Owners have filed 481 complaints
about the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid with NHTSA between 2006 and 2026.
The largest single group is the brakes.
Across this model's run it ranks 1 of 9 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 100
Against the median year of the Toyota Highlander Hybrid. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 69
13.3% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 25
15% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2006 compares with every other Toyota Highlander Hybrid
NHTSA files every complaint against a named sub-assembly, not just a
system. This is the difference between knowing it was "the engine" and
knowing which part of it — the list to hand a mechanic.
Inverter
4069.0%
Engine
610.3%
Automatic Transmission
46.9%
Electric Power Assist System
23.4%
12V/24V/48V Battery
23.4%
Frontal
23.4%
Traction Battery
11.7%
Control Module
11.7%
When it fails
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
122.8%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
143.2%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
184.1%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
5111.7%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
7316.8%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
4811.0%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
13932.0%
150,000+ miles
8018.4%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Feb 2006peak 52Jan 2026
NHTSA investigations into the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
An investigation is the step before a recall: the agency has seen enough
complaints to look into a pattern itself. An open one means it thinks
something may be wrong and nothing has been fixed yet.
DP22005Opened 27 Jan 2023Closed 7 Aug 2023ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:PROPULSION SYSTEM
Pedestrian alert sounds
NHTSA received a petition on or about July 18, 2022, requesting that Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) 141 be applied to all electric and hybrid vehicles operating in the United States. The petition can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under ODI Number 11486072. FMVSS 141 establishes performance requirements for pedestrian alert sounds for motor vehicles. The standard applies to hybrid and electric vehicles that have a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 KG or less or are defined as low-speed vehicles. The standard became fully applicable to all such vehicles manufactured on or after Marc...
PE11005Opened 15 Feb 2011Closed 20 Jul 2011HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM: INVERTER
Hybrid inverter failure - vehicle stall
In a June 29, 2011 letter to NHTSA, Toyota submitted a Defect Information Report regarding a safety recall of certain Toyota Highlander Hybrid and Lexus RX400h vehicles to address a defect condition with the hybrid inverter assembly (NHTSA Recall No. 11V-342).Toyota's letter identified a defect related to inadequately soldered transistors on the Intelligent Power Module (IPM) of some of the subject vehicles that could result in sudden loss of power while driving.Toyota's remedy procedure instructs dealers to inspect the hybrid inverter production number to determine if the inverter contains su...
RQ10003Opened 16 Feb 2010Closed 1 Mar 2011ELECTRICAL SYSTEM:SOFTWARE
Unintended and Uncontrolled Acceleration
On February 16, 2010, NHTSA's Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened RQ10-003 to determine whether the scope of prior Toyota recalls relating to potential unintended acceleration were sufficiently broad, including, among others, Toyota recalls 07E-082, 09V-388, 10V-017, and 10V-023.NHTSA also requested information regarding potential electronic causes of unintended acceleration in Toyota and Lexus vehicles.I. Pedal Interference from Floor mats, Carpet Covers and Plastic Pads in Carpets.During the RQ10-003 investigation, ODI reviewed a large volume of documents to assess whether additiona...
Recalls on the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 20132967,621 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, a control board for the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could fail while the vehicle is underway. This could cause various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator lamp, brake system warning lamp, and master warning lamp, to illuminate on the instrument panel. If this occurred, in most cases, the vehicle would enter fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced motive power in which the vehicle could still be driven for short distances. In some instances, the fuse of the power supply circuit could blow, causing the hybrid system to stop functioning. The resultant loss of vehicle propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Power Module.
Recall 201139723,003 units in Canada
Steering
On certain vehicles equipped with a 1MZ-FE or 3MZ-FE V6 engine, the crankshaft pulley may fail. The outer ring may become misaligned, or it may not properly rotate, causing noise and/or illumination of the discharge warning light. In addition, the power steering belt may become detached from the crankshaft pulley, which could result in a sudden increase in steering effort. A loss of steering power assist could result in a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the crankshaft pulley.
Recall 20112432,981 units in Canada
Electrical
On certain vehicles, a control board for the Intelligent Power Module (IPM), part of the hybrid system inverter assembly, could fail while the vehicle is underway. This could cause various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator lamp, brake system warning lamp, and master warning lamp, to illuminate on the instrument panel. If this occurred, in most cases, the vehicle would enter fail-safe driving mode, resulting in reduced motive power in which the vehicle could still be driven for short distances. In some instances, the fuse of the power supply circuit could blow, causing the hybrid system to stop functioning. The resultant loss of vehicle propulsion, in conjunction with traffic and road conditions, and the driver's reactions, could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the Intelligent Power Module.
