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Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT:
There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2003 Highlander has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2003 Toyota Highlander has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2003 Toyota Highlander owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"Did not blow cold air."

Anonymous, AL (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

""Air conditioning compressor went out and leaked Freon thru gasket. Replaced, charged and works great.""

Anonymous, UT (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)

"AC required freon, compressor, and condenser."

Anonymous, NY (2003 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.0-L V6)
Automatic climate control

"Likes to switch to heat from cooling on its own."

Anonymous A., IL (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)
Other climate system problem

"The climate board behind climate panel wears over time and you have to weld or replace board"

Anonymous, VA (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Fuel leaks

"since we purchased in 07, when you fill the gas tank all the way it stinks powerfull of gas in our garage until we use about a quarter tank. still to this day."

Anonymous, 99 (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)
Oil leaks

"Valve cover"

Anonymous, IN (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

"Three oil leaks. Much of the engine had to be uncovered/pulled to get to the leaks."

Anonymous, TN (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Problem(s) fueling the tank

"I cannot fully fill the gas tank as there is a vapor leak somewhere"

Anonymous, CA (2003 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.0-L V6)

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Exhaust leaks

"when we purchased in 07 exhaust fumes come in the windows when down on the right side of vehicle still to this day."

Anonymous, 99 (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)
Other/unsure

"I just bought the car this month."

Anonymous A., OH (2003 Toyota Highlander Unsure 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"replaced the original radiator now they say it needs a new doggone"

Anonymous, FL (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Shocks or struts

"Struts were bad after driving at Yuma Proving Grounds"

Anonymous, (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Noticed a rumble about 2 months ago. The top of the strut broke loose today"

Anonymous, PA (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"I noticed a rougher ride in h winter. Im proactive so I had it checked out. I needed to replace front struts"

Anonymous, NC (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"Clear coat peeling"

Anonymous, VA (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)
Rust

"Rear quarter panel started to rust on this 2003 Highlander with home in PA."

Anonymous, PA (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"Had to replace axle on both front sides"

Anonymous, VA (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Rotors

"Theywere frozen"

Anonymous, NY (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 3.0-L V6)

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

What Owners Say

Emission control devices (includes EGR)

"Replacement part is no longer available"

Anonymous, NC (2003 Toyota Highlander Unsure 3.0-L V6)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

2003 SUVs Reliability

This Car
vs. Similar Cars

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
LATCHES/LOCKS/LINKAGES
Apr 15, 2004
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
For more information:
TOYOTA RECALL NO. SSC 40B.CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V181000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 366572
WHEELS
Dec 17, 2002
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DIFFERENT STYLE LUG NUTS, A WARNING LABEL FOR THE SPARE RE/ALLOY WHEEL, AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM.
For more information:
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 02V339000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 176
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