2003 Toyota Highlander Suspension Problems
- Complaints
- 6about this part
- Share
- 2%of 258 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 95,000miles
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 6 complaints about the suspension of the 2003 Toyota Highlander, 2% of the 258 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 95,000 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.
“Rear forward control arm broke in half under normal driving. This is a hollow shaft, which seems inadequate, and creates a danger of loss of rear axel and or wheel.”
NHTSA complaint #11169937, filed 2019-01, 122,200 miles“2003 Toyota Highlander - 109, 032 miles I was told that the engine sub-frame was rotted/rusted and needed to be replaced for safety reasons. I was told the cost to replace it would be $1,865.00. I have contacted the local Toyota service manager to see if Toyota would help or cover the cost of the replacement. I'm waiting to hear from them.”
NHTSA complaint #10460014, filed 2012-05“The contact owns a 2003 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 10 MPH, there was a drumming noise from the rear of the vehicle. The vehicle was inspected by an authorized dealer who informed the contact that there was a leak in the vacuum hose. The vehicle was repaired. After leaving the dealer, the failure occurred again. Another dealer stated that the tires were worn. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact called the manufacturer and was awaiting a return call. The failure mileage was approximately 92,000.”
NHTSA complaint #10367759, filed 2010-11, 92,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10177782Jun 23, 2020TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE June 23, 2020: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0063-20.
Suspension: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 1 | 2% |
| 2021 | 4 | 1% |
| 2020 | 5 | 2% |
| 2019 | 5 | 1% |
| 2018 | 6 | 2% |
| 2017 | 4 | 1% |
| 2016 | 2 | 2% |
| 2015 | 3 | 2% |
| 2014 | 4 | 3% |
| 2013 | 2 | 1% |
| 2012 | 3 | 2% |
| 2010 | 2 | 1% |
| 2009 | 5 | 4% |
| 2008 | 5 | 1% |
| 2007 | 2 | 2% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 3 | 1% |
| 2003 | 6 | 2% |
| 2002 | 3 | 1% |
| 2001 | 1 | 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 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 29, 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