2013 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2013 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 208 complaints, with Steering Defects as the top reported area.
2013 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 4 2013 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 4 trims analysed.
2013 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program2 variants tested — showing 2013 Toyota Highlander SUV AWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2013 Toyota Highlander has 208 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Steering Defects. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2013
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 208
- Crash-related complaints
- 26
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Steering Defects
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2013 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Steering Defects
Engine Problems
Unintended Acceleration
Complaint patterns center on Steering Defects, Engine Problems, Unintended Acceleration. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2013 Toyota Highlander?
The 2013 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2013 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect steering system for any unusual play or noise.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect steering system for any unusual play or noise.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for engine and steering repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2013 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in steering defects, engine problems, and unintended acceleration. Crash-related complaints represent a notable portion of total reports. The data suggests potential issues with steering and powertrain components.
- Steering defects account for the highest number of complaints among all components.
- Engine problems and unintended acceleration are also frequently reported.
- There are 3 recalls associated with this model year.
- Steering Defects
- Engine Problems
- Unintended Acceleration
All 2013 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steering Defects | 46 | 3 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 34 | 1 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 31 | 7 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 25 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 23 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 19 | 6 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 10 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 17 | 9 | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 12 | 1 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel System | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 3 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 1 | 1 | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2013 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
2013 Toyota Highlander Limited sunroof drains continue to back up and dump water into the front and rear cabin, causing electrical issues and mold if not addressed immediately. Also the factory-installed roof rack mounting holes allow water to enter the cabin, causing damage to …
A persistent smell of fuel occurred while in slow moving traffic and after vehicle was parked after use. Upon close inspection, the fuel injector fuel rail end cap exhibited a slow fuel leak. This component caused a recall for year model highlanders for 2014 production year descr…
I own a Toyota and have always been a strong supporter of the brand — I truly believe Toyota’s reliability and build quality are unmatched. That’s why I was shocked and disappointed to discover that the paint on the roof of my car, especially near the sunroof, had started peeling…
Driver side airbags (curtain and left seat) spontaneously deployed while I was parking the car. I did not hit anything. I was not injured but my safety was put at risk because I likely would have crashed if it had happened while I was driving. I contacted Toyota and they sent…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in negative 10-degree weather at 75 MPH, the driver's and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed without warning or impact. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or re…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the paint on the top of the vehicle was peeling. The contact did research and was made aware of the Customer Support Program: ZKG however, the VIN was not inclu…
Multiple ABS related(ABS, TRACTION, BRAKES) warning lights/messages making driving my Highlander dangerous to me and others. Warning lights appeared 9/30/2024. No symptoms or warning lights appeared prior. Vehicle was then inspected by Toyota of Plano. Code 1391indicating an inte…
Steering column cracks, no help from Dealer. Many complaints on internet. Remedy requires expensive new steering column. Defective spindle type bearing defective. The noise is ongoing. It feels like its going to break. Very scary...ongoing doesn't stop. Dealer says wont break …
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. My foot is on the brake when this occurs, the engine then goes into high gear and no amount of pressu…
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. When I went to the dealer that they are aware of the issue but they did not make …
Engine is burning/consuming oil excessively; no leaks or any other unusual symptoms found. I was on an interstate highway and all of a sudden engine sound changed and excessive knocking started. No OIL LOW LEVEL or CHECK ENGINE light turned on. Yes the problem is persistent now a…
I am known by Toyota experts and my local mechanics as someone who takes excellent care of my vehicle, but unfortunately I am completely blown away when I was driving my car and suddenly it stopped and couldn’t start, after I tolled it to my mechanic, he told me the engine seized…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while attempting to close the liftgate, the contact was unable to close the liftgate. The contact had not activated the power assist liftgate motor. The contact used force to close the liftgate. The contact stated that…
All ABS brake lights on indicating a brake malfunction. Toyota has a customer support program to change out parts for free if vehicle is in USA. This should be a recall as it is a major safety concern and affects vehicles that may also be outside of the USA. If vehicle is ou…
Oil consumption/oil pressure issue. Started suddenly maybe in 2020. My oil pressure light would come on “turn off car immediately”. Took it to dealer, told me I have no oil. Then it kept happening. No notice of low oil, and well within 3 months/3000 miles. Toyota did an oil cons…
Unable to align vehicle correct due to driver's side rear camber. Caused uneven tire wear and costly replacement for tires for 6 years.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal boom and wind detected on top of the vehicle. Upon opening the sunroof, the contact noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The sunroof was bubbling upward…
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The driver veered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but found no issue with the vehicle. She re-entered the…
When I turn the steering faster than a certain speed, it will lock up for a moment, either turning right or left. Sometimes a light indicating a steering fault lights up on the dash cluster, sometimes not. When the turning of the wheel stops and locks up I cannot turn any mor…
Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tire 245/55R19 While driving on the freeway at 70 mph, the tire below and tread separated causing significant damage to vehicle. The tread appears to have separated from the tire, which caused the tire to hit the sidewall and rear of vehicle, which t…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2013 Toyota Highlander.
2013 Toyota Highlander Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2013 Toyota Highlander. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2013 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2013 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 208 owner complaints, 26 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2013 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Steering Defects (46 complaints). #2: Engine Problems (34 complaints). #3: Unintended Acceleration (31 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2013 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2013 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 26 crash-related reports and 0 fire reports out of 208 total complaints. 12 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2013 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2013 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2013 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Steering Defects during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2013 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.