2003 Toyota Highlander Seat belts Problems
- Complaints
- 4about this part
- Share
- 2%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 47,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the seat belts of the 2003 Toyota Highlander, 2% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 47,000 miles.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Unusual fraying of drivers seat belt due to design problem with stitching of belt material. Began to unravel and run alongside approx 18 of belt length. This caused belt to bind and snag on buckle further exacerbating problem. This occurred during routine use and is a common problem on this model. Toyota does not warranty safety restraint devices for the life of the vehicle like other similar major manufacturers (nissan, honda, mazda, etc) and dealership stated that their warranty was good for 5 yr/60,000 miles. …”
NHTSA complaint #10439029, filed 2011-12, 50,000 miles“Seat belt on drivers side is fraying on the edges. Spoke to other Toyota Highlander owners and they are experiencing the same problem. Contacted the dealership where we purchased the vehicle and they said we would have to pay for a new seatbelt and installation cost. I contacted a few other manufacturers and was told that due to this being a safety issue they would replace at no cost to the consumer. The seatbelt is not meant to wear out and they said that it was a manufacturer defect that should be addressed. The second issue has to do with the brake lights. …”
NHTSA complaint #11032815, filed 2017-10Seat belts: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 1 | 10% |
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2023 | 4 | 2% |
| 2022 | 3 | 1% |
| 2021 | 2 | 0% |
| 2020 | 6 | 2% |
| 2019 | 6 | 1% |
| 2018 | 3 | 1% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2014 | 5 | 4% |
| 2013 | 5 | 2% |
| 2012 | 1 | 1% |
| 2011 | 4 | 2% |
| 2010 | 1 | 0% |
| 2009 | 2 | 1% |
| 2008 | 9 | 2% |
| 2007 | 1 | 1% |
| 2005 | 6 | 3% |
| 2004 | 5 | 2% |
| 2003 | 4 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 4 | 3% |
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 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
13 complaintsOther or unknown
11 complaintsFuel system
10 complaintsAir bags
9 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