How to decode a 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN

Characters 1-3 of a 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN

A World Manufacturer Identifier (WMI) is a unique code assigned to every vehicle manufacturer globally, serving as the first three characters in the Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) to identify the vehicle’s maker, model, and country of origin. In the case of the 2003 Toyota Highlander, the WMI “JTE” specifies that Toyota Motor North America, Inc., is the manufacturer. This indicates that the vehicle is classified as a multipurpose passenger vehicle, aligning with the characteristics of an SUV or similar vehicle type. The “JTE” sequence also signifies that the vehicle was assembled or produced in the United States, specifically pointing to Toyota’s operational base in Washington, DC. These three letters, therefore, provide essential information regarding the vehicle’s origins, manufacturer, and type.

List of WMI Codes for a 2003 Toyota Highlander

WMI: JTE

Model Years Covered: 2001-2013
Example VIN: JTEGD21A030047289
Manufacturer Name: Toyota Motor North America, Inc.
Vehicle Type: Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle (MPV)
City: Washington
State or Province: DC
Country: United States

Characters 4-8 are the Vehicle Descriptor Section (VDS) of a 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN

These characters correspond to components like:

Engine type
Transmission
Model or trim
Body style
Gross vehicle weight range

Below find the known vehicle descriptor codes for a 2003 Toyota Highlander:

Known VDS for a 2003 Toyota Highlander
GD21A	HD21A	HF21A	GF21A

Auto manufacturers have some discretion to decide how they want to code this section, but its contents and decoded results are generally consistent.

Character 9 is the “check digit” in a 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN.

Based on a formula developed by the US Department of Transportation, it helps reduce fraud by ensuring the validity of the VIN.

10th Character in the 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN — Year Code

Year Code	Year
3	2003

11th Character in the 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN — Plant Code(s)

Known 2003 Toyota Highlander Assembly Factory VIN Code(s)

Plant Code	Plant City	Plant State	Plant Country	Plant Company Name	Example VIN
0	Miyawaka	Fukuoka	Japan	Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.	JTEGD21A030047289

VIN Characters 12 - 17 of a 2003 Toyota Highlander

The final 6 characters in a 2003 Toyota Highlander’s 17-digit VIN are its serial number, which will be unique to every vehicle.

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How to find a 2003 Toyota Highlander’s VIN?

Locating the VIN number on your 2003 Toyota Highlander is key for identification. Here’s how to find it:

Look at the dashboard on the driver’s side of your Toyota Highlander; the VIN can usually be seen through the windshield on a small metal or plastic plaque.
Open the driver’s side door and inspect the door pillar (the door jamb area); the VIN should be printed on a sticker or plate where the door latches when closed.
Check under the hood; the VIN might be stamped onto the engine block or printed on a plate attached to the engine compartment.
Examine the rear wheel well; sometimes the VIN is stamped onto the frame above the tire.
Look at the vehicle’s insurance or registration documents, which should list the VIN for your 2003 Toyota Highlander.

What info can a 2003 Toyota Highlander VIN reveal?

Model Year: The VIN can reveal the vehicles model year being the year 2003, providing insights into the age and potential market value of the vehicle.
Manufacturing Details: It may indicate that the Toyota Highlander was manufactured in Miyawaka, Fukuoka, Japan by Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc, offering insights into its production origin.
Vehicle Specifications: This Toyota Highlander sports a 3.0L V-Shaped engine with six cylinders, showcasing its engine capacity and configuration details.
Body Class and Size: The vehicle is classified as a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV) with four doors, highlighting its design for utility and passenger transport.
Drive Type: With a 4x2 drive type, this Toyota Highlander is built for standard driving conditions, emphasizing its drivetrain configuration.
Engine Performance: Engine horsepower is detailed, ranging from 217 to 220 hp, providing insight into the vehicle’s power capability.
Fuel Type: The primary fuel type for this vehicle is gasoline, specifying the energy source it utilizes for operation.

Don’t have your 2003 Toyota Highlander’s VIN handy? Try our license plate lookup instead!

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Sample VIN Decode Report for a 2003 Toyota Highlander

Vehicle Spec	Value
Body Class	Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV)/Multi-Purpose Vehicle (MPV)
Cooling Type	Water
Displacement (CC)	2362
Displacement (CI)	146.45698582735
Displacement (L)	2.4
Doors	4
Drive Type	4x2
Engine Brake (hp) From	155
Engine Brake (hp) To	170
Engine Configuration	In-Line
Engine Manufacturer	Toyota
Engine Model	2AZ-FE
Engine Number of Cylinders	4
Fuel Type - Primary	Gasoline
Gross Vehicle Weight Rating From	Class 1C: 4,001 - 5,000 lb (1,814 - 2,268 kg)
Model	Highlander
Model Year	2003
Plant City	Miyawaka
Plant Company Name	Toyota Motor Kyushu, Inc.
Plant Country	Japan
Plant State	Fukuoka
Series	MCU20L
Series2	Wagon body style
Trim	STD
Valve Train Design	Dual Overhead Cam (DOHC)
Vehicle Descriptor	JTEGD21A*30
Vehicle Type	Multipurpose Passenger Vehicle
Sample_VIN	JTEGD21A030047289