Recall 201108130,428 units in Canada
Other
On certain 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 operation of the accelerator pedal arm. If this occurs, the accelerator pedal could temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position, rather than return to the idle position. This could result in a loss of throttle control and a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed version. Note: This campaign also covers vehicles which may have been previously included in recall 2006168 (Toyota 609).
Recall 200616814,510 units in Canada
Other
On certain vehicles, due to the improper installation of the retaining clips for the floor carpet cover located in front of the center console, there is a possibility that the clips may become loose. If both clips separate from the floor carpet cover, the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal, causing interference with the accelerator pedal rod. In the worst case, the accelerator pedal may become stuck in a partially depressed position when returning to the idle position. Correction: Dealers will install new clips.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 174,000 milesChandler, AZCrash
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE OFF-RAMP OF EAST-BOUND 202/MCQUEEN RD EXIT. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY AND HIT THE REAR OF VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. AS I REALIZED THE COLLISION, I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER DELIBERATELY (WHILE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD STARTED TO MOVE FURTHER), AND TO MY HORROR MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE MY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I CONSCIOUSLY CHECKED MY FEET TO ENSURE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES AND NOT THE ACCELERATOR. MY CAR CONTINUED TO STRANGELY & UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE UNTIL IT HIT THE SAME CAR IN FRONT OF ME AGAIN THE 2ND TIME AT THE TRAFFIC INTERSECTION. AFTER THE 2ND COLLISION, MY CAR STOPPED AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE MCQUEEN ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11101316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 174,000 milesChandler, AZCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
I WAS STOPPED AT A TRAFFIC LIGHT AT THE OFF-RAMP OF EAST-BOUND 202/MCQUEEN RD EXIT. MY RIGHT FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, WHEN THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO ACCELERATE UNEXPECTEDLY AND HIT THE REAR OF VEHICLE STOPPED IN FRONT OF ME. AS I REALIZED THE COLLISION, I PRESSED THE BRAKE HARDER DELIBERATELY (WHILE THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME HAD STARTED TO MOVE FURTHER), AND TO MY HORROR MY CAR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE DESPITE MY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL. I CONSCIOUSLY CHECKED MY FEET TO ENSURE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKES AND NOT THE ACCELERATOR. MY CAR CONTINUED TO STRANGELY & UNEXPECTEDLY ACCELERATE UNTIL IT HIT THE SAME CAR IN FRONT OF ME AGAIN THE 2ND TIME AT THE TRAFFIC INTERSECTION. AFTER THE 2ND COLLISION, MY CAR STOPPED AND I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE MCQUEEN ROAD.
NHTSA complaint #11101316 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 180,000 milesManassas, VACrash
SERVICE BRAKES
BRAKES DISENGAGE MOMENTARILY WHILE BRAKING AT SLOW SPEED. THIS HAPPENS INTERMITTENTLY, AND IS VERY DISCONCERTING. THE OTHER DAY IT HAPPENED ON A HIGHWAY AND CAUSED A REAR END COLLISION AT LOW SPEED. THIS MAY HAVE BEEN AN ACTUAL BRAKE FAILURE, BUT AFTERWARD THE BRAKES WORKED AGAIN. WE ARE NOW AFRAID TO DRIVE THE CAR, AND THE DEALER WON'T DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT BECAUSE HE CAN'T 'REPLICATE' THE SITUATION. ONLINE, HUNDREDS OF PEOPLE HAVE POSTED SIMILAR COMPLAINTS WITH NO REMEDY.
