2013 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Steering is the leading concern among 212 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 14th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2013 reports, 26 involved a crash. 12 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
SeatsMar 27, 2014
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 14V148000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsApr 9, 2013
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."
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.
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.
Campaign 13V123000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
212 reports, newest first.
Structure, Jun 8, 2014
I HAVE A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. DURING A HEAVY RAIN OR CAR WASH WATER ENTERS THE CABIN AROUND FROM THE CENTER POST WHERE THE SEATBELT RETRACTS. THE DEALER DETERMINED THAT THERE IS BAD WELD AT ONE OF THE ROOF SEAMS AND THE WATER IS LEAKING DOWN THROUGH THE CENTER POST. THE VEHICLE IS CURRENTLY AT THE DEALER WHILE THEY TRY AND FIGURE OUT HOW TO MAKE THE REPAIR. MY CONCERN IS THAT THIS DEFECT MAY ALSO AFFECT THE STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE VEHICLE DURING A CRASH. I AM ALSO CONCERNED THAT EVEN AFTER THE REPAIR IT MAY BE POSSIBLE THAT SMALL TRACES OF WATER ARE STILL ENTERING THE VEHICLE BUT AREN'T VISIBLE AS IT MAY BE HIDDEN BY INTERIOR TRIM. OVER TIME THIS MAY CAUSE RUST. SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS DEFECT? *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 31, 2014
DRIVING UPHILL,SUDDENLY LOST SPEED,HAD NO GAS PEDAL,HAD TO PULL TO SIDE OF ROAD AND THEN IT CAME BACK.HAS HAPPENED DOZENS OF TIMES AT DIFFERENT SPEEDS. THE LAST TIME IT HAPPENED I WAS DRIVING 70 MPH IN THE CENTER LANE OF I 95 IN PA, HAVE NOT DRIVEN THE CAR SINCE I GOT HOME. TOYOTA HAS TOLD ME IT IS EVERYTHING FROM SLIGHT HESITATION TO MY IMAGINATION. *TR
Other or unspecified, May 14, 2014
THE REAR WINDOW OF THE VEHICLE SHATTERED WHILE IT WAS PARKED FOR NO APPARENT REASON. *TR
Vehicle speed control, May 14, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING IN REVERSE LESS THAN 5 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY AND INADVERTENTLY ACCELERATED CAUSING HER TO LUNGE BACKWARD 20 FEET AND CRASHING INTO A PARKED VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ONLY CAME TO A COMPLETE STOP AFTER IT CRASHED INTO A FENCE AND GARDEN. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTO BODY FACILITY. THE DEALER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, May 2, 2014, crash
AS I WAS PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE (MAYBE 5 MILES PER HOUR) AND PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE TO STOP, MY 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER LUNGED FORWARD SO HARD THAT IT WENT OVER THE CONCRETE SPACER, A GRASS MEDIAN, THE CURB AND INTO THE STREET BEYOND THE PARKING LOT. I WAS ABLE TO BRAKE AND STOP THE ACCELERATION, BUT IT WAS SO SUDDEN, FAST AND UNEXPECTED THAT I SCRAPED THE PASSENGER SIDE ON THE VEHICLE NEXT TO ME. A BY-STANDER COMMENTED "I DON'T KNOW WHAT HAPPENED! ALL OF A SUDDEN YOUR CAR JUST RACED AWAY!" I HAVE DRIVEN FOR OVER 45 YEARS WITHOUT AN ACCIDENT. I HAVE BEEN A LOYAL TOYOTA CUSTOMER, BUYING ONE FOR MY SON AND DAUGHTER AS WELL AS THIS VEHICLE AND I THOUGHT WHATEVER PROBLEMS TOYOTA HAD WERE TAKEN CARE OF BUT NOW I AM AFRAID TO DRIVE MY VEHICLE. *TR
Electrical system, Exterior lighting, Engine, Apr 16, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. ALSO, THE CONTACT MENTIONED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS AND INSTRUMENT PANEL LIGHT INTERMITTENTLY FAILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE TECHNICIAN WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 16,000.
