TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2013 Toyota Highlander powertrain problems
severe Owners of the 2013 Toyota Highlander have filed 11 NHTSA complaints about the powertrain, typically surfacing around 17,000 miles at roughly $2,500 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
11
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
| Model year | powertrain complaints |
|---|---|
| 2009 Highlander | 7 |
| 2010 Highlander | 4 |
| 2011 Highlander | 14 |
| 2012 Highlander | 7 |
| 2013 Highlander (this page) | 11 |
| 2014 Highlander | 7 |
| 2015 Highlander | 7 |
| 2017 Highlander | 69 |
1crash
1injury
When does it fail?
Of the 11 powertrain 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 powertrain complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 5 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 powertrain 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: This bulletin includes basic procedures for inspecting and adjusting World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level at normal vehicle operating temperature. Note: The following adjustment procedures are for U660E/F and U760E/F transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks. Here are some important tips when working with ATF-WS in Toyota vehicles requiring it's use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This bulletin includes basic procedures for inspecting and adjusting World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level at normal vehicle operating temperature.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2013 Highlanders describe serious powertrain issues across the transmission and engine management systems. The most alarming problem is that the vehicle allows the engine to shut off while the transmission remains in Drive, leading to multiple unintended rollbacks down inclines—some with the driver already exited from the vehicle. At least one owner reported being knocked down by the rolling vehicle, sustaining injuries.
Transmission problems are frequent. Owners report the transmission slipping into neutral while shifted in Drive, requiring a manual shift cycle to restore power. This occurs during acceleration from lower speeds and has happened repeatedly to the same owners—dangerous during turns or passing maneuvers.
Acceleration hesitation is another recurring complaint. When pressing the accelerator from a stop at lights or merges, vehicles hesitate or fail to respond, sometimes requiring multiple pedal pumps. One owner reported the accelerator completely unresponsive on small inclines during daily driving. Dealers have been unable to replicate the problem during service visits despite multiple complaints.
Other issues include abnormal transmission noise at highway speeds, erratic engine revving during braking, and in one case a parked vehicle rolling backward out of Park while sitting locked with the key inside the house. One owner also reported head gasket failure before 100,000 miles.
Dealer responses have been inconsistent: some claim the vehicle is designed to allow shut-off in Drive, others blame driving habits or suggest premium fuel, and most say they cannot find the problem on their diagnostic machines.
Same Toyota Highlander powertrain reports on nearby years: 2011
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission slips to neutral during acceleration
Transmission appears to drop into neutral while in Drive, requiring driver to shift to Neutral then back to Drive to restore power. Occurs during speed reduction followed by acceleration attempt.
When: 16 occurrences since purchase in November 2012; intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle fails to accelerate when gas pedal pressed after slowing to 10-30 mph; Drive shifter remains in Drive position but transmission does not engage; Power returns after manual shift to Neutral and back to Drive
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer refused to acknowledge problem; claimed transmission needs to adjust to driving habits
Acceleration hesitation or lag from stop
Vehicle hesitates or fails to respond when accelerator is pressed from a complete stop, requiring multiple attempts to achieve normal acceleration.
When: Multiple occurrences: 17,000 miles; 16,000 miles; intermittent throughout ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Delayed acceleration response when pressing gas pedal from traffic light, merge, or stop; Vehicle hesitates before accelerating; Requires pumping accelerator pedal up to three times to achieve acceleration; Intermittent occurrence unpredictably
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed faulty computer module regulating acceleration but could not identify which module; vehicle not repaired. Unable to duplicate issue during subsequent service visits
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer issued case number; no recall or TSB noted
Poor acceleration on inclines
Accelerator unresponsive when driving uphill on small inclines, vehicle acts as though gas pedal is not being pressed.
When: Early 2014 (within about 16 months of October 2012 purchase)
Symptoms owners cite: Accelerator does not respond on small incline during daily commute home from work; Vehicle behaves as if gas pedal is not depressed
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer suggested premium fuel; no improvement. Dealer blamed CVT transmission
Engine revs up while stopping
Engine unexpectedly revs up during braking at stops, then returns to normal idle, creating sensation that vehicle does not want to stop.
When: Intermittent
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle revs up while driver is trying to stop using brake pedal; Engine revs then drops back to normal; Feels like vehicle resists stopping; Requires harder brake pedal pressure
Abnormal transmission noise at highway speeds
Abnormal noise from transmission occurs at 40 mph and above, particularly noticeable at 75 mph.
When: At 200 miles (very early in ownership); occurred after rebuilt transmission installation in November 2015
Symptoms owners cite: Abnormal noise from transmission when driving 40 mph or higher; Noise particularly evident at 75 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Transmission was rebuilt and serviced under manufacturer warranty in November 2015. Dealer diagnosed rebuilt transmission met manufacturer standards but did not repair issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified and case opened
Vehicle rolls out of Park while parked
Parked vehicle in Park with shift lever engaged moved backward on its own without any occupants or keys present.
When: Overnight while parked on slight upslope
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle moved 10 feet backward overnight while parked; Vehicle in Park position and locked; No ice or external cause noted; Vehicle moved additional 2 feet following morning; Vehicle came to abrupt stop when later repositioned; Smart Key was in house on table, not in vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Owner set parking brake to prevent recurrence; dealer not aware of cause or problem
Engine shuts off in Drive while parked
Vehicle allows engine to be shut off while transmission remains in Drive gear while parked, creating unintentional rollaway hazard.
When: Since purchase (new in 2012)
Symptoms owners cite: Engine can be turned off while transmission is in Drive after parking; Vehicle has rolled downhill unintentionally on several occasions; Failure to restart on two occasions after rolling; Only warning is a beep sound identical to door-open, low-fuel, and lights-on alerts; Beep sound does not distinctly warn of dangerous condition
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota dealer stated vehicle was designed with this capability
Unintended vehicle rollback from Park
Vehicle rolled backward out of Park while hatchback warning light was illuminated, causing vehicle to roll down embankment and strike tree after driver exited to close hatch.
When: At 39,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Hatchback open warning light illuminated while reversing; Vehicle rolled backward after gear shift lever was placed in Park; Vehicle rolled down embankment and struck tree; Driver sustained injuries to hip and arms
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer notified of failure
Head gasket failure
Head gasket leaked on vehicle with less than 100,000 miles and within 5 years of ownership.
When: Less than 100,000 miles; less than 5 years of ownership
Symptoms owners cite: Head gasket leak
Synthesized from 11 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
As I begin driving and come to stop it tends to rev up and then drops back to normal. It feels like vehicle revs up a little while you are trying to stop it by pressing the brake pedal.it feels like vehicle does not want to stop and you have the feelings to press the brake even harder.
From stop (at traffic light, merging, etc), press on gas pedal for acceleration and vehicle does not go, hesitates, then does accelerate. This has happened multiple times, intermittently, and has been reported to titus will Toyota dealership. Since they have not duplicated it, problem continues intermittently. Never know when this will occur. It is very disconcerting and dangerous. This…
Had powertrain 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 powertrain problem on the 2013 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 11 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 9 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 16,000 and 47,200 miles, with the median around 17,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 16,000; a quarter make it past 47,200. 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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.