Photo: SsmIntrigue / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2013 Toyota Highlander: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Highlander years.
418 owner complaints, most about steering. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2013 Highlander?The 2013 Toyota Highlander has 418 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are steering and engine.
Safety record for the 2013 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2013 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Highlander years only. How we score it
Is 2013 a good year for the Highlander?
Across the 25 Highlander model years we track, complaint volume runs from 139 (2001) to 1,005 (2008). With 418 complaints, the 2013 Highlander sits above the model's median of 324.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2013 Highlander
seats
Campaign 14V148000Toyota 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."
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 13V123000Southeast 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."
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 13V014000Southeast 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 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.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander. See the full Highlander owner picture and every model year.
Other Highlander model years
Compare every Highlander year side by side to see how 2013 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Highlander against its rivals
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