Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Toyota Highlander body problems
severe 13 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
13
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
1crash
When does it fail?
Of the 13 body complaints filed for the 2013 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 100,000-125,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
No new NHTSA body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering body on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
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. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗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, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial ar
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Water intrusion is the dominant complaint. Multiple owners report sunroof drainage tubes that clog repeatedly—dealers unclog them, water reappears within weeks. One vehicle flooded so badly from a clogged AC drain that insurance totaled it. Another owner found a defective roof seam weld allowing water to pour down the center pillar during rain or car wash. Mold has grown inside at least one cabin. Owners say Toyota's own service technicians have admitted these are design flaws but the company refuses to address them, and water intrusion does not appear in standard maintenance schedules.
Power liftgate systems fail chronically. The motor quits working or fails to fully close, sometimes repeatedly after warranty replacement. One owner's liftgate support arm detached entirely during closing—a serious safety issue. That owner discovered online complaints and lawsuits about the same defect and suspects a $2 bolt is inadequate for the load. Toyota denied warranty coverage and offered only a 50% cost share, leaving the owner $1,700 out-of-pocket.
A roof seam weld and paint peeling at high mileage round out the structural concerns. One owner notes water damage underneath trim may lead to hidden rust over time. Separately, the driver-side mirror creates a blind spot large enough to hide oncoming traffic during left turns.
Same Toyota Highlander body reports on nearby years: 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Sunroof drain system clogging
Drainage tubes from the sunroof become clogged with dirt, causing water to collect beneath the floormat and in the cabin. Dealers have repeatedly unclogged the lines, but the problem recurs within weeks. Multiple owners report this issue; one owner states the dealership acknowledged it as a design flaw but refuses to correct it. Another owner reports the vehicle was totaled after AC/moonroof drain failure caused water backup into the frame and floor carpeting.
When: Occurs during heavy rain or car washes; one owner reported problem twice in 6 weeks after three dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Water pooling beneath floormat; Recurring clogging of drain tubes; Mold odor in cabin; Water-damaged headliner and upholstery; Frame and floor flooding
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers have repeatedly unclogged drainage tubes at no cost (under warranty); repair attempts have been unsuccessful at preventing recurrence. One owner paid out-of-pocket after vehicle was totaled.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership technicians verbally acknowledged design flaw but refused to address. Toyota declined to correct the issue despite multiple service visits. One owner states this appears to be a known issue with Toyota vehicles but not part of standard maintenance.
Liftgate power motor failure
Power-assist liftgate motor fails, making the liftgate difficult or impossible to close. The failure begins intermittently and becomes more frequent over time. One owner had the motor replaced under extended warranty; the failure recurred, and dealer diagnosed the need for another replacement (not yet completed). Another owner reports the liftgate beeps and reopens before fully closing, even after a prior warranty repair.
When: Approximately 100,000 miles for one owner; recurrence after prior repair for another
Symptoms owners cite: Unable to close liftgate smoothly; Intermittent failure becoming more frequent; Liftgate beeps and reopens before fully closing; Requires force to close manually
Repairs/costs cited: Liftgate motor replacement covered under manufacturer extended warranty program; however, failure recurred after prior repair. Second replacement recommended but not yet completed as of complaint date.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Extended warranty program covers liftgate motor replacement
Liftgate support arm detachment
The liftgate lift arm detaches from the vehicle body during closing. Owner reports a loud clunk and observed the arm physically separate from the body. Internet research revealed numerous lawsuits and complaints about this defect. Owner believes a $2 bolt is the culprit and suggests this is a design flaw that should have been recalled instead of addressed via silent service bulletin.
When: At 41,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Loud clunk sound when closing liftgate; Lift arm physically detaches from body; Support arm separation
Repairs/costs cited: Repair cost approximately $3,400 total; regional Toyota office offered 50% coverage ($1,700), leaving owner to pay $1,700 out-of-pocket
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty and extended warranty (Platinum level) did not cover damage; regional office offered 50% reimbursement
Roof seam weld leak
Water enters the cabin around the center post where the seatbelt retracts during heavy rain or car wash. Dealer identified a bad weld at one of the roof seams as the source. Owner expressed concern about structural integrity during a crash and potential hidden rust from residual water.
When: During heavy rain or car wash; vehicle was new
Symptoms owners cite: Water entering cabin at center post; Moisture visible around seatbelt retractor area
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was at dealership attempting repair at time of complaint; specific repair approach not detailed
Paint peeling on roof
Paint on the top of the vehicle began peeling. Owner researched and found a Customer Support Program (ZKG) listed for this issue, but their VIN was not included in the program coverage.
When: At approximately 99,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Paint peeling on roof
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle was not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Customer Support Program ZKG exists but VIN exclusion prevented coverage
Driver-side mirror blind spot hazard
The driver-side mirror creates an unusually large blind spot during left-hand turns, allowing vehicles to hide completely behind it. Both the owner and spouse nearly had accidents; only passenger intervention prevented collisions.
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicles hidden in blind spot during left turns; Dangerous sightline obstruction; Near-miss accidents
Driver door popping noise
Driver door began popping when opening and closing after 100,000 miles. Owner identified the door check as the cause through internet research and notes this is a familiar problem not being recalled.
When: After 100,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Popping noise when opening and closing driver door
Power hatch failure
Power hatch/liftgate does not work. Owner describes this as a frequent and widespread problem with numerous complaints online but no solution offered by Toyota.
Symptoms owners cite: Power hatch inoperative
Synthesized from 13 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
Driver door started popping after 100,000 miles when opening and closing. Researched and it's the door check. Internet research shows this is a familiar problem that no one is recalling.
Had body trouble with your 2013 Toyota Highlander?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 13 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $1,500.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most body failures cluster between 48,000 and 100,000 miles, with the median around 55,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 100,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/Highlander.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.