2013 Toyota Highlander Engine cooling Problems
- Complaints
- 3about this part
- Share
- 1%of 207 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 7,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 3 complaints about the engine cooling of the 2013 Toyota Highlander, 1% of the 207 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 7,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Burnt smell coming from the AC vents, which happens most of the time the after the noted first time of incident, especially when I take major freeways, last time noted this afternoon 8/31/2014 while taking I-75 in florida. When I accelerate to 70-80mph, me and my wife/ passenger always smell burnt odor coming from the AC vents which is really annoying and scary because I do not know if something is burning into the engine compartment or elsewhere in the vehicle. So I need to slow down after that, open the windows to let the odor out. …”
NHTSA complaint #10629806, filed 2014-09, 3,000 miles“The AC unit does not function properly, it is not draining, resulting in a foul moldy mildew smell due to the built up condensation. Toyota offered to change the air filter as a solution to the issue, unfortunately it did not solve the problem. Within days, the odor was still very apparent. We have been told that there is nothing more that can be done. The vehicle is a 2013, with 10k miles, and still covered under warranty. The response from the dealership and manufacturer has been unacceptable.”
NHTSA complaint #10650496, filed 2014-10, 7,000 miles“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 complaint #11430334, filed 2021-08, 97,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10253223Mar 4, 2024This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the…
- 10183281Oct 21, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10179698Aug 5, 2020TSB: Some 2003 ? 2020 model year Prius, Prius C, Prius V; 2006 ? 2019 model year Highlander Hybrid Vehicle; 2007 ? 2020 Camry Hybrid Vehicle; 2013 ? 2020 model year Avalon Hybrid…
- 10178524Jul 30, 2020TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
- 10177599Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10177598Jun 3, 2020These SKUs are Exhaust Manifolds with Catalytic Converters. The customer communication requested return of unsold inventory due to a loss of CARB certification. These SKUs can no…
- 10131893Mar 27, 2017TT: Rev2 Some Customers may complain about a Hybrid Vehicle Battery cooling system warning message. This warning message may appear when the HV Battery cooling system loses…
- 10134345Jul 7, 2016TSB: For vehicles that are used under certain severe operating conditions, the HV Battery Cooling Fan may experience an excessive buildup of dust, lint, or other debris that can…
Engine cooling: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2019 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 3 | 1% |
| 2016 | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 3 | 1% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 18 | 4% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 21 | 8% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 20 | 7% |
| 2003 | 46 | 18% |
| 2002 | 23 | 8% |
| 2001 | 17 | 12% |
Other parts of the 2013 Toyota Highlander
46 complaintsEngine
32 complaintsVehicle speed control
31 complaintsElectrical system
26 complaintsOther or unknown
23 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsAir bags
17 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsFuel system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
11 complaintsSeats
10 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2013 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology