While driving on the highway, the temperature gauge went above the half way mark and within 15 minutes of stopping and starting it approached the red but never actually went into the red zone. No dashboard lights ever went on to alert me to an engine problem. When stopped, it went above the half way mark and when driving it went down to the halfway mark. I got home ( 20 minutes later), I parked the car and drove it the next day to the toyota dealer ( 8 minutes away from my house). It did not go above the halfway mark at this time.fyi, all maintenance and check ups have always been on time and done at this dealer. The dealer called later that day and informed me that the head gasket was bad and in order to see what else may be damaged, it would cost $550. Just to investigate into to head cylinder and the engine. The $550.would be applied to any repairs. The next business day, the dealer called to tell me that the bolts of the head cylinder were stripped and the threads were in the block. I would need a new short block at the cost of $6,375.00 plus tax. All due to the overheating incident, which had never happened before.
2003 Toyota Highlander electrical complaints
Page 2 of 2: complaints 11 to 15 of 15, newest first, as owners wrote them.
Brake light bulb burns out periodically
Temp (hot/cold) dial electrical short. Temp setting continuously fails to hold set temp & blows opposite of setting. Fear of electrical fire plus unable to defrost windshield for good visibility. Feel there should be a recall or some help on this item as after investigating I found that one dealership replaced 1,100 last year and has replace several already this year. I wouldn't have a problem except the failed switch can not be replace the whole assembly has to be replaced and that part cost $669.00 plus labor to install. Being a single mom I don't have that kind of money and truly feel this is a safety issue due to the possibility of fire and not being able to defrost properly.
Dt: 2003 toyota highlander. The vehicle died while going 70 MPH. The vehicle was pulled over. The consumer pulled out the fuses and started the vehicle. Then, he drove the vehicle home. The dealership stated they could not duplicate the problem. Consumer had no warning that this was going to happen.
Electrical short in headliner between sun roof and sun visor. Burn mark 5-6 inches long through headliner. No fire or flames but could smell strong odor of smoke.
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