1. Toyota Highlander
  2. Problems
  3. 2003
  4. Cooling System

2003 Toyota Highlander Cooling System Problems

6
Owner complaint records in our dataset

Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.

Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.

Mileage in stored records

BandRecords
60–100k mi3
150–400k mi2
100–150k mi1

Complaint records

Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.

  • October 24, 2010 · 175,000 miles

    Cooling System

    The coolant kept leaking on my highlander 2003 4 cylinder for last few months. The temperature gauge one day showed heating of engine. Took it to toyota , they said it is blown head gasket. Demanded $3500. *tr

    ODI 10362826

  • August 1, 2010 · 84,560 miles

    Cooling System

    2003 4 cylinder toyota highlander. Coolant leak and subsequent need for a new replacement engine due to the defect of 3 rear engine short block screws/threads. Had less than 85k miles on vehicle, when found a coolant leak underneath engine block of vehicle in garage after having no issues prior with engine, radiator or any associated accessories to the coolant system/engine system of vehicle. Took to a toyota dealer…

    ODI 10348076

  • March 30, 2010 · 163,323 miles

    Cooling System · Exhaust System

    My 2003 highlander heat gage indicated the engine was starting to get hot. I pull into service station to check coolant level and noticed coolant leaking on the ground. I waited for about 15 minutes to assure myself it was safe to take off the radiator cap. I could not see any coolant so, i purchased a gallon of pre-mixed coolant and poured in about 1/2 to 3/4 gallon to bring it up to full. I made the trip home…

    ODI 10323409

  • February 1, 2010 · 135,000 miles

    Cooling System

    Vehicle suddenly leaks engine coolant to the outside of vehicle without any warning of overheating. Leak is coming from a defective head bolt and cannot be fixed. Entire engine block needs replacement. A very common issue among 4 cylinder 2001-2006 toyota engines in the camry,highlander and rav 4 leaking harmful coolant to the outside of vehicles that is deadly to humans and animals if consumed. Not to mention…

    ODI 10314858

  • April 22, 2009 · 64,417 miles

    Cooling System · Engine

    The suv was out of coolant & water and my husband take the car to the dealer to check this problem and for regular maintenance (the car only has received service at the dealer, except for tires). The diagnostic was that the shock block has it threads separated from the screws (or bolts). The engine has to be removed in order to change the shock block. The repair has cost $4701.31, because it was also recommended to…

    ODI 10267447

  • November 1, 2007 · 68,000 miles

    Cooling System · Engine · Engine And Engine Cooling

    While driving on the highway, my engine temp in my 4 cyl, 4wd 2003 highlander suddenly spiked high. I had to pull of the road. Towed to dealer. Dealer said bolts on short block of engine were stripped and allowed coolant to leak out and engine overheated. I was at 68,000 miles, so over the warranty period. I took it to my local dealer and they said i had a bad water pump...i paid to have that fixed, but the car…

    ODI 10268801