2003 Toyota Highlander
This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1997 | 1 |
| 1998 | 1 |
| 1999 | 0 |
| 2000 | 0 |
| 2001 | 137 |
| 2002 | 301 |
| 2003 | 258 |
| 2004 | 286 |
| 2005 | 224 |
| 2006 | 275 |
| 2007 | 123 |
| 2008 | 403 |
| 2009 | 134 |
| 2010 | 216 |
| 2011 | 181 |
| 2012 | 182 |
| 2013 | 205 |
| 2014 | 135 |
| 2015 | 190 |
| 2016 | 109 |
| 2017 | 264 |
| 2018 | 263 |
| 2019 | 474 |
| 2020 | 307 |
| 2021 | 497 |
| 2022 | 233 |
| 2023 | 176 |
| 2024 | 41 |
| 2025 | 9 |
| 2026 | 1 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
Percentages can add to more than 100% -- a complaint can name more than one system.
20% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 51 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing engine and cooling system.
16% of complaints: engine — 41 distinct reports on file.
CRASH13% of complaints: service brakes — 33 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
CRASH INJURY12% of complaints: visibility — 31 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing power window devices and controls and defroster/defogger/hvac system.
11% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 28 distinct reports on file, most commonly citing accelerator pedal.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
CAR ACCELERATED AND CHASED INTO HOUSE IN NOV 20011. CAR ACCELERATED IN PARKING LOT DEC. 2012. NO DAMAGE THIS TIME BUT IN 2011 THERE WAS 14,000 $ DAMAGE TO HOUSE AND CAR. CAR WAS CHECKED OUT AT TOYOTA TWICE ,NO PROBLEM FOUND.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130101
Also filed under FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
WHILE THE BRAKES WERE BEING APPLIED VEHICLE SURGED FORWARD ABRUPTLY. VEHICLE JUMPED AN EMBANKMENT AND WENT THROUGH A FENCE. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040311
SUDDEN ACCELERATION WHILE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED. VEHICLE WENT UP A TWO FOOT EMBANKMENT AND THRU A CHAIN LINK FENCE. VEHICLE WAS STOPPED BY PLACING INTO PARK. THIS ALL HAPPENED WHILE BRAKE WAS DEPRESSED FULLY.
NHTSA ODI report, 20040309
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 P
Remedy: DEALERS WILL SHORTEN THE CPL LEVER. OWNER NOTIFICATION BEGAN MAY 7, 2004. OWNERS SHOULD CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 04V181000 — check if this car was fixed
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...
Remedy: OWNERS WILL BE PROVIDED WITH DIFFERENT STYLE LUG NUTS, A WARNING LABEL FOR THE SPARE RE/ALLOY WHEEL, AND AN OWNER'S MANUAL ADDENDUM.
Campaign 02V339000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2003 Toyota Highlander — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine and engine cooling issues (51 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for engine issues (41 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for service brakes issues (33 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 02V339000 (wheels) has been completed.
- Verify recall 04V181000 (latches/locks/linkages) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2003 Toyota Highlander reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2003 Toyota Highlander is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2003 Toyota Highlander?
The most-reported component is engine and engine cooling, accounting for 20% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2003 Toyota Highlander have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-09-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.