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2013 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

Updated May 30, 20261 Critical Recalls
Ryan Davis
2013 Toyota Highlander Owner Complaints

Complaint Summary

The 2013 Toyota Highlander has 279 reported complaints.

  • Top issues involve steering and engine.

Reliability Score

Reliability Score

7.4/ 10

Based on 279 complaints

Most Frequent Issues

STEERING

46 16.5%

ENGINE

31 11.1%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

31 11.1%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 9%

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

22 7.9%

Quick Insights

  • The top category is STEERING, accounting for 16.5% of all complaints.

  • Owners have reported issues across 35 distinct vehicle systems.

  • Note: Complaint data reflects owner reports and may not always indicate a verified defect. Compare with Recalls and TSBs for a complete picture.

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Complaint Summary

What owners keep reporting on the 2013 Toyota Highlander

The 2013 Toyota Highlander has 279 owner complaints in this dataset. STEERING is the most common complaint category, representing about 16% of the reports shown here.

Most common complaint categories

The top complaint groups for the 2013 Toyota Highlander are STEERING (46), ENGINE (31), VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL (31).

Are these complaints a serious red flag?

Potentially. 158 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems like brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection.

What should buyers inspect on a used 2013 Toyota Highlander?

Start with the top complaint systems, compare them against the recall report, then inspect service records for evidence that those same areas were already repaired or monitored.

Read the full buyer guideRecall report and remedy notesMaintenance costs and intervals2012 Highlander complaints2014 Highlander complaints2011 Highlander complaints

Detailed Complaint Log

Showing 29 of 29 systems

STEERING

43 Reports17% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE 2013 HIGHLANDER WAS SERVICED IN FLORIDA MONDAY 10/27 FOR 15000 MILES SERVICE, TODAY MY SISTER WAS DRIVING SINCE SERVICE, THE TRACTION LIGHT CAME ON ,THE ENGINE LIGHT WAS FLASHING , THE HIGHLANDER WAS NOT STABLE DRIVING STRAIGHT ON THE ROAD AND SEEMED LIKE IT NEEDS A TUNE UP.I CALLED THE DEALER AND IT WAS TAKEN THEIR ,FIRST RESPONSE WAS GAS PUT IN, YES . WAS TOLD POSSIBLE THE CAP WAS NOT PUT ON RIGHT AND WITH NEWER CARS IT COULD BE A MALFUNCTION THE COMPUTER.. TURNED OUT THAT THE IGNITION COIL SWITCH WAS BAD ON THIS 2013 HIGHLANDER. WHICH IS WHY I'M REPORTING THIS DUE TO RECENT ISSUE WITH ANOTHER CAR MANUFACTURE KNOWING THE IGNITION SWITCH WAS BAD ON THEIR AUTOMOBILES. *TR

10/29/2014

I TURNED ON MY CAR, PUT IT ON DRIVE WHEN I TRIED TO PRESS THE GAS AND TURN THE WHEEL TO GET OUT OF THE PARKING LOT THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED SO HARD I COULD NOT TURN IT. I PRESSED ON THE BRAKES BUT THE BRAKES WERE NOT FUNCTIONING AT ALL AS I WAS PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PAD THE CHECK ENGINE LIGHT CAME ON AND SO DID THE BRAKE LIGHT ON THE DASH BOARD, ON THE BIG SCREEN WHERE IT SHOWS MY INFO AND OTHER FANCY GADGETS SHOWED "BRAKE MALFUNCTION PARK CAR IN SAFE ZONE" AS THE CAR DROVE FORWARD BY ITSELF AND THE BRAKES WERE NOT WORKING THE CAR HIT AN EMPTY PARKING SPACE TO COME TO A COMPLETE STOP. I WAS AT A SCHOOL PARKING LOT WITH KIDS EVERYWHERE AROUND ME! *TR

4/1/2015

41 more complaints are available in this category.

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

31 Reports12% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, WHEN TRYING TO GET VEHICLE UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED WILL DEPRESS GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR 3-4 SECONDS, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE WILL SPEED UP. THIS ONLY STARTED TO HAPPEN AFTER 1300 MILES . TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE, TECH. CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. ALSO SINCE THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN MY GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 18 MILES A GALLON TO 15 MILES A GALLON. *TR

7/23/2013

AT TOTALLY RANDOM TIMES, AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING OR 100 MILES, VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. MOST ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS IS THE WAY IT DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR THE 4 MILES THEY DROVE IT. TECH CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A REAR-END ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. FOR TEN DAYS WE HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT THE RUN-AROUND FROM THE NATIONAL TOYOTA "CASE MANAGER". (AT FIRST WE THOUGHT THIS HESITATION OCCURRED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT AFTER 8,000 MILES, WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.) *TR

8/5/2013

29 more complaints are available in this category.

ENGINE

26 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. DOES NOT HAPPEN ALL THE TIME, WHEN TRYING TO GET VEHICLE UP TO HIGHWAY SPEED WILL DEPRESS GAS PEDAL AND NOTHING WILL HAPPEN FOR 3-4 SECONDS, THEN ALL OF A SUDDEN VEHICLE WILL SPEED UP. THIS ONLY STARTED TO HAPPEN AFTER 1300 MILES . TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE, TECH. CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. ALSO SINCE THIS STARTED TO HAPPEN MY GAS MILEAGE HAS DROPPED FROM 18 MILES A GALLON TO 15 MILES A GALLON. *TR

7/23/2013

AT TOTALLY RANDOM TIMES, AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING OR 100 MILES, VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. MOST ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS IS THE WAY IT DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR THE 4 MILES THEY DROVE IT. TECH CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A REAR-END ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. FOR TEN DAYS WE HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT THE RUN-AROUND FROM THE NATIONAL TOYOTA "CASE MANAGER". (AT FIRST WE THOUGHT THIS HESITATION OCCURRED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT AFTER 8,000 MILES, WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.) *TR

8/5/2013

24 more complaints are available in this category.