Air bags, Apr 16, 2014, crash
MY WIFE WAS DRIVING THE CAR NEAR THE DULLES TOLL ROAD ENTRANCE RAMP AT APPROXIMATELY 10 MPH. SHE SUDDENLY LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND HIT THE CAR AHEAD OF HER. NO BODILY INJURY TO EITHER PARTY. THE POLICE OFFICER WHO CAME TO THE SCENE SAID THAT IT WAS NOT MY WIFE'S FAULT AND HENCE, HE DID NOT ISSUE A TICKET TO MY WIFE. THE EXTENT OF THE DAMAGE IS $10,000. THE AIR BAG DID NOT DEPLOY. THE LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE AND THE AIR BAGS MALFUNCTION WAS TOLD TO KOONS TOYOTA. THEY DID NOT NOTIFY THE NHTSB, NOR THE TOYOTA HEADQUARTERS. AFTER THE BODY SHOP WORK WAS DONE, KOONS TOYOTA DID NOT EVEN INSPECT THE VEHICLE TO CHECK ALL THE NECESSARY REPAIRS HAVE BEEN DONE PROPERLY. NO SAFETY INSPECTION WAS DONE. *TT
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 15, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON SEVERAL OCCASIONS, THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. ADDITIONALLY, THE VEHICLE WOULD VIBRATE EXCESSIVELY WHEN STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE ON. THE VIBRATIONS WOULD CAUSE EAR PAIN TO THE CONTACT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND NO SOLUTION WAS OFFERED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 11,000.
Engine, Apr 9, 2014
THE VEHICLE DID NOT ALERT TO ANY ENGINE AND/OR VEHICLE PROBLEM (NO CAUTION LIGHT, NO ENGINE LIGHT, ETC.) THE DRIVER HAPPENED TO LOOK DOWN AT THE FUEL TANK AND NOTICED THAT THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE EXCEED THE MEASURING MARK (OVER THE RED ZONE) AND WAS STILL RUNNING. THE DRIVER IMMEDIATELY WENT TO A SAFE PLACE. TOWED TO THE DEALERSHIP. DEALERSHIP INFORMS THAT A "SMALL ROCK OR ROAD DEBRIS" TRAVELED THROUGH THE FRONT GRILL AND PUNCTURED THE RADIATOR. AFTER RESEARCHING WHY THE RADIATOR IS NOT COVERED UNDER THE WARRANTY ON BRAND NEW VEHICLE UNDER THIS ROAD DEBRIS, I READ OVER 30 REPORTED CASES IN NOT ONLY THE TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, TOYOTA TUNDRA, AND TOYOTA COROLLA AS THEIR IS NO PROTECTION TO THE FRONT PORTION OF THE RADIATOR AND/OR CONDENSER. WOULD HAVE CAUSED ENGINE FIRE, DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY THERE WERE NO SAFETY LIGHTS AND OR INDICATORS SOMETHING WAS WRONG WITH VEHICLE. *TR
Structure, Vehicle speed control, Apr 9, 2014
TL THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING 55 MPH THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY ACCELERATED. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO ENGAGE THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE VEHICLE RESUMED NORMAL FUNCTION. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE DOOR HATCH MOTOR EMITTED A LOUD CLICKING SOUND WHEN IT WAS OPENED AND CLOSED. THE DEALER REPLACED THE MOTOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 88. THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 2,500. RK
Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 9, 2014
ON THURSDAY, APRIL 3, 2013. I STOPPED AT AN INTERSECTION AND WHEN I TRIED TO ACCELERATE THERE WAS NO RESPONSE. I THOUGHT THE ENGINE HAD DIED. THERE WERE NO LIGHTS ON INSTRUMENT PANEL. I PRESSED ACCELERATOR AGAIN AND IT JERKED AND TOOK OFF. I HAVE EXPERIENCED HESITATIONS SEVERAL TIMES (10-12). I BOUGHT THE HIGHLANDER 2013 IN JULY 2013. *TR
