Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2015 Toyota Highlander
The 2015 Toyota Highlander shows moderate reliability as a used car, primarily due to recall issues with the electrical and steering systems. Buyers should be vigilant about potential steering and electrical faults resulting from several recalls and owner complaints. Overall, thorough checks should mitigate major concerns.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2015 Toyota Highlander has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns and 193 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
NCAP overall rating: 5.0 out of 5 stars, averaged across 2 NHTSA-tested trims.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #18E107000 Water May Enter Windshield Wire Harness NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #15V144000 Possible Loss of Electric Power Steering NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Electrical System 52 complaints
- Unknown or Other 43 complaints
- Structure 32 complaints
- Steering 25 complaints
- Service Brakes 15 complaints
- Visibility/Wiper 12 complaints
Of the 193 complaints on file, 17 report a crash and 6 a fire; across all 193 complaints, owners report 16 injuries (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Windshield harness leak risk
How to check: Inspect windshield for any visible wire harness issues or water damage.
Electric power steering failure
How to check: Test for steering responsiveness while turning at different speeds.
Service brake issues reported
How to check: Check brake responsiveness during test drive, especially in quick stops.
Engine control module damage risk
How to check: Ensure there are no unusual engine warning lights on dashboard.
Structural complaints
How to check: Check for any loose or misaligned interior panels and fittings.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual sounds or dashboard warnings.
Red flag: Persistent dashboard warnings.
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Check for smooth idling without vibrations.
Red flag: Excessive vibrations or knocking sounds.
- 03
Low speed turns
What to check: Observe steering ease and responsiveness.
Red flag: Stiff or unresponsive steering.
- 04
Stop and go traffic
What to check: Test brake responsiveness and sound.
Red flag: Delayed brake response or grinding sound.
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Feel for smooth engine performance and power.
Red flag: Lagging acceleration or rough engine feel.
- 06
Cruise control
What to check: Ensure cruise control engages and maintains speed.
Red flag: Cruise control fails to engage.
- 07
Parking maneuver
What to check: Check for steering ease and angle turn.
Red flag: Difficulty steering, noise while turning.
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the windshield recall been addressed?
- Any history of steering issues?
- Have all recalls been resolved?
- Maintenance records available?
- Any previous accidents or damage?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair documentation
- Maintenance records
- Vehicle history report
- Accident repair receipts
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2015 Toyota Highlander at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
Looking at a specific 2015 Toyota Highlander? Check the actual car
This checklist covers the model. From your free try.vin dashboard you can go further — paste the seller's listing for a deal score, or drop their photos for an AI condition report.