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

25 Reports10% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

AT TOTALLY RANDOM TIMES, AFTER A FEW MILES OF DRIVING OR 100 MILES, VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING. MOST ANNOYING AND DANGEROUS IS THE WAY IT DOESN'T RESPOND TO THE ACCELERATOR FOR A FEW SECONDS AFTER STOPPING AT A STOP SIGN OR STOP LIGHT. TOOK VEHICLE TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND OF COURSE VEHICLE RAN FINE FOR THE 4 MILES THEY DROVE IT. TECH CHECKED FOR ANY TROUBLE CODES AND NONE WERE FOUND. THIS SEEMS LIKE A REAR-END ACCIDENT WAITING TO HAPPEN. FOR TEN DAYS WE HAVE GOTTEN NOTHING BUT THE RUN-AROUND FROM THE NATIONAL TOYOTA "CASE MANAGER". (AT FIRST WE THOUGHT THIS HESITATION OCCURRED BECAUSE THE VEHICLE WAS NEW, BUT AFTER 8,000 MILES, WE ARE STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME ISSUE.) *TR

8/5/2013

I BOUGHT MY 2013 BRAND NEW 9/27/12. SHORTLY AFTER I RECEIVED IT I NOTICED SONGS WOULD SKIP OR START OVER ON THE IPOD AS WELL AS THE CD. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE RADIO STATION WOULD CHANGED CHANNELS FOR NO REASON. THESE THINGS HAPPENED IF I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, GOING OVER A SLIGHT BUMP OR JUST DRIVING NORMALLY ON A REGULAR ROAD OR A FREEWAY. I'VE GONE TO TWO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHO CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM AND BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT. I'VE HAD TWO CASEWORKERS AT TOYOTA OF AMERICA AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IN THE PAST MONTH WHEN I PULLED IN THE GARAGE THE HEADLIGHT "SOMETIMES" TURN OFF WHEN I TURN OFF THE IGNITION. OTHER TIMES THEY STAY ON THE NORMAL 30 SECONDS. I'VE ALSO HAD A COUPLE OF ISSUES THAT OTHER HIGHLANDER OWNERS MENTIONED ON YOUR WEBSITE MAINLY WHEN I'M AT A STOP AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN A COUPLE OF TIMES WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS THE CAR ENGINE REVS A FEW SECONDS THEN LURCHES FORWARD. ALSO RECENTLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS DIM OR BRIGHTEN FOR NO REASON AT ALL. MY CONCERN IS THAT IT SEEMS PROBLEMS ARE INCREASING AND I JUST DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT STEPS TO TAKE NEXT. *TR

12/6/2013

23 more complaints are available in this category.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

20 Reports8% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

JULY 20, 2013 I PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY REALIZED IT WAS STILL MOVING. I ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT. I FELL AND THE BACK TIRE RAN OVER MY FOOT/LEG. A MAN CAME AND JUMPED IN THE CAR TO STOP IT AFTER IT CROSSED THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. I HAVE BOTH A FRACTURED TIBIA AND FIBULA. THE TIBIA REQUIRED A SCREW TO STABILIZE HOWEVER, MY FOOT WAS SO INJURED (TORN FLESH) THAT I HAD TO WAIT 5 WEEKS FOR THE FLESH TO HEAL TO AVOID INFECTION. I HAVE BEEN OFF OF WORK SINCE JULY 22 TO DATE (SEPTEMBER 5,2013). I REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE I AM IN THAT IT APPEARS I HAVE NOT SUSTAINED A PERMANENT DISABILITY. I SHUDDER TO THINK HOW MUCH MORE TRAGIC THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FOR MULTIPLE INNOCENT PEOPLE. I AM UNSURE OF HOW TO GIVE NOTICE TO OTHERS TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURIES. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I REPORT THIS TO NHTSA.

2/27/2014

THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE SHATTERED WHILE IT WAS PARKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR

5/14/2014

18 more complaints are available in this category.

AIR BAGS

14 Reports6% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE - BRAKES APPLIED - CAR LURCHED FORWARD (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) - BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE - CAR JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AND HIT A TREE - AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

10/2/2013

I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND CAME UPON A RED LIGHT, THERE WERE TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, A LINCOLN AND A CHRYSLER. I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AT A DISTANCE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED, I LOOKED DOWN TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, AND IT SURE WAS, SO I HAMMERED DOWN ON THE BRAKE AND MY VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CONTINUED TO RUN AT THE SAME SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE FAULTY BRAKE CAUSED A WITHOUT THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. I KNEW THAT I DID NOT ACCIDENTALLY STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL BECAUSE IF I HAD DONE SO, THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE FATAL. I WOULD HAVE PUSHED THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME ONTO THE ON COMING TRAFFIC. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I TESTED OUT THE BRAKES, AND IT WAS AS IF EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. EVEN THOUGH I HAD SEEN THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME, AND THE RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, MY VEHICLE DID NOT REACT TO MY BRAKES. THE LINCOLN AND THE CHRYSLER IN FRONT OF ME ALSO DIDN'T HAVE THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR

2/9/2014

12 more complaints are available in this category.

SERVICE BRAKES

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

MY WIFE WAS MANEUVERING THE SUV INTO SMALL AREA PARKING LOT ONTO A CORNER SPACE, ON THE FIRST FORWARD AND BACK MOTION TO MANEUVER THE BRAKE WAS OK, THEN ON THE SECOND MANEUVER THE BRAKE DIDN'T WORK AND THE TIRE WENT OVER THE CONCRETE PARKING BLOCK THEN HITTING THE STRUCTURE OF THE DOCTORS OFFICE. EARLY ON IN THE DAY I WENT TO THE TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO PURCHASE A HITCH AND WHEN ABOUT TO LEAVE THE PARKING BRAKE DIDN'T RELEASE COMPLETELY, TOLD SERVICE GUY AND SAID TO GET A CLIP AND HE ALSO COMMENTED THAT THE DEALERSHIP WHERE I BOUGHT MIGHT INSTALL WIRING ON THE LEFT PANEL PUSHING THE PLASTIC PANEL WHICH BLOCK THE RELEASE OF THE PARKING BRAKE. ORDERED THE CLIP TO HOLD THE PLASTIC. BY THE WAY THE TRUCK WAS PURCHASE IN JANUARY 2013 AT A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IN SACRAMENTO. *TR

6/5/2013

PULLING INTO PARKING SPACE - BRAKES APPLIED - CAR LURCHED FORWARD (UNINTENDED ACCELERATION) - BRAKES DID NOT ENGAGE - CAR JUMPED THE CURB, CROSSED THE SIDEWALK AND HIT A TREE - AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY. *TR

10/2/2013

11 more complaints are available in this category.