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Engine, Apr 1, 2014
I BOUGHT A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER IN OCTOBER 2012 AND NEVER NOTICED ANY PROBLEM UNTIL EARLY IN 2014. WHEN I TRY TO ACCELERATE ON A SMALL INCLINE, THE ACCELERATOR WOULD NOT RESPOND. IT ACTED AS IF I AM NOT PRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. I AM NOT TALKING ABOUT GOING TO THE MOUNTAINS BUT JUST A SMALL INCLINE WHEN I DRIVE HOME FROM WORK EVERYDAY. I TOOK IT INTO THE DEALER IN MARCH 2014 AND THEY RESPONDED SAME AS OTHER PEOPLE ON THIS WEBSITE, NO ERRORS ON THE DIAGNOSTIC MACHINE AND NO POSTING FROM TOYOTA. THEY ADVISED ME TO PUT IN PREMIUM FUEL AND I DID BUT THAT DID NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. VERY DISAPPOINTING FROM A TOYOTA WITH A V6 ENGINE. THE DEALER ALSO TRIES TO SAY IT IS DUE TO CVT TRANSMISSION. HOWEVER, I HAVE A SUBARU WITH CVT AS WELL AND THAT CAR CAN ACCELERATE UPHILL WHEN NEEDED. I HAVE HAD A TOYOTA CELICA, TERCEL, AND A TOYOTA TRUCK IN MY LIFE AND NONE HAD THIS TYPE OF PROBLEMS. *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 19, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE ERRONEOUSLY ACCELERATED WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHERE THE FAILURE COULD NOT BE DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED ABOUT THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 5,600. THE VIN WAS UNAVAILABLE.
Visibility/wiper, Mar 19, 2014
RECENTLY PURCHASED A NEW 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER FROM A TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ON 03/15/14. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE THE FOLLOWING DAY, I SUBSEQUENTLY NOTICED THAT THE FRONT WINDSHIELD IMPAIRS / BLURRED VISION OF THE DRIVER AS WELL AS ANY OTHER OCCUPANTS IN THE VEHICLE WHILE LOOKING OUT OF THE FRONT WINDSHIELD. IT ACTUALLY MAKES YOU DIZZY AND IS A MAJOR SAFETY HAZARD TO ALL ON THE ROAD. SEARCHED FOR RECALL/DEFECTS WITH TOYOTA AND DID FIND ANOTHER COMPLAINT OF THE SAME INCIDENT/VEHICLE/PART/SYMPTOMS WITH A VEHICLE OWNER. HIS COMPLAINT WAS CONFIRMED BY A TOYOTA SERVICE MANAGER AND WAS SET UP FOR A WINDSHIELD REPLACEMENT. UNFORTUNATELY, THE OWNER WAS LATER CONTACTED AND TOLD THAT TOYOTA WILL NOT REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS THE WINDSHIELD THAT ALL TOYOTA HIGHLANDER'S ARE ASSEMBLED WITH. PERSONAL OPINION: DEFECT MAY BE DUE TO THE INTEGRATION OF THE "FRONT WINDSHIELD HEATER SYSTEM." *TR
Vehicle speed control, Mar 11, 2014
VEHICLE FAILED TO ACCELERATE FROM A STOP. IT JUST ROLLED ALONG, ACCELERATOR DEPRESSED TILL ABOUT HALFWAY, THEN IT ACCELERATED RAPIDLY SPINNING THE TIRES, THIS HAS OCCURED 3 TIMES. IT HAS ALSO HESITATED BADLY WHILE ACCELERATING WITH NO RESPONSE TO PEDAL POSITION THEN SUDDEN AND UNEXPECTED RAPID ACCELERATION, THIS HAS OCCURED 5 TIMES. THIS CONDITION HAS BECOME DRAMATICALLY WORSE SINCE IT WAS SERVICED FOR UNEXPECTED ACCELERATION PROBLEMS WHERE THE DEALER CLAIMED THEY COULD NOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. HEADLIGHTS ARE ALSO AIMED WAY TOO HIGH ILLUMINATING THE TREES INSTEAD OF THE ROAD AND BLINDING ONCOMING DRIVERS. THE DEALER CLAIMS THEY CANNOT DUPLICATE THIS EITHER AND THAT THERE IS NO PROBLEM. THE VEHICLE WAS SERVICED FOR THESE HAZARDS AT 6006 MILES. WE HAVE STOPPED USING THE CAR SINCE WE FEEL IT IS UNSAFE.
