2003 Toyota Highlander engine problems
Owners reported engine problems in 86 complaints for the 2003 Toyota Highlander, 27% of the complaints on file. It is the most reported problem area for this model year.
At a glance
- Complaints
- 86 27% of this year's complaints
- Typical mileage
- 108,000 miles 82 complaints with mileage
- Crashes and fires
- 1 and 0
- Injuries and deaths
- 0 and 0
Source: NHTSA owner complaints
When engine problems show up
View the numbers
| Mileage | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 0k to 20k miles | 2 |
| 20k to 40k miles | 1 |
| 40k to 60k miles | 4 |
| 60k to 80k miles | 10 |
| 80k to 100k miles | 12 |
| 100k to 120k miles | 20 |
| 120k to 140k miles | 16 |
| 140k to 160k miles | 11 |
| 160k to 180k miles | 3 |
| 180k to 200k miles | 2 |
| 200k+ miles | 1 |
What the data shows
Of the 82 engine complaints that report mileage, the median is about 108,000 miles, and 9% were reported before 60,000 miles.
These complaints mention 1 crash.
What owners wrote
I was backing my car from across the street. After shifting to drive, my car jumped back in reversed full speed crash in to my garage. I had my foot on the brake but wouldn't stop till it hit my garage wall.
Tl-* the contact owns a 2003 toyota highlander. While traveling 55 MPH, the contact noticed that the temperature gauge was indicating that the vehicle was running hot. After examining the vehicle, the contact discovered coolant leaking from the rear of the cylinder block. The vehicle was taken to a local mechanic where z taps were installed inside of the engine. The current and failure mileage was 155,000.
Other problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Highlander
- Wipers, windshield & visibility 34 complaints
- Brakes 33 complaints
- Cruise control 28 complaints
- Body & structure 18 complaints
- Lighting 16 complaints
- Electrical system 15 complaints