STRUCTURE:BODY

13 Reports5% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR HATCH MOTOR EMITTED A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHEN IT WAS OPENED AND CLOSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MOTOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,500. RK

4/9/2014

I HAVE A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. DURING A HEAVY RAIN OR CAR WASH WATER ENTERS THE CABIN AROUND FROM THE CENTER POST WHERE THE SEATBELT RETRACTS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE IS BAD WELD AT ONE OF THE ROOF SEAMS AND THE WATER IS LEAKING DOWN THROUGH THE CENTER POST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WHILE THEY TRY AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE THE REPAIR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS DEFECT MAY ALSO AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SMALL TRACES OF WATER ARE STILL ENTERING THE VEHICLE BUT AREN'T VISIBLE AS IT MAY BE HIDDEN BY INTERIOR TRIM. OVER TIME THIS MAY CAUSE RUST. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS DEFECT? *TR

6/8/2014

11 more complaints are available in this category.

POWER TRAIN

11 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I BOUGHT A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN OCTOBER 2012 AND NEVER NOTICED ANY PROBLEM UNTIL EARLY IN 2014. WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE ON A SMALL INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND. IT ACTED AS IF I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS BUT JUST A SMALL INCLINE WHEN I DRIVE HOME FROM WORK EVERYDAY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER IN MARCH 2014 AND THEY RESPONDED SAME AS OTHER PEOPLE ON THIS WEBSITE, NO ERRORS ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND NO POSTING FROM TOYOTA. THEY ADVISED ME TO PUT IN PREMIUM FUEL AND I DID BUT THAT DID NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. VERY DISAPPOINTING FROM A TOYOTA WITH A V6 ENGINE. THE DEALER ALSO TRIES TO SAY IT IS DUE TO CVT TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, I HAVE A SUBARU WITH CVT AS WELL AND THAT CAR CAN ACCELERATE UPHILL WHEN NEEDED. I HAVE HAD A TOYOTA CELICA, TERCEL, AND A TOYOTA TRUCK IN MY LIFE AND NONE HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. *TR

4/1/2014

I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED IN NOVEMBER 2013. A FEW DAYS LATER, UPON ACCELERATING FROM A STOP INTO A LEFT TURN, THE ENGINE CUT OFF FOR A FEW SECONDS WHILE ENTERING TRAFFIC. THIS HAPPENED A COUPLE MORE TIMES BEFORE THE FIRST CHECKUP, AT WHICH TIME I INFORMED THE SERVICE TECHNICIAN, PROBLEM WAS NOTED ON SERVICE SHEET, BUT WHEN SERVICE WAS COMPLETED, THEY SAID THEY COULD FIND NO PROBLEM. THE HESITATION CONTINUED, QUITE RANDOMLY, AND SEEMED TO HAPPEN IN LEFT TURN, ACCELERATING SITUATIONS. AT NEXT SERVICE AND CHECKUP (DIFFERENT DEALER) I TOLD THEM ABOUT THE PROBLEM AND IT WAS WRITTEN UP AGAIN WITH SAME RESULT, NO PROBLEM COULD BE FOUND. THIS HAS BEEN REPORTED TO DEALER AT LEAST THREE TIMES, NO RESULTS, NO ACTION TAKEN, NO PROBLEM FOUND. I CONSIDER THIS A DANGEROUS SITUATION, ESPECIALLY WHEN MERGING INTO TRAFFIC. BASED ON INFORMATION I HAVE SEEN, IT APPEARS THAT TOYOTA SHOULD ADDRESS THIS PROBLEM ASAP. *TR

7/3/2014

9 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

OCCASIONAL THROTTLE NO RESPONSE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MODERATELY FROM A STOP, OR FROM A VERY LOW SPEED (I.E.-COASTING AROUND A 90 DEGREE TURN WITH THE ENGINE AT IDLE SPEED.) I THEN PUSH HEAVILY ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND IT REVS UP, DOWNSHIFTS, AND RACES AHEAD. IT IS DANGEROUS, IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER TWICE, AND THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. TWO SO CALLED FACTORY REPS RODE AROUND WITH ME THE SECOND TIME, WITH A COMPUTER CONNECTED. DIAGNOSTICS SHOWS NO ERROR CODES. *TR

11/8/2013

ON SUNDAY, JANUARY 18, 2015 AT APPROXIMATELY 7:50AM MST, AFTER FILLING UP THE GAS TANK AT THE HOLIDAY GAS STATION ON PLEASANT GROVE BOULEVARD IN PLEASANT GROVE, UT, I BEGAN TO PULL AWAY FROM THE GAS PUMPS. BEFORE EXITING THE GAS STATION, AND AFTER MOVING ABOUT 20 FEET AT ABOUT 5 MPH, THE ENGINE SUDDENLY REVVED UP TO AROUND 4000 RPM. I IMMEDIATELY TOOK MY FOOT ENTIRELY OFF OF THE GAS PEDAL AND SLAMMED MY FOOT DOWN ON THE BRAKE, HOLDING THE BRAKE DOWN FIRMLY. DESPITE NOTHING PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL, AND DESPITE THE BRAKE PEDAL BEING VERY FIRMLY AND CONTINUOUSLY PRESSED, THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO CYCLE AT EXACTLY THE SAME HIGH RPM AND THE VEHICLE CONTINUE TO MOVE FORWARD, STRAINING AGAINST THE BRAKE. I THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR FROM DRIVE INTO NEUTRAL. THE VEHICLE STOPPED MOVING, BUT THE ENGINE CONTINUED TO REV AT EXACTLY THE SAME RPM. AT THIS TIME, THE ENGINE WAS CONTINUOUSLY REVVING AT APPROXIMATELY 4000 RPM, THE CAR WAS NOT MOVING, THE GEAR WAS SET TO NEUTRAL, NOTHING WAS PRESSING ON THE GAS/ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND I WAS FIRMLY PRESSING ON THE BRAKE PEDAL. I THEN EXAMINED THE DRIVER FOOTWELL TO MAKE SURE THAT NOTHING COULD POSSIBLY BE PRESSING ON THE GAS PEDAL AND INDEED THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE DRIVER FOOTWELL. I THEN TOOK MY FOOT OFF OF THE BRAKE AND PUMPED THE GAS PEDAL SEVERAL TIMES BUT THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND IN ANY WAY TO THIS ACTION ? RATHER IT CONTINUED TO SIMPLY REV AT THE CONSTANT HIGH RPM. I THEN TURNED OFF THE IGNITION, AT WHICH TIME THE ENGINE STOPPED AND THE VEHICLE WAS ENTIRELY OFF. I THEN SWITCHED THE GEAR INTO PARK, AND THEN STARTED THE IGNITION AND THE VEHICLE STARTED NORMALLY. I PROCEEDED TO SWITCH THE GEAR INTO DRIVE, AND PRESSED ON THE ACCELERATOR AND THE VEHICLE MOVED FORWARD AS EXPECTED WITHOUT ANY UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION. SINCE THEN, THE VEHICLE HAS BEHAVED NORMALLY. *TR

2/13/2015

7 more complaints are available in this category.

