2015 Toyota Highlander Steering Problems
NHTSA lists 25 steering complaints for the 2015 Toyota Highlander, 13% of that year's 192 total complaints, with 1 crash and 1 injury reported. A related recall (15V144000) covers a defective electric power steering (EPS) ECU component.
- Steering complaints
- 25
- 13% of 192
- Crashes reported
- 1
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 35,000 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical steering symptoms owners report
- Owners describe the steering wheel suddenly locking up or seizing at speed, in one case causing a crash and rollover.
- Some report the EPS warning light illuminating along with intermittent steering seizure when turning at low speed, such as at a stop light.
- Others describe the steering feeling like it 'pauses' or wanders on its own, sometimes tied to electrical or dashboard glitches.
- A few owners report a warning that they would lose steering assist, followed by a temporary total loss of steering ability.
- Some describe an intermittent squeaking noise when turning the wheel left or right, unrelated to loss of control.
- Several owners who received the EPS recall notice reported long delays because replacement parts were unavailable.
When 2015 Toyota Highlander steering complaints were filed
First complaint May 22, 2015, latest Jun 1, 2026.
Steering recalls for the 2015 Toyota Highlander
- NHTSA 15V144000Mar 13, 2015Steering110,085 vehicles
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.
Risk: An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will inspect the serial number of the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If the number is within the affected range, the EPS ECU will be replaced, free of charge. The recall began on May 7, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Steering complaints by Highlander model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- Does the 2015 Toyota Highlander have a steering recall?
- Yes. Recall 15V144000, opened March 13, 2015, covers a defective component in the electric power steering (EPS) ECU or steering column assembly on 2015 Highlander and related Toyota models. Dealers inspect the EPS ECU or steering column serial number and remedy affected units.
- How common are steering complaints on the 2015 Highlander?
- NHTSA has logged 25 steering complaints for the 2015 Highlander, which is 13% of the 192 total complaints filed for that model year.
- At what mileage do steering problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for steering complaints on the 2015 Highlander is 35,000 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Has the steering issue caused any crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data shows 1 crash and 1 injury linked to steering complaints on the 2015 Highlander, with no fires reported.
- How does the 2015 Highlander compare to other years for steering complaints?
- The 2015 Highlander's 25 steering complaints (13% share) is lower than 2011 (34 complaints, 19% share) and 2012-2013 (46 complaints each, 25% and 22% share), but higher than 2014 (4 complaints, 3% share) and most years after 2016.