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    Toyota Highlander

    EPA MPG: 19 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2013 Highlander is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2013 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2013 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "drain tube clogs easily"

    Anonymous, OR (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Sun roof drains clogged flooding both the passenger and driver's floors. It is a bad design. The drains should go through the floor pan and not stop in the front fender."

    Anonymous A., CT (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    "drain from sunroof has clogged twice resulting in water on passengers seat"

    Anonymous, MO (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "We think there's a blockage problem with sunroof cuz the floor rugs stay moist to downright wet depending on weather. We bought something to clean drainage tracks from the rooftop down but still have wet rugs. Depending on humidity, moisture builds up INSIDE windshield overnight and I need to run defogger for about 10 mins to fry it off. If it weren't for this problem, we'd keep the suv longer but are thinking of getting new one."

    Anonymous, NH (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    ""During heavy rains,water pools in drivers side foot area.Had to blow out filter a few times to solve problem""

    Anonymous, PA (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    "water is leaking when it rains on the passenger side"

    Anonymous, WA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Drain from sunroof clogged somewhere in engine compartment flooding vehicle interior"

    Anonymous, SC (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    "leaks in drainage hole underneath sliding moonroof"

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Sunroof sucks"

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Seals and/or weather-stripping

    "drainage in roof beneath sliding moon roof are clogged an water leaks in"

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "sunroof seal had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, OR (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Most of the paint is peeling."

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Loose interior trim or moldings

    "Under the front drivers seat is a plastic molding which cracked."

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The hood of the vehicle is peeling."

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    ""Front end paint has been cracking and peeling, exposing the bare black frame underneath.""

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Paint is peeling on the sides (frame around) of the front window. Recently I noticed that paint is also peeling on the roof located near the top of the lift up hatch door."

    Anonymous, CA (2013 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    "Paint flaking off"

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.5-L V6)

    ""Toyota acknowledged that the paint used on this vehicle was subject to peeling. They put in place a Paint Recall notice that extended the warranty to 10 years. Reference Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG. Toyota took care of the problem by authorizing a $14K warranty coverage, totally stripping and repainting the entire vehicle. They have earned a customer for life!""

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Have kept washed but is still starting to rust"

    Anonymous, NY (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)
    Rust

    "Seems to be rusting out around doors"

    Anonymous, NY (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "A/C compressor "locked up" had to be replaced."

    Anonymous A., MA (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

    "Started blowing warm air this past spring; compressor would not engage."

    Anonymous A., IL (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    "Purchased used from GOV auction. Informed that AC compressor was not performing like it should. My Mechanic checked it too. SUV has to be above 2k rpm for a minute before any cool air will come out. Tech said the Freon was right, no indication of blockage in system, no weird noises, turns on/off with switch. Driveway to 2 lane road is about 2.5 blocks. Casual acceleration to 40, shortly after, cool air, not exactly cold. I can replace it, but having the time to do it is the issue. Reason I like older cars, I can fix them myself with basic tools and minimal tech devices."

    Anonymous A., AL (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    "Compressor has gone out and expensive to replace"

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "in 2024 the AC dtopped cooling. Got it fixed with third party rebuilt part"

    Anonymous A., QC (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)
    Blower (fan) motor

    ""Started making a loud noise, so we had it replaced. Not a big deal.""

    Anonymous, WI (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Refrigerant leaks

    ""Car wasn't cooling effectively. Tried freon, no help. Valve in condenser line was leaking. Had it replaced and it now works fine.""

    Anonymous A., TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Ball joints

    "Needed to be replacrd"

    Anonymous, (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Shocks or struts

    "Rear shocks with springs and front struts replaced"

    Anonymous, MA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Springs or torsion bars

    "Struts need to be replaced because of 130 thousand miles on them."

