The 2013 Highlander is generally solid, but the 2.7L I4 has catastrophic oil consumption issues, and all models face transmission cooler leaks that can destroy the transmission if ignored. The 3.5L V6 is the most reliable powertrain choice.
Symptoms: Blue smoke from exhaust on cold start or acceleration, Low oil warning light between changes, Burning 1+ quart per 1,000 miles, Rough idle, misfires, fouled spark plugs
Fix: Piston ring design flaw causes oil to bypass into combustion chambers. Toyota issued TSB but no recall. Requires complete engine rebuild or short block replacement (20-28 labor hours). Many owners report repeat failures even after Toyota's 'fix.'
Estimated cost: $4,500-7,500
Transmission Oil Cooler Internal Leak
Common · high severity
Typical onset: 80,000-150,000 mi
Symptoms: Pink milkshake appearance in radiator, Transmission slipping or delayed shifts, Overheating transmission, Coolant in ATF or ATF in coolant
Fix: Internal cooler in radiator fails, allowing coolant and ATF to mix. Destroys transmission if driven after contamination. Must replace radiator, flush both systems, often need transmission rebuild (radiator 2-3 hrs, transmission rebuild adds 12-16 hrs). Preventive radiator replacement at 100k saves transmissions.
Symptoms: Oil dripping from front of engine onto subframe, Oil pressure warning at idle when hot, Rattling noise on cold start, Oil spots on driveway
Fix: Plastic oil delivery lines to VVT actuators become brittle and crack. Lines run behind timing cover. Requires removal of timing cover, water pump, and accessory belts (8-12 labor hours). Replace both banks' lines simultaneously even if only one is leaking.
Estimated cost: $1,200-1,800
Rear Subframe Corrosion (Northern/Salt States)
Occasional · high severity
Symptoms: Visible rust on rear subframe around control arm mounts, Clunking over bumps from rear, Failed state inspection in rust states, Alignment issues that won't hold
Fix: Rear subframe rusts from inside out, particularly at mounting points. Once structural integrity is compromised, subframe must be replaced (12-16 labor hours including suspension removal/alignment). Inspect thoroughly on any used purchase from salt belt.
Estimated cost: $2,500-4,000
Hybrid Battery Cooling Fan Failure (Hybrid Only)
Occasional · medium severity
Typical onset: 120,000-180,000 mi
Symptoms: Hybrid system warning light, Reduced power / limp mode, Battery overheat warnings, Visible dust buildup in rear cargo area vents
Fix: Cooling fan for hybrid battery pulls in cabin air through rear cargo vent. Clogs with dust/debris or motor fails. Causes battery to overheat and triggers fault codes. Fan assembly replacement requires cargo trim removal (2-3 labor hours). Clean filter annually as preventive.
Estimated cost: $600-900
Front Lower Control Arm Bushings
Common · low severity
Typical onset: 80,000-120,000 mi
Symptoms: Clunking over bumps from front end, Steering wander or poor return to center, Uneven tire wear on inside edges, Vibration at highway speeds
Fix: Front lower control arm bushings deteriorate, causing alignment issues and handling problems. Replace entire control arms as bushings aren't sold separately (2-3 hours per side). Always do alignment after replacement.
Estimated cost: $800-1,200 (both sides with alignment)
Owner tips
If buying a 2.7L I4 model, get pre-purchase compression and leak-down tests — many engines are ticking time bombs even if oil consumption isn't obvious yet
Check radiator fluid for ANY discoloration or ATF smell — catching trans cooler leak early saves $4k+ in transmission work
3.5L V6 models are significantly more reliable than 2.7L I4; worth paying extra for
Inspect rear subframe closely with flashlight and screwdriver on any Highlander from Northeast/Midwest salt states
Hybrid cooling fan filter (behind cargo trim) should be vacuumed yearly to prevent $3k+ battery replacements
Buy the 3.5L V6 version and you've got a reliable 200k-mile family hauler; avoid the 2.7L I4 completely unless it's already had an engine replacement with updated parts.
AI-assisted summary drawn from NHTSA recall data, our labor-times database, and platform knowledge. Not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection on a specific vehicle.
Fitment notes: Standard top post battery; engine bay location
As an Amazon Associate, OLP earns from qualifying purchases — how we link. This never changes the specs we publish.
Every control module on the 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander — where it lives, replacement time, and what it takes to program a replacement. Modules marked dealer / factory tool won't work after a part swap alone — budget for programming.
📍 Rear cargo area, driver side trim panel or behind rear bumper
🔧 Techstream or Autel/Launch for sensor calibration
⚠️ Sensor calibration may be required depending on system type.
Backup Camera ECU (CAMERA ECU)0.8 hr R&Rrelearn only +0.2 hr▸ programming details
📍 Rear liftgate area, integrated with camera assembly or behind trim
🔧 Techstream for guideline calibration
⚠️ Guideline calibration recommended but not always mandatory.
Aftermarket tool coverage varies by software version and vehicle build — treat "aftermarket tool" rows as "usually possible" and verify against your tool maker's coverage list before promising a customer. Spot a wrong location or hour? Tell us — corrections ship fast here.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2013 Highlander vehicles manufactured March 13, 2013, through August 6, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the second row left hand seat may not lock in place when positioned in the forward front or second adjusting position. As such, the vehicles do not conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 207, "Seating Systems."
Consequence: If the seat does not lock into the seat track, there may be an increased risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the second row left hand seat so that it will lock into the seat track, free of charge. The recall began on May 21, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS · 13V123000
2013-04-09
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE · 13V014000
2013-01-16
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Consequence: If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Fuel economy (EPA)
City
20mpg
Highway
25mpg
Combined
22mpg
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
Capability & size
EPA class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 2WD
Wiper blades
2008-2013 generation (XU40). Standard hook-type attachment for front blades.
Size-standard part numbers — verify your connector type before buying. Rear blades are model-specific; check the package's vehicle list.
Fuel economy figures are EPA data via fueleconomy.gov (median across matching trims). Performance figures are compiled estimates for the 2013 Toyota Highlander 2.7L I4 and can vary by trim.
🔧 Database maintained under the daily editorial review of Chris Hackleman · Master Technician · 20+ years and Jeff Moore · Master Lexus & Toyota Mechanic · 20+ years.