The 2015 Highlander is generally solid, but the 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 can suffer catastrophic oil consumption leading to engine failure, while transmission oil cooler leaks are common across all powertrains. The hybrid variant adds complexity but avoids some V6 engine issues.
Symptoms: Low oil light between changes, burning 1+ quart per 1,000 mi, Blue smoke on cold start or hard acceleration, Sudden engine knock or catastrophic failure if oil level drops critically, Carbon buildup on pistons and rings exacerbating the problem
Fix: Toyota's pistons and rings were susceptible to coking. Proper fix requires engine teardown, new pistons, rings, honing, and decarbonizing — 18-24 hours labor. Some engines are too far gone and need short block or full rebuild. Preventive: use quality synthetic, change every 5,000 mi, check oil weekly.
Estimated cost: $4,500-8,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Leak
Common · medium severity
Typical onset: 60,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink or red fluid pooling under vehicle, driver's side, Transmission running hot or slipping under load, Low ATF level on dipstick (if equipped) or warning light
Fix: The internal oil cooler lines corrode where they connect to the radiator. Replace cooler lines and top off fluid — 2-3 hours labor. If caught early, no transmission damage. If run low, you're looking at a rebuild.
Estimated cost: $400-700
Transmission Mount Failure
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 70,000-110,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunk or jolt when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, Excessive vibration at idle, especially with AC on, Visible sagging or torn rubber on the front mount
Fix: The front transmission mount is hydraulic and prone to fluid leakage and collapse. Replace mount — 1.5-2 hours labor. Aftermarket mounts are cheaper but OEM lasts longer.
Estimated cost: $250-450
Electric Power Steering (EPS) Failure
Rare · high severity
Symptoms: Complete loss of power steering assist while driving, EPS warning light on dash, Heavy steering effort, especially at low speeds or parking
Fix: TSB and recall addressed some EPS ECU issues, but failure still happens. Diagnosis requires scanning for EPS codes; fix is usually EPS control module or motor assembly replacement — 3-4 hours labor. Safety critical — do not ignore warning light.
Estimated cost: $1,200-2,000
Water Pump Weeping (3.5L V6)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 90,000-130,000 mi
Symptoms: Coolant smell in cabin or under hood, Pink residue or dried coolant on water pump housing, Slight coolant loss over time, no visible external leaks
Fix: The 2GR-FE water pump is buried behind the timing cover. Replace pump, timing cover gasket, and coolant — 4-5 hours labor. Do the thermostat at the same time since you're in there.
Estimated cost: $800-1,300
EVAP Purge Valve / Fuel System Codes
Occasional · low severity
Typical onset: 60,000-100,000 mi
Symptoms: Check engine light with P0441, P0446, or P0455 codes, Rough idle or stalling after refueling, Fuel smell near charcoal canister area
Fix: EVAP purge valve sticks or the charcoal canister saturates. Replace purge valve and inspect canister and lines for cracks — 1-1.5 hours labor. Won't strand you but fails emissions testing.
Estimated cost: $200-400
Owner tips
On 3.5L V6 models, check oil every 500-1,000 mi and use top-tier synthetic to minimize ring coking — catch consumption early before engine damage
Inspect transmission cooler lines annually for corrosion and seepage; a $500 fix beats a $4,000 transmission
If EPS light comes on, stop driving and get it scanned immediately — loss of assist at highway speed is dangerous
Stick to Toyota WS ATF for the transmission; aftermarket 'equivalents' cause shifting issues
Buy the 2.7L I4 or Hybrid if you can live with less power — avoid the 3.5L V6 unless you can verify it's not burning oil and has religious maintenance records.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard engine compartment location; some trims may vary
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2014-2017 Toyota Highlander — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side trim panel or behind rear bumper
🔧 Techstream or Autel/Launch for sensor calibration
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required. Integrated with Intelligent Clearance Sonar on some trims.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
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).
Consequence: The ECM damage may result in the engine stalling, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM · 15V144000
2015-03-13
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.
Consequence: 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.
Performance
Horsepower
270hp
Torque
248lb-ft
0–60 mph
7.3sec
Quarter mile
15.7sec
Top speed
115mph
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
27mpg
Highway
28mpg
Combined
28mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
Towing capacity
5,000lb
Payload
1,550lb
Curb weight
4,470lb
EPA class
Standard Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Wiper blades
2014-2019 generation (XU50). Standard hook attachment for front blades.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2015 Toyota Highlander 3.5L V6 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.