Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander reliable?

Yes, the 2015 Highlander is generally considered a reliable midsize SUV, especially with consistent maintenance. Most issues reported are manageable, with the V6 water pump and drivability complaints being among the more notable concerns.

What are the most common 2015 Toyota Highlander problems?

Common issues include V6 water pump leaks, occasional transmission hesitation or rough shifting, brake vibration from rotor wear, and sporadic interior/electronics quirks like rattles or infotainment glitches.

Are maintenance costs high for a 2015 Highlander?

Maintenance costs are typically moderate for the segment. Routine items like tires, brakes, fluids, and spark plugs are the main expenses, and costs can rise if the vehicle needs cooling system work or brake repairs sooner than expected.

What are the best years of the Toyota Highlander to buy?

Many shoppers look for well-maintained examples from reliable stretches of the model run; within this generation, later years can benefit from incremental updates. The best choice is usually the year with the cleanest service records and a strong pre-purchase inspection, regardless of model year.

What should I check before buying a used 2015 Toyota Highlander?

Check for coolant leaks near the water pump (V6), test-drive for transmission shift quality, inspect brake feel for vibration, verify all electronics and infotainment functions, and review service records for consistent oil changes and completed factory service intervals. For deeper details, get a complete owner’s guide with full specs, trim breakdowns, and the recommended maintenance schedules to keep your 2015 Toyota Highlander running at its best.

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Reliability AnalysisBased on known issue patterns, repair cost data, and ownership trends · How we score

2015 Toyota Highlander Reliability ReportA- grade · low risk · system-by-system breakdown

89/ 100

KeepScore

LOW RISK

Grade: A-

A supremely reliable family hauler, offering peace of mind with minimal common concerns.

Full system breakdown + what I would do

Quick Facts · 2015 Toyota Highlander

The system most likely to surface first: cooling system (v6) (moderate severity).
Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the electrical system.
Scores 3 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2014 Toyota Highlander earns a 92.

Is the 2015 Toyota Highlander Worth Buying?

The 2015 Toyota Highlander is an outstanding choice for families and commuters seeking unparalleled dependability and practicality in a mid-size SUV. This generation represents a peak in Toyota's commitment to reliability, making it one of the safest used vehicle investments you can make, provided you address a few minor known issues proactively.

Biggest Strengths

Legendary V6 powertrain durability
Robust 6-speed automatic transmission
High resale value and low depreciation

What Tends to Fail First on the 2015 Toyota Highlander

The systems that break first on the 2015 Toyota Highlander. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.

Cooling System (V6)moderate

HVAC Systemminor

Power Liftgatemoderate

Typical mileage, cost ranges, and the exact what-to-check list are in the full report.

2015 Toyota Highlander Recall History

2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

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).

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, and 2014-2015 Rav4 vehicles. A component of the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. Over time, this damage may result in failure of the electric power steering system.

What breaks on the 2015 Toyota Highlander?

Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.

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Other Toyota Highlander Years to Consider

Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Toyota Highlander. Click any year for its full report.

All Toyota Highlander years ranked →Toyota Highlander years to avoid →Toyota Highlander common problems →

2015 Toyota Highlander Alternatives

Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.

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