2013 Toyota Highlander: headlights failing or too dim

Filed Dec 14, 2015 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 10,000 miles · WA

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" and couldn't be reset until the vehicle was stopped and turned off. The headlights sometimes do not shut off, day/night doesn't work properly. Have had occassional problems with door locks not working as they should. Never know when and which systems will be affected. I have also filed a complaint about intermitent non-acceleration issues, which maybe related.

Filed Apr 16, 2014 · Electrical, Engine · 16,000 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 2013 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving 55 MPH, the vehicle suddenly stalled. Also, the contact mentioned that the headlights and instrument panel light intermittently failed. The vehicle was taken to the dealer. The technician was unable to duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 16,000.

Filed Mar 11, 2014 · Acceleration · 6,395 miles · FL

Vehicle failed to accelerate from a stop. It just rolled along, accelerator depressed till about halfway, then it accelerated rapidly spinning the tires, this has occured 3 times. It has also hesitated badly while accelerating with no response to pedal position then sudden and unexpected rapid acceleration, this has occured 5 times. This condition has become dramatically worse since it was serviced for unexpected acceleration problems where the dealer claimed they could not reproduce the problem. Headlights are also aimed way too high illuminating the trees instead of the road and blinding oncoming drivers. The dealer claims they cannot duplicate this either and that there is no problem. The vehicle was serviced for these hazards at 6006 miles. We have stopped using the car since we feel it is unsafe.

Filed Dec 6, 2013 · Electrical · 5,300 miles · WA

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 can't find any problem and because the problems are intermittent they say they can't diagnose it. I've had two caseworkers at toyota of america and they say there is nothing they can do. In the past month when I pulled in the garage the headlight "sometimes" turn off when I turn off the ignition. Other times they stay on the normal 30 seconds. I've also had a couple of issues that other highlander owners mentioned on your website mainly when I'm at a stop and the light turns green a couple of times when I step on the gas the car engine revs a few seconds then lurches forward. Also recently the dashboard lights dim or brighten for no reason at all. My concern is that it seems problems are increasing and I just don't know exactly what steps to take next.

Filed Oct 22, 2013 · Lights · 100 miles · VA

When the headlights are on dim, visibility is not adequate. A distinct black line appears across the horizon above which the driver cannot see.

Filed Oct 18, 2013 · Lights, Visibility · FL

I purchased the toyota highlander in december of 2012. Immediately we knew something was wrong with the headlights. They are focused down toward the road and have a line of "shade" above. The highlander lights are so dim, we don't know if they are working. We are "overdriving" our visibility at night and we cannot see any road signs because the lights are focused to far down they do not illuminate signs on the side of the road. In addition, in hilly areas, they only illuminate the bottom of the hill (and the shaded part is above) so you cannot see where you are headed.the tops of the hills are completely blocked by the "shaded" part. This is a very dangerous situation! Also, they do not get warm, so the snow and ice accumulates on these lights and obscures visibility even further! I have owned many many cars, including several toyota's and have never had a headlight problem. I do not know what to do with this car as I cannot drive it at night.