2013 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

2013 Toyota Highlander recalls

Most common 2013 Toyota Highlander problems

Problem areas named in the 207 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem area	Reports
Steering	46
Engine	32
Vehicle Speed Control	31
Electrical System	26
Unknown Or Other	23
Air Bags	18
Structure	18
Service Brakes	16
Fuel/Propulsion System	12
Power Train	11

What owners report

2026-09-18, Engine
I purchased a 2013 Toyota Highlander in 2018 or.2019 with 64,000 miles. I was told to go 5000 miles before changes. My oil was gone many times when I did this. I reported this to Toyota dealership.I eventually stopped using them because they were hearing my problem. The complaints of lack of power and changing to 3000 mile oil changes wasnt heard. Now at 234 k.miles I have had to gix thr Catalytic converter twice, the oil pan gasket. The mechanic said there was metal in my oil and that engine failure was coming. Toyota has never acknowledged thier own oil consumption issues in their 4 cylinder engines.

2026-09-03, Electrical System
The factory Blizzard Pearl paint on this vehicle is experiencing severe chemical delamination down to the bare primer and sheet metal on multiple body panels. This structural failure aligns exactly with Toyota Customer Support Program ZKG. Large sheets of brittle paint regularly flake and peel off while driving at highway speeds, creating a projectile and visibility hazard for following motorists. Despite this being a known manufacturing defect, the vehicle falls outside of Toyota's arbitrary 10-year secondary extension window, leaving a recognized factory flaw unremedied.

2026-07-02, Unknown Or Other
This is related to the Faulty Spiral Cable Assembly (HORN) that on line evidence suggests should have been a Toyota Recall item for this year and model. In 2014, Toyota issued a recall for 97,000 Hylanders for this very thing however it only covered 2008-2010 at that time. In review of safety recalls for faulty Spiral Cables on other Toyota models, it's evident they have had issues. On December 10, 2025, I replaced the Spiral Cable with a certified Toyota Dealer and worked to get reimbursement through Toyota by sending a certified letter and the replaced Spiral Cable to them to prove the evidence of the permanent, pinched cable assembly. According to the Toyota Mechanic, there is evid

2026-05-04, Service Brakes
After a hard braking session because of a car that pulled quickly in front of me the ABS light and check engine light came on with a code of C1391 - Abnormal leak in Accumulator. A warning message came on the info center saying I needed to take it to the dealer to have the brake system checked for a serious issue. Went to the dealership and they replaced the Brake Actuator and Brake Booster Pump and bled the system. This all happened in Febuary of 2025. This put everyone at risk because it could have resulted in a total brake system failure. There were no issues or lights before this incident.

2025-09-24, Unknown Or Other
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 the headliner, which could fall down while driving. Water also collects in the floorboards in both the front and rear and the third row. This water damage causes rust of metal parts on the seats and inside the cabin, which impacts the seat belts and seat hinge points. Toyota refuses to recall models with this issue and lets owners pay out of pocket for repairs while the issue continues to affect the electrical, bra

2013 Toyota Highlander questions

Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 3 safety recalls for the 2013 Toyota Highlander: Seats; Equipment:Other:Labels; Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive; Seats. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2013 Toyota Highlander?

Based on 207 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Steering (46), Engine (32), Vehicle Speed Control (31).

How do I check if a recall on my 2013 Toyota Highlander has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.