2006 Toyota Highlander
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Service brakes is the leading concern among 277 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 7th highest complaint count among 25 Highlander model years with reports.
Of the 2006 reports, 29 involved a crash and 4 involved a fire. 30 people were injured and 1 person died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerJun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Campaign 16V396000 on NHTSA.gov
Seats, front assembly, seat heater/coolerNov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Campaign 14V743000 on NHTSA.gov
Vehicle speed control, accelerator pedalFeb 24, 2011
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V112000 on NHTSA.gov
Service brakes, hydraulic, foundation components, master cylinderOct 21, 2010
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Campaign 10V499000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Campaign 10V036000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsFeb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Campaign 10V035000 on NHTSA.gov
Equipment, other, labelsJun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Campaign 09V223000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
277 reports, newest first.
Electrical system, Jan 12, 2011
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH, THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE LOST ALL POWER WITHOUT WARNING AND WOULD NOT RESTART. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 145,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Electrical system, Dec 7, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE BEGAN VEHICLE LOOSING POWER. THE HYBRID WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILURE IN THE BATTERY CELL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE INVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DEALER HAD REPLACED THE BATTERY A FEW MONTHS PRIOR TO THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER ENGINEER INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND ADVISED THAT THE TOWING COMPANY CAUSED MORE DAMAGED TO THE VEHICLE BATTERY WHILE ATTEMPTING TO GET THE VEHICLE STARTED. THE FAILURE AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 29,500.
Child seat, Dec 3, 2010
I AM WRITING TO REPORT A DEFECT IN THE BRITAX DECATHLON CAR SEAT LOWER LATCH SYSTEM. THE BELT ON MY SYSTEM IS TWISTED AND WILL NOT PERFORM PROPERLY IN A CRASH. I HAVE NOTIFIED BRITAX AND THEY SENT ME A REPLACEMENT BELT BUT WITHOUT ANY INSTRUCTIONS AND HAVE NOT ISSUED A RECALL. I AM CONCERNED ABOUT ALL THE OTHER CAR SEATS ON THE ROAD AND THE CHILDREN WHO ARE AT RISK OF SERIOUS INJURY. A REPRESENTATIVE FROM THE PA TRAFFIC INJURY PREVENTION PROJECT (TIPP) AT THE PA CHAPTER OF THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS INSPECTED THE CAR SEAT ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 26, 2010 AND FOUND THAT ?THE LOWER ANCHOR ATTACHMENT IS BACKWARDS ON ONE SIDE AND CANNOT BE USED CORRECTLY TO INSTALL CHILD SEAT USING LOWER ANCHORS.? HER NAME IS [XXX] AND SHE CAN BE REACHED AT [XXX]. SHE SAID THAT IT WAS A MANUFACTURING DEFECT AND THE SEATS SHOULD BE RECALLED. THE IDENTIFIERS FOR THE CAR SEAT ARE: DATE OF MFG: 04-05-2007 MAKE DECATHLON MODEL E9L 4769 SERIAL NUMBER E9L4769017324 BATCH NUMBER J00088948 PURCHASED FROM BABYUNIVERSE.COM IN MAY 2007 MY CONTACT AT BRITAX IS [XXX] CONSUMER SERVICE MANAGERBRITAX [XXX] 13501 SOUTH RIDGE DRIVE CHARLOTTE NC 28273 US-CUSTOMERSERVICE@BRITAX.COM (RELATED VEHICLE INFORMATION: MODEL YEAR=2006, MAKE=TOYOTA, MODEL=HIGHLANDER). INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR
Electrical system, Nov 23, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH THE VEHICLE COMPLETELY STALLED AND COASTED UNTIL IT STOPPED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT THERE WAS AN INVERTER FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 130,000. UPDATED 02/08/11*LJ UPDATED 11/30/2011 *LN