NHTSA complaint #10958595 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 72,900 milesLong Beach, CACrash2 injured
SERVICE BRAKES
MY SPEED WAS ABOUT 30 MPH; SPEED LIMIT WAS 40MPH. I WAS DRIVING NORTH-BOUND APPROACHING AN INTERSECTION. UP AHEAD, I SAW THAT TRAFFIC WAS STOPPING AND THE LIGHT WAS RED. I HAD PLENTY OF TIME TO SLOW TO A STOP, AND I STARTED TO EVEN THOUGH I WAS BACK ABOUT 15 CAR LENGTHS FROM THE CARS AHEAD. WHEN I STARTED PUSHING ON THE BRAKE, MY CAR IMMEDIATELY 'DIED' BUT THE CAR KEPT ROLLING FORWARD, EVEN THOUGH I CONFIRMED MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I WAS VERY STARTLED THAT THE CAR KEPT ROLLING WITH BRAKE APPLIED. BEFORE I COULD THINK ABOUT WHAT TO DO NEXT, THE CAR THEN RUMBLED AND SHOOK, AND THE ENGINE MADE A REVVING SOUND. THEN THE CAR JUST SPED UP INCREMENTALLY FASTER AND FASTER EVEN AS I DESPERATELY CONTINUED TO SHOVE HARD ON THE BRAKE. I YELLED "WHAT'S IT DOING?' I QUICKLY WONDERED IF I SHOULD PULL THE KEY OUT OF THE IGNITION BUT FELT THAT WAS THE WRONG THING TO DO. AS THE CAR WENT FASTER, I WENT INTO ABSOLUTE PANIC. I COULD NOT STOP THE CAR. I DIDN'T KNOW HOW TO MISS HITTING ANYONE. I WAS DESPERATE TO AVOID CARS, BUT I WAS COMPLETELY UNABLE TO STOP MY CAR EVEN AS I CONTINUED PUSHING HARD ON THE BRAKE. THEN I HIT THE CAR IN FRONT OF ME AT THE LIGHT. I TRULY BELIEVE THIS WAS AN UNINTENDED BRAKE ACCELERATION. I AM DEEPLY COMPELLED TO REPORT THIS SO THAT THE CAUSE AND RESOLUTION MAY BE FOUND BEFORE OTHERS ARE SERIOUSLY HURT OR KILLED. I SUFFERED A FRACTURED BACK AND WAS IN THE HOSPITAL 4 DAYS; AND DRIVER I RAN INTO WAS HURT AS WELL REQUIRING HOSPITAL ATTENTION. BOTH THE 3RD PARTY COMPANY FOR TOYOTA WHO DOWNLOADED THE DATA BOX AND TOYOTA SAY THE BRAKES WERE NOT APPLIED; THAT IS NOT FACTUALLY UNTRUE! THE DATA COMPUTER PRINT-OUT SHOWS WHAT TOOK PLACE PRIOR TO THE IMPACT. IN FACT, IT SHOWS THAT THE ACCELERATOR CONTINUED TO ACCELERATE UP TO THE POINT OF IMPACT WHICH TELLS US THAT THE COMPUTER TOOK OVER THE ACTIONS OF THE CAR AND DISENGAGED THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #10874705 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 145,000 milesOcoee, FLCrash
SERVICE BRAKES
WHEN COMING TO A STOP THE BRAKES RANDOMLY SURGE INSTEAD OF STOPPING. AFTER A VAN REAR ENDED MY CAR AT A STOPLIGHT, THE TENDENCY TO SURGE INCREASED AND CAUSED TWO REAR END COLLISIONS WITHIN A FEW MONTHS. TOYOTA CLAIMS THERE IS NOTHING WRONG WITH IT. CODES WERE DOCUMENTED, BUT I FEEL THIS IS AN ISSUE THAT NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEYOND THE MANUFACTURER. IT IS ESPECIALLY PRONE TO THE SURGE WHEN BRAKES ARE HIT SUDDENLY ON CITY OR HIGHWAY STREETS. IT FEELS AS THOUGH THE COMPUTER CANNOT DECIDE WHETHER TO CHARGE THE BATTERY OR BRAKE AND THAT HESITATION IS FRIGHTENING!
NHTSA complaint #10862379 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 91,500 milesGuaynabo, PRCrash
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
INVOLVED IN A MINOR ACCIDENT ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2015 THAT MAY HAD BEEN CAUSED BY BRAKE FAILURE ON SEPTEMBER 30 THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED AND DEALER DIAGNOSED A BRAKE ACTUATOR MALFUNCTION. ON DECEMBER 16, 2013 AT 68,490 MILES THIS CAR ALSO A COMPLETE AND SUDDEN FAILURE OF THIS SAME PART, NO ACCIDENTS INVOLVED WITH THIS FAILURE. IT WAS REPAIRED AT THE DEALER. THE PREMATURE FAILURE OF THE BRAKE BOOSTER ASSEMBLY SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED ON HYBRIDS SINCE THE INABILITY TO BRAKE THE CAR CAN LED TO A FATAL ACCIDENT.
