What 210 owners told NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Highlander

This is related to the Faulty Spiral Cable Assembly (HORN) that on line evidence suggests should have been a Toyota Recall item for this year and model. In 2014, Toyota issued a recall for 97,000 Hylanders for this very thing however it only covered 2008-2010 at that time. In review of safety recalls for faulty Spiral Cables on other Toyota models, it's evident they have had issues. On December 10, 2025, I replaced the Spiral Cable with a certified Toyota Dealer and worked to get reimbursement through Toyota by sending a certified letter and the replaced Spiral Cable to them to prove the evidence of the permanent, pinched cable assembly. According to the Toyota Mechanic, there is evidence the horn assembly was permanently 'pinched' at installation resulting in ultimate failure with the steering column use. I've owned several Toyota Vehicles through 200,000+ miles, including my 2005 Toyota Sienna and never have I had a horn become inoperable during ownership. Toyota responded there was nothing they could do to reimburse any portion of this and no recall warranted. I'm registering this complaint in hopes that other folks that have opined on line will have also reported this to generate a recall for this year/model given ongoing challenges with this Spiral Cable Assembly. A horn is an obvious needed safety feature and I've had this car serviced at Toyota dealers since we purchased it as a Certified car from Toyota in 2016. The cost of replacement was $694.86 to insure our safety and use of an alarm/horn for distracted drivers. My hope is that the NTSB will register this as a formal complaint so Toyota steps up to do the honorable thing to protect families. Thank you for your consideration

NHTSA ODI 11747923

After a hard braking session because of a car that pulled quickly in front of me the ABS light and check engine light came on with a code of C1391 - Abnormal leak in Accumulator. A warning message came on the info center saying I needed to take it to the dealer to have the brake system checked for a serious issue. Went to the dealership and they replaced the Brake Actuator and Brake Booster Pump and bled the system. This all happened in Febuary of 2025. This put everyone at risk because it could have resulted in a total brake system failure. There were no issues or lights before this incident.

NHTSA ODI 11735574

2013 Toyota Highlander Limited sunroof drains continue to back up and dump water into the front and rear cabin, causing electrical issues and mold if not addressed immediately. Also the factory-installed roof rack mounting holes allow water to enter the cabin, causing damage to the headliner, which could fall down while driving. Water also collects in the floorboards in both the front and rear and the third row. This water damage causes rust of metal parts on the seats and inside the cabin, which impacts the seat belts and seat hinge points. Toyota refuses to recall models with this issue and lets owners pay out of pocket for repairs while the issue continues to affect the electrical, braking, mold, rust, unprotected metal seat components, and more. This vehicle has been in the shop 4 times for this same issue in 2025 alone.

NHTSA ODI 11689466

A persistent smell of fuel occurred while in slow moving traffic and after vehicle was parked after use. Upon close inspection, the fuel injector fuel rail end cap exhibited a slow fuel leak. This component caused a recall for year model highlanders for 2014 production year describing the same type of component failure. The component has faulty end cap weldment that fails, causing the same failure mode being observed in my highlander. This is a fire hazard! Fuel rails should not be failing like this. A replacement fuel rail assembly has been order from Salinas Toyota. The original component can be made available for inspection/testing. I will also take a video of the leak and provide file upon request.

NHTSA ODI 11676467

I own a Toyota and have always been a strong supporter of the brand — I truly believe Toyota’s reliability and build quality are unmatched. That’s why I was shocked and disappointed to discover that the paint on the roof of my car, especially near the sunroof, had started peeling. I left for a two-week trip, and when I returned in June 2025, I noticed that the paint had begun to flake and peel severely. The surface felt brittle and dry, and simply touching the area caused more paint to come off. It was clear that the damage had occurred during sun exposure while I was away. I later learned that Toyota had launched a Customer Support Program related to paint issues on white vehicles, but I was completely unaware that it existed or that it had ended in 2024. Had I known, I would have brought the vehicle in sooner. My car only started showing signs of this defect in mid-2025, well after the program had expired. I’m reporting this because I believe the issue is still ongoing and more widespread than Toyota may realize. As a loyal Toyota owner and enthusiast, this experience has been incredibly frustrating and disappointing.

NHTSA ODI 11669562

Driver side airbags (curtain and left seat) spontaneously deployed while I was parking the car. I did not hit anything. I was not injured but my safety was put at risk because I likely would have crashed if it had happened while I was driving. I contacted Toyota and they sent an investigator to inspect the car. He found no issues in the data he collected and could not give a reason for the airbags deployment. I received a letter saying they were not going to help in any way. There were no warnings lights or indicators that could have warned me of the airbags deploying prior to the incident.

NHTSA ODI 11667147

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving in negative 10-degree weather at 75 MPH, the driver's and passenger’s side curtain air bags deployed without warning or impact. The local dealer was contacted, but the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was approximately 124,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ODI 11642557

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while the vehicle was parked, the contact discovered that the paint on the top of the vehicle was peeling. The contact did research and was made aware of the Customer Support Program: ZKG however, the VIN was not included. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA ODI 11640974

Multiple ABS related(ABS, TRACTION, BRAKES) warning lights/messages making driving my Highlander dangerous to me and others. Warning lights appeared 9/30/2024. No symptoms or warning lights appeared prior. Vehicle was then inspected by Toyota of Plano. Code 1391indicating an internal leak in the ABS. Confirmed by service dept of Toyota of Plano, Tx indicating the need for replacement of ABS Module Assembly. This as an acknowledged Toyota problem that was with a Service Bulletin that expired last year. Plano Toyota advised me to ask Toyota Brand Engagement for help but they declined. Toyota Brand Engagement declined to extend the prior Bulletin or assist in any way.. The Toyota case file is under my name and #241008000770. Any assistance from NHTSA would be appreciated.

