This page covers 3 recalls, 209 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2013 Toyota Highlander.
19–28 mpg combined
8.4–12.4 L/100km
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 to 2013 Toyota Highlander received an overall rating of 4 out of 5 stars in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, it earned 4 stars. Side crash protection was rated at 5 stars, while side pole crash testing also achieved 5 stars. Rollover resistance received a 4-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2011 to 2013 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Steering complaints dominate the 2013 Highlander's complaint record, with owners frequently describing the electric power steering losing assist unexpectedly or feeling heavy and unresponsive, sometimes accompanied by warning lights. A smaller but notable cluster of complaints centers on vehicle speed control, where owners describe cruise control disengaging on its own or behaving erratically. Engine-related reports cover a range of symptoms including rough running, stalling, and in a few cases a detectable fuel smell traced to the fuel rail area. Scattered reports also mention sunroof drains backing up and allowing water into the cabin, which owners say leads to electrical problems and interior damage. A handful of owners describe airbag deployment occurring without an impact, though these reports are limited in number compared to the steering complaints.
209
Total Complaints
26
Crash-Related
12
With Injuries
By System
The 2013 Toyota Highlander has 3 recalls, the most serious being a second-row left seat that can fail to lock into its track in certain forward positions, leaving the seat free to shift in a crash and raising the risk of injury to that occupant.
A related recall covers the same left second-row seat track and its ability to meet required strength standards when positioned in those same forward adjustment slots. Prior repair attempts may not have fully resolved this issue across all jurisdictions, but the physical concern is the same: the seat may not stay anchored under crash forces. There is also a separate concern involving the front passenger seat's occupant sensing system, which detects whether the seat is occupied and adjusts airbag deployment accordingly. If that sensor falls out of calibration, the front passenger airbag may either fail to deploy in a crash or deploy with too much or too little force for the person sitting there, neither of which provides the protection the system is designed to deliver.
At a glance
What can fail
The left second row seat track may not fully lock in its forward positions, potentially failing to meet strength requirements and increasing injury risk in a crash.
What the fix does
Dealers will perform repairs to ensure the seat track locks properly in all adjustment positions.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The second row left seat may fail to lock in place when positioned forward or in the second adjustment position, not meeting safety standards for seating systems.
What the fix does
Dealers will modify the second row left seat to ensure it locks securely into the seat track.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
After SET added accessories like leather seat covers or seat heaters, the passenger seat occupant sensing system may not have been calibrated properly. Without correct calibration, the system might not detect occupants as intended.
What the fix does
Dealers will test the occupant detection sensors and recalibrate them as needed to ensure proper operation.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