SEATS

9 Reports4% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE SECOND ROW SEATS MOVED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WOULD NOT DISPENSE WHEN SHE APPLIED THE SWITCH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FLUID HAD FROZEN. THE CONTACT ADDED DE-ICER TO THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO WORK BRIEFLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.

1/28/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 14V148000 (SEATS); HOWEVER, THE PART FOR THE REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE.

6/11/2014

7 more complaints are available in this category.

VISIBILITY/WIPER

5 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I TOOK DELIVERY OF A BRAND NEW TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED, WITH A DEFECTIVE WINDSHIELD. THERE WAS A DISTORTION IN THE GLASS WHICH CAUSED GREAT EYE STRAIN TO THE DRIVER. TOYOTA CORPORATE CLAIMED NOT TO KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS. THE SERVICE MANAGER AT MY DEALERSHIP TOLD ME THAT THIS WAS HIS 3RD ON A HIGHLANDER. IT CREATED AN EFFECT SIMILAR TO WEARING THE WRONG PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES. *TR

8/2/2013

I PURCHASED THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN DECEMBER OF 2012. IMMEDIATELY WE KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THEY ARE FOCUSED DOWN TOWARD THE ROAD AND HAVE A LINE OF "SHADE" ABOVE. THE HIGHLANDER LIGHTS ARE SO DIM, WE DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE WORKING. WE ARE "OVERDRIVING" OUR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND WE CANNOT SEE ANY ROAD SIGNS BECAUSE THE LIGHTS ARE FOCUSED TO FAR DOWN THEY DO NOT ILLUMINATE SIGNS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, IN HILLY AREAS, THEY ONLY ILLUMINATE THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL (AND THE SHADED PART IS ABOVE) SO YOU CANNOT SEE WHERE YOU ARE HEADED.THE TOPS OF THE HILLS ARE COMPLETELY BLOCKED BY THE "SHADED" PART. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! ALSO, THEY DO NOT GET WARM, SO THE SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATES ON THESE LIGHTS AND OBSCURES VISIBILITY EVEN FURTHER! I HAVE OWNED MANY MANY CARS, INCLUDING SEVERAL TOYOTA'S AND HAVE NEVER HAD A HEADLIGHT PROBLEM. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THIS CAR AS I CANNOT DRIVE IT AT NIGHT. *TR

10/18/2013

3 more complaints are available in this category.

EXTERIOR LIGHTING

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I PURCHASED THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN DECEMBER OF 2012. IMMEDIATELY WE KNEW SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH THE HEADLIGHTS. THEY ARE FOCUSED DOWN TOWARD THE ROAD AND HAVE A LINE OF "SHADE" ABOVE. THE HIGHLANDER LIGHTS ARE SO DIM, WE DON'T KNOW IF THEY ARE WORKING. WE ARE "OVERDRIVING" OUR VISIBILITY AT NIGHT AND WE CANNOT SEE ANY ROAD SIGNS BECAUSE THE LIGHTS ARE FOCUSED TO FAR DOWN THEY DO NOT ILLUMINATE SIGNS ON THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. IN ADDITION, IN HILLY AREAS, THEY ONLY ILLUMINATE THE BOTTOM OF THE HILL (AND THE SHADED PART IS ABOVE) SO YOU CANNOT SEE WHERE YOU ARE HEADED.THE TOPS OF THE HILLS ARE COMPLETELY BLOCKED BY THE "SHADED" PART. THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS SITUATION! ALSO, THEY DO NOT GET WARM, SO THE SNOW AND ICE ACCUMULATES ON THESE LIGHTS AND OBSCURES VISIBILITY EVEN FURTHER! I HAVE OWNED MANY MANY CARS, INCLUDING SEVERAL TOYOTA'S AND HAVE NEVER HAD A HEADLIGHT PROBLEM. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT TO DO WITH THIS CAR AS I CANNOT DRIVE IT AT NIGHT. *TR

10/18/2013

WHEN THE HEADLIGHTS ARE ON DIM, VISIBILITY IS NOT ADEQUATE. A DISTINCT BLACK LINE APPEARS ACROSS THE HORIZON ABOVE WHICH THE DRIVER CANNOT SEE. *TR

10/22/2013

2 more complaints are available in this category.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

4 Reports2% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 35MPH WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL THERE'S A DELAY ON ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING UPHILL. IT STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS AT 1250 MILES ITS ON AND OFF. *TR

11/30/2013

AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (MAYBE 5 MILES PER HOUR) AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, MY 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LUNGED FORWARD SO HARD THAT IT WENT OVER THE CONCRETE SPACER, A GRASS MEDIAN, THE CURB AND INTO THE STREET BEYOND THE PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STOP THE ACCELERATION, BUT IT WAS SO SUDDEN, FAST AND UNEXPECTED THAT I SCRAPED THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME. A BY-STANDER COMMENTED "I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! ALL OF A SUDDEN YOUR CAR JUST RACED AWAY!" I HAVE DRIVEN FOR OVER 45 YEARS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER, BUYING ONE FOR MY SON AND DAUGHTER AS WELL AS THIS VEHICLE AND I THOUGHT WHATEVER PROBLEMS TOYOTA HAD WERE TAKEN CARE OF BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. *TR

5/2/2014

2 more complaints are available in this category.