    Anonymous, NC (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    "Cracked and needed to becreplaced"

    Anonymous, (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Springs are integrated with rear shocks"

    Anonymous, MA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Wheel bearings

    ""Started with excessive noise at about 230,000k. Drove on it for about 7000k. at 237000k changed wheel bearing. Other than noise no other impacts.""

    Anonymous, AB (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "Required a new starter"

    Anonymous, FL (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "Horn needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Unsure Unsure)

    "Tire pressure sensors failed. Problem started and was fixed within a month."

    Anonymous, IN (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "oil leak from oil cooler line."

    Anonymous, AL (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    ""Alternator replacement, Front brake replacement""

    Anonymous, OH (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Headlights

    "The bulb for both headlights burn out about every 6-7months. For the last two years Ive changed the bulbs at least 4 times."

    Anonymous, CT (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)
    Other electrical system problem

    "fuse shorted and fused wires so power stearing wound not work"

    Anonymous, HI (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    "An abrupt alternator failure left the vehicle stranded on highway. Replaced in 48 hours assisted by Car Shield."

    Anonymous, MO (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)
    Tire pressure monitor

    "One tire pressure monitor stopped working - So ALL Tires needed to have new monitor's put in"

    Anonymous, HI (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Warning lights

    "The engine light came on repeatedly. There was a component in the monitoring system that needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    What Owners Say

    Driveline vibration

    "The vibrations at speeds up to 65kms/hr. Identified by mechanic easily. I read about the vibrations online and suggested that this u-joints/driveline was the problem. Ordered OEM parts and repaired quickly."

    Anonymous, NL (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)
    Driveshaft or axle

    "Replaced u-joints and drive line (one complete unit)"

    Anonymous, NL (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 3.5-L V6)

    ""Had to replace both sides of front axle because it had significant, repeated steering wheel vibration. Also had to replace ball joints and struts.""

    Anonymous A., TX (2013 Toyota Highlander Base 2.7-L 4 Cyl)

    "had this noise/vibration that went away when my mechanix replaced the driveshaft"

    Anonymous A., QC (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    ""Screen would freeze after 15 minutes. Rather than repair, we replaced it with 3rd party aftermarket entertainment system. Works great!""

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Display screen goes blank

    "Last year, after an Auto Detail in a shop, the display was blank. Tried various things and went on You Tube but the display was dead. Went online and found a reconditioned display unit, with 2-year warranty around $150. Went to Car Toys and they installed it in 15 minutes and charged me $40, I was quite pleased. Toyota service wouldn't do the work as they no longer stock parts for this age vehicle."

    Anonymous, CO (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    In-dash navigation system (GPS)

    "The navigation system was a custom one year only system. The data update system has been cancelled and so the GPS map data is out of date and cannot be updated."

    Anonymous A., MD (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Other in-car electronics problem

    "The hands free microphone and spearker system are noisy. It is hard to have a conversation on them."

    Anonymous A., CO (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Seat controls - manual

    "Passenger seat on the driver side and center console does not fold down properly"

    Anonymous, FL (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Sunroof

    ""Sunroof is a design problem, leaks with heavy rain""

    Anonymous, VA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)
    Windows

    "June 2025, driver side front window got off track and would not go up. I took vehicle to private mechanic and he repaired the window."

    Anonymous, TX (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Oil leaks

    ""During routine oil change at dealer they discovered significant oil leakage from seal for timing chain cover. To replace this seal would take 16 hours labor. Total cost: $4,800 (mostly labor). Took 3 days to complete. Problem solved.""

    Anonymous, CA (2013 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.5-L V6)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Water pump

    "Heard unusual noise from engine compartment. Mechanic diagnosed water pump failure. Had it replaced."

    Anonymous, WV (2013 Toyota Highlander SE 3.5-L V6)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    2013 SUVs Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    SEATS
    Mar 27, 2014
    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.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 14V148000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 46757
    EQUIPMENT
    Apr 09, 2013
    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.
    Summary:
    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."
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V123000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 7525
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Jan 16, 2013
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V014000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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