Toyota / Highlander / 2013
2013 Toyota Highlander problems
Owners have filed 281 complaints about the 2013 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA. Steering accounts for 16.4% of them — narrowly the most common, ahead of engine at 11%.
Complaints281
Crashes44
Fires0
Injuries23
Deaths0
What owners report breaking
Steering 16.4% · 46
Engine 11.0% · 31
Vehicle speed control 11.0% · 31
Electrical system 8.9% · 25
Unknown or other 8.2% · 23
Air bags 6.4% · 18
Structure 6.4% · 18
Service brakes 5.7% · 16
Severity
Of those complaints, 44 describe a crash and 23 report an injury.
Reading the numbers
Across the 23 model years of the Toyota Highlander in this data, 2013 sits 13th by complaint volume. 2019 draws the most.
Filings have fallen off, 15 in the last three years against 18 in the three before. That is normal as a generation leaves the road.
The median odometer reading at the time of complaint was 30,500 miles.
In owners' own words
Started hearing a loud popping noise underneath the steering wheel or pedals. Noise became louder as time went on especially when I made turns. Toyota recent diagnosed the problem as an intermediate steering shaft. Was originall told it might be a rack and pinion problem. Hopefully that this doesn't now turn into something else. This is not covered under my powertrain warranty. Very upset. Steering · reported at 45,000 miles
My steering makes a clunking sound, which you can actually feel in the steering wheel when it occurs, when turning either left or right. It is increasing in occurrence and intensity. It occurs at any speed. This has been going on for several months. I took it to the dealership and they lubricated something, saying there was no danger. Should it become worse bring it back. It's going back! Steering · reported at 33,000 miles
There is a clunking noise when turning at low speeds. My mechanic says there is a defect in the design of the steering shaft. He said this commonly occurs with this model Highlander, something supported by numerous complaints about the same issue. Toyota denies responsibility and won't issue a recall, though it is a safety risk. Steering
Verbatim from NHTSA filings. Complaints are unverified owner reports.
Safety recalls
Checking NHTSA for open recalls…