SEAT BELTS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

I WAS CUTOFF BY ANOTHER DRIVER IN HEAVY TRAFFIC AND HIT MY BRAKES TO AVOID HITTING THE DRIVER IN FRONT ME. I HEARD THE SEATBELT AND MY SONS CAR SEAT COME LOOSE. I TURNED AROUND AND SAW MY 2 YEAR OLD SONS CAR SEAT HAD BEEN EJECTED AND HIS FACE HAD SLAMMED INTO THE PASSENGER SEAT IN FRONT HIM. I WAS PUSHING THE CAR SEAT BACK, SO HE COULD BREATH, WITH ONE ARM AND PULLED OVER TO THE SHOULDER AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE. THE TRAFFIC AROUND WAS TOO FAST FOR ME TO GET OFF THE VEHICLE TO REINSTALL THE CAR SEAT SO I ADJUSTED IT AS BEST I COULD WITHOUT TAKING HIM OUT OF THE SEAT AND PROCEEDED TO TAKE HIM TO SCHOOL. I CALLED THE DEALER I NORMALLY GO TO ([XXX] ) AND TOOK THE VEHICLE ON MY LUNCH BREAK SO THEY COULD CHANGE THE SEAT BELT. I WAS THEN INFORMED THAT BOTH THE SHOP FOREMAN AND SERVICE MANAGER REFUSED TO CHANGE THE SEATBELT BECAUSE IT WAS WORKING PROPERLY THERE AND SAID I HAD INSTALLED THE CAR SEAT INCORRECTLY! THEY REFUSE TO TAKE RESPONSIBILITY AND I REFUSE TO PUT MY KIDS BACK IN THAT CAR, WHAT CAN I DO? INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

10/24/2014

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE PRETENSIONER ON THE SEAT BELT WAS EXCESSIVELY TIGHT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER, BUT THE FAILURE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.

10/4/2016

1 more complaint is available in this category.

WHEELS

3 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT T-BONED ANOTHER VEHICLE ON THE FRONT DRIVER'S SIDE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE RIGHT LEG, WHICH REQUIRED MEDICAL ATTENTION. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. FURTHERMORE, WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY AND WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS, THE ANTI-LOCK BRAKES FAILED ON MORE THAN ONE OCCASION IN OCTOBER OF 2018. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE BRAKES AND WHEELS SEIZED ON THREE OCCASIONS. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WAS MADE AWARE OF ALL THE FAILURES, BUT COULD NOT DETERMINE THE SOURCES. A DEALER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURES. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 100,000.

10/25/2018

I GOT HIT BY A DRUNK DRIVER WHILE I WAS AT AN INTERSECTION STATIONARY. I WAS WAITING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN AND AN ONCOMING CAR GOING 35 MPH CROSSED LANES AND CRASHED INTO ME. IT WAS A BAD ACCIDENT, BOTH CARS INVOLVED TOTALLED.I HAD 4 OTHER PASSENGERS IN THE CAR, AND NO AIRBAGS WENT OFF. I RECEIVED HEAD INJURIES (A LOT OF DIZZINESS), NECK AND BACK INJURIES. *DT*JB

3/16/2019

1 more complaint is available in this category.

TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE & HELD IN PLACE BY A CABLE. THE SPARE TIRE BECOMES LOOSE AND IT DROPS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. I JUST RECENTLY HAD RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (WHERE I PURCHASED THE HIGHLANDER) REPAIR THE MECHANICAL CRANK, IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 8 DAYS. THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE HAMMER TOLD ME HE PERSONALLY REPAIRED IT. I HAD IT 2 DAYS AND ABOUT 300 MILES AND THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED DOWN AGAIN. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT RIVERHEAD TOYOTA. I ASKED FOR THE REGIONAL MANAGER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOV 2013. I CALLED TOYOTA TO COMPLAIN, ABOUT 15 TIMES. I HAVE A CASE WORKER BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED. MY SPARE TIRE GETS DAMAGED WHEN IT DROPS DOWN, TOYOTA HAS REPLACED 2 MAG WHEELS AND IS REFUSING TO REPLACE 2 MORE DAMAGED MAG WHEELS. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE SPARE TIRE HANGING BY A CABLE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE (IT HAS DROPPED DOWN AS MUCH 8IN OFF THE ROAD) AND IT SWINGS. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH A TRAILER HITCH WHICH CONTAINS THE SWINGING OF TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE DROPS BELOW THE TRAILER HITCH IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IF THIS IS ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS & WHAT IS WAS DONE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY THE TIRE WILL BECOME SEPARATED FROM MY VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. *TR

6/11/2014

DEAR SIR, I PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE SPARE TIRE IS MOUNTED UNDER THE VEHICLE & HELD IN PLACE BY A CABLE. THE SPARE TIRE BECOMES LOOSE AND IT DROPS DOWN WHEN DRIVING. I JUST RECENTLY HAD RIVERHEAD TOYOTA (WHERE I PURCHASED THE HIGHLANDER) REPAIR THE MECHANICAL CRANK, IT WAS IN THE SHOP FOR 8 DAYS. THE SERVICE MANAGER MIKE HAMMER TOLD ME HE PERSONALLY REPAIRED IT. I HAD IT 2 DAYS AND ABOUT 300 MILES AND THE SPARE TIRE DROPPED DOWN AGAIN. IT IS CURRENTLY BACK AT RIVERHEAD TOYOTA. I ASKED FOR THE REGIONAL MANAGER TO INSPECT THE VEHICLE. THIS HAS BEEN GOING ON SINCE NOV 2013. I CALLED TOYOTA TO COMPLAIN, ABOUT 15 TIMES. I HAVE A CASE WORKER BUT MY VEHICLE IS NOT FIXED. MY SPARE TIRE GETS DAMAGED WHEN IT DROPS DOWN, TOYOTA HAS REPLACED 2 MAG WHEELS AND IS REFUSING TO REPLACE 2 MORE DAMAGED MAG WHEELS. THEY ARE UNABLE TO FIX THE PROBLEM. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH THE SPARE TIRE HANGING BY A CABLE FROM THE BOTTOM OF THE VEHICLE (IT HAS DROPPED DOWN AS MUCH 8IN OFF THE ROAD) AND IT SWINGS. MY VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED WITH A TRAILER HITCH WHICH CONTAINS THE SWINGING OF TIRE. WHEN THE TIRE DROPS BELOW THE TRAILER HITCH IT MAKES A LOT OF NOISE. CAN YOU PLEASE CHECK IF THIS IS ISSUE WITH OTHER OWNERS & WHAT IS WAS DONE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM. I'M AFRAID ONE DAY THE TIRE WILL BECOME SEPARATED FROM MY VEHICLE AND CAUSE AN ACCIDENT. I'M NOT SURE TOYOTA WANTS TO FIX THE DEFECT AND I FEEL MY VEHICLE IS BEING HELD HOSTAGE. *TR