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Nov 15, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO HYDRAULIC PRESSURE ON THE BRAKE PEDAL AND THE PEDAL TRAVELED TOO FAR INTO THE FLOORBOARD WHEN DEPRESSED. THE CONTACT BELIEVED THAT THERE WAS EITHER AIR IN THE BRAKING SYSTEM OR A DEFECTIVE MASTER CYLINDER. THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE BRAKES WERE BLED TWICE BUT THE FAILURE CONTINUED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER WHO ADVISED HIM TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER BUT OFFERED NO FURTHER ASSISTANCE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 150 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 35,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 22, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IT HAS STALLED WHILE DRIVING VARIOUS SPEEDS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE FAILURE. THE DIAGNOSTIC TEST DID NOT DETERMINE WHAT CAUSED THE FAILURE TO OCCUR; HOWEVER, THE COOLING PUMP WAS REPLACED. THE REPAIR DID NOT CORRECT THE FAILURE. ON OCTOBER 14, 2010, WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE INVERTER COOLING SYSTEM FAILED. THE DEALER STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER FILED REPORT 1010191147 AND ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THEY WOULD CALL HER. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 108,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 21, 2010
I WENT THROUGH A TOLL BOOTH, CAR BEGAN TO LURCH, LIGHTS ALL WENT UP, AND THE CAR STALLED, HIGHLY DANGEROUS, BUT MANAGED TO GET TO SIDE OF ROAD, APPARENTLY THE INVERTER IN MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER, 102,000 MILES ON IT, WAS DEFECTIVE, IT WAS REPLACED FREE, BUT HAD TO PAY LABOR AND FOR RENTAL.. BUT I REALLY COULD HAVE BEEN INJURED SEVERELY. *TR
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 20, 2010
S10 DIRECT REPLY - COURTESY COPY SENT TO THE SECRETARY SENT FROM RE THE PROBLEMS EXPERIENCED WITH HIS 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. *KB THE CONSUMER STATED AFTER HE HIT A BUMP OR JUST TO SLOW DOWN, IT FELT AS THOUGH THE BRAKES WERE NO LONGER WORKING. IN ADDITION, HE EXPERIENCED AN EXTRAORDINARY NOISE FROM THE FRONT BRAKES WHENEVER THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED. THE CONSUMER WAS TOLD IT WAS A TYPICAL SOUND FROM THE BRAKES FOR HIS MODEL/YEAR VEHICLE. *JB UPDATED 11/12/10.*JB
Engine and engine cooling, Oct 12, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID (NA). WHILE THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, THERE WAS A COMPLETE LOSS OF THE ENGINE POWER. THE VEHICLE WAS COASTED SAFELY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER FOR DIAGNOSIS. THE TECHNICIAN INFORMED THAT THE FAILURE WAS ATTRIBUTED TO THE POWER INVERTER. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CONTACT EXPRESSED CONCERN OF THE POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 101,128.
Vehicle speed control, Oct 5, 2010
ON MONDAY OCT.4 I WAS DRIVING MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER WHEN I WAS APPROACHING A STOP SIGN. I LET OF THE ACCELERATOR AND STARTED TO STOP. SUDDENLY THE ENGINE STARTED REVVING UP ON ITS OWN AND CONTINUED TO REV UP HIGHER AND HIGHER. I PUT THE CAR IN NEUTRAL AND IT CONTINUED TO RACE TO OVER 6000 RPM BEFORE IT FINALLY KICKED OUT. THIS VEHICLE HAS NEVER DONE THIS BEFORE. IT HAS 50,000 MILES . THIS VEHICLE WAS NOT INCLUDED IN TOYOTAS ACCELERATOR RECALL AND I NEVER GAVE IT ANY THOUGHT ON MINE. I ALWAYS ASSUMED MINE WAS O.K. BUT THIS EXPERIENCE HAS REALLY SHOOK ME UP. NOW I AM SCARED TO DRIVE THIS VEHICLE IN CASE THIS HAPPENS AGAIN. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Sep 30, 2010, fire
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID (N/A). WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THE ENGINE COMPARTMENT SUDDENLY CAUGHT FIRE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS ROUTINELY MAINTENANCED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND FILED A COMPLAINT. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE APPROXIMATELY 37,000. UPDATED 02/17/11*LJ UPDATED 05/02/11
Electrical system, Sep 2, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE TRAVELING 65 MPH THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT ALL WARNING LIGHTS HAD APPEARED ON THE DASHBOARD, SECONDS LATER THE VEHICLE HAD SUDDENLY SHUT OFF WITHOUT WARNINGS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALERSHIP WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INVERTER NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THERE WERE NO PRIOR WARNINGS AND THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE CURRENT AND FAILURE MILEAGES WERE 115000.
