VVT-i Oil Control Valve / Camshaft Timing — Sludge-Related
medium- Typically appears
- 80–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $150 – $600
2013 Toyota
HighlanderSUV
3.5L V6 (2GR-FE) · SUV
The 2013 Toyota Highlander is a second-generation (XU40 platform) mid-size, three-row crossover SUV that hit a sweet spot between car-like comfort and genuine family utility. Powered by Toyota's proven 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 paired to a 5-speed automatic, it delivers smooth, confident power without the complexity of newer 8- and 10-speed units. AWD is available and common in the upper Midwest. This generation Highlander earned a strong reputation for long-term durability. It is not the flashiest vehicle in the segment, but owners consistently report high mileage without major mechanical drama when basic maintenance is kept up. Interior space is generous for three rows, though third-row legroom is tight for adults. The 2013 model year is one of the last of the second generation before a full redesign in 2014, which means parts are mature, well-understood, and widely available at independent shops. For a used buyer, this is generally a low-risk choice — provided the VVT-i system and oil change history have been respected.
Reliability
4/5
Verified data
Specs shown for Highlander 4WD — the most common configuration.
Other trims may vary in engine, drivetrain, or fuel economy. Sign in to see your vehicle's exact specs.
Engine
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Drivetrain
AWD
Fuel
Gasoline
MPG
18 city / 24 hwy / 20 combined
Seats
8
Doors
4
Body
SUV
MSRP
$29,820
Overview
AI-curatedThe 2013 Toyota Highlander is a second-generation (XU40 platform) mid-size, three-row crossover SUV that hit a sweet spot between car-like comfort and genuine family utility. Powered by Toyota's proven 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 paired to a 5-speed automatic, it delivers smooth, confident power without the complexity of newer 8- and 10-speed units. AWD is available and common in the upper Midwest. This generation Highlander earned a strong reputation for long-term durability. It is not the flashiest vehicle in the segment, but owners consistently report high mileage without major mechanical drama when basic maintenance is kept up. Interior space is generous for three rows, though third-row legroom is tight for adults. The 2013 model year is one of the last of the second generation before a full redesign in 2014, which means parts are mature, well-understood, and widely available at independent shops. For a used buyer, this is generally a low-risk choice — provided the VVT-i system and oil change history have been respected.
Known for
- Long-term powertrain durability with proper oil maintenance
- Comfortable, car-like ride quality for a three-row SUV
- Toyota's 3.5L 2GR-FE V6 — a widely trusted engine
- Strong resale value relative to competitors
- Available AWD well-suited to Midwest winters
Best for
- Families needing occasional third-row seating
- Buyers who prioritize reliability over luxury features
- High-mileage daily drivers in cold climates
- Drivers who want a crossover with strong tow capability (up to 5,000 lbs)
Watch for
- VVT-i oil control valve sludge if oil changes were neglected — can trigger P0012/P0022 codes
- Power steering rack leaks on higher-mileage examples
- Third-row seat tracks that corrode and bind in salt-belt states
- Water intrusion at the rear liftgate weatherstripping
Common issues by mileage
6 knownVVT-i Solenoid Circuit Faults (Bank 1 & Bank 2)
medium- Typically appears
- 80–160k mi
- Estimated repair
- $120 – $450
Oxygen / Air-Fuel Sensor Heater Circuit Faults
medium- Typically appears
- 100–180k mi
- Estimated repair
- $180 – $420
Power Steering Rack Leak
medium- Typically appears
- 100–180k mi
- Estimated repair
- $700 – $1,400
Rear Strut / Suspension Wear
medium- Typically appears
- 90–140k mi
- Estimated repair
- $400 – $900
Third-Row Seat Track Corrosion
high- Typically appears
- 60–150k mi
- Estimated repair
- $100 – $500
Maintenance schedule
- 1 Every 5,000 miles or 6 months — do not stretch to 10k on this engine Engine oil and filter change
The 2GR-FE's VVT-i system is the most oil-sensitive component on this vehicle. Dirty or low oil causes sludge in the narrow oil passages feeding the camshaft actuators. This is the single most important maintenance item on this Highlander.
- 2 Every 30,000 miles or sooner if driving on dirt roads Engine air filter replacement
A restricted air filter affects fuel trim and can contribute to rough idle. Easy DIY job on this engine.
- 3 Every 60,000 miles Transmission fluid service
Toyota's WS fluid is 'lifetime' rated at the factory, but real-world use in towing or cold climates degrades it faster. Fresh fluid at 60k protects the already-durable 5-speed automatic.