6/11/2014

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

BURNT SMELL COMING FROM THE AC VENTS, WHICH HAPPENS MOST OF THE TIME THE AFTER THE NOTED FIRST TIME OF INCIDENT, ESPECIALLY WHEN I TAKE MAJOR FREEWAYS, LAST TIME NOTED THIS AFTERNOON 8/31/2014 WHILE TAKING I-75 IN FLORIDA. WHEN I ACCELERATE TO 70-80MPH, ME AND MY WIFE/ PASSENGER ALWAYS SMELL BURNT ODOR COMING FROM THE AC VENTS WHICH IS REALLY ANNOYING AND SCARY BECAUSE I DO NOT KNOW IF SOMETHING IS BURNING INTO THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT OR ELSEWHERE IN THE VEHICLE. SO I NEED TO SLOW DOWN AFTER THAT, OPEN THE WINDOWS TO LET THE ODOR OUT. I HAVE LET THE TOYOTA CHECK IT BUT CANNOT DUPLICATE IT MAY BE BECAUSE DURING THE PLACE OF TESTING IS NOT THE RIGHT PLACE IN MY OPINION, THE DEALERSHIP IS LOCATED NEAR A FREEWAY WHERE SPEED LIMIT IS ONLY AT 60MPH, THE TECH ACCELERATED IT ONCE AT 70MPH BUT I TOLD HIM HE CANNOT DUPLICATE IT WITH NOT CONSISTENTLY HITTING AT 70 OR HIGHER.MAY BE NEXT TIME OF SERVICE I WILL CHOOSE A DEALERSHIP NEAR THE FREEWAY I DRIVE AND DRIVE IT MYSELF. *TR

9/1/2014

THE AC UNIT DOES NOT FUNCTION PROPERLY, IT IS NOT DRAINING, RESULTING IN A FOUL MOLDY MILDEW SMELL DUE TO THE BUILT UP CONDENSATION. TOYOTA OFFERED TO CHANGE THE AIR FILTER AS A SOLUTION TO THE ISSUE, UNFORTUNATELY IT DID NOT SOLVE THE PROBLEM. WITHIN DAYS, THE ODOR WAS STILL VERY APPARENT. WE HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING MORE THAT CAN BE DONE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2013, WITH 10K MILES, AND STILL COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. THE RESPONSE FROM THE DEALERSHIP AND MANUFACTURER HAS BEEN UNACCEPTABLE. *TR

10/27/2014

ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

THE COMPLAINT HAS TO DO WITH COMPUTER SYSTEMS ON THIS VEHICLE. SOME OF THE COMPLAINT IS CONVENIENCE, BUT WORRISOME BECAUSE OTHER SYSTEMS SEEM TO BE INVOLVED AS WELL. THE COMPUTER SCREEN HAS ALWAYS BEEN SLOW/HESITENT, WITH VARIOUS "GLITCHES". VEHICLE HAS GPS MAPPING SCREEN WHICH OCCASSIONALLY "DISCONNECTS" AND RESETS TO BLANK SCREEN. THE BLUETOOTH AND OTHER SYSTEMS HAVE ALSO "DISCONNECTED" AND COULDN'T BE RESET UNTIL THE VEHICLE WAS STOPPED AND TURNED OFF. THE HEADLIGHTS SOMETIMES DO NOT SHUT OFF, DAY/NIGHT DOESN'T WORK PROPERLY. HAVE HAD OCCASSIONAL PROBLEMS WITH DOOR LOCKS NOT WORKING AS THEY SHOULD. NEVER KNOW WHEN AND WHICH SYSTEMS WILL BE AFFECTED. I HAVE ALSO FILED A COMPLAINT ABOUT INTERMITENT NON-ACCELERATION ISSUES, WHICH MAYBE RELATED.

12/14/2015

BOUGHT VEHICLE 'CERTIFIED' ON 04/20/17 AND FIRST OIL CHANGE 06/30/17 CORROSION ON BATTERY TERMINAL NOTATED. NEW BATTERY PURCHASED. 05/25/17, CORROSION IS AGAIN NOTATED. VEHICLE HAS BEEN THROUGH 2 SEPARATE OIL CHANGES AND NO CORROSION NOTATED. NOW DEALER IS STATING VERBALLY $5800 TO FIX TERMINALS AND CABLE DUE TO BATTERY ACID AND CORROSION LEADING TO ELECTRICAL DAMAGE. HARNESS DAMAGE. FLAW OF THIS VEHICLE IS ALL COMPONENTS ARE INTERCONNECTED. REP WILL NOT PUT IN WRITING, BUT IS SAYING MAJOR HAZARD. TOYOTA WILL GIVE ONLY $2500 TOWARDS COST. NOT DRIVING CAR AT THIS TIME.

6/11/2018

STRUCTURE:BODY:HATCHBACK/LIFTGATE

2 Reports1% of total

Previewing the first 2 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING REVERSED, THE HATCHBACK OPEN WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER WAS PLACED IN PARK BEFORE EXITING THE VEHICLE. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO CLOSE THE HATCH, THE VEHICLE STARTED TO ROLL BACKWARDS AND KNOCKED THE CONTACT TO THE GROUND. THE VEHICLE ROLLED DOWN AN EMBANKMENT AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED INJURIES TO THE HIP AND ARMS, WHICH DID NOT REQUIRE MEDICAL ATTENTION. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TOWED FROM THE CRASH SITE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 39,000. UPDATED 09/01/16*LJ

7/13/2016

THE POWER HATCH BACK DOES NOT WORK. IT IS SO FREQUENT PROBLEM AND SO MANY COMPLAINTS BUT NO SOLUTION OFFERED BY THE TOYOTA COMPANY. *TR

