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.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Toyota Highlander electrical problems
moderate 22 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $850 · see electrical across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
22
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$850
When does it fail?
Of the 22 electrical complaints filed for the 2013 Toyota Highlander, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 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 electrical complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 11 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 electrical 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.
TSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to reset a vehicle Immobilizer or Smart Key system.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle. ?Various Bluetooth® Audio functions are no longer functioning with customer?s phone such as ability to change the track using the steering wheel controls. These concerns can be caused by changes made on the customer?s phone. Make sure to inquire with the customer if the connectivity concerns occurred after receiving an operating system update on their phone, or if they have restored their phone data/settings recently.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE August 11, 2020: This bulletin is no longer applicable and is now obsolete.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
The 22 complaints span a handful of interconnected electrical faults. Door lock actuators dominate the reports—owners describe multiple doors failing to lock or unlock over 18–60 months, sometimes requiring replacements costing $638 or more. Owners cite this as a safety risk because locked doors won't release in a crash or fire, and unlocked doors won't stay secured. Several note Toyota's response has been to deny coverage or claim no recall exists, though one owner was told by a dealership rep this is a "recognized issue."
Acceleration hesitation and stalling surface in seven complaints—the vehicle hesitates or completely loses response for 2–5 seconds when pulling away from a stop, creating collision risk. Dealers find no trouble codes and cannot duplicate the problem.
Intermittent electrical gremlins appear throughout: headlights staying on or shutting off unexpectedly, dashboard lights dimming or brightening unprompted, interior lights flashing on with false door-open alerts, radio/CD skipping or changing stations at random, GPS and Bluetooth dropping and requiring vehicle shutdown to reset. One owner reports the maintenance light staying permanently on for the passenger airbag system.
Less common but serious: one vehicle stalled at 55 mph with simultaneous headlight/instrument panel failure; another experienced complete powertrain failure at 30 mph with hybrid system error codes; two owners report rodents chewing soy-based wiring (coolant sensor and cabin air intake); one notes water leaking through the windshield into carpeting and electronics; one found unplugged and cut electrical wires after dealer service.
Same Toyota Highlander electrical reports on nearby years: 2010 · 2011 · 2012 · 2014 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Door Lock Actuator Failures
Door lock actuators fail to lock or unlock on one or more doors, rendering doors either unsecured while driving or unable to open in emergency. Multiple failures reported within 18–60 months on same vehicle.
When: 3–5+ years; some as early as 26–36 months of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Door will not lock when engaging drive or pressing key fob; Door will not unlock when pressing unlock button or key fob; Door cannot be opened from inside or outside; Automatic lock/unlock feature ceases to function; Door lock fails to secure properly, creating safety risk if vehicle is struck
Repairs/costs cited: Replacement of actuator typically costs $600+; some owners report replacement units failing again within 6 months
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota initially denied recall exists; one dealership rep acknowledged it is a 'recognized issue' but no recall or warranty program offered; Toyota refused to cover costs out of warranty
Acceleration Hesitation and Stalling
Engine hesitates, lurches, or completely stalls (no throttle response) for 2–5 seconds, typically when accelerating from a stop after idling. Creates collision hazard, especially merging into highway traffic.
When: From 5,000 miles onward; occurs randomly but clusters around idling stops and left-turn accelerations
Symptoms owners cite: Hesitation or complete non-response to gas pedal for 2–5 seconds; Engine feels as if it stalled even though it is still running; Vehicle lurches forward suddenly after delay; Occurs most often after idling at traffic lights or intersections, then accelerating into traffic; Left-turn acceleration more prone than right-turn acceleration
Codes mentioned: No trouble codes found by dealership technicians
Repairs/costs cited: No repair identified in narratives; dealers unable to duplicate issue during diagnostic checks
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers reported no problem found; Toyota case managers gave 'run-around' response; no recall issued
Intermittent Electrical System Malfunctions
Multiple unrelated electrical systems malfunction intermittently and unpredictably: headlights, interior lights, dashboard lights, audio systems, Bluetooth, GPS, and door locks. Problems increase in frequency over time.
When: Within first year; worsens over 3–5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Headlights stay on after ignition turned off, or shut off while driving; Interior lights turn on and off randomly; false door-open alerts with beeping; Dashboard lights dim or brighten unprompted; Radio/CD skips or changes stations when backing out, going over bumps, or driving normally; GPS mapping screen disconnects and shows blank; Bluetooth disconnects and will not reconnect without stopping and restarting vehicle; Multiple systems fail simultaneously or in sequence
Repairs/costs cited: Some dealers quoted $110+ diagnostic fee; no repairs completed or parts identified in narratives
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealerships unable to replicate; Toyota case managers claim nothing can be done; no TSB or recall action taken despite owner reports of TSB mention for door latches
Stalling with Simultaneous Lighting Failure
Vehicle stalled at highway speed while headlights and instrument panel lights intermittently failed. No trouble codes found; failure not replicated at dealer.