Other or unspecified, Feb 27, 2014
JULY 20, 2013 I PUSHED THE IGNITION BUTTON TO TURN OFF THE ENGINE. I EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IMMEDIATELY REALIZED IT WAS STILL MOVING. I ATTEMPTED TO GET BACK IN THE VEHICLE TO STOP IT. I FELL AND THE BACK TIRE RAN OVER MY FOOT/LEG. A MAN CAME AND JUMPED IN THE CAR TO STOP IT AFTER IT CROSSED THE STREET AND HIT A PARKED CAR. I HAVE BOTH A FRACTURED TIBIA AND FIBULA. THE TIBIA REQUIRED A SCREW TO STABILIZE HOWEVER, MY FOOT WAS SO INJURED (TORN FLESH) THAT I HAD TO WAIT 5 WEEKS FOR THE FLESH TO HEAL TO AVOID INFECTION. I HAVE BEEN OFF OF WORK SINCE JULY 22 TO DATE (SEPTEMBER 5,2013). I REALIZE HOW FORTUNATE I AM IN THAT IT APPEARS I HAVE NOT SUSTAINED A PERMANENT DISABILITY. I SHUDDER TO THINK HOW MUCH MORE TRAGIC THIS COULD HAVE BEEN FOR MULTIPLE INNOCENT PEOPLE. I AM UNSURE OF HOW TO GIVE NOTICE TO OTHERS TO PREVENT FURTHER INJURIES. IT WAS RECOMMENDED THAT I REPORT THIS TO NHTSA.
Vehicle speed control, Feb 19, 2014
VEHICLE ACCELERATED SLIGHTLY WHEN BRAKE WAS APPLIED, CRUISE ON, SPEED 60MPH, 1 TIME. HESITATED ON ACCELERATION AFTER DECELERATION, SPEED 60 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 1 TIME; SPEED 40 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 2 TIMES; SPEED 35 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 3 TIMES. HESITATED ON ACCELERATION AFTER COASTING, SPEED 40 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 4 TIMES; SPEED 43 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 1 TIME, SPEED 45 MPH, CRUISE OFF, 2 TIMES; SPEED 35, CRUISE OFF, 3 TIMES. ACCELERATED BY ITSELF INCLUDING DOWNSHIFT ONE GEAR, RPM 1725 CHANGED TO 2225 AND ACCELERATED FROM 60 TO 65 THEN RETURNED TO 60 MPH AFTER A FEW SECONDS, FLAT LEVEL ROADWAY, CRUISE ON, 1 TIME. I HAVE BEEN A MECHANIC OVER 45 YEARS AND A FLEET OWNER, ONCE I EXPERIENCED THE INITIAL SPEED UP I HAVE BEEN KEEPING A LOG OF ALL ABNORMAL BEHAVIOR RELATED TO THIS ISSUE. FIRST ISSUE AT ABOUT 3500 MILES, PRESENT MILEAGE ABOUT 6000. *TR
Air bags, Service brakes, Feb 9, 2014, crash
I WAS DRIVING DOWN THE STREET AND CAME UPON A RED LIGHT, THERE WERE TWO CARS AHEAD OF ME, A LINCOLN AND A CHRYSLER. I STARTED TO SLOW DOWN AT A DISTANCE, WHEN I APPLIED THE BRAKE, MY VEHICLE ACCELERATED, I LOOKED DOWN TO MAKE SURE THAT MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE, AND IT SURE WAS, SO I HAMMERED DOWN ON THE BRAKE AND MY VEHICLE DID NOT SLOW DOWN AND CONTINUED TO RUN AT THE SAME SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH. THE FAULTY BRAKE CAUSED A WITHOUT THE DEPLOYMENT OF AIRBAGS. I KNEW THAT I DID NOT ACCIDENTALLY STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL