PROBLEM GUIDE

2014–2016 Toyota Highlander Common Problems

Here's what owners are experiencing, based on our research of real owner reports and repair data.

Last updated February 2026

190

complaints filed for the 2015 model year

2014–2016

Model years affected

$3,154 – $4,500

Typical repair cost, by problem

A moonroof "burst and shattered into thousands of pieces" while driving. Separately, a heated seat control reportedly melts and catches fire. The same heated-seat fire hazard is reported on the Toyota Venza.

Quick Scan: 12 Issues

Click a problem for the full write-up — symptoms, what we found, and typical repair costs where we have them.

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PROBLEM DETAILS

Moonroof bursts and shatters while driving

Sudden, loud shattering with no warning

Check engine light: Off

The moonroof "burst and shattered into thousands of pieces" while driving, with no prior warning.

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Heated seat control melts and catches fire

Plastic around the control melts, flames reported

Check engine light: Off

A heated seat control reportedly melts and catches fire — "plastic around the control began to melt and flames were coming out." A similar heated-seat fire hazard has been reported on the Toyota Venza.

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Blizzard Pearl paint delaminates from the primer

Bare metal exposed, leading to panel corrosion

Check engine light: Off

Blizzard Pearl paint delaminates from the primer, exposing bare metal and leading to panel corrosion — the same paint-peeling problem has been reported on the Toyota RAV4 and Toyota Prius.

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Door lock actuator failures

Doors cannot be locked or unlocked with the key fob

Check engine light: Off

Door lock actuators fail, and doors "cannot be locked or unlocked with a remote key fob."

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Transmission frequently refuses to downshift

Fails to match traffic speed

Check engine light: On

The transmission frequently refuses to downshift to match traffic speed; separate torque-converter failures required full transmission replacement.

$3,154 – $4,50072,000 – 252,434 mi

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Massive Oil Leak and Loss of Oil Pressure

A massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure occurs

Check engine light: Off

A massive oil leak and loss of oil pressure occurs. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 148 owner reports on file.

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Airbag Light Due to Problematic Center Airbag Sensor

The airbag light comes on due to a problematic center airbag sensor

Check engine light: Off

The airbag light comes on due to a problematic center airbag sensor. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 68 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Hose Off of Air Filter Housing

The check engine light comes on due to a hose off of the air filter housing

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a hose off of the air filter housing. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 73 owner reports on file.

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Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component

The check engine light comes on due to a failed oxygen sensor component

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a failed oxygen sensor component. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 62 owner reports on file.

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Ignition Coil May Fail After 100,000 Miles

The ignition coil may fail after 100,000 miles

Check engine light: On

The ignition coil may fail after 100,000 miles. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 53 owner reports on file.

around 100,000 miles per owner reports

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Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve

The check engine light comes on due to a failed EVAP purge control valve

Check engine light: On

The check engine light comes on due to a failed EVAP purge control valve. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 17 owner reports on file.

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Rough Idle and Backfiring Engine with Check Engine Light

A rough idle and backfiring engine occurs with the check engine light on

Check engine light: On

A rough idle and backfiring engine occurs with the check engine light on. This is among the more frequently reported issues on this generation, with 11 owner reports on file.

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Enter your VIN to check whether the EPS steering-assist recall (15V144000) applies to your specific car.

The information on this page is for general educational purposes only and is not a diagnosis. It is compiled from aggregated owner-reported data and publicly available sources, not from an inspection of your vehicle. Symptoms described here can have multiple causes, and the presence of a commonly reported problem does not mean your vehicle has it. Repair cost ranges are estimates that vary by region, shop, vehicle condition, and parts availability. Recall and service campaign information may be incomplete or out of date — verify current recall status with NHTSA or your manufacturer. MyGearGuru is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by any vehicle manufacturer; manufacturer and model names are used for identification only. Always consult a qualified technician before making repair decisions.

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