2013 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

NHTSA component category: ENGINE · data through 11/01/2026

32Engine complaints

15.5%Of all 207 complaints

#2Most-reported category

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

How engine ranks on this vehicle

STEERING46 · 22.2%

ENGINE32 · 15.5%

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL31 · 15%

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM25 · 12.1%

Unspecified / other23 · 11.1%

Share of the 207 complaints citing each category; one complaint can cite several. Full breakdown on the 2013 Toyota Highlander overview page.

What owners report

“UPON ENTERING INTO CAR AFTER IT HAD BEEN PARKED I SMELLED GASOLINE. WIFE SAID SHE HAD JUST FILLED UP BEFORE COMING HOME AND PERHAPS SPILLED…”NHTSA complaint 10945482 — filed 01/16/2017

“VEHICLE HESITATES WHEN ACCELERATING, USUALLY WHEN MAKING A TURN FROM A STOP OR MOVING SLOWLY. IT IS ESPECIALLY HAZARDOUS WHEN TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT…”NHTSA complaint 10897242 — filed 08/19/2016

“THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 65 MPH, THE CRUISE CONTROL WAS ENGAGED AND THE RPMS INCREASED RAPIDLY TO 5,000 FOR…”NHTSA complaint 10795131 — filed 11/20/2015

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Engine complaints by year filed

Frequently asked questions

Does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have engine problems?

Engine is the #2 most-reported problem area on the 2013 Toyota Highlander: 32 of 207 complaints on file (15.5%). Complaints are unverified owner reports, not confirmed defects.

How many complaints does the 2013 Toyota Highlander have in total?

207 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 11/01/2026. Across all categories, 26 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, 12 reported injuries, and none reported deaths.

What does NHTSA's engine category include?

NHTSA assigns each complaint to standard component categories; this page reports the ENGINE category exactly as NHTSA defines and records it.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 11/01/2026.