The 2003 Toyota Highlander has 270 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and engine cooling and engine. Owners most often flag engine transition concerns: apprehension about the long-term reliability of the newer turbocharged 2.4l 4-cylinder engine compared to the older, proven 3.5l v6. frequency: recurrent.
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2003 Toyota Highlander vehicles (US, public record).
Across the 8 Highlander model years we track, complaint volume runs from 217 (2016) to 919 (2006). With 270 complaints, the 2003 Highlander sits belowthe model's median of 356.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
latches/locks/linkages:doors:latch
Campaign 04V181000CERTAIN 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 P…
wheels
Campaign 02V339000ON 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 DI…
Sentiment is mixed and heavily dependent on model year and powertrain. The Highlander is widely recognized as a reliable, practical, and comfortable family SUV, praised for its solid build quality, good ride comfort, and strong resale value.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Highlander. See the full Highlander owner picture and every model year.
Used Highlander listings typically run $18,655–$29,616 across 2002 to 2024 model years.
Compare every Highlander year side by side to see how 2003 ranks against the rest.