2013 Toyota Highlander: Engine complaints
Owner-reported issue (NHTSA complaints, not a recall)
Symptoms
NHTSA has 35 owner complaints for the 2013 Toyota Highlander that list the engine component. Complaints are individual owner reports, not verified defects.
Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11765422 (filed 09/18/2026): “I purchased a 2013 toyota highlander in 2018 or.2019 with 64,000 miles. i was told to go 5000 miles before changes. my oil was gone many times when i did this. i reported this to toyota dealership.i eventually stopped using them because they were hearing my problem. the complaints of lack of power …”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11599219 (filed 07/05/2024): “I purchased the car in 2020 with 73k miles on it. it has sporadically had incidents of unintended acceleration. i happens when i slow for a stop sign, red light, or crosswalk. my foot is on the brake when this occurs, the engine then goes into high gear and no amount of pressure on the brake will…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11563350 (filed 01/03/2024): “The issue started when the car was over 84,000 miles. the engine burns excessive oil. i have to add oil every 2200 miles. when i press on the gas pedal to rev the car, oil come out of the tail pipe. when i went to the dealer that they are aware of the issue but they did not make any recommendations.…”
Likely causes
These complaints do not establish a single root cause; read the examples above and get a diagnosis.
Fix, in plain English
No single fix is established by these reports. Check your VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls, ask a dealer about technical service bulletins (TSBs) or extended warranty coverage, then have the system diagnosed.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Internal engine work (lifters, oil consumption, fuel dilution diagnosis) requires engine teardown or dealer software/tests. (Our assessment.)
Cost
No sourced cost range for this issue. Get a written quote after diagnosis.
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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Sources
Page last updated .