2003 Toyota Highlander Exterior lighting Problems
- Complaints
- 15about this part
- Share
- 6%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 124,000miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 15 complaints about the exterior lighting of the 2003 Toyota Highlander, 6% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,000 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“I have a 2003 Highlander. When I press the brake, only the driver side of the tail/brake light becomes brighter. When the lights are on, the bulbs illuminate on the passenger side but they do not get brighter when the brake is pressed. When the lights are off, the brake lights do not illuminate on the passenger side. I saw the same problem today on a Highlander just like mine.”
NHTSA complaint #10524625, filed 2013-07, 124,000 miles“Driver side rear brake lights will not illuminate even when you depress your brakes even after you replace bulb and light socket. Right side rear is ok. I have looked online and it appears other 2003-2006 highlanders are having similar issues. Some on right side and others on left like myself.”
NHTSA complaint #10661001, filed 2014-11, 215,000 miles“Driver side rear brakes will not illuminate after you depress your brakes. Replaced bulb and socket that houses bulb and will not work. Check online for similar issues and read reports of 2002-2006 highlanders having either left or right side rear not working.”
NHTSA complaint #10661004, filed 2014-11, 215,000 miles“The rear right brake light stopped brightening upon hitting the brakes at first. Then a few months later, neither brake light is lighting up at all. I also witnessed the same issue occur on another 2003 Toyota Highlander while stopped in traffic.”
NHTSA complaint #10559714, filed 2014-01, 130,000 miles“Headlight lenses have become progressively translucent blocking significant light energy from vehicle to operate vehicle in a totally safe manner. (incident date and odometer reading not applicable in this case.) some internet web sites suggest drilling holes in the headlamp fixture to fix problem. I believe it is a safety issue and that the manufacturer should stand behind getting the problem resolved. …”
NHTSA complaint #10313341, filed 2010-02, 1 milesExterior lighting: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 12 | 5% |
| 2021 | 8 | 2% |
| 2019 | 4 | 1% |
| 2018 | 5 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 9 | 8% |
| 2015 | 10 | 5% |
| 2014 | 2 | 1% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 2 | 1% |
| 2011 | 5 | 3% |
| 2010 | 12 | 6% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 3 | 1% |
| 2006 | 7 | 3% |
| 2005 | 9 | 4% |
| 2004 | 14 | 5% |
| 2003 | 15 | 6% |
| 2002 | 12 | 4% |
| 2001 | 2 | 1% |
Other parts of the 2003 Toyota Highlander
46 complaintsEngine
41 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
34 complaintsBrakes
33 complaintsVehicle speed control
28 complaintsBody and structure
18 complaintsElectrical system
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaintsTires
7 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2003 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology