Four problems related to structure 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.
Painful, drumming noise when rear windows are open. Severe vibration when in drive at full stop with brake.
With rear windows lowered a deafening buffeting vibration occurs from the aft cargo compartment. When the speed is increased, the buffeting increases to an unbearable level. Dealer did not disclose this information prior to purchase.
Unable to drive the vehicle with windows rolled down. As noted in several other complaints this vehicle is completely non-drivable with windows rolled down. This fact is never mentioned to any customers at the time of purchase. I feel that if anyone buying a vehicle for more than 30k should have access to any such design flaw. Even when asking the dealer, later on, the response was that this is a design problem. Toyota needs to carefully look into this as with windows rolled down on freeway speeds, it creates almost a low pressure env within the vehicle with ear-aches for all passengers.
When the driver's window was down, a loud whistling noise was heard.
| Body problems | |
| Structure problems | |
| Door problems | |
| Underbody Shield problems |