Electrical system, Aug 26, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS AWAITING A REPLACEMENT OF THE HYBRID INVERTER ASSEMBLY. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 136,000.
Seats, Aug 17, 2010
IN FEBRUARY 2010, I NOTICED MY DRIVER LEATHER SEAT WAS TORN ON ITS SIDE, I CONTACTED TOYOTA ABOUT THIS DEFECT, SINCE THE VEHICLE WAS PURCHASED IN JANUARY 2006. THIS IS A FULLY UPGRADE LIMITED VEHICLE. ALL I DO IS SLIP IN AND OUT OF THE SEAT AND I TAKE EXTREMELY EXCELLENT CARE OF MY VEHICLE. I BELIEVE THE LEATHER MATERIAL USED IN THE VEHICLE IS OF POOR QUALITY. ON 4/28/10 TOYOTA EVENTUALLY RESPONDED TO MY COMPLAINT, STATING THE WARRANTY FOR THE SEAT IS 3-YEARS OR 36,000 MILES: THEIR FILE # 1003280070; INCIDENT 100426-000166. THEY SUGGESTED I CONTACT A DEALER, WHICH I DID:ON 7/27/10 I HAD A TOYOTA DEALER LOOK AT THE SEAT AND THEY CONCLUDED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRE. I AM OBVIOUSLY NOT SATISFIED WITH TOYOTA'S RESPONSE; THEIR ESTIMATE FOR ME TO REPLACE THE SEAT CUSHION COVER IS $1123.36 INCL TAXES. I BELIEVE SUCH AN EXPENSIVE VEHICLE SHOULD BE OUTFITTED WITH A HIGHER GRADE LEATHER SEAT COVER. I HAVE HAD CHEAPER VEHICLES WITH LEATHER SEATS WHICH LASTED MANY MORE YEARS THROUGH THE LIFE OF THE VEHICLE. TOYOTA HAS DONE AN INJUSTICE WITH THE INSTALLATION OF THIS POOR QUALITY LEATHER AND I FEEL CHEATED BY SUCH ACTION. THERE MUST BE OTHER OWNERS WHO HAVE THE SAME EXPERIENCE THAT I HAVE WITH THE SEAT. THE SEAT WAS NOT DELIBERATELY TORN OR CUT AND WE ARE QUITE PETITE PEOPLE. WHEN I VIEW THE LEATHER IN MY OTHER CAR THE CORNERS WHERE THE DRIVER SLIDES IN SEEMS TO BE STRONGER AND POSSIBLY RE-ENFORCED TO FACILITATE THE DRIVER'S INITIAL WEIGHT. TOYOTA HAS NOT DONE A GOOD JOB TO ENSURE THE LASTING WEAR AND TEAR OF THE SEAT. IS THIS DELIBERATE? HOW DID THEY COME UP WITH A 3YEAR, 36000 WARRANTY? WHAT TESTING DID THEY PERFORM TO DECIDE THE SEAT WILL ONLY LAST UP TO THAT PERIOD, THEREFORE THEY WERE SURE TO MAKE A LOT OF MONIES ON REPLACEMENT AFTER THE WARRANTY EXPIRED? THIS IS UNFAIR. PLEASE LET ME KNOW IF I HAVE ANY RECOURSE TO GET TOYOTA TO REPLACE THE SEAT. THANK YOU. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE STALLED AND ALL LIGHTS ON THE INSTRUMENTAL PANEL REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHO STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS CAUSED BY THE INVERTER. THE DEALER REPLACED THE INVERTER. THE VIN INFORMATION WASN'T AVAILABLE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 75, 000 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 83,000.