NHTSA ODI 11619689

Steering column cracks, no help from Dealer. Many complaints on internet. Remedy requires expensive new steering column. Defective spindle type bearing defective. The noise is ongoing. It feels like its going to break. Very scary...ongoing doesn't stop. Dealer says wont break just replace if you want to... Toyota Service bulletin #T-SB-0034-13 details steering column replacement fix issued on this. I have it. Dealer denies simple joint grease kit maintenance option.

NHTSA ODI 11607205

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 [XXX], 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. The last occurrence was [XXX] in Plympton MA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11599219

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.

NHTSA ODI 11563350

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.

NHTSA ODI 11541278

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.

NHTSA ODI 11540749

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while attempting to close the liftgate, the contact was unable to close the liftgate. The contact had not activated the power assist liftgate motor. The contact used force to close the liftgate. The contact stated that the failure had first been intermittent; however, the failure had become more frequent. The contact stated that the vehicle was equipped with an on/off switch for the liftgate power assist however, he had turned the assist feature off. The contact had previously had the liftgate motor replaced by a dealer under a manufacturer’s extended warranty program. The contact had taken the vehicle back to the same dealer to have the failure addressed. The dealer diagnosed the failure and determined that the liftgate motor needed to be replaced. The vehicle not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 100,000.

NHTSA ODI 11491806

All ABS brake lights on indicating a brake malfunction. Toyota has a customer support program to change out parts for free if vehicle is in USA. This should be a recall as it is a major safety concern and affects vehicles that may also be outside of the USA. If vehicle is outside of USA one can not even buy the updated parts (brake actuator and brake booster) to repair the vehicle because Toyota will not sell the parts to a dealer if the vehicle is not at a U.S.A. dealer so I am rendered with an unusable unreliable unfixable Toyota vehicle.

NHTSA ODI 11490934

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.

NHTSA ODI 11471361

Unable to align vehicle correct due to driver's side rear camber. Caused uneven tire wear and costly replacement for tires for 6 years.

NHTSA ODI 11465882

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, there was an abnormal boom and wind detected on top of the vehicle. Upon opening the sunroof, the contact noticed that the sunroof had shattered. The sunroof was bubbling upwards. There were no reported injuries. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer however, the vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted. The failure mileage was unknown.

NHTSA ODI 11450769

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his wife was driving 60 MPH, she heard an abnormally loud sound coming from the vehicle. The driver veered to the side of the road and inspected the vehicle but found no issue with the vehicle. She re-entered the vehicle and opened the sunroof and shards of broken glass fell inside the vehicle from the sunroof. The driver stated that no object had struck the sunroof glass to cause the sunroof glass to shatter. The vehicle was restarted and driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 186,000.

NHTSA ODI 11448883

When I turn the steering faster than a certain speed, it will lock up for a moment, either turning right or left. Sometimes a light indicating a steering fault lights up on the dash cluster, sometimes not. When the turning of the wheel stops and locks up I cannot turn any more in that direction. I can turn the other way. This has been a problem for sometime and is becoming now worse. Aside from the locking up, justing turning slowly, there is a bit of a whine or low level grind sound in the sound of the steering column. This is a mechanical noise, not the typical whine of the steering pump.

NHTSA ODI 11443325

Michelin Defender LTX M/S Tire 245/55R19 While driving on the freeway at 70 mph, the tire below and tread separated causing significant damage to vehicle. The tread appears to have separated from the tire, which caused the tire to hit the sidewall and rear of vehicle, which tore off the rear bumper and damaged rear quarter panel. It appears that both steel belts and polyester carcass piles failed The tire separation occurred, unprovoked as there was no impact from debris and the vehicle had been in operation/ driving for over 30 minutes. Incident was witnessed by Highway Patrol, who appeared very surprised to see such an event occur. Costco tire, flagged the issue as it appeared out of the ordinary and shipped the tire for review to Michelin.

NHTSA ODI 11441146

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.

NHTSA ODI 11430334

My car will stall with no warning. I have taken my car multiple times to the dealership and the problem has not been able to be repaired. There have been other years of Toyota recalled for this exact same problem however, mine has not been. This is a serious safety concern!

NHTSA ODI 11424211

- The car was purchased in 2015 used and the steering wheel has made a clunking sound when turning a hard sharp left or right since the day of purchase -While on a road trip of approximately 3,000 miles round trip in June 2021 the steering wheel was adjusted to accommodate my husband's height. It became very loose, with it finally dropping into my husband's lap on the last day of our trip-it was difficult to steer the car -We brought the car in to our dealership the following day where they confirmed we needed a new steering column-the car has not been involved in any accidents nor have the air bags employed -Other than the "clunking" sound there has never been any previous warning that the steering wheel would disengage while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11423336