Name: 2003 Toyota Highlander
Brand: Toyota

Toyota Highlander

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

EPA MPG: NA

Owner Reported MPG:

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

There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

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.

Steering And Suspension

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

Alignment

"Wheels shake when driving higher speeds"

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

Other steering/suspension problem

"The car is more than 20 years old so the sway bars weren't a surprise. The replacement of the alternator cost more than I thought it would. More than $500. I'm told this is because the car has front wheel drive and more of the engine has to be taken apart to get to it."

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

Power steering

"Belt that runs the power steering wore out at about 254,000 miles and had to be replaced."

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

"fluid leak"

Anonymous, IL (2003 Toyota Highlander Base 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

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"At one time, abs brakes failed and had it fixed by a professional."

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

Rotors

"Oxygen sensor went out. Needed two. Now have two warning lights on and mechanic can not figure how to turn them off. Back brakes/rotors we noisy. They had to be replaced. At the same time, had the back shocks/struts replaced."

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

Squeaking

"these problems are still occurring because I are trying to purchase a new vehicle, which is very difficult to do."

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

Climate System

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

What Owners Say

A/C compressor

"The air conditioning is not working. It was cost prohibitive with my income level to have it repaired because of the location and the extent of time it would take to repair it. I live in an area where I seldom use air conditioning so I chose not to fix the problem, I am enjoying what we used to call 470 air conditioning which means roll down four windows and go 70 miles an hour and enjoy the natural air that God has provided us with"

Anonymous A., OR (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

Paint And Trim

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

What Owners Say

Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

"We noticed the paint chalking. We were contacted by Toyota that they would resolve problem at their expense. They did and provided a rental until work was done."

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

Rust

"Rust is beginning to show on passenger side rear fender. This is expected living in the the north on a car that is 21 years old."

Anonymous, PA (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 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.

What Owners Say

Headlights

"One front headlight lens lost its seal and water was trapped inside it. It cost over $300 to fix it at a dealer."

Anonymous, IL (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 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

Sensors (includes O2 or oxygen sensor)

"I had a VSC light come on, which indicated a Knock sensor problem. I am handy with auto repair and was able to change both Knock sensors, Knock sensor wiring harness, and coolant hose myself. Problem solved. All my costs were related to OEM parts and special tools."

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

Exhaust

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

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"The Check engine light illuminated once in 2021 and once in 2022. It was cleared both times. When it illuminated again in July 2023, my very competent mechanic informed me that two of the three catalytic converters needed replacing. This cost just under $3,000. There had been no noticeable effect on the vehicle performance but it would not have passed the required emissions inspection."

Anonymous A., NM (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

Electrical failure

"Car would not start even with a new battery"

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

Engine Major

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

What Owners Say

Head gasket

"See what I wrote above about this problem. If I understood right from the auto machine shop, this is a common problem with 4 cylinder motors in the early 2000s, and not just Toyotas. It happened across many different manufacturers. It may sound odd, but apart from this one problem, we feel that this has been a very enjoyable car overall."

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

Noises And Leaks

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

What Owners Say

Squeaks or rattles

"front bumper was coming loose and rattled when we hit a bump"

Anonymous A., ID (2003 Toyota Highlander Limited 3.0-L V6)

In-car Electronics

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

What Owners Say

CD player

"Stopped working and no longer ejects or accepts CDs."

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

Toyota Highlander

Reliability

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

Steering And Suspension

What Owners Say

Brakes

What Owners Say

Climate System

What Owners Say

Paint And Trim

What Owners Say

Electrical Accessories

What Owners Say

Fuel System/Emissions

What Owners Say

Exhaust

What Owners Say

Drive System

What Owners Say

Engine Major

What Owners Say

Noises And Leaks

What Owners Say

In-car Electronics

What Owners Say

Engine Electrical

Engine Cooling

Engine Minor

Transmission Minor

Transmission Major

Body Hardware

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