2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems
The Toyota Highlander, also known as the Toyota Kluger (Japanese: トヨタ・クルーガー, Hepburn: Toyota Kurūgā), is a mid-size crossover SUV with three-row seating produced by Toyota since 2000.
Announced in April 2000 at the New York International Auto Show and arriving in late 2000 in Japan and January 2001 in North America, the Highlander became one of the first car-based mid-size SUV or mid-size crossovers. The Highlander is the crossover counterpart to the more rugged, truck-based mid-size 4Runner and became Toyota's best-selling SUV before being surpassed by the smaller RAV4 in 2006.
The first-generation model was sold in Japan as the Kluger, which was exclusive to dealership network called Toyota Netz as a larger alternative to the RAV4. The Kluger nameplate is also used in Australia because "Highlander" is a trademarked trim line name owned by Hyundai. The name is derived from the German word klug, which means smart or clever (Klüger – with diacritics – means "someone who is smarter than another" in German).
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Common 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems
Based on complaints from owners of the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, several common problems have been reported:
- Air Conditioning System: Owners have experienced issues with the air conditioning system in the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This problem can lead to discomfort for passengers and drivers, especially in hot weather conditions.
- Power Tailgate: Another common problem reported by owners is related to the power tailgate. Malfunctions in the power tailgate mechanism can cause inconvenience and potential safety hazards when opening or closing the tailgate.
- Engine Oil Leaks: The 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has been known to have engine oil leaks. These leaks can lead to reduced engine performance, potential damage to engine components, and the need for frequent oil top-ups.
- Clunking Noise: Owners have reported hearing clunking noises when turning the steering wheel in the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. This issue can be indicative of steering or suspension problems that may require attention to ensure safe driving conditions.
- Brake Problems: Complaints have surfaced regarding brake issues in the 2013 Highlander Hybrid, including soft brakes, ABS light staying on, and potential braking failures. These problems can compromise the vehicle's safety and require immediate attention to prevent accidents.
- Transmission Leaks and Whine Noise: Transmission problems, such as leaks and whine noise, have been highlighted by owners. Addressing these issues promptly is crucial to maintain the transmission's functionality and prevent further damage.
- Electrical Problems: Electrical issues, particularly with power door locks, have been reported in the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. These problems can affect the convenience and security features of the vehicle.
By addressing these common problems in the 2013 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, owners can ensure the longevity, safety, and performance of their vehicles. Regular maintenance, timely repairs, and thorough inspections can help mitigate these issues and enhance the overall driving experience.
Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.
Is 2013 a good year for Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment. You get decent handling from the fully independent suspension, and the ride quality is surprisingly smooth.
How many miles will a 2013 Toyota Highlander last?
300,000 miles
How Long Does a Toyota Highlander Last? The Toyota Highlander is one of the longest-lasting midsize SUVs available, with the ability to continue running up to 300,000 miles after your drive it off the lot.
Is there any recalls on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
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.
Are there problems with Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
Toyota Highlander Hybrid Reliability Problems. Highlander Hybrid owners have made 122 complaints over 15 model years. Using our PainRank™ system we've ranked it 25th in overall reliability out of 33 Toyota models , with real brakes and engine concerns.
Is 2013 a good year for Toyota Highlander?
When it comes to driving dynamics, the 2013 Toyota Highlander is one of the more well-rounded choices in its segment. You get decent handling from the fully independent suspension, and the ride quality is surprisingly smooth.
What is the mileage of a 2013 Highlander Hybrid?
The Highlander Hybrid has a 3.5-liter V-6 engine that's paired with an electric motor for a combined 280 horsepower. It gets an EPA-estimated 28/28 mpg city/highway, but during my week of mostly city driving I averaged 24 mpg. The Highlander Hybrid uses regular unleaded fuel.
Is Highlander Hybrid fuel efficient?
The 2024 Toyota Highlander Hybrid is one of the most efficient 3-row SUVs you can buy. It is rated at 36 mpg combined (36 city/35 highway) with FWD. AWD models fare nearly as well, earning 35 mpg across the board.
2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
Negative 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews
Positive 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid car reviews
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I'm so glad to hear that you're happy with your Toyota products! The Highlander Hybrid is an excellent choice. I'm also pleased to hear that you appreciate the headroom, especially when getting in and out of the car.
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We've had our 2011 Highlander Limited Hybrid for two weeks now and we're loving it! We're getting an average of 31.5 mpg, which is fantastic. The ride is incredibly comfortable, and even the back seats have plenty of leg room. We're really happy with our purchase!
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I've driven about 1,000 miles on my Highlander Hybrid Limited and I'm really happy with it so far. Although, for the amount of money I spent on the car, I do miss a few things that seem like they should be standard, such as memory seating/mirror position and a one tap (three blink) turn signal lane change indicator. These aren't exactly deal breakers, but they would be nice to have. My only other frustration is directed at Toyota in general. It's frustrating that I can't change navigation settings or use the telephone phone book while moving. It feels maddeningly archaic. I think passengers should be able to input without having to come to a complete stop.
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The HiHy has some great features such as AWD, seating for 7, and the ability to tow a light trailer. It's also very fuel efficient, getting 29MPG so far. However, it's important to note that the 2011 HiHy has a different driving experience compared to the 2006 model. While the 2006 HiHy drove like a Camry and had comfortable interior features, the 2011 HiHy has a more truck-like feel and less comfortable seats, especially in the 2nd row. Additionally, some may find the exterior design to be unappealing.
