND A "CHECK AWD" DISPLAY APPEARED. AT THAT SAME MOMENT I LOST THE ABILITY TO STEER AND TO ACCELERATE. I MANAGED TO GET THE CAR OFF OF THE INTERSTATE. THE CAR CAME TO A STOP. I DID NOT SEE ANY SMOKE, OR SMELL ANYTHING AND THE ENGINE TEMP GAUGE SHOWED MID COOL SO I DECIDED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. WHEN I TRIED TO START THE CAR, THE ENGINE LIGHT AND THE "CHECK AWD" DISPLAY CAME ON AGAIN, AND THEN SECONDS LATER A TEMPERATURE LIGHT CAME ON WITH A LOUD ALARM. SMOKE STARTED COMING OUT OF THE FRONT LEFT HOOD. I SHOUTED FOR MY DAUGHTER AND HER FRIEND TO GET OUT OF THE VEHICLE. I GRABBED MY PHONE AND RAN TO HER DOOR TO HELP HER AND HER FRIEND GET OUT. BY THE TIME WE WERE RUNNING AWAY, FLAMES WERE COMING OUT OF THE HOOD. WITHIN MINUTES MY CAR WAS COMPLETELY ENGULFED IN FLAMES.
May 05, 2017
EQUIPMENT
1 complaint
THE AUDIO AND GPS SYSTEM WILL RESET IT SELF WHILE DRIVING!!!! IT HAPPENS ALL THE TIME. NO SUPPORT FROM THE DEALERS.... *TR
Jan 16, 2017
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
1 complaint
TWO OR THREE TIMES NOW, WHILE PAUSED IN TRAFFIC, I LOOK AT THE RADIO INSTRUMENT PANEL AND IT HAS COMPLETELY SHUT OFF AND REBOOTS, IT THEN CAUSES ALL PREVIOUSLY PROGRAMMED INFORMATION IN THE SYSTEM TO BE CHANGED. IN ADDITION AT THE SAME TIME, THE STEERING FEELS LIKE IT "PAUSES". I CHECKED MY VIN IT IS NOT IN THE RECALL BUT I WILL BE TAKING IT TO THE DEALER AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. ONCE THE ELECTRICAL RADIO/ENTERTAINMENT SYSTEM REBOOTED WHILE TRAVELING ON THE HIGHWAY, I ONLY NOTICED IT BECAUSE THE RADIO SHUT OFF. I DID NOT NOTICE ANYTHING AT THAT TIME WITH THE STEERING AND I THOUGHT IT WAS A FLUKE, BUT NOW AFTER THREE TIMES, I AM BRINGING TO THE DEALER
Oct 08, 2016
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, AN ABNORMAL ODOR EMITTED INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE DRIVER AND PASSENGER SUSTAINED HEADACHES AND SORE THROATS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT AN UNDERCOATING WAS APPLIED TO THE CATALYTIC CONVERTER DURING PRODUCTION THAT EMITTED A CHEMICAL ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5. UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ *CN
May 06, 2016
AIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A CITY STRAIGHT GOING THROUGH A GREEN LIGHT WHEN A VEHICLE TRAVELING THE OPPOSITE DIRECTION ATTEMPTED TO MAKE LEFT-HAND TURN AND STRUCK THE FRONT OF THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2015. BOTH CARS WERE IN MOTION WHEN THE COLLISION OCCURRED. WHEN THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER 2015 WAS BROUGHT TO THE BODY SHOP TO BE REPAIRED THE APPRAISER INDICATED THAT THE AIR BAGS SHOULD HAVE DEPLOYED AND THEY NEEDED TO BE INVESTIGATED FOR DEFECTS.
Mar 14, 2016
SUSPENSION,ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING,STRUCTURE
1 complaint
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2015 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE SUBFRAME FRACTURED DUE TO THE REAR BOLTS ON THE FRAME BEING TOO TIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE REAR BOLTS WERE NOT PROPERLY INSTALLED FROM THE FACTORY ASSOCIATED WITH THE TORQUE. THE DEALER INSPECTED THE SUBFRAME AND STATED THAT IT DID NOT NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE REAR HYBRID DRIVE MOTOR, REAR DIFFERENTIAL, THE ENTIRE EXHAUST SYSTEM FROM THE MOTOR TO THE MUFFLER, AND THE DRIVER SIDE SUSPENSION CONTROL ARM. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME NEEDED TO BE FURTHER INSPECTED AND REPLACED. THE CONTACT ALSO WAITED LONGER THAN TWO WEEKS FOR THE PARTS TO RECEIVE THE REPAIRS DUE TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED AND THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE TO ANOTHER DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE FRAME. THE SECOND DEALER, A MANUFACTURER'S TECHNICIAN, FURTHER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND STATED THAT THE SUBFRAME WAS CRACKED. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THAT THE CONTACT HAD THE OPTION OF RECEIVING A REPAIR OF THE FRAME BEING WELDED OR VARIOUS PARTS WOULD NEED TO BE REMOVED TO REPLACE THE SUBFRAME, WHICH WAS AN EXTENSIVE REPAIR. THE CONTACT WAS UNCERTAIN OF THE BEST COURSE OF ACTION TO PERMANENTLY REPAIR THE CONDITION. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,562. UPDATED 06/14/16*LJ *TR
Mar 02, 2016
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
DRIVING FORWARD INTO PARKING SPACE. JUST ABOUT STOPPED. PRESSED BREAK. CAR LURCHED FORWARD AT HIGHT SPEED SUDDENLY, CAUSING CAR TO JUMP CURB AT TOP OF PARKING SPOT AND CAREEN DOWN HILL (ONTO SIDE WALK). CAR OUT OF CONTROL FOR ABOUT 2 SECONDS. WAS ABLE TO BREAK IN HILL, WHICH PREVENTED ME FROM HITTING CAR PARKED PERPENDICULAR ON STREET BELOW. BOTTOM OF CAR SCRAPED CURB WHEN CAR JUMP CURB AND LURCHED FORWARD. BOTTOM FRONT BUMPER SCRAPED. THERE WAS AN ICY PATCH AT TOP OF PARKING SPACE. IT SEEMS LIKE WHEN WHEELS ROLLED ON TOP OF ICY PATCH, THE CAR LURCHED FORWARD. CAR MIGHT HAVE ACCIDENTALLY BEEN ON CRUISE CONTROL AT THE TIME.
