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 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.

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).

Is 2013 a good year for the Highlander?

Across the 8 Highlander model years we track, complaint volume runs from 217 (2016) to 919 (2006). With 416 complaints, the 2013 Highlander sits abovethe model's median of 356.

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

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.

  • 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.

Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander. See the full Highlander owner picture and every model year.

Typical used price

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

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