2013 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 207
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Steering
Campaigns on file for 2013
Opened by NHTSA
22% of complaints
Complaints per year
2013: 207 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 278 |
| 2007 | 124 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 207 |
| 2014 | 136 |
| 2015 | 192 |
| 2016 | 111 |
| 2017 | 269 |
| 2018 | 267 |
| 2019 | 490 |
| 2020 | 317 |
| 2021 | 527 |
| 2022 | 257 |
| 2023 | 181 |
| 2024 | 42 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Steering
22% · 46 reportsEngine
15% · 32 reportsShow complaint excerpts
I purchased a 2013 Toyota Highlander in 2018 or.2019 with 64,000 miles. I was told to go 5000 miles before changes. My oil was gone many times when I did this.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-18
I purchased the car in 2020 with 73K miles on it. It has sporadically had incidents of unintended acceleration. I happens when I slow for a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-07-05
Also filed under Fuel/propulsion system
The issue started when the car was over 84,000 miles. The engine burns excessive oil. I have to add oil every 2200 miles. When I press on the gas pedal to rev the car, oil come out of the tail pipe.
NHTSA ODI report, 2024-01-03
Vehicle speed control
15% · 31 reportsShow complaint excerpts
Pulling into parking space - brakes applied - car lurched forward (Unintended acceleration) - brakes did not engage - car jumped the curb, crossed the sidewalk and hit a tree - airbag did not deploy.
NHTSA ODI report, 2013-10-02
Also filed under Service brakes
Electrical system
13% · 26 reportsMost commonly citing body control module/bcm.
Show complaint excerpts
The factory Blizzard Pearl paint on this vehicle is experiencing severe chemical delamination down to the bare primer and sheet metal on multiple body panels. This structural failure aligns exactly with Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-09-03
Air bags
9% · 18 reportsMost commonly citing cushion.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the contact t-boned another vehicle on the front driver's side. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-10-25
Also filed under Service brakes and wheels
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may…
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2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 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…
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still…
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2014-05-21Seats14V148000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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2018-05-04Preliminary evaluationClosed 2018-11-20 Upper Steering Column Separation
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2018-11-16Engineering analysisClosed 2024-04-02 Steering Column Separation
Buy-smart checklist
2013 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Steering: 46 reports on file for this year.
- Engine: 32 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 31 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
- Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
- Recall 14V148000 · Seats
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
- What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
- The most-reported component is steering, accounting for 22% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.