2003 Toyota Highlander recalls and problems
The 2003 Toyota Highlander has 2 safety recalls and 258 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2003 Toyota Highlander vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2003 Toyota Highlander recalls
Recall 04V-181: Latches/Locks/Linkages
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.
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.
Fix: Dealers will shorten the cpl lever. Owner notification began may 7, 2004. Owners should contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall 02V-339: Wheels
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.
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.
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.
2003 Toyota Highlander problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 51 | |
| Engine | 41 | |
| Visibility | 31 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 28 | |
| Service Brakes, Hydraulic | 22 | |
| Structure | 18 | |
| Exterior Lighting | 16 | |
| Electrical System | 15 | |
| Power Train | 14 | |
| Service Brakes | 10 | |
| Air Bags | 9 | |
| Unknown or Other | 8 |
Most reported parts
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 14
- Structure › Body — 11
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 6
- Visibility › Power Window Devices and Controls — 5
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 5
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 4
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 3
- Tires › Tread/Belt — 3
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 93,500 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2003 Toyota Highlander complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2003 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2003 Toyota Highlander: 04V-181 (latches/locks/linkages), 02V-339 (wheels). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2003 Toyota Highlander?
Owners report engine and engine cooling problems most often (51 reports), followed by engine (41). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 93,500 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.