Parts for your 2003 Toyota Highlander-Pedal pads

2003 Toyota Highlander pedal pads — what they do and how to look after them

Pedal pads are absolutely used on the 2003 Toyota Highlander (also known as Kluger in Australia and New Zealand). Toyota’s Electronic Parts Catalog for the XU20-series Highlander (MCU23/MCU28) lists “Pad, Brake Pedal” and a separate “Pad, Parking Brake Pedal” as service items, and Toyota’s Service Information (TIS) manual includes inspection guidance for the brake pedal pad as part of the brake control checks. There’s no clutch pad on this model because it’s automatic-only.

On a 2003 Highlander, the pedal pads are the grippy rubber covers that sit over the metal pedal plates. They’re there to give sure-footed traction in the wet, reduce vibration through the sole of the shoe, and protect the pedal plate from corrosion. The parking brake pedal (the left foot-operated unit) also uses a replaceable rubber pad so it doesn’t get slippery or harsh on footwear.

Because they’re rubber, pedal pads slowly harden, smooth off, or crack with age, especially in vehicles that see lots of city driving. When the pad goes shiny or the tread is worn flat, it can become slippery—something that can get pinged during a WOF (NZ) or RWC (AU). If the pad is missing or you can see the bare metal through it, it’s time to sort it.

Best practice is to check the pads at every service and replace at the first signs of:

• Smooth, glossy or hardened rubber
• Cracks, tears, or edges peeling away
• Pad no longer sitting fully over the pedal plate

Replacement is quick and inexpensive. The old pad pulls off by hand, clean the pedal plate, then work the new pad’s lip evenly over the plate until it’s fully seated all the way around. Use genuine Toyota or quality aftermarket pads that match the Highlander/Kluger XU20—there are minor differences across left- and right-hand drive, so confirming by VIN is smart. After fitting, test the grip with wet soles to make sure it feels secure.

Care-wise, keep the pads clean with mild soapy water and a soft brush. Avoid silicone dressings or greasy cleaners on or near the pads—they can make them dangerously slippery. With regular inspections and timely replacements, the Highlander’s brake and parking brake pedal pads will keep doing their simple but vital job for years.

Popular questions

Does the 2003 Highlander have a clutch pedal pad?
No. The 2003 Highlander/Kluger came with automatic transmissions only, so there’s no clutch pedal and no clutch pad to replace. It does have a service brake pedal pad and a parking brake pedal pad.

How often should the brake pedal pad be replaced?
There’s no fixed interval. Inspect it at each service, replace when the rubber is smooth, cracked, hard, or not fully seated. Many original pads last 5–10 years, but driving habits and climate make a big difference.

Are Kluger and Highlander pedal pads the same?
For the first-gen XU20 platform, yes, they’re generally interchangeable across Highlander (NA) and Kluger (AU/NZ). Just match by VIN to account for any trim or left/right-hand-drive differences, especially for the parking brake pedal pad.