- 4 Every 100,000 miles (SLLC Toyota coolant) or every 50,000 with conventional coolant Coolant flush
Degraded coolant accelerates water pump wear and can cause head gasket issues on extended neglect. Use Toyota pink SLLC or a compatible long-life coolant.
- 5 Every 60,000 miles (iridium plugs) Spark plug replacement
Iridium plugs are factory spec. Delaying past 90k can cause plugs to seize in the aluminum heads — replace on time to avoid a costly extraction job.
- 6 Inspect annually; flush every 60,000 miles Power steering fluid check and flush
Dark, burned-smelling PS fluid accelerates rack seal wear. Given the known rack leak issue on this generation, keeping fluid clean is cheap insurance.
- 7 Every 3 years or 45,000 miles Brake fluid flush
Moisture absorption in brake fluid lowers its boiling point. Wisconsin's winter salt exposure also increases corrosion risk in the ABS hydraulic unit.
- 8 Annually — ideally every spring after winter salt season Underbody and suspension inspection for corrosion
Salt roads in Lake Geneva and across Wisconsin aggressively attack brake lines, fuel lines, and suspension fasteners. Catching early rust on brake lines saves you from a roadside failure.
Always defer to the manufacturer's service manual for warranty-mandated intervals.
Cost of ownership
Annual maintenance
$600 – $1,400
Fuel
At ~20 MPG combined and roughly 15,000 miles/year, expect to spend $2,100–$2,700/year on regular unleaded at current Wisconsin pump prices.
Insurance
Mid-size SUV with good safety ratings — typically $1,000–$1,500/year for a full-coverage policy in the Lake Geneva area, depending on driver profile and coverage limits.
The 2013 Highlander is an economical SUV to own over time. Routine maintenance costs are moderate, parts are affordable and widely available, and the drivetrain rarely surprises you with large unplanned bills when oil changes are kept current. The biggest financial risks are a neglected VVT-i system (which can escalate quickly) and power steering rack replacement. Budget $800–$1,200/year for routine upkeep on a well-maintained example; add a contingency fund for struts and rack if mileage exceeds 120k.
Seasonal care
Lake Geneva, WI Winter
- Switch to a 0W-20 full-synthetic oil before temperatures drop below 0°F — it flows immediately on cold starts and protects the VVT-i system during the critical first seconds of operation.
- Test the 12V battery every fall; the factory battery is typically at end-of-life by year 4–5. Cold starts in sub-zero temps demand full battery capacity — a weak battery that starts fine in October will strand you in January.
- Fill the washer fluid reservoir with a rated -20°F or colder fluid. The Highlander's tall windshield and large front glass area collect road salt spray quickly on Wisconsin highways.
- Inspect rubber brake lines and steel hard lines for corrosion every fall — salt-belt cars of this vintage are in the danger window for brake line rust-through.
- Verify the AWD system engages correctly before the first snowfall. If the AWD warning light activates or you feel a shudder, have the rear differential fluid and coupling serviced before winter.
- Install dedicated winter tires if you drive rural Walworth County roads regularly. The AWD system helps traction but does not replace the stopping advantage of proper winter tires on ice.
Summer
- Check tire pressure monthly — pressure drops roughly 1 PSI for every 10°F temperature change, and summer heat will cause overinflation compared to cold winter readings.
- Inspect the A/C system performance each spring; the refrigerant charge and cabin air filter both degrade over time. A musty smell on startup usually means a clogged or mold-laden cabin filter.
- Check coolant level and condition at the start of summer — the 3.5L V6 runs warm under load (towing, highway grades) and a low or degraded coolant level can push it toward overheating.
- Inspect the serpentine belt for cracks or glazing — summer heat accelerates belt aging, and belt failure disables the A/C, power steering, and alternator simultaneously.
Comparable vehicles
2013 Honda
Pilot
Nearly identical mission — three-row mid-size crossover, similar price range, comparable reliability reputation. The Pilot has more third-row legroom; the Highlander has a smoother powertrain.
2013 Ford
Explorer
Direct segment competitor with more available trim levels and a turbocharged EcoBoost 4-cylinder option. Slightly higher long-term maintenance costs than the Highlander; more interior technology features for the era.
2013 Mazda
CX-9
Three-row crossover with a sportier driving feel and competitive reliability. Slightly smaller cargo area; stronger on fuel economy. A good alternative for buyers who want a more engaging drive.
2013 Hyundai
Santa Fe
Lower purchase price for similar three-row utility. Longer factory warranty coverage helps used buyers; reliability and resale are not quite at Highlander levels but the gap has narrowed significantly on this generation.