6/24/2020

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY, MY SON OPENED THE REAR PASSENGER WINDOW, WHEN HE OPENED THE WINDOW THE NOISE AND PRESSURE ON OUR EARS WAS UNBEARABLE, IT WAS LIKE AN EXTREMELY LOUD HELICOPTER NOISE. WE EVEN TRIED OPENING OTHER WINDOWS IN THE CAR TO REDUCE THE PRESSURE AND NOISE, WHILE THE NOISE AND PRESSURE WERE REDUCED IT WAS STILL VERY LOUD AND DISTRACTING. I CALLED THE TOYOTA DEALER WHERE WE BOUGHT THE CAR AND HE SAID ALL CARS DO THAT AND TO JUST OPEN ANOTHER WINDOW TO RELIEVE PRESSURE. WHEN I TOLD HIM WE TRIED THAT AND IT DID NOT WORK HE DID NOT HAVE ANY OTHER ANSWERS. THE DEALER GAVE ME A PHONE NUMBER TO TOYOTA SERVICE, I CALLED THEM AND THE REP SAID SHE HAD CHECKED AND THEY HAVE NEVER HEARD OF ANYTHING LIKE THAT. AFTER CHECKING ON THE INTERNET I HAVE FOUND MULTIPLE INSTANCES WHERE OTHER PEOPLE HAVE HAD THIS ISSUE, THE NOISE IS SO LOUD IT ACTUALLY HURTS YOUR EARS DRUMS. IF WE WERE TOLD ABOUT THIS ISSUE WHEN WE WERE PURCHASING THE CAR I DOUBT THAT WE WOULD HAVE BOUGHT IT. THE NOISE AND PRESSURE START AT APPROX. 35 MPH AND GETS WORSE THE FASTER YOU GO AND ONLY WHEN 1 OR BOTH OF THE REAR WINDOWS ARE DOWN. TOYOTA GAVE ME A CASE NUMBER AND TOLD ME TO TAKE THE CAR BACK TO DEALER SO THEY CAN DUPLICATE THE ISSUE BUT THE DEALER WAS/IS ALREADY AWARE OF THE ISSUE. WE FEEL THAT TOYOTA NEEDS TO IDENTIFY THE CAUSE AND OFFER A REPAIR OPTION, OTHER THAN NOT USING THE BACK WINDOWS AS THAT IS OUR ONLY OPTION AT THIS TIME. *TR

6/12/2013

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL:NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM(GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM)

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WHILE DRIVING TO MICHIGAN FROM ILLINOIS WHILE USING VEHICLE BUILD IN JBL NAVIGATION UNIT ON A NEWLY PURCHASED 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LIMITED WITH ONLY 300 MILES AT THE TIME, IN THE MIDDLE OF THE TRIP NAVIGATION UNIT REBOOTED/CRASHED AFTER COMING BACK UP THE PROGRAMMED DIRECTIONS WERE LOST, SINCE THIS NAVIGATION UNIT HAS A PROGRAMMED SAFETY FEATURE THE DESTINATION CANNOT BE RE-PROGRAMMED WHILE DRIVING, WE HAVE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY AND STOP TO REPROGRAM THE DESTINATION AGAIN, ALSO THE SAME ISSUE HAPPENED ON THE WAY BACK. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN CONTACTED AND THE CASE WAS OPEN (#1308280087) THEY ADVISE ME TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER, SO THE DEALER CAN CONTACT TOYOTA TECHNICIAN AND TRY TO ISOLATE AN ISSUE. SERVICE MANAGER CONTACTED THE TECHNICIAN WHO STATED THE PROBLEM HAS TO BE REPRODUCED; OTHERWISE THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. LOOKS LIKE THIS ISSUE ONLY HAPPENS ON LONG TRIPS, WHICH IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR THE DEALER TO REPRODUCE USING MY VEHICLE. TOYOTA CUSTOMER SERVICE HAS BEEN CONTACTED AGAIN ABOUT THE ISSUE; TOYOTA IS IGNORING THE PROBLEM THAT HAS BEEN REPORTED ON MULTIPLE FORUM SIDES AND UNWILLING TO WORK OUT A RESOLUTION BY DUPLICATING THE ISSUE IN-HOUSE. ALSO THE NAVIGATION UNIT DOES HAVE AN OUTDATED MAPS (HALF OF THE ADDRESSES THAT I HAVE ENTERED COULD NOT BE LOCATED) AND UPDATE IS NOT BEEN OFFERED AFTER THE COMPLAINT. JBL NAVIGATION SOFTWARE VERSION: 2.2.0 NAV ID: NQNA2011Q4. *TR

9/19/2013

EXTERIOR LIGHTING:HEADLIGHTS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.

4/16/2014

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

ON SEPTEMBER 12 2014 MY WIFE WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE AT HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE. THE SPACE INCLUDE A STOP CURB AND IT FACED A FOUR LANE STREET. AS SHE PULLED INTO THE SPACE, SHE BRAKED TO AVOID CONTACTING THE CURB AND WAS ABOUT TO SHIFT INTO PARK WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR JUMPED THE PARKING CURB AND THEN ANOTHER CURB AND ENTERED A GRASSY AREA (APPROXIMATELY 10 FT WIDE. THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE AND JUMPED ANOTHER CURB AND LANDED IN A 4 LANE STREET. SHE CONTINUED TO APPLY THE BRAKES WHILE THE CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE ACROSS THE STREET. SHE WAS HEADED TOWARD ANOTHER CURB AND GRASSY AREA AND A DOWNHILL SLOPE FOLLOWED BY A MEINEKE REPAIR BUSINESS. NOT WANTING TO GO DOWN THE HILL AND INTO THE BUILDING, SHE TURNED THE CAR TO THE RIGHT BUT NOT IN TIME TO AVOID ENTERING THE SECOND GRASSY AREA. SHE WAS NOW TRAVELING PARALLEL TO THE MEINEKE BUILDING AND SIDE SWIPED TWO SMALL TREES, AND WAS HEADED TOWARD A VERY BUSY RUSH HOUR STREET. TO AVOID ACCELERATING INTO THIS STREET, SHE DECIDED TO TRY SHIFTING THE CAR INTO NEUTRAL. SHE LOOKED DOWN TO FIND THE NEUTRAL GEAR, AND JUST AS SHE LOOKED UP, SHE CRASHED HEAD-ON INTO ANOTHER TREE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY BUT THE SEAT BELTS SAVED HER. THE CAR WAS SIGNIFICANTLY DAMAGED TO THE DRIVERS SIDE FRONT WHERE SHE HIT THE TREE AND TO THE SIDE OF THE CAR WHERE SHE SIDE SWIPED THE TWO TREES. THE MEINEKE EMPLOYEES CALLED 911 AND A DETECTIVE TOOK HER TO HER DOCTOR'S OFFICE FOR TREATMENT. SHE INJURED HER RIBS AND BACK AND CONTINUES TO RECEIVE TREATMENT. I'M CONVINCED THIS IS A SOFTWARE PROBLEM AND I AM ATTEMPTING TO RESOLVE THIS WITH TOYOTA BUT HOLD OUT LITTLE HOPE. IT NEEDS TO BE FIXED BEFORE THERE ARE ADDITIONAL INJURIES OR LOSS OF LIFE. MY WIFE COULD HAVE DIED IF THE CAR HAD MADE IT TO THE VERY BUSY STREET.

