Worst 2013 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
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All Problems by Category
Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2013 Toyota Highlander.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 46 | 3 | — | 52,259 mi | |
| Engine Problems | 31 | 1 | — | 18,941 mi | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 7 | — | 14,790 mi | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | — | — | 35,126 mi | |
| Airbags | 16 | 10 | — | 62,853 mi | |
| Brakes | 15 | 8 | — | 89,650 mi | |
| Body Structure | 13 | 5 | — | 38,123 mi | |
| Fuel System | 12 | — | — | 57,346 mi | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 11 | 1 | — | 24,650 mi | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 10 | — | — | 61,600 mi | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 2 | — | 79,138 mi | |
| Wipers & Visibility | 5 | — | — | 8,886 mi | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline Fuel System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Engine & Cooling | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Structure:Body:Hatchback/Liftgate | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Sunroof/Moonroof | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Frontal:Driver Side:Cushion | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Air Bags:Passenger Side Frontal:Cushion | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine And Engine Cooling:Engine:Oil/Lubrication | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Appliance:Air Conditioner | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment:Electrical:Navigational System(Global Positioning System) | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Exterior Lighting:Headlights | 1 | — | — | — |
Search Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
Recalls for 2013 Toyota Highlander
3 NHTSA recall campaigns affecting ~57,517 vehicles.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Other Toyota Highlander Years
2013 Toyota Highlander — FAQ
Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.
Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander reliable?
What are common problems with the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
How safe is the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Should I buy a 2013 Toyota Highlander?
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinItel.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison and generation analysis.
Check Your Specific 2013 Toyota Highlander
Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car — accidents, title issues, odometer fraud.
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