BECAUSE IF I HAD DONE SO, THE RESULTS WOULD HAVE BEEN MORE FATAL. I WOULD HAVE PUSHED THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME ONTO THE ON COMING TRAFFIC. AFTER THE INCIDENT, I TESTED OUT THE BRAKES, AND IT WAS AS IF EVERYTHING WAS ALRIGHT. EVEN THOUGH I HAD SEEN THE CARS IN FRONT OF ME, AND THE RED TRAFFIC LIGHT, MY VEHICLE DID NOT REACT TO MY BRAKES. THE LINCOLN AND THE CHRYSLER IN FRONT OF ME ALSO DIDN'T HAVE THEIR AIRBAGS DEPLOYED. *TR
Seats, Visibility/wiper, Jan 28, 2014
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING 30 MPH, SHE DEPRESSED THE BRAKES AND THE SECOND ROW SEATS MOVED FORWARD ABNORMALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE SEAT NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE WINDSHIELD WIPER FLUID WOULD NOT DISPENSE WHEN SHE APPLIED THE SWITCH. THE CONTACT TOOK THE VEHICLE BACK TO THE DEALER FOR INSPECTION WHERE THEY STATED THAT THE FLUID HAD FROZEN. THE CONTACT ADDED DE-ICER TO THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN TO WORK BRIEFLY. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 100.
Vehicle speed control, Jan 14, 2014, crash
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING 5 MPH AND ATTEMPTED TO ENGAGE THE BRAKES WHEN THE VEHICLE VIOLENTLY LUNGED FORWARD AND CRASHED INTO A SUPPORT BEAM, THEN DOWN AN EMBANKMENT BEFORE FINALLY CRASHING INTO A TREE. A POLICE REPORT WAS NOT FILED AND NO INJURIES WERE REPORTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 14,000.
Service brakes, Engine, Jan 5, 2014
I BOUGHT A NEW 2013 HIGHLANDER DECEMBER 28, 2013 FROM TOM WOOD TOYOTA DEALERSHIP. WHEN I WAS DRIVING HOME DECEMBER 28-31, 2013 CLICK, CLICK, SQUEAKING NOISE, BRAKES SLIPPING, DRAGGING, VIBRATING AND A TREMENDOUS PULSATING AGAINST MY FOOT WHEN I STOP. WHEN I TRIED TO STOP THE HIGHLANDER THE VEHICLE JUMPED FORWARD. JANUARY 2, 2014 A BURNT ODOR COMING THROUGH THE HEATER VENTS, RATTLING IN THE RIGHT FRONT DOOR, GUSH SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES, THERE IS ALSO ANOTHER SOUND COMING FROM THE BRAKES THAT I CAN NOT IDENTIFY. I AM WONDERING IF A FIRE IS TRYING TO START, BECAUSE OF THE BURNT ODOR. *TR
Electrical system, Dec 6, 2013
I BOUGHT MY 2013 BRAND NEW 9/27/12. SHORTLY AFTER I RECEIVED IT I NOTICED SONGS WOULD SKIP OR START OVER ON THE IPOD AS WELL AS THE CD. A FEW MONTHS LATER THE RADIO STATION WOULD CHANGED CHANNELS FOR NO REASON. THESE THINGS HAPPENED IF I WAS BACKING OUT OF A PARKING SPACE, GOING OVER A SLIGHT BUMP OR JUST DRIVING NORMALLY ON A REGULAR ROAD OR A FREEWAY. I'VE GONE TO TWO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHO CAN'T FIND ANY PROBLEM AND BECAUSE THE PROBLEMS ARE INTERMITTENT THEY