NHTSA complaint #10805820 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
at 150,455 milesMount Vernon, WA
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving 72 MPH, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended while depressing the accelerator pedal. The check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. Additionally, the "Check Hybrid System", "Check AWD", and "Check VCS" messages were displayed. The contact was able to coast to the side of the road and had the vehicle towed to the residence. The contact notified an independent mechanic of the failure, and the mechanic stopped by the residence. The independent mechanic retrieved a DTC that the power inverter for the hybrid system had failed and caused the vehicle to go into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact called the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls associated with the VIN. The contact stated that when the dealer searched the VIN on the NHTSA.gov website, the VIN search showed that the VIN was included in NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V396000 (HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that the recall did not apply to the VIN. The vehicle remained at the residence unrepaired. The failure mileage was approximately 150,455.
NHTSA complaint #11711152 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesLafayette, CO
ENGINE
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check hybrid system and two other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the side of the highway; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The mechanic discovered that there was a leak in the inverter cooling system. Upon investigation, the contact discovered an unknown recall that was related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed her that the vehicle was not included in the unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.
NHTSA complaint #11502242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 280,000 milesLafayette, CO
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated while driving 65 MPH, the vehicle stalled with the check hybrid system and two other unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact managed to coast the vehicle to the side of the highway; however, the vehicle failed to restart. Due to the failure, the vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic where a diagnostic test was performed. The mechanic discovered that there was a leak in the inverter cooling system. Upon investigation, the contact discovered an unknown recall that was related to the failure. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but informed her that the vehicle was not included in the unknown recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 280,000.
NHTSA complaint #11502242 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesColumbia, MO
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I-30 EAST UP A HILL GOING APPT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND SLOWED DOWN TO 10 MPH. THEN WENT TO ONLY 1 MPH. WE CHECKED THE BATTERY CONNECTION, FUEL CAP, EVERYTHING WE FOUND ONLINE TO CHECK.
NHTSA complaint #11302108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesColumbia, MO
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I-30 EAST UP A HILL GOING APPT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND SLOWED DOWN TO 10 MPH. THEN WENT TO ONLY 1 MPH. WE CHECKED THE BATTERY CONNECTION, FUEL CAP, EVERYTHING WE FOUND ONLINE TO CHECK.
NHTSA complaint #11302108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 230,000 milesColumbia, MO
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WE WERE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY I-30 EAST UP A HILL GOING APPT 70 MPH WHEN THE CAR WENT INTO LIMP MODE AND SLOWED DOWN TO 10 MPH. THEN WENT TO ONLY 1 MPH. WE CHECKED THE BATTERY CONNECTION, FUEL CAP, EVERYTHING WE FOUND ONLINE TO CHECK.
NHTSA complaint #11302108 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLAS Piedras, PR
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AND THE HYBRID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE PREVIOUS TIMES BY NAGUABO AUTO TOYOTA (CARRETERA 31 KM 3.9, NAGUABO, PR 00718) REGARDING THE HYBRID MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11288602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 150,000 milesLAS Piedras, PR
HYBRID PROPULSION SYSTEM
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE DID NOT START AND THE HYBRID WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED THREE PREVIOUS TIMES BY NAGUABO AUTO TOYOTA (CARRETERA 31 KM 3.9, NAGUABO, PR 00718) REGARDING THE HYBRID MODULE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED AGAIN. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 150,000.