Feb 19, 2016
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,SERVICE BRAKES,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
1 complaint
WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING DRIVEN, THE POWER CUT OUT AND A MESSAGE APPEARED ON THE DASH STATING THAT THE BRAKE AND ACCELERATOR WERE BEING DEPRESSED SIMULTANEOUSLY -- BUT THEY WERE NOT. THIS HAPPENED THREE TIMES IN A ROW. WE HAD THE VEHICLE TOWARD TO THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE PURCHASED. THEY COULD NOT FIGURE OUT WHAT WAS WRONG AND ATTRIBUTED THE PROBLEM TO "DRIVER ERROR." THE DEALER'S MECHANIC PRODUCED A REPORT INDICATING THAT SIMILAR MALFUNCTIONS HAD OCCURRED IN THE PRIOR TWO MONTHS WITH NO NOTICE TO THE DRIVER. TOYOTA COULD PROVIDE NO EXPLANATION FOR THIS. TOYOTA CLAIMS THAT NOTHING IS WRONG AND REFUSES TO REPAIR OR REPLACE THE VEHICLE.
Oct 30, 2015
SUSPENSION,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
POPPING SOUND COMING FROM RIGHT FRONT SIDE WHEN BREAKING TO A STOP AT ALL SPEEDS. THE PROBLEM WAS FIRST NOTICED AT AROUND 2500 MILES AND THE CAR WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AT AROUND 2900 MILES. DEALER INSPECTED IT AND COULDN'T FIND WHAT THE PROBLEM WAS. THEN AS INSTRUCTED BY TOYOTA REPLACED THE RIGHT FRONT STRUT ASSEMBLY BUT THAT DIDN'T FIX THE PROBLEM. THE CAR WAS RETURNED TO ME AND I WAS TOLD THERE WERE NO SAFETY CONCERNS AND THAT TOYOTA WAS SENDING ONE OF THEIR TECHS TO TROUBLESHOOT, BUT THAT MAY TAKE A COUPLE OF WEEKS. IN THE MEAN TIME THE PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORSE.
Sep 23, 2015
SUSPENSION,SERVICE BRAKES
1 complaint
CLUNKING NOISE FROM REAR END OF VEHICLE WHEN BRAKING, DEALER WAS AUTHORIZED TO CHANGE REAR AWAY BARS AND SHOCKS, NO FIX, NOW TOYOTA CORP., SAYS THIS IS NORMAL CHARACTERISTIC OF VEHICLE ? I DON'T FEEL SAFE DRIVING VEHICLE WITH NOISE, AND AS BRAKES FEEL SOFT ALSO.
Aug 04, 2015
VISIBILITY,VISIBILITY/WIPER
1 complaint
APRIL 24, 2015 [XXX] TO AN APPROPRIATE REPRESENTATIVE OF THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION: IN NOVEMBER 2014, I PURCHASED A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED MODEL ID# [XXX]:. DURING FREEZING WEATHER THIS WINTER I DISCOVERED A DANGEROUS DESIGN FAULT RELATING TO THE VEHICLE. MUCH OF THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS CAN BE ENTRAPPED AND EMBEDDED IN ICE, AND THE DEFROSTER DOES NOT MELT ICE IN THAT AREA. THE WIPERS ARE INCAPACITATED. THE DEFROSTER CLEARS THE WINDSHIELD BUT DOES NOTHING TO FREE THE WIPERS FROM ICE. THAT WAS THE CASE FOR ME DURING FOUR DAYS OF FREEZING WEATHER. THERE IS AN AUXILIARY FUNCTION IN THE VEHICLE THAT ADDRESSES THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS. BUT THAT ONLY "BUMPS" THE ICE, IT DOES NOTHING TO MELT THE ICE. APPRECIATIVE OF YOUR APPROPRIATELY ADDRESSING THIS ISSUE. [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Apr 27, 2015
Frequently Asked Questions
How many problems does the 2015 TOYOTA Highlander have?
The 2015 TOYOTA Highlander currently has 180 owner-reported complaints according to NHTSA database. These complaints are organized by component to help identify common issues.
What are the most common problems with 2015 TOYOTA Highlander?
The most common problems reported for the 2015 TOYOTA Highlander are organized by component above. Each component section shows owner-reported issues, crash reports, and fire incidents to help identify patterns and problem areas.
Where does this 2015 TOYOTA Highlander problem data come from?
All problem and complaint data for the 2015 TOYOTA Highlander comes directly from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database. These are real complaints submitted by actual vehicle owners.
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2011 Problems
2010 Problems
2009 Problems
2008 Problems
2007 Problems
2006 Problems
2005 Problems
2004 Problems
2003 Problems
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2001 Problems
2000 Problems
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