2015 Toyota Highlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 10about this part
- Share
- 5%of 193 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 45,665miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 10 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2015 Toyota Highlander, 5% of the 193 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 45,665 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“In 2017 I had my passenger side rear inner light assembly replaced due to condensation and now 2019 I am having to replace the drivers side inner light assembly due to condensation to the cost of $235. Toyota bodywork should hold up better than that. This vehicle has never been wrecked.”
NHTSA complaint #11202557, filed 2019-04, 48,000 miles“2015 Toyota Highlander limited--3 or 4 ounces of water has accumulated in both of my tail lights (that control brake lights and backup lights) that are located in the hatch of my tail gate. This causes a great deal of condensation to cloud rear brake and backup lights. When the tail gate is lifted the 3 or 4 ounces of water that has accumulated comes close to overflowing into tail light bulb areas which I am afraid will soon disable those lights and fail to warn others that the vehicle is braking or stopped which could lead to a vehicle crash. …”
NHTSA complaint #11103710, filed 2018-06, 26,000 miles“The rear tail gate seal for lamps on both the left and right side have failed and the lamp assemblies condense and fill with water. I have read other reports on your website of the same problem with the highlander. In your other reports the a person was told Toyota will not warranty the lamps because of moisture in them because it is not a safety issue. While it is because the moisture blocks the light for the vehicle behind to see and thus rear end. …”
NHTSA complaint #11521847, filed 2023-05“Rear brake lights (left & right) show heavy condensation that could potentially result in lights wearing out early or cloud vision of motorists driving behind me. There is probably a potential seal issue or leakage in the light assembly that leads to this. Showed it to dealer and got a quote of ~$900 to repair/replace. Also, the liftgate seal might be broken or leaking as notice dampness or small water accumulation in trunk after rain.”
NHTSA complaint #11152461, filed 2018-11“Rear brake light seals failing allowing water into left and right brake light housings. When I asked dealer about replacement they said that they are not covered under safety warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #11363921, filed 2020-10Related service bulletins
- 10116436Jul 27, 2017Southeast Toyota Accessory LED Fog & DRL 2 in 1 light inoperative. Provide Accessory lamp diagnostics and manufacturing date inspection information.
- 10182984Dec 9, 2016Southeast Toyota (SET) offers onboard vacuum and LED fog & DRL 2n1 Light
Exterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 5% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 6% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2015 Toyota Highlander
52 complaintsOther or unknown
43 complaintsBody and structure
32 complaintsSteering
25 complaintsBrakes
15 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
13 complaintsEngine
11 complaintsVehicle speed control
11 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
7 complaintsElectronic stability control
4 complaintsFuel system
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2015 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology