2013 Toyota Highlander engine problems

Filed Sep 18, 2026 · Engine · GA

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 and changing to 3000 mile oil changes wasnt heard. Now at 234 k.miles I have had to gix thr Catalytic converter twice, the oil pan gasket. The mechanic said there was metal in my oil and that engine failure was coming. Toyota has never acknowledged thier own oil consumption issues in their 4 cylinder engines.

Filed Jul 5, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · MA

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 stop it. I put the car in park and turn the key off. There are no warning lights. It has happened more frequently in 2024. On [XXX], I tried to come to a stop at a crosswalk in Plymouth MA. The UA occurred, putting the folks in the crosswalk and myself in danger. The next day I contacted the dealer and Toyota. The upshot - they said the car is fine, it must be my mats or shoes or something that is not their fault. I've been driving Toyotas for 40 years, I've never had a mat or shoe problem. There is something faulty with the acceleration/braking system. The last occurrence was [XXX] in Plympton MA. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 3, 2024 · Engine · GA

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. Online several owner of this model have changed the engine or replaced pistons. I have never gotten the check light on even when no oil is on the dip stick. I have to check the oil every time I fill up my gas tank as a precaution. My concern is that I could be stranded or the car overheat and cause a fire.

Filed Aug 28, 2023 · Engine · TX

Engine is burning/consuming oil excessively; no leaks or any other unusual symptoms found. I was on an interstate highway and all of a sudden engine sound changed and excessive knocking started. No OIL LOW LEVEL or CHECK ENGINE light turned on. Yes the problem is persistent now and was verified by an independent (ASE Certified) service provider. No waning lamps or messages displayed.

Filed Aug 25, 2023 · Engine · MD

I am known by Toyota experts and my local mechanics as someone who takes excellent care of my vehicle, but unfortunately I am completely blown away when I was driving my car and suddenly it stopped and couldn’t start, after I tolled it to my mechanic, he told me the engine seized and it needs replacement. The cost is about $4000. I don’t have that kind of money and it has been seating in my driveway. I don’t understand how a very well maintained engine will just give out without any warning signs.

Filed Jun 28, 2022 · Engine · IL

Oil consumption/oil pressure issue. Started suddenly maybe in 2020. My oil pressure light would come on “turn off car immediately”. Took it to dealer, told me I have no oil. Then it kept happening. No notice of low oil, and well within 3 months/3000 miles. Toyota did an oil consumption test at 1500miles, no issue. Then, took my car in shortly after because oil pressure light came on. They told me to get a new engine. Possible see the PVC valve, but once in there likely a new engine is needed. No wear/tear, or obvious age of use. Engine just started consuming oil. I googled it. It seems to be an issue with Highlanders. But I’ve never seen a recall on it. Pretty much living on oil changes every 2 months to keep my engine running. And this whole time, my engine light has never turned on.

Filed Aug 24, 2021 · Engine · 97,000 miles · TX

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.

Filed Dec 22, 2020 · Acceleration, Engine · 103,000 miles · NY

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.

Filed Dec 13, 2020 · Engine · 75,000 miles · CA

Checked oil last week also dealer supposedly changed oil couple days ago yellow triangle light came on it was just bought so unfamiliar with the warning lights tried to look up told me nothing. Today I left a friends house (3miles ) she called and said I left massive oil leak left on her driveway. Sure enough I looked on my driveway and I also had huge oil leak lucky she called me I could have blown the engine or it could have caught fire if I had driven it any farther or she didn't tell me proceeded to look up common toyota highlander problems. And there it was saying massive oil leaks from the line exploding also said that the repair toyota gives to fix the problem has problems too I'm assuming this is what the problem is I'm lucky I was not out on highway having it towed tommorow the picture is at her house she sent after I left. My driveway oil leak is twice that size

Filed Jan 31, 2020 · Engine · CA

Head gasket cracked, leaking coolant into 5th cylinder. The reason for a po305 misfire code on reader. Auto shop removed head gasket and saw that the finish on the engine block was horrible. They called toyota themselves to file a complaint and have them replace that side of the block. Auto shop doesn't feel comfortable replacing head gasket without toyota fixing the finish. If the finish is as is, head gasket will eventually crack again. Highlander was bought brand new and only has 73k miles.