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We've had our 2001 HiHy for over a month now and we're still averaging over 30 mpg in the city and 27 mpg on the highway. We absolutely love how spacious it is, the great pick-up, and the impressive mileage!
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid problems:
2008-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying Guide ...
Sep 8, 2020 ... A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician goes over common problems and things you need to know if you're buying or you own a 2008-2013 Toyota ...
2013 Toyota Highlander Limited : r/ToyotaHighlander
Jan 7, 2023 ... Other than these things, I've been pretty lucky to not have any issues. I'm looking for any insights or common challenges that I should be ...
Top 5 Problems Toyota Highlander SUV 2nd Generation 2008-13 ...
Oct 9, 2020 ... 35:31. Go to channel · 2008-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying Guide. The Car Care Nut•187K views · 11:40. Go to channel ...
2013 Toyota Highlander Review, Problems, Reliability, Value, Life ...
Sep 21, 2022 ... Reliability 10/10 – There are no widespread problems on the 2013 Highlander. We recommend models from 2009–2020, which are all excellent choices ...
2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid Buying Guide ...
Aug 4, 2020 ... A Toyota Master Diagnostic Technician goes over common problems and issues with the 2014-2019 Toyota Highlander and Toyota Highlander Hybrid ...
Other years of Toyota Highlander hybrid
Are you having problems with your 2013 Toyota Highlander hybrid?
Kane Hickle 2024-10-08
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I wanted to share my experience with my SUV that I bought this past February. Recently, I went to a family function that was 300 miles away and I noticed that under a full tank, the max range was 300 miles. The small computer to the right said that the average mpg was 29-30, so I was expecting a cruise range of about 520 miles. However, I only got 300 miles going one way and then had to fill up, and the same thing happened on the way back. When I spoke to a Toyota technician, they said that the inaccuracy is due to driving conditions and other factors, which doesn't make sense to me since this is a hybrid vehicle and not a gas model. I'm disappointed with this experience and I'm considering a U.S made hybrid SUV for my next vehicle.
Marlon Feest 2024-09-23
Hi there! I hope you're doing well. I just wanted to share a quick update with you. So, I ordered a 2010 Toyota Highlander Hybrid in Shoreline Blue back in August 2010. However, I recently found out that my dealership won't be receiving any blue Highlanders and there aren't any available within a 450 mile radius. It's a bit frustrating, but I'm still excited to get my hands on a Highlander in a different color. I can't wait to start driving it soon!
Murl Abshire 2024-09-20
I leased a 2013 Highlander Hybrid because I wanted a 7-seater SUV to accommodate my growing family and our belongings without having to refill the gas tank frequently. However, I was disappointed with the vehicle's overall performance. Although the HH delivered on fuel economy, it fell short in other areas. The premium that Toyota adds to the price of the Highlander for the hybrid model is not offset by the gas savings due to the HH's slightly better fuel economy. If you're looking to save money, you're better off buying a regular Highlander, which delivers only about 3-7 mpg less overall than the hybrid model. When it comes to creature comforts, the HH also failed to deliver. While I didn't expect the HH to come with all of the luxury features standard, Toyota took the nickel-and-diming to the extreme with the HH, even for a non-luxury vehicle brand. The only amenity that came standard on the HH was the power windows and door locks. I had to pay extra for an add-on package in order to have a back-up camera and power front seats. I also purchased the navigation system package, which unfortunately did not include an upgraded audio system. Furthermore, the expensive package I purchased did not include a power lift-gate for the rear trunk door, a SmartKey, or automatic climate control, all of which had come standard with my previous cars. In order to get these features, I would've had to add on one or two more expensive packages, and the price for my HH was already close to $50,000 even without these extras.So, I decided not to purchase the additional packages and ended up regretting it. As a busy mom, I underestimated how much I would miss having a power lift-gate and SmartKey features. Lastly, the HH is not very exciting to drive. Its performance is uninspired and sluggish, even when it's not being driven in ECON mode. Although I wasn't expecting sports sedan performance from a 7-seater SUV, the HH is a snooze to drive, even for a vehicle of its size. However, the HH does offer a relatively quiet ride due to the hybrid electric engine. If you're looking for a decent 7-seater SUV that won't break the bank, stick with the regular Highlander. Otherwise, if you can stretch your budget a bit, I'd recommend going for one of the Lexus, Audi, Infiniti or Acura SUV's, which deliver much more bang for your buck in terms of luxury features and/or performance. I can't wait for my lease to be up so I can be rid of my boring Highlander Hybrid! Overall, I would give it a solid 'C' grade.
Ephraim Wintheiser 2024-09-12
I purchased a certified used Highlander Hybrid 2011 5 months ago. Despite having undergone all regular scheduled maintenance, the car has experienced a number of issues such as weird noises from the wheels, steering wheel knocking, and dvd player clicking. I have had the axles replaced, the spline replaced, and most recently the transaxle. Despite these efforts, the car still only gets 20-22mpg and makes a loud noise when accelerating. Unfortunately, the dealer has been unresponsive in addressing these issues. I am confident that a resolution can be reached and I will continue to pursue it until the matter is resolved.
Agustin Satterfield 2024-08-13
Acceleration, top notch materials, reliability, and an excellent, smooth, and quiet ride. It's truly unbelievable!