9/20/2014

STRUCTURE

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

WATER IS LEAKING INTO THE VEHICLE SOAKING CARPET AND ELECTRONICS. CAN BE A DAMAGED WINDSHIELD. WORRIED ABOUT SAFETY ON ROADS. *TR

4/13/2015

EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE CONTACT DISCOVERED THAT THE CARPET WAS SOAKED WITH WATER. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE AIR CONDITIONING DRAIN WAS CLOGGED AND NEEDED TO BE FLUSHED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 13V442000 (AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 23,000.

7/1/2015

EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

STARTING THIS SUMMER OUR 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WAS HAVING A TERRIBLE ODOR COMING FROM THE AC. WENT TO DEALER AND WAS TOLD THEY WOULD CLEAN OUT THE AC/ EVAPORATOR BOX WITH AMMONIA AND THEN PUT A MINT SPRAY TO REDUCE AMMONIA SMELL. PAID $65 FOR THIS SERVICE. ON WAY HOME I SMELL NOTHING BUT A STALE ODOR. THE NEXT DAY THE MOLDY SMELL WAS BACK. DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TO START CAR. THE SECOND I OPENED DOOR IT HIT ME. I WENT ON GOOGLE AND SAW A NUMBER OF PEOPLE WERE HAVING SAME PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA CARS. NOT JUST A HIGHLANDER!! THE AVALON,CAMRY AND OTHERS ARE HAVING THIS SAME ISSUE. THE PROBLEM APPEARS TO BE MOLD IN THE EVAPORATOR BOX AND VENTS. HAVE HAD MANY VEHICLES AND NEVER A PROBLEM LIKE THIS ONE. BOUGHT THE CAR NEW AND FOR TOYOTA NOT TO ADMIT TO A BAD DESIGN IS DISAPPOINTING.

9/7/2015

SUSPENSION

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

VEHICLE WAS PROCEEDING THROUGH AN INTERSECTION UNDER A GREEN LIGHT. A VEHICLE TRAVELING THE CROSS ROAD PROCEEDED THROUGH THEIR RED LIGHT AND IMPACTED MY VEHICLE AT FULL SPEED. THE RESULT WAS A "T-BONE" ACCIDENT INTO THE DRIVER'S SIDE DOOR. THE FORCE OF THE COLLISION WAS SUCH THAT MY VEHICLE WAS TURNED 90 DEGREES. THE DRIVER'S HEAD IMPACTED THE DRIVER'S SIDE WINDOW SHATTERING THAT WINDOW. THE SIDE CURTAIN AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. AIR BAGS IN THE OTHER VEHICLE DID DEPLOY. HAD THE AIR BAG OPERATED PROPERLY IT WOULD HAVE PROTECTED THE DRIVER'S HEAD FROM IMPACTING AND SHATTERING THE WINDOW. SINCE THE SIDE CURTAIN AIRBAG DID NOT DEPLOY IN WHAT APPEARS TO BE AN OBVIOUS SITUATION, I AM NOW CONCERNED THAT NONE OF THE AIRBAGS IN THAT VEHICLE WILL DEPLOY UPON IMPACT AND I AM DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE.

9/27/2015

TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS

1 Report0% of total

Previewing the first 1 complaint summaries.

MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE LOW TIRE WARNING SYSTEM. MY ISSUE IS THAT YOU CANNOT MANUALLY RESET THIS WARNING LIGHT AS WITH OTHER CARS. I HAVE HAD TO TAKE MY CAR TO THE DEALER TWICE IN THE LAST 12 MONTHS FOR THEM TO PROPERLY INFLATE/RESET THE SYSTEM. ALL MY TIRES WERE PROPERLY INFLATED EXCEPT FOR THE SPARE. MYSELF AND FIRESTONE AUTO CARE COULD NOT GET THE WARNING LIGHT TO GO AWAY. FINALLY, AFTER MONTHS OF HAVING THE WARNING LIGHT ON, I WAS ABLE TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY PROPERLY RESET ALL THE TIRES INCLUDING THE SPARE AND THE WARNING LIGHT FINALLY WENT OFF. SEEMS LIKE A PLOY TO GET YOU TO GO TO THE DEALER. THE DEALER INDICATED THAT THEY HAVE HAD A LOT OF THOSE ISSUES DUE TO THE CHANGES IN THE TEMPERATURE. IF ALL THE TIRES ARE PROPERLY INFLATED, THE WARNING LIGHT CAN STILL GO OFF IF BECAUSE YOUR SPARE TIRE MAY BE LOW. THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE TO ME AS YOU MAY NOT KNOW THAT YOU REALLY HAVE A LOW TIRE THAT COULD AFFECT DRIVING. IF THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON DUE TO A LOW SPARE TIRE, AND A REGULAR TIRE GOES LOW, ONE WOULD HAVE NO WAY OF KNOWING AS THE LIGHT IS ALREADY ON. *TR

12/2/2016

About This Data

Data and Methodology

MethodologyHow we score →

Scores are derived from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints, normalized by vehicle segment averages.

FAQ

What are the most common owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander?

The most reported complaint category for the 2013 Toyota Highlander is STEERING, with 46 owner reports. That is about 16% of all complaints logged here. Other recurring themes include STEERING, ENGINE, VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL.

Are complaints about the 2013 Toyota Highlander a serious warning sign?

Potentially. 158 complaint reports fall into higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components. That does not prove every vehicle has a defect, but repeated complaints in those systems justify a more careful pre-purchase inspection.

How should buyers use complaint data for the 2013 Toyota Highlander?

Use complaints as an early pattern to investigate, not a standalone verdict. Start with the top complaint categories, compare those themes against the recall report and maintenance guide, then inspect service records for evidence that the same problem areas were already addressed. If the same issue appears repeatedly across complaints and recalls, treat it as a real ownership-risk flag.

Are complaints about the 2013 Toyota Highlander severe?

158 complaint reports involve higher-attention systems such as brakes, steering, engine, powertrain, fuel, suspension, airbags, or electrical components, which is enough to justify a focused inspection before purchase.

Complaint list entries are sourced from owner-submitted NHTSA ODI records.

Read complaint summaries

Toyota Highlander: How should complaint data influence buying decisions?

Use complaint patterns together with recalls and maintenance guidance to estimate ownership risk and inspection priorities.

Carfocal links complaint data directly to recall and maintenance routes for the same model year.

Return to full vehicle report
Complaint entries
279
Top-topic view
5 grouped topics shown
Primary source
NHTSA ODI owner complaint records

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In this guide

  1. 01Overview
  2. 02Common Problems
  3. 03Owner Complaints
  4. 04Data and Methodology

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