2013 Toyota Highlander: common problems and reliability

The 2013 Toyota Highlander has 416 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and engine. Owners most often flag 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. frequency: very frequent.

Safety record for the 2013 model year

416
Owner complaints
3
Recalls
52
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).

Where owners report problems

steering
92
engine
62
vehicle speed control
62
electrical system
50
structure
38

Recalls affecting the 2013 Highlander

seats

Campaign 14V148000

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 fo…

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 13V123000

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 H…

air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive

Campaign 13V014000

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 2…

What owners say across generations

Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value. Long-term owners o

  • 8-speed automatic transmission failures (whining, complete failure) — Primarily affects non-hybrid (gas) models from approximately 2017-2022. Repair costs are reported to be around $7,000+. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Transmission problems in gas models — General reports of issues, clunkiness, and unreliability with the 8-speed automatic in model years 2017-2022, and isolated mentions for 2023. Frequency: very frequent.
  • Engine transition concerns — Apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4L 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5L V6. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Interior quality and design — Described by some as "frumpy," "cheap feeling" in lower trims, or having a "station wagon" aesthetic compared to competitors. Frequency: recurrent.
  • Android Auto/Apple CarPlay connectivity issues — Reported as a known issue in some models, including the Highlander Hybrid. Frequency: isolated.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander.

Typical used price

Used Highlander listings typically run $18,655–$29,616 across 2002 to 2024 model years.

Other Highlander model years

2022 Highlander2020 Highlander2016 Highlander2011 Highlander2007 Highlander2006 Highlander2003 Highlander
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