ran a carfax on the VIN - it checks out as a MY03. Not to mention, it has the leather center console, the chrome-ringed tailights, audio enhancements, etc.

 

So where is the defroster

 

This is really bizarre, however, some questions need to be asked, some haven't been answered yet - they are obvious

1) Did you buy the car used? From who?
2) Is the rear window plastic or glass?
3) Obviously a USDM car correct?


It just doesn't make any sense

Yes, 03's have a switch on the right bank, behind the wiper lever.
No, its not an option - its standard on all cars

The only thing I can think of:

The car was in a wreck, or stolen, and the dashboard was replaced with an 00/01 dash, that doesn't have the switch.

 

it is quite possible the 03's previous owner had a friend with an 00-01 who purchased the switch from him and traded his plastic blank.

That is probably the ONLY way a MY03 would have that blank.

It's not like they store these blanks on the line (as it was phased out!) and mistakenly put it there instead of a switch.