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.
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 front passenger airbag system that may not deploy correctly, either failing to fire or deploying with the wrong force depending on the passenger's size and position.
The other two recalls both involve the second-row left seat's track locking mechanism. When the seat is positioned in the first or second forward adjustment slots, the track may not fully lock, meaning the seat can shift in a crash and increase the risk of injury to whoever is sitting there.
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.
