Recall 15V144 affects 110,085 2014-2015 Toyota Highlander, Camry, and RAV4 vehicles for electric power steering failure. Free repair at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
Toyota recalled 110,085 2014-2015 RAV4, Camry, and Highlander vehicles because damage inside the electric power steering control unit can cause the power steering system to fail. An unexpected loss of power steering increases the risk of a crash, and Toyota dealers will complete the repair free of charge once the remedy is available.
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What's wrong?
The electric power steering system on 2014-2015 Toyota Highlander, Camry, and RAV4 vehicles uses an electronic control unit in the steering column assembly. That control unit reads steering input and commands the electric assist motor, so the driver gets power assist without a hydraulic pump. The circuit board inside it has to carry clean, consistent current for the assist system to work.
In the affected units, a resistor on the EPS control unit circuit board was damaged during manufacturing. As the vehicle ages, that damaged resistor develops high resistance. The control unit then detects abnormal current and puts the steering system into fail-safe mode. When that happens, the electric power steering assist stops working.
Toyota lists the warning sign as an instrument panel warning lamp. If that light comes on, the steering assist has already detected a fault, and the vehicle needs Toyota dealer service under recall 15V144.
Who's affected?
Highlander, Camry, and RAV4 share the same power steering system component in this recall.
| 2015 Toyota Highlander | power steering system |
|---|---|
| 2015 Toyota Camry | power steering system |
| 2014 Toyota RAV4 | power steering system |
| 2015 Toyota RAV4 | power steering system |
| Units affected | 110,085 |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific vehicle is included.
What's the safety risk?
Unexpected power steering loss makes the vehicle harder to steer and increases the risk of a crash. An instrument panel warning lamp is the sign Toyota identifies for this issue. If it appears, pull over safely and call the dealer. Repair will be free at any franchised Toyota dealer once available.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014-2015 Toyota Highlander, Camry, or RAV4 is included in this recall.
- Watch for Toyota's owner notice before scheduling the dealer inspection and EPS ECU replacement.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with questions about recall number 15V144.
- Bring the recall notice to a franchised Toyota dealer once the free repair is available.
- Drive cautiously until the repair is complete. Loss of electric power steering makes the vehicle harder to steer.
What happens at the repair
Toyota's repair plan calls for a Toyota technician to inspect the serial number on the EPS ECU or steering column assembly. If that number falls within the affected range, the technician replaces the EPS ECU. The dealer repair will be free once available, including parts and labor. Until the remedy opens, use the owner notice or dealer service desk to confirm how Toyota wants the vehicle handled and whether the EPS ECU or steering column assembly needs inspection.
Timeline
| March 11, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| March 11, 2015 | Dealer notification ended |
| March 13, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| May 7, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V144?
Recall 15V144 covers 110,085 Toyota Camry, Highlander, and RAV4 vehicles with an electric power steering ECU component that was damaged during manufacturing. Over time, that damage can cause the electric power steering system to fail. Toyota dealers inspect the EPS ECU or steering column assembly and replace the EPS ECU for free when required.
What should I do if my 2014-2015 Toyota RAV4 or 2015 Toyota Camry or Highlander is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 15V144. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the electric power steering ECU inspection. Reference recall number 15V144 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Toyota to repair this defect at no cost. A franchised Toyota dealer will inspect the EPS ECU or steering column assembly and replace the EPS ECU for free if the serial number falls within the affected range.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is an unexpected loss of power steering. If the electric power steering system fails, steering effort increases and crash risk increases. If your steering suddenly feels heavy, slow down carefully, move out of traffic, and contact a Toyota dealer about recall 15V144.
What if I bought my Toyota used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the VIN, not the first owner. Check your VIN to see whether your specific Camry, Highlander, or RAV4 is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer and reference recall number 15V144.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V144000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V144 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V144000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →