2003 Toyota Highlander Engine Problems

“Head bolts stripped in engine , 66k miles - coolant loss - all mechanics prefer to swap engine - Toyota service shop by me quoted me 5,000 for an engine and 1 year warranty. The car is worth 8,000 tops. Heartbroken by this - will have to find a way to make repairs on my own and hope to drive again.”

“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 blown. All this was determined without removing valve cover and cams, but instead because it's a known issue. Many owners report the same thing on message boards.”

“Driving in town traffic, car overheated for the first time ever having this car. Thought it was probably a thermostat so took to firestone, they called and said I have a blown head gasket! At only 95000 miles. I have babied and had every single regular service done to this vehicle since it was the first new car I ever bought. I thought toyotas were long lasting vehicles. Apparently not. I'm going to have to come up with over $2000 dollars to have it repaired. …”

“My 4 cylinder engine overheated very quick, very high, causing a gasket to blow. Upon repairing the catalytic converter and gasket, the mechanic ran into another issue that I've been reading about happening to others, the threads are stripped where they hold the engine block. Something needs to be done. There are too many people writing about having this issue for it be a rare occurrence for this type of vehicle. The costs are high to fix and Toyota needs to help rectify the problem.”

“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.”