SAY THEY CAN'T DIAGNOSE IT. I'VE HAD TWO CASEWORKERS AT TOYOTA OF AMERICA AND THEY SAY THERE IS NOTHING THEY CAN DO. IN THE PAST MONTH WHEN I PULLED IN THE GARAGE THE HEADLIGHT "SOMETIMES" TURN OFF WHEN I TURN OFF THE IGNITION. OTHER TIMES THEY STAY ON THE NORMAL 30 SECONDS. I'VE ALSO HAD A COUPLE OF ISSUES THAT OTHER HIGHLANDER OWNERS MENTIONED ON YOUR WEBSITE MAINLY WHEN I'M AT A STOP AND THE LIGHT TURNS GREEN A COUPLE OF TIMES WHEN I STEP ON THE GAS THE CAR ENGINE REVS A FEW SECONDS THEN LURCHES FORWARD. ALSO RECENTLY THE DASHBOARD LIGHTS DIM OR BRIGHTEN FOR NO REASON AT ALL. MY CONCERN IS THAT IT SEEMS PROBLEMS ARE INCREASING AND I JUST DON'T KNOW EXACTLY WHAT STEPS TO TAKE NEXT. *TR
Fuel system, Gasoline, Vehicle speed control, Nov 30, 2013
WHEN DRIVING THE VEHICLE AT 35MPH WHEN YOU STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL THERE'S A DELAY ON ACCELERATION ESPECIALLY WHEN THE VEHICLE IS GOING UPHILL. IT STARTED WHEN THE VEHICLE MILEAGE WAS AT 1250 MILES ITS ON AND OFF. *TR
Service brakes, Nov 12, 2013, crash
I STARTED MY VEHICLE, IN MY GARAGE, TO WARM IT UP FOR ITS FIRST SCHEDULED MAINTENANCE AT THE DEALERSHIP. THE PARKING BRAKE WAS ENGAGED FROM MY LAST USE OF THE VEHICLE THE NIGHT PRIOR (I ALWAYS APPLY THE PARKING BRAKE BEFORE EXITING MY CAR). AS MY HIGHLANDER WARMED UP, I BEGAN REMOVING A FEW PERSONAL ITEMS SO THAT THEY WOULD BE OUT OF THE VEHICLE DURING MY SERVICE AT THE DEALERSHIP. I PLACED MY PERSONAL ITEMS AT THE END OF MY GARAGE, ADJACENT TO THE FRONT-END OF THE VEHICLE. AS I TURNED FOR MY 3RD TRIP BACK TO GET THE LAST OF MY PERSONAL ITEMS OUT, I SEE MY HIGHLANDER STARTING TO ROLL BACKWARDS. I WAS AT THE FRONT-END OF MY VEHICLE WHEN IT STARTED MOVING IN REVERSE. I WAS UNABLE TO SAFELY ENTER THE VEHICLE WHILE IT WAS IN REVERSE MOTION. MY VEHICLE BACKED UP OVER A CURB AND MADE IMPACT WITH BUSHES AND A BUILDING STRUCTURE. I QUESTION IF FAULTY CONSTRUCTION OF THE PARKING BRAKE ALLOWED IT TO DISENGAGE AND INDEPENDENTLY INITIATE MOVEMENT IN REVERSE. *LN *TR
Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Nov 8, 2013
OCCASIONAL THROTTLE NO RESPONSE WHEN TRYING TO ACCELERATE MODERATELY FROM A STOP, OR FROM A VERY LOW SPEED (I.E.-COASTING AROUND A 90 DEGREE TURN WITH THE ENGINE AT IDLE SPEED.) I THEN PUSH HEAVILY ON THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL, AND IT REVS UP, DOWNSHIFTS, AND RACES AHEAD. IT IS DANGEROUS, IN TRAFFIC. I HAVE BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER TWICE, AND THEY CANNOT REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM. TWO SO CALLED FACTORY REPS RODE AROUND WITH ME THE SECOND TIME, WITH A COMPUTER CONNECTED. DIAGNOSTICS SHOWS NO ERROR CODES. *TR