Visibility, Aug 5, 2010
SUN VISOR FALLS DOWN, OFTEN WHEN GOING OVER A BUMP, IMPAIRING VISION. THIS STARTED HAPPING AROUND 45,000 MILES AND NOW THE VISOR WILL NOT STAY UP. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Aug 3, 2010
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 30 MPH, THE ENGINE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE INVERTER WAS DEFECTIVE AND WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 104,000. UPDATED 11/03/10. *LJ
Visibility, Aug 1, 2010
2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER....SUN VISOR ON DRIVER'S SIDE WILL NOT STAY IN A LOCKED POSITION. IT FALLS DOWN AND HANGS BLOCKING THE DRIVER'S VISION. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 9, 2010
TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID . WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED WITHOUT WARNING . SHE WAS ABLE TO COAST THE VEHICLE ONTO THE EMERGENCY LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A DEALER WHO DIAGNOSED THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE HYBRID INVERTER MALFUNCTIONED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE AND CURRENT MILEAGES WERE 128,648.
Service brakes, Electric, Jul 8, 2010
FOR APPROXIMATELY 2-3 DAYS (JUNE 23-25) WAS EXPERIENCING HONK WHEN PUSHING BRAKE PEDAL, ALMOST CONSTANT TICK OF THE ABS ACTUATOR AND STUTTERING AT STOPS IN 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER (54,540 MILES). TOOK TO OWN MECHANIC WITH DIAGNOSTIC OF FAULTY ABS ACTUATOR. HOPING PART WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY MADE APPOINTMENT WITH TOYOTA DEALER FOR SERVICE. BEFORE MADE IT TO APPOINTMENT WAS DRIVING FORWARD WHEN ALL DASH LIGHTS AND ALARMS FOR ABS & TRACTION CONTROL WENT OFF. UPON PUSHING THE BRAKE PEDAL IT WAS VERY SOFT REQUIRING MULTIPLE PUMPS BEFORE VEHICLE SLOWED. CALLED FOR TOW TO DEALERSHIP. THEY CONFIRMED ABS ACTUATOR NEEDED REPLACED AND VEHICLE UNSAFE TO DRIVE. PART REPLACED AT OWNER'S EXPENSE. MY RESEARCH HAS REVEALED OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES, LAND CRUISER, OF SIMILAR YEAR HAVE SAME PROBLEM. SERVICE DIRECTOR OF TOYOTA AND OWN MECHANIC SAID PART GENERALLY EXPECTED TO LAST LIFE OF VEHICLE IF NOT WELL BEYOND THE 4 YEAR LIFE OF MY VEHICLE. *TR
Engine and engine cooling, Jun 30, 2010
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PASS A VEHICLE ON INTERSTATE 85 NB, MY TOYOTA CERTIFIED PRE-OWNED 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID COMPLETELY SHUTDOWN RESULTING IN THE LOSS OF POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKING, AND ALL ENGINE POWER. I WAS ABLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF MY VEHICLE DESPITE THE FAILURE AND COAST TO THE SHOULDER OF THE HIGHWAY FROM AN INITIAL SPEED OF APPROXIMATELY 70 MPH. MY VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP WHERE I WAS INFORMED THAT MY "POWER INVERTER" HAD FAILED AND WOULD SUBSEQUENTLY NEED TO BE REPLACED. I WAS ALSO