NHTSA complaint #11288602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Coon Rapids, MN
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
CURRENTLY, THE VEHICLE IN MOTION, HOWEVER IT POTENTIALLY CAUSES UNSAFELY IF NOT FIXED AS REQUESTED. THE REASON I COME TO YOU FOR COMPLAINT, I DO HAVE A SITUATION WITH CARLSON TOYOTA AND/OR TOYOTA MOTOR GROUPS. HERE THE SITUATION WHAT HAPPENS. I DO HAVE 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. I DROVE THIS SUV SINCE 2009. I HAVE A NUMBER OF RECORDS FROM THE SAME DEALER TO MAINTAIN THE SUV SAFE. HOWEVER, COUPLE MONTH AGO ON 04/22/2019, I GOT SOME OF THE DASHBOARD LIGHT INDICATES ANTI-LOCK BRAKING SYSTEM (ABS) CHECK LIGHT IS ON. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE CARLSON TOYOTA DEALER PAY DIAGNOSED FEE $149.00 AND THE RESULTS IS UNPREDICTABLE PRICES. SEE THE LISTS: 1) BREAK ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY----------------------------$2225.00 2) RIGHT REAR WHEEL BEARING AND HARNESS ----------$1156.00 TOTAL------------------------------------------------------$3,381.00 THE REASON I AM COMPLAINING TODAY NOT BECAUSE OF THE PRICE TO HIGH. HOWEVER, I FOUND TOYOTA PUBLISHED LETTER ON APRIL 19, 2016, TO ALL TOYOTA DEALER PRINCIPALS, GENERAL MANAGERS, SERVICE MANAGERS, AND PARTS MANAGERS. UNDER THE SUBJECT LINE WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM ?ZG1, FOR ALL 2006-2007 MODEL YEAR HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND OTHERS TYPE INCLUDED. ALSO, DOWN THE LAST THREE PARAGRAPH (SEE ATTACHED LETTER) INDICATES UNDER OWNER LETTER MAILING DATE, SAID ?TOYOTA WILL BEGIN TO NOTIFY OWNERS IN LATE APRIL, 2016 AND WILL BE MAILED OVER SEVERAL MONTHS. A SAMPLE OF THE OWNER NOTIFICATION LETTER HAS BEEN INCLUDED FOR YOUR REFERENCE.? AFTER I FOUND THE PUBLISHED NOTICE, I WENT TO THE CARLSON TOYOTA DEALER ON 06/18/2019. I DESCRIBED THE SITUATION AND I SHOWED THE RECIPES OF WHERE I GET FROM DURING INSPECTION, AND FINALLY THEY TOLD ME THIS WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM IS EXPIRED. I ASK THEM HOW IS EXPIRED, NOBODY TOLD ME ABOUT THIS RECALL OR WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT PROGRAM. I NEED HELP TO RESOLVE THIS SITUATION. SEE ATTACHED DOCUMENTS.
NHTSA complaint #11241523 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 250,000 milesSpring, TX
ENGINE
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH, THE VEHICLE LOST POWER, THE CHECK ENGINE AND ABS WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED, AND THE VEHICLE STALLED. ALSO, "CHECK HYBRID SYSTEM" APPEARED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL. FRED HAAS TOYOTA WORLD (20400 INTERSTATE 45 N, SPRING, TX 77373) WAS NOTIFIED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED BECAUSE THE TEST WAS NOT FREE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 250,000.
NHTSA complaint #11221174 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,000 milesChristiansburg, VA
STEERING
MY 2006 HIGHLANDER DROVE JUST FINE. PARKED IN MY USUAL SPOT AND THE NEXT TIME I START IT MY P/S LIGHT IS ON AND I HAVE NO STEERING. I SEARCHED ONLINE AND IT SEEMS TO BE A COMMON PROBLEM FOR IT TO JUST QUIT WORKING ON PEOPLE. I'M CURIOUS AS TO WHY THIS ISSUE HASN'T BEEN ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA YET. THANK GOD I WASN'T DRIVING LIKE OTHERS WERE WHEN IT HAPPENED.
NHTSA complaint #11220268 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Texarkana, AR
SERVICE BRAKES
I HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ON MY 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID 3 TIMES SINCE 2014. REPLACING THIS PART IS A $2500 - $3000 REPAIR. THE FIRST TIME, WE PAID OUT OF POCKET. THE SECOND TIME, I WAS TOLD I WOULD HAVE TO PAY OUT OF POCKET AND I DECLINED. PARKED THE VEHICLE FOR ABOUT A YEAR AND THEN RECEIVED NOTICE FROM TOYOTA THAT THE PART WAS BEING OFFERED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY UNDER LETTER ZG1. AT THAT POINT, I HAD THE PART REPLACED UNDER THE EXTENDED WARRANTY. NOW THE PART HAS FAILED AGAIN. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS ISSUE AS IT CONTROLS THE ABS BRAKING SYSTEM AND FAILURE CAN HAVE DEVASTATING CONSEQUENCES. I THINK TOYOTA RECOGNIZED THE ISSUE, MADE ADJUSTMENTS, BUT DID NOT MAKE PROPER ADJUSTMENTS AND STILL HAS ISSUES WITH THIS PART