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6.3

fairly significant
Typical Repair Cost:
No data
Average Mileage:
46,100 miles
Total Complaints:
6 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (5 reports)
  2. repaint (1 reports)
2013 Toyota Highlander body / paint problems

body / paint problem

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2013 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments

problem #6

Apr 082019

Highlander ES 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 75,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

click to see larger images

paint bubbling/flaking paint bubbling/flaking

Toyota has finally addressed their white paint peeling issue only on certain models. My white 2013 Toyota Corolla is under the program to have it repainted (which I no longer own) but not my 2013 White Highlander, which has the white paint also. I contacted Toyota and was told I could take it to a local dealer at my expense to have it checked. Why should I pay the high hourly fee to have a factory paint flaw inspected? Also they said my highlander is not on the list.

The same thing was told to Corolla and Rav 4 owners for years until complaints met their recall quota. Toyota, stop hiding and accept the fact all white vehicles painted in white from 2009 to 2013 are susceptible to this paint peeling and flaking off. Be the automaker power you think you are, and step up and admit your poor application of white paint on ALL your vehicles for the stated years!!!

- 87turbowe4, Sewell, US

problem #5

Sep 052020

Highlander SE 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 100,000 miles

click to see larger images

paint bubbling/flaking paint bubbling/flaking

My wife has a 2013 Highlander, Blizzard Pearl White. I found 2 softball size patches peeling on her roof about a month ago and a smaller patch on the passenger side A pillar. I called the Toyota 800 # and was told to send photos in via their website email. I did so and received an email telling me to call the number I had already called. After 20 minutes, I get a woman that finds my "case" and tells me there is nothing they can do as the car is no longer under warranty. So, a KNOWN PROBLEM and they say there is nothing they can do? I drive an 06 Tundra and the paint on it is still pristine. HOW can the paint look so good on a 15 year old truck but be peeling off on a 7 year old Highlander? My family has been driving Toyotas for 30+ years but this is it. We are done. NO MORE TOYOTAS in my driveway.

Yes, I know, I am ranting but, I am beyond pissed off and so very disappointed. It has been a wonderful vehicle and my wife loves it but, now all she can think about is the paint peeling. She wanted to buy a new one late next year but we'll get divorced before I ever buy another one. I can't believe Toyota is doing this.

- D F., Columbia, SC, US

problem #4

Dec 262018

Highlander Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 62,000 miles

My car is only 6 years old and has rust issues. I'm set to make payments on this car for another 4 years and very frustrated to have an issue like this. Did check before buying and no accidents or damage in Carfax.I haven't been able to find it an issue for anyone else and is very aesthetically unpleasant. It is too nice of a car to have small signs of rust already. I was hoping to keep this car long term and not sure how to fix this.

- LeeAnna T., Kettering, US

problem #3

Jul 032015

Highlander

  • Automatic transmission
  • 25,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Recently discovered during car-wash (hand-wash) that paint was bubbly only on the hood, everywhere else appears to be okay? Is this normal for Toyotas now? I'm annoyed and disappointed since this is not my first Toyota.

- jskhat01, Arvada, CO, US

problem #2

Mar 242014

Highlander Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 4,000 miles

Paint is FLAKING off of the plastic fenders where they meet the body. I reported it at the 5,000, 10,000 and now the 15,000 mile services. They now claim is is like a "chip" and has nothing to do with the paint. That is except that of you touch it--more comes off rather easily. WHILE I WAS AT THE SHOP TODAY pieces were "flaking off" and they had the unmitigated audacity to tell me this was normal...

If they do not fix this ASAP I will never buy another Toyota again. this is crazy. This SUV is SHOWROOM new with 17,000 miles and except for the flaking paint--has ZERO issues.

I asked for the Toyota Regional to take a look at it and offered to simply leave my vehicle there for the month or two it will take to get him (or her) to see it.

- Grant E., Sacramento, CA, US

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problem #1

Aug 012014

Highlander Limited V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 10,500 miles

2013 Highlander that has been garage-kept. Approx 10,500 miles. It has visible spots in the paint, where it looks like something was on the vehicle when it was painted. If you run your hand along the body, it feels like sandpaper in spots. Paint has actually started flaking off in some areas and shows visible scratches at the slightest touch. Took it in to the dealer, who attributed it to "rock chips" and "tree sap". Not sure how "tree sap" got UNDER the paint, UNDER the rear lift gate and rocks "chipped" some of the areas that are flaking, but hey, I'm just a woman. Dealer refused to do anything to remedy the problem. I have taken it to 2 independent auto body shops who agreed that SOME of the areas on the hood ONLY "probably" are rock chips, but said the other issues are NOT "tree sap." BOTH said even if they were, the chipping is excessive and paint seems "thin." One said some areas looked to be consistent with "rail dust," but said it's too random and that "rail dust" would not cause the visible debris UNDER the paint, UNDER the lift gate (would only be in exposed areas), nor would it cause the "sandpaper" feel. I have tried having it professionally detailed with "clay bar", and it helped for a short time, but the spots reappeared, thus making me believe it's something UNDER the paint causing them.

- mamak, Aurora, IL, US

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