TOLD THAT THIS WAS THE SECOND INSTANCE THAT DAY OF A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID HAVING A FAILURE OF THE POWER INVERTER. UPON FURTHER RESEARCH VIA MULTIPLE ONLINE FORUMS SUCH AS EDMUNDS I DISCOVERED THAT THIS PROBLEM HAD OCCURRED TO SEVERAL OTHERS IN THE PAST YEAR RESULTING IN SIMILAR CONSEQUENCES (LOSS OF CONTROL, POWER STEERING, POWER BRAKING, ETC.). MY POWER INVERTER WAS COVERED UNDER THE TOYOTA WARRANTY AND IS CURRENTLY BEING REPLACED FREE OF CHARGE. NONETHELESS, GIVEN THE COMPLETE FAILURE OF THE SYSTEM AND SUBSEQUENT LOSS OF ALL POWER BRAKING, STEERING, AND ENGINE USE WHILE AT SPEED ON AN INTERSTATE AND MULTIPLE TOYOTA OWNERS EXPERIENCING THE SAME SITUATION I BELIEVE THE NHTSA SHOULD INVESTIGATE FURTHER. *TR
Electrical system, Jun 23, 2010
RE: 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 2WD SUV 29,500 MILES. UPON ENTERING A HIGHWAY I EXPERIENCED TOTAL FAILURE OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM IN MY SUV, WHICH SLOWLY DRIFTED TO A HALT, NEARLY CAUSING SEVERAL ACCIDENTS. THE NEAREST DEALERSHIP REPLACED THE INVERTER PORTION OF THE HYBRID SYSTEM. IT WAS COVERED UNDER WARRANTY BUT I WAS TOLD THAT HAD IT NOT BEEN COVERED IT WOULD HAVE COST ME BETWEEN $9,000 AND $10,000! OR ABOUT 1/4 THE COST OF THE ENTIRE VEHICLE NEW! *TR
Other or unspecified, Jun 18, 2010
FUNNY HOW TOYOTA SAYS "TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS ......" BUT YET I HAVE NOT RECEIVED ANY KIND OF CORRESPONDENCE. THIS IS IN REGARDS TO THE LABELS RECALL. *TR
Suspension, Jun 7, 2010
I HAVE VIBRATION IN FRONT TWO WHEELS ON MY TOYOTA 2006 HIGHLANDER. I HAVE REPLACED THE TIRES, RIMS, AND TWO ALIGNMENTS, STILL THE SAME PROBLEM BEFORE AND AFTER. THE LEFT REAR TIRE PUT TO THE LEFT WHEN CHANGING LANES. THE PROBLEM ALWAYS THERE. THE VEHICLE DOES GO IN A STRAIGHT LINE, SO THE ALIGNMENT IS NOT A QUESTION. I CAN FEEL THE VIBRATION IN THE STEERING WHEEL. MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TECH ROAD TESTED THE VEHICLE WITH ME FELT THE SAME VIBRATION. THE VIBRATION STARTS AROUND 55 MPH AND INCREASES AS THE VEHICLE GOES FAST. WHEN SLOWING DOWN, THE SUV WILL WOBBLE. THE DEALERSHIP TECH PHYSICALLY INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND FOUND NO PROBLEM. THE AGENCY WROTE THE TICKET AS NO PROBLEMS FOUND. WHAT SHALL I DO? *TR
Service brakes, Electric, May 22, 2010
2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. ON BUMPY ROAD SURFACE IT FEELS LIKE THE BRAKES GIVE WAY FOR A SECOND BEFORE REENGAGING. AT THE DEALERSHIP I HAVE BEEN TOLD THAT THERE IS NOTHING WRONG, BUT TOYOTA DID RECALL NEWER PRIUS FOR THE VERY SAME REASON. THE BRAKES DO REENGAGE, BUT THE DELAY IS ALARMING LONG AND VERY DISCONCERTING. THIS HAS HAPPENED REPEATEDLY OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS THAT I'VE OWNED THE CAR AND I HAVE REPORTED IT TO THE DEALERSHIP EVERY TIME I GO IN FOR REGULARLY SCHEDULED SERVICE, BUT WITH NO SATISFACTORY RESPONSE. *TR