2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems, complaints & recalls
Most-reported problem areas: Structure:body (1) · Service Brakes (1) · Power Train (1)
🧭 Reliability snapshot
Compared against other Toyota Highlander Hybrid model years — complaint volume vs the model's median year, recalls and severity. How we score →
Safety recalls (0)
No recalls on record for this model year (campaigns announced since 2010).
Service bulletins (157)
Technical service bulletins are repair instructions manufacturers send dealers for known issues. Unlike recalls, the fix is not automatically free — but naming the bulletin at the service desk can save diagnosis time and support goodwill repairs.
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0009-26 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
this bulletin includes basic procedures for performing a rescue charge on ni-mh high voltage (hv) batteries. this bulletin should be used in conjunction with the applicable model and model year repair manual while performing a rescue charge. the grx-5100 should be used wherever the repair manual ref
Engine 2026-02-13 · T-SB-0119-15 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
obsolete notice february 13, 2026: this bulletin is now obsolete. please see t-sb-0009-26.
Unknown Or Other 2026-01-07 · T-SB-0055-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
some 2005 – 2026 toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. the purpose of this service bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures
Electrical System 2025-06-13 · T-SB-0058-23 Rev1 · Service Campaign
the air conditioning dye injection tool kit has been developed to aid in identifying the location of air conditioning refrigerant leaks. the procedures outlined in this service bulletin aid in locating, inspecting, and repairing refrigerant leaks.
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0039-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
the condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. if these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,
Structure:body 2024-12-06 · T-SB-0038-24 Rev2 · Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions
to prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. the purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.
Showing the 6 most recent of 157 bulletins. Search all of them free at nhtsa.gov.
What owners report
2019-06-27 · Structure:body · 48,000 mi“we recently had our highlander completely totaled by our insurance after a failure to have our air conditioning drain properly. the clog caused water to back up into the frame of the car and flood our floor carpeting. the drainage issue also caused the headliners to become wet and drip onto the leather upholstery. we brought this to the attention o…”
2018-01-09 · Power Train · 47,200 mi“over night my parked suv moved 10 feet backwards on a very slight up sloped parking space at my home. it was locked, in park and no ice underneath. i did not move it after first noticing incident, but it then moved another 2 feet this morning. then later i got in and moved it back to original place, put it in park and it came to an abrupt stop.…”
2016-08-01 · Service Brakes · 53,400 mi“8/1/2016 2013 highlander hybrid was traveling at 60mph when lights on dash started blinking with a loud beeping noise. brake malfunction, check abs was reading on the information screen. traffic ahead on 2 lane highway with a speed limit of 55mph had suddenly stopped and i was forced to slam on brakes. at this point the brakes felt very heavy…”
2015-06-22 · Unknown Or Other“water is leaking into the vehicle, soaking carpet and the floor, everytime it rains. lots of water remains in the floor everytime it happens, mostly in the middle row, smelling bad after a while. dealer said they can't find it. !..updated 08/13/15 *bf updated 11/27/2015*js…”
2015-02-09 · Air Bags · 16,500 mi“tl*the contact owns a 2013 toyota highlander hybrid. the contact stated that while driving at approximately 65 mph, the airbag off warning light illuminated. the vehicle was not taken to a dealer and was not diagnosed or repaired. the manufacturer was notified of the failure. the approximate failure mileage was 16,500.…”
Excerpts of consumer complaints filed with NHTSA, lightly truncated. They are owner statements, not verified findings.