2003 Toyota Highlander power train problems
13 owner complaints filed with NHTSA name the power train on the 2003 Toyota Highlander — 5% of all complaints for this model year.
What owners report
“Noticed white smoke coming out of the tailpipe in june. Then I noticed reddish/pink fluid accumulating on garage floor in july. Took it in assuming either a coolant or transmission fluid leak. Toyota told me I needed a new engine because the back headbolts were stripped and the head gasket was…”
filed Aug 20, 2014
“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. *tr”
filed Jul 29, 2013
Verbatim excerpts from complaints filed with NHTSA. Reports are not independently verified.
Power Train problems in other Highlander years
| Year | Reports | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Highlander | 3 | 8% |
| 2023 Highlander | 16 | 9% |
| 2022 Highlander | 47 | 21% |
| 2021 Highlander | 199 | 41% |
| 2020 Highlander | 120 | 40% |
| 2019 Highlander | 187 | 40% |
| 2018 Highlander | 60 | 23% |
| 2017 Highlander | 70 | 27% |
| 2016 Highlander | 1 | 1% |
| 2015 Highlander | 7 | 4% |
| 2014 Highlander | 8 | 6% |
| 2013 Highlander | 11 | 5% |
Other reported problem areas on the 2003 Toyota Highlander
Counts are unique NHTSA complaints naming this component group. Complaints are unverified owner reports; mileage is computed only from complaints that included a usable odometer reading.