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Vehicle safety record

2003 Toyota Highlander Problems, complaints & recalls

Owners have filed 270 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Highlander with NHTSA, most often about the engine & cooling (90) and the brakes (34). Those complaints describe 34 crashes, 1 fire and 12 injuries. It is covered by 2 recalls, the latest in April 2004 for the latch. For comparison, the 2002 has 327 and the 2004 has 286.

NHTSA data checked

CAbout as many problems as a typical Highlander year, for its age

#54 most complained-about 2003 vehicle

Complaints
270
Recalls
2
Crashes
34
Fires
1
Injuries
12
Deaths
0

Most common 2003 Toyota Highlander problems

Share of all 270 complaints. One complaint can name more than one area. Tap an area for its complaints and recalls.

2003 Toyota Highlander recalls 2

Recall repairs are free. Your dealer fixes them whether or not you bought the car there - check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see if yours is done. What to do

Latch

04V181000366,572 vehicles affected

The problem
Certain sport utility vehicles have a child protection lock (cpl) system on both of the rear side doors. When an operator of the vehicle closes the door very hard with the cpl lever set to the lock position, there is a possibility that the lever may contact the body panel, causing the cpl lever to move into the unlock position.
The risk
This condition could allow the door to be opened with the inside while the operator believes that the cpl was activated. If the door were opened from the inside while the vehicle was in motion, an occupant could fall out and be injured.
The fix
Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began may 7, 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Wheels

02V339000176 vehicles affected

The problem
On certain sport utility vehicles equipped with five factory alloy wheels (model 6934 and 6936), with factory llat, and with port installed wr4, four alloy wheel upgrade processed at the jacksonville, florida port and distributed by southeast toyota distributors in the states of alabama, florida, georgia, north and south carolina, when the vehicles were processed at the port, an alloy tire/wheel upgrade was installed. The upgrade included 4 alloy wheels. The original spare tire/alloy wheel was not changed. The spare tire requires the use of a different style of wheel nut to attach it to the vehicle.
The risk
If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the wheel nuts provided for the upgrade alloy wheel, damage to the wheel could result and could eventually lead to a loose wheel.
The fix
Owners will be provided with different style lug nuts, a warning label for the spare re/alloy wheel, and an owner's manual addendum.

What owners say

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270 complaints about the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Newest first, as filed with NHTSA by owners. Page 1 of 11.

Wheels & tiresBrakesEngine & cooling

Many things are happening to my truck that's why I am contacting you people to see if I got any callback thank you so much

Filed Incident Wheels · Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 11714805
Engine & coolingDriver assistance

Automatically disengage the transmission Stopped the road Icalled my husband Myhusband came and together we got the car to a safe place.Then Icame home with my husband and he called the insurance company and had the car towed. Ifound a place to fix the car and they said the transmission was broken and it cost about 6500 dollars.Icontacted the insurance company said they couldn't help.The car was towed home and is not available.

Filed Incident Engine · Forward collision avoidanceNHTSA 11523925
Other & unknown

The hood latch cable inside the vehicle when pulled did not allow the hood to open now the secondary hood latch is stuck in the closed position and will not release..I have to use a strap from wheel opening to wheel opening to keep my hood secure so when I am driving my hood won't open at high speeds

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11513146
Other & unknown

Passenger window has had to be fixed multiple times. Comes off the track and will not close. Have had interior damage because of it

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 11374150
Engine & cooling

2003 Toyota highlander 4 cyl. Service bulliton from them #310436. Head bolts coming undone inside motor causing catastrophic failure of motor. Bolts not holding down mfgr knows about this. Was a manufacturing process that did not work. On carcomplaints.Com this is a rampant problem reported. Reads almost like a play book on how the motor overheats and fails, told headgasket, after opening up the motor it is found that the head bolts backed out. Toyota is normally a great car. I still owe money on this car and...

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toyota is basically not taking care of their customers and leaving us out to dry. Please issue a recall on this. Vehicle was driving and quickly overheated. This happened twice in a short distance. Easily can leave one stranded. No steam out the tailpipe and water gushed out side of motor. Dealer left motor apart when I went to pick it up after being dragged about. They promised to fix it at first as they dug into the motor they backed out of their word.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11270240
AirbagsCrash1 injury

Head on collision air bags did not deploy speeds 25-40 mph

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11268617
Body, doors & structure

PAINT SEAL DELAMINATION

Filed Incident Structure · Unknown or otherNHTSA 11265544
AirbagsCrash1 injury

I was in motion when we hit a cow going 45mph that jumped out at my husband and I my air bags did not deploy the car is totaled was city street

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11258297
SteeringWheels & tiresCrash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota highlander. While driving 40 mph on ice, the power steering seized and the rear driver's side wheel locked up. As a result, the vehicle spun out and crashed into a snow mound. The air bags did not deploy. There were no injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to the contact's home. The dealer and manufacturer were not made aware of the failure. The cause of the failure was not determined. The failure mileage was 200,000.