When: 16,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Complete stall at 55 mph; Headlights fail intermittently; Instrument panel lights fail intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle not repaired per narrative
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware; no action taken
Powertrain and Hybrid Inverter Failure
Complete loss of power while driving at 30 mph; check engine lights for hybrid components and brake system illuminated. Owner suspects hybrid inverter failure similar to recalled 2006–2010 models.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Complete loss of engine power while driving at 30 mph; Check Hybrid Components warning light; Check Brake System warning light
Codes mentioned: Check Hybrid Components, Check Brake System
Soy-Based Wiring Damage by Rodents
Rodents chew through soy-based wiring insulation, causing electrical damage. Two separate incidents reported: one on coolant temperature sensor wiring, one on cabin air intake wiring shredding inside air vents.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Shredded black material blown out of air vents upon starting; Visible chewed wiring in engine bay; Coolant temperature sensor wiring chewed by rats (twice on same vehicle)
Repairs/costs cited: Owner advised possible rodent issue; dealership suggested rodent infestation, not manufacturer defect
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealership denied responsibility, blamed owner's rodent problem; Toyota uses biodegradable soy/cane-husk materials attractive to rodents with no barrier to prevent animal entry into engine bay
Airbag System Electrical Fault
Maintenance light permanently illuminated for front passenger seat airbag, rendering the airbag system useless. Owner reports this has been noted on other vehicles as well.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Maintenance light continuously on for passenger seat airbag; Airbag system inoperative due to electrical signal issue; Possibly a wiring defect affecting airbag sensor
Repairs/costs cited: No repair identified in narrative
Water Intrusion and Electronics Damage
Water leaking into vehicle interior, soaking carpeting and electrical components. Possible source is damaged windshield; owner concerned about safety and electrical integrity.
When: <UNKNOWN>
Symptoms owners cite: Water visibly leaking into passenger cabin; Carpeting soaked; Electronics affected by water exposure
Electrical Connector and Wiring Defects
Owner discovered unplugged and partially cut electrical wires in engine bay following scheduled maintenance, suggesting either manufacturing defect, missing connectors, or technician error. Vehicle exhibited severe acceleration loss after the service.
When: After 20,000-mile service
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle acceleration significantly reduced after maintenance; Vehicle cannot exceed 40 mph even with accelerator fully engaged; Unplugged electrical connectors found; One set of wires cut completely
Repairs/costs cited: Owner sought independent inspection to determine if manufacturing or maintenance defect
Battery Terminal Corrosion and Resulting Electrical Damage
Recurring corrosion on battery terminals despite battery replacement, with dealership reporting cascading electrical damage to harness and interconnected components. Dealer claims $5,800 in repairs needed, with Toyota offering only $2,500 coverage.
When: Within 1 month to 2 months of purchase (certified pre-owned, purchased 04/20/17)
Symptoms owners cite: Corrosion appears on battery terminals; Corrosion recurs even after new battery installation; Cascading electrical damage throughout harness and interconnected systems; Dealership verbally reports 'major hazard' but refuses to put assessment in writing
Repairs/costs cited: Estimated $5,800 repair cost for terminals, cables, and harness; Toyota offered $2,500 goodwill contribution
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota offered partial coverage ($2,500 of $5,800); vehicle owner not driving car due to electrical safety concern
Synthesized from 22 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 4 most recent
The door open alert and alert beeping came on as well as all of the interior lighting as I was driving. It shows glass door on the display. I checked all doors and none of the doors are open. It was very distracting and dangerous to be driving at night on the highway with all interior lights on. They keep going on and off and the alert keeps beeping. As far as I can find out, there is no way…
The complaint has to do with computer systems on this vehicle. Some of the complaint is convenience, but worrisome because other systems seem to be involved as well. The computer screen has always been slow/hesitent, with various "glitches". Vehicle has GPS mapping screen which occassionally "disconnects" and resets to blank screen. The bluetooth and other systems have also "disconnected"…
The vehicle was parked in our driveway and has twice had rats chewing on the coolant temperature censor wiring. These are the only wires they've chewed on so far. I feel the soy based wiring that Toyota uses is to blame since my neighbors are not having problems with their vehicles that are parked outdoors. A claim with usaa has been filed.
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…
Had electrical 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 electrical problem on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 22 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $850 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the electrical typically fail?
Across the 16 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most electrical failures cluster between 20,437 and 59,500 miles, with the median around 40,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 20,437; a quarter make it past 59,500. 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 $850 for electrical 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 electrical?
No active recalls currently cover electrical 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.