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2003 Toyota Highlander Airbags Problems

8 owner-reported airbags complaints from NHTSA data

8
Complaints
5
Crashes
Jan 2017Dec 2016
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (8)

criticalAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Oct 2019

Your airbags failed to deploy during a head-on collision at speeds between 25-40 mph. This is a serious safety issue, as airbags are designed to protect you and your passengers during crashes at these speeds. The airbag system will need to be diagnosed and repaired by a professional.

NHTSA #: 11268617
criticalAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Sep 2019

Your airbags failed to deploy during a collision at 45 mph with a cow on a city street, leaving your vehicle totaled. This is a serious safety failure that should have protected you and your husband during the impact. The airbag system will need complete inspection and likely replacement of the airbag modules and sensors.

NHTSA #: 11258297
criticalAIR BAGS
CrashFiled: Oct 2017

You were driving at various speeds when you felt lightheaded and crashed your 2003 Toyota Highlander into a light pole. The airbags did not deploy during the crash, though fortunately you weren't injured. The vehicle was repaired for body damage at an insurance lot, but the airbag failure was never diagnosed or repaired by a dealer.

NHTSA #: 11039265
criticalAIR BAGS,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,SERVICE BRAKES
CrashFiled: Jan 2017

Your 2003 Highlander accelerated on its own while in reverse, and the brakes didn't slow it down even though you pressed the pedal. When you shifted into drive, the vehicle sped forward and hit a tree. The airbags didn't deploy during the crash. This problem happened twice before the crash occurred. The vehicle was totaled and never repaired to identify the root cause.

NHTSA #: 10939869
criticalAIR BAGS,STRUCTURE
CrashFiled: Dec 2016

Your airbags failed to deploy during a crash when you hit an unmarked utility pole while exiting a parking lot. This is a serious safety issue since airbags are designed to protect you during impacts.

NHTSA #: 10936022
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: May 2015

IN VERY COLD MAINE TEMPERATURES, AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS SET UNUSED ALL NIGHT, THE AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT COMES ON IN THE MORNING WHEN THE VEHICLE IS STARTED. THIS ALSO HAPPENS IN VERY WARM TEMPERATURES AFTER VEHICLE HAS SET UNUSED ALL NIGHT. AFTER THE VEHICLE HAS RUN A SHORT WHILE AND WARMED UP OR COOLED DOWN, THE AIRBAG SIGNAL WARNING GOES OFF.

NHTSA #: 10717739
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Oct 2014

I PURCHASED MY VEHICLE IN 2003 IN CALIFORNIA. IN 2005 I MOVED TO NORTH PORT, FLORIDA. I HAVE SEEN ON THE MEDIA THAT IF I LIVE IN A HUMID AREA, MY AIR BAGS ARE UNSAFE. I WENT TO WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV AND ENTERED MY VIN# I WAS TOLD MY CAR HAS "NO RECALLS". *TR

NHTSA #: 10650219
mediumAIR BAGS
Filed: Feb 2004

AIR BAG COMPUTER SYSTEM HAD A DEFECT THAT CAUSED THE AIR BAG WARNING LIGHT TO COME ON, AND THE SYSTEM TO MALFUNCTION. DEALERSHIP INDICATED THAT AIR BAG WOULD NOT DEPLOY IN AN ACCIDENT. THE DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE COMPUTER SYSTEM.*AK

NHTSA #: 10057421

Other 2003 Toyota Highlander Issues