Filed Incident Steering · WheelsNHTSA 11172554
Suspension

Rear forward control arm broke in half under normal driving. This is a hollow shaft, which seems inadequate, and creates a danger of loss of rear axel and or wheel.

Filed Incident SuspensionNHTSA 11169937
Acceleration & cruise control

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota highlander. While driving 20 mph, the vehicle unintentionally accelerated at high speeds without warning. The contact was able to bring the vehicle to a complete stop and turn off the engine. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer or independent mechanic for diagnostic testing or repairs. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 185,000.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 11133071
LightsVisibility & wipers

The headlight lenses are completely fogged and impairs driving after dusk. This is a safety issue and a recall should be issued

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Visibility / wiperNHTSA 11081973
Engine & cooling

Head bolts stripped in engine , 66k miles - coolant loss - all mechanics prefer to swap engine - toyota service shop by me quoted me 5,000 for an engine and 1 year warranty. The car is worth 8,000 tops. Heartbroken by this - will have to find a way to make repairs on my own and hope to drive again.

Filed Incident EngineNHTSA 11076109
AirbagsCrash

Tl* the contact owns a 2003 toyota highlander. While driving various speeds, the contact felt lightheaded and crashed into a light pole. The air bags failed to deploy. The contact did not sustain injuries. A police report was filed. The vehicle was driven to the contact's residence. The vehicle was later taken to an insurance lot where the vehicle was repaired for the body damage. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired for the air bag failure. The manufacturer was not contacted. The approximate failure mileage was 40,000.

Filed Incident Air bagsNHTSA 11039265
LightsSeats & seat belts

Seat belt on drivers side is fraying on the edges. Spoke to other toyota highlander owners and they are experiencing the same problem. Contacted the dealership where we purchased the vehicle and they said we would have to pay for a new seatbelt and installation cost. I contacted a few other manufacturers and was told that due to this being a safety issue they would replace at no cost to the consumer. The seatbelt is not meant to wear out and they said that it was a manufacturer defect that should be addressed. ...

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The second issue has to do with the brake lights. Replaced bulbs, fuses and checked wiring no problems yet the brake light do not work. Toyota's is aware of the issue and states that the consumer can pay $400 to have it checked and it still does not work.

Filed Incident Exterior lighting · Seat beltsNHTSA 11032815
Transmission & drivetrain

"Takata recall" transmission slips in reverse surge in reverse after slip

Filed Incident Power trainNHTSA 10991076
Other & unknown

Driver side visor is loose and drops down during driving , obstructing view. Is not save during driving , visir can not hold position up

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10990708
Electrical system

Check engine light keeps reporting an issue and despite takata recall - spending thousands of dollars on coded repairs, the light comes back on. I have spent numerous dollars to replace cat converter, 2 sets of injectors, fuel pump, on and on......Within 2 days, the light is back on. I saw a service campaign release 12/6/2006, but my 4 cylinder highlander vin does not show up on your list. Next would be a class action suit for lost monies?

Filed Incident Electrical systemNHTSA 10985048
AirbagsAcceleration & cruise controlBrakesCrash

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 toyota highlander. While the vehicle was in reverse, it accelerated independently. The contact stated that the brake pedal was depressed, but failed to effectively slow down the vehicle. The gear shifter button was pushed into drive and the vehicle sped forward and crashed into a tree. The air bags failed to deploy. There were no injuries and a police report was not filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic. The failure recurred twice prior to the crash. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000. The vehicle was destroyed. *Js

Filed Incident Air bags · Vehicle speed control · Service brakesNHTSA 10939869
AirbagsBody, doors & structureCrash1 injury

During a wreck airbags did not deploy when I hit an unmarked utility pole in the roadway of a parking lot exit.

Filed Incident Air bags · StructureNHTSA 10936022
Other & unknown

Driver side sun visor falls from the up position down into the sight path directly in front of the drivers face blocking the view of the road through the windshield. This is due to the tension / resistance to keep it in an up position against the headliner diminishing over time. Occurs repeatedly without warning from road turbulence / bumps. Same issue in the toyota camry which has been recalled.

Filed Incident Unknown or otherNHTSA 10885730
Acceleration & cruise control

Saturday june 18 2016 at 6:40 a.M. Driving on tully road in my 2003 toyota highlander. My speed was 35 miles per hour when the car suddenly accelerated at a high rate of speed. I applied my brakes to slow down the highlander this had no effect on slowing down the highlander. The brakes went into anti locking mode the wheels started to pulsate. While this was happening my foot was not on the accelerator , but on the brakes. The highlander was not slowing down but increasing speed. I down shifted into a lower...

