Three problems related to engine belts and pulleys have been reported for the 2003 Toyota Highlander. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2003 Toyota Highlander based on all problems reported for the 2003 Highlander.
I have been the owner of my 2003 Toyota Highlander, for almost 8 years. I got it in Nov. 2008 at around the 69,000 mark. Since then, I have made sure that my car/baby has had the works in care, to keep the quality and value of the vehicle up. This would include:oil changes, new brakes, new tires, repairs of belts/filters etc, hoses, tune ups, great gas and car washes/body care. Most of this has been done by the dealership here in culver city CA. I've depended on them to tell me what was good/bad about my car and trusted them in doing so. I also made sure to do the repairs they suggested. Sometimes however they said it was fine, but would come to find out, I did have issues. This made me wonder if Toyota was trustworthy/doing their jobs right and now I feel the same lack of trust in my cars performance /current state. I can say I have only put 50,000 miles or so on my car in the last 8 years, and I know Toyotas can/should last until 250,000 or so, without major issues. However since 2015 I have dealt, with one thing after the next with the car. Most recently this past weekend where my engine completely blew. How could a engine blow out on such a well maintained car? well after reviewing other complaints online, it seems this year and model has this problem often, once they reach around 110,000 mark or so. Why? it seems to be a faulty engine /something that should definitely be recalled. We as consumers shouldn't have to spend thousands on a car, thousands to keep it in great condition and then thousands when are engines fail and this has been reported. Other may simply think there is no hope and don't bother. But I am bothered, because now I am without a car. I don't have the funds for this repair. I have a young child and when I bought this car, thought it would last. I also have had problems with braking/cars pedal going into the floor! this is unacceptable!! help!!.
Vsc (vehicle stability control, including abs) & check engine lights have been turning on intermittently almost from the start of our ownership of this 2003 Toyota Highlander v6 awd limited and after costly repairs at the dealer they are still on continuously. Last time (may-June 2010) dealer replaced front brake pads & rotors; rear axles and speed sensors and now wants to replace additional components that do not appear connected. First time car was serviced under warranty at dealer and that too did not last for long. Toyota car satisfaction center has not been helpfull. Case # [xxx]. Ford has issued a recall for similar issue recently: 10s13 for rear axle breakage in the snow belt! Toyota refuses to acknowledge issue and internet has many discussions on topic. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).
2003 Toyota Highlander v6 4wd 45000 miles. It wa s already more than 2 years I have been experiencing exactly the same problem as 'described in NHTSA recall 100i0160 000- concerning accessory drive belt squeal/ belt tensioner rattles. Dealership response was that NHTSA item number 100i0160 didn't apply to v6 Highlanders.