Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2013 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander The contact stated that the vehicle was consuming an excessive amount of engine oil. The contact was concerned that due to the excessive oil consumption, that the vehicle could catch on fire. The contact stated that the low oil pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer but was not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and was unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 97,000.
I purchased the car in 2020 with 73K miles on it. It has sporadically had incidents of unintended acceleration. I happens when I slow for a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk. My foot is on the brake when this occurs, the engine then goes into high gear and no amount of pressure on the brake will stop it. I put the car in park and turn the key off. There are no warning lights. It has happened more frequently in 2024. On [redacted], I tried to come to a stop at a crosswalk in Plymouth MA. The UA occurred, putting the folks in the crosswalk and myself in danger. The next day I contacted the dealer and Toyota. The upshot - they said the car is fine, it must be my mats or shoes or something that is not their fault. I've been driving Toyotas for 40 years, I've never had a mat or shoe problem. There is something faulty with the acceleration/braking system. …
Oil consumption/oil pressure issue. Started suddenly maybe in 2020. My oil pressure light would come on "turn off car immediately". Took it to dealer, told me I have no oil. Then it kept happening. No notice of low oil, and well within 3 months/3000 miles. Toyota did an oil consumption test at 1500miles, no issue. Then, took my car in shortly after because oil pressure light came on. They told me to get a new engine. Possible see the PVC valve, but once in there likely a new engine is needed. No wear/tear, or obvious age of use. Engine just started consuming oil. I googled it. It seems to be an issue with Highlanders. But I've never seen a recall on it. Pretty much living on oil changes every 2 months to keep my engine running. And this whole time, my engine light has never turned on.
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.
The issue started when the car was over 84,000 miles. The engine burns excessive oil. I have to add oil every 2200 miles. When I press on the gas pedal to rev the car, oil come out of the tail pipe. When I went to the dealer that they are aware of the issue but they did not make any recommendations. Online several owner of this model have changed the engine or replaced pistons. I have never gotten the check light on even when no oil is on the dip stick. I have to check the oil every time I fill up my gas tank as a precaution. My concern is that I could be stranded or the car overheat and cause a fire.
I am known by Toyota experts and my local mechanics as someone who takes excellent care of my vehicle, but unfortunately I am completely blown away when I was driving my car and suddenly it stopped and couldn't start, after I tolled it to my mechanic, he told me the engine seized and it needs replacement. The cost is about $4000. I don't have that kind of money and it has been seating in my driveway. I don't understand how a very well maintained engine will just give out without any warning signs.
Engine is burning/consuming oil excessively; no leaks or any other unusual symptoms found. I was on an interstate highway and all of a sudden engine sound changed and excessive knocking started. No OIL LOW LEVEL or CHECK ENGINE light turned on. Yes the problem is persistent now and was verified by an independent (ASE Certified) service provider. No waning lamps or messages displayed.
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 some. I got out of vehicle and checked and saw small puddle of gasoline where car had been parked. Moved car away from house and raised hood to vent engine compartment. I removed front skid plate/panel to find leak and allow further air circulation. I power cycled key and saw fuel leak again. After further investigation found were main fuel line was misting onto engine and surrounding parts. Leaks were coming from middle portion of hose and not at connections. Next day I had my car towed to the dealer. They suspected rodent damage. Upon inspection there was no evidence of "chewing" or other type of external damage. A replacement line was ordered and installed. I was charged for the repairs. …
Checked oil last week also dealer supposedly changed oil couple days ago yellow triangle light came on it was just bought so unfamiliar with the warning lights tried to look up told me nothing. Today I left a friends house (3miles ) she called and said I left massive oil leak left on her driveway. Sure enough I looked on my driveway and I also had huge oil leak lucky she called me I could have blown the engine or it could have caught fire if I had driven it any farther or she didn't tell me proceeded to look up common Toyota Highlander problems. And there it was saying massive oil leaks from the line exploding also said that the repair Toyota gives to fix the problem has problems too I'm assuming this is what the problem is I'm lucky I was not out on highway having it towed tommorow the picture is at her house she sent after I left. My driveway oil leak is twice that size
While attempting to turn from a side road onto a main road, I needed to accelerate to blend into the faster moving traffic. While attempting to accelerate the engine acted like the gas pedal had not been pressed but maintained the previous slow engine speed despite the gas pedal being finally pressed to the floor. While maintaining the full gas pedal position the engine finally revved up and the SUV lurched forward. I have not been placed yet into a hazardous situation, but that is becoming a reality. This hesitation has recurred more than twenty times since then. No, I have not taken this to Toyota since they appear to have no concern for the many fine folks reporting similar engine stalling.
Engine complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 35 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2013 Toyota Highlander, 17% of the model year's 207 complaints. The component named most often is engine › oil/lubrication (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2013 Toyota Highlander engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2013 Toyota Highlander, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2013 Toyota Highlander engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 7,000 miles, and 74% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to engine & cooling problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.