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gear, the engine raced at a high rpms. I then put the car in neutral the rpms still racing at a high rate. I then applied the brakes again to slow down. The highlander started to slow down I then turned off the engine and then came to a stop. I waited for a minute and started the car the engine raced at a high rpms as if my foot was pushed all the way down on the accelerator, but my foot was not on the gas pedal. I waited again a few minutes to start the highlander , the same high rpms happening again. A few minutes later I tried again to start the highlander and this time the highlander idled normal. I turned the highlander around and went home which was half a mile away. The total distance of uncontrolled acceleration was in my estimation over 1,000 yards. I had to highlander towed to stevens creek toyota where it remains now june 27 2016.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10877040
BrakesEngine & cooling

I have been the owner of my 2003 toyota highlander, for almost 8 years. I got it in nov.2008 At around the 69,000 mark. Since then, I have made sure that my car/baby has had the works in care, to keep the quality and value of the vehicle up. This would include:oil changes, new brakes, new tires, repairs of belts/filters etc, hoses, tune ups, great gas and car washes/body care. Most of this has been done by the dealership here in culver city ca. I've depended on them to tell me what was good/bad about my car and...

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trusted them in doing so. I also made sure to do the repairs they suggested. Sometimes however they said it was fine, but would come to find out, I did have issues. This made me wonder if toyota was trustworthy/doing their jobs right and now I feel the same lack of trust in my cars performance /current state. I can say I have only put 50,000 miles or so on my car in the last 8 years, and I know toyotas can/should last until 250,000 or so, without major issues. However since 2015 I have dealt, with one thing after the next with the car. Most recently this past weekend where my engine completely blew. How could a engine blow out on such a well maintained car? Well after reviewing other complaints online, it seems this year and model has this problem often, once they reach around 110,000 mark or so. Why? It seems to be a faulty engine /something that should definitely be recalled. We as consumers shouldn't have to spend thousands on a car, thousands to keep it in great condition and then thousands when are engines fail and this has been reported. Other may simply think there is no hope and don't bother. But I am bothered, because now I am without a car. I don't have the funds for this repair. I have a young child and when I bought this car, thought it would last. I also have had problems with braking/cars pedal going into the floor! This is unacceptable!! Help!!

Filed Incident Service brakes · EngineNHTSA 10861207
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash

Pulling into a parking space at kaiser hospital as I hit the brake the car unexpectedly accelerated. The car sped forward while my foot was still on the brake. I hit a tree causing damage to the left front area of the car (lights, fender, bumper) had car repaired. At the time I thought that I had accidentally hit the gas pedal;however, one month later while approaching an intersection, as I stopped, the same thing happened. Luckily no car or pedestrian was in the intersection. I was able to stop the car by shifting...

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into park. Took the car to my mechanic. He was unable to replicate the problem. Since this unexpected acceleration occurred in the same way (coming to a stop with foot on brake and gear-shift in drive) , in a five week period, it could be a transmission or accelerater problem. I no longer feel confident driving the car and consider it unsafe.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10820689
Acceleration & cruise controlCrash1 injury

Tl* the contact owned a 2003 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while the brake pedal was depressed, the vehicle accelerated rapidly without warning causing a crash. The contact sustained injuries to her left foot. Medical attention was required. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 51,082.

Filed Incident Vehicle speed controlNHTSA 10820081

Toyota Highlander: every year compared

YearComplaintsRecallsCrashesFiresTop problemGrade
20071244111BrakesB
20062797294BrakesD
20052256354Transmission & drivetrainC
20042865323Transmission & drivetrainF
20032702341Engine & coolingC
20023272276Visibility & wipersD
20011363192Visibility & wipersB
All Highlander years

2003 Toyota Highlander vs rivals

More sales usually means more complaints, so compare similar vehicles of the same year. The grade compares each vehicle with its own model's other years.

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Questions about the 2003 Toyota Highlander

Does the 2003 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes - NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Highlander: latch (April 2004); wheels (December 2002). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see whether yours has been fixed.

What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Highlander?

By the complaints owners filed with NHTSA, the most common problem areas are the engine & cooling (90), brakes (34), visibility & wipers (34).

How many complaints has the 2003 Toyota Highlander had?

270 complaints have been filed with NHTSA, the first on January 28, 2003 and the latest on February 1, 2026. Of these, 34 describe a crash and 1 a fire, and together they report 12 injuries and 0 deaths.

Is the 2003 Toyota Highlander a reliable vehicle?

Its Safety Index is 42 out of 100 (grade C: about as many problems as a typical Toyota Highlander year, for its age). The index weighs complaints, crashes, fires, injuries, deaths and recalls against how long the vehicle has been on the road, compared with the same model's other years. It is not a measure of every repair - read the complaints and owner experiences, and have any used vehicle inspected before you buy.

Which Toyota Highlander years have the most complaints?
What should I do if my 2003 Toyota Highlander has a problem?

If it is a safety problem, stop driving it if it is unsafe and contact your dealer. Report it to NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem - enough reports start investigations and recalls - and share your experience here so other owners know what to look for.

Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) complaints and recalls, checked . Complaints are owners' own reports and are not verified. How we use the data

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