VehicleVerdict

2013 Toyota Highlander problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

A typical year for this model

The 2013 Toyota Highlander sits mid-pack among Highlander years: 280 NHTSA complaints against a model median of roughly 237, with 3 recalls and 2 closed investigations. Complainants reported 23 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across steering (46), engine (34), and speed control (31), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect. In government crash testing it earned 4 of 5 NCAP stars overall.

280

NHTSA complaints

3

Recalls

2

Investigations

44

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

23

Injuries

0

Deaths

4

NCAP overall · of 5 stars

How does 2013 compare to other Highlander years?

Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted613 complaints1997: 1 complaints1998: 1 complaints1999: 0 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 158 complaints2002: 335 complaints2003: 316 complaints2004: 337 complaints2005: 289 complaints2006: 344 complaints2007: 159 complaints2008: 502 complaints2009: 178 complaints2010: 272 complaints2011: 229 complaints2012: 228 complaints2013: 280 complaints2014: 158 complaints2015: 245 complaints2016: 137 complaints2017: 364 complaints2018: 342 complaints2019: 613 complaints2020: 348 complaints2021: 590 complaints2022: 291 complaints2023: 219 complaints2024: 54 complaints2025: 9 complaints2026: 1 complaints
Highlander NHTSA complaints by model year, 2013 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Highlander years to avoid →

What are the most common 2013 Toyota Highlander problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Steering4616%
Engine3412%
Speed Control3111%
Electrical System2810%
Other238%
Airbags186%
Body & Structure186%
Brakes176%
Fuel System166%
Transmission114%
Seats104%
Visibility & Wipers83%
Tires & Wheels73%
Seat Belts52%
Lighting52%
Suspension21%
Climate Control (A/C & Heat)10%

Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

3 NHTSA recall campaigns on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V148000SeatsMarch 27, 2014 · 46,757 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.

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.

13V123000OtherApril 9, 2013 · 7,525 units

Defect

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."

Consequence

An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.

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 being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

13V014000SeatsJanuary 16, 2013 · 3,235 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.

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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“I GOT HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION STATIONARY. I WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND AN ONCOMING CAR GOING 35 MPH CROSSED LANES AND CRASHED INTO ME. IT WAS A BAD ACCIDENT, BOTH CARS INVOLVED TOTALLED.I HAD 4 OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE CAR, AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I RECEIVED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · March 16, 2019 · crash

“I REAR ENDED A CAR IN FRONT OF ME. DAMAGE MINIMAL TO HIS CAR. MY HIGHLANDER SUSTAINED OVER 10 THOUSAND DOLLAR FRONT DAMAGE. MY AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Engine · December 1, 2014 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A SUPPORT BEAM, THEN DOWN AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE FINALLY CRASHING INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 8, 2014 · crash

“THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED IN OUR DRIVEWAY AND HAS TWICE HAD RATS CHEWING ON THE COOLANT TEMPERATURE CENSOR WIRING. THESE ARE THE ONLY WIRES THEY'VE CHEWED ON SO FAR. I FEEL THE SOY BASED WIRING THAT TOYOTA USES IS TO BLAME SINCE MY NEIGHBORS ARE NOT HAVING PROBLEMS WITH THEIR VEHICLES THAT ARE PARKED…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · December 11, 2019

“POWER SUNROOF DRAINS INTO FLOORBOARDS. FROM MY RESEARCH THIS IS A WELL KNOWN ISSUE WITH HIGHLANDERS AND TOYOTA NEEDS TO ADDRESS. I JUST BOUGHT THIS CAR A WEEK AGO. THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP SAID THE LINES WERE CLOGGED AND BLEW THEM OUT. A WEEK LATER THE FLOORBARDS ARE FULL OF WATER AGAIN.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · September 1, 2020

2013 Toyota Highlander — common questions

Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It is close to typical for the Highlander: 280 NHTSA complaints, 3 recalls, and 2 investigations on file.

What are the most common 2013 Highlander problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are steering (46 complaints), engine (34 complaints), speed control (31 complaints).

Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns affecting the 2013 Toyota Highlander. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Highlander years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Highlander years to avoid are 2019, 2021, 2008, 2017. The cleanest record among Highlander years belongs to 2000.

How safe is the 2013 Toyota Highlander?

In NHTSA's NCAP crash testing, the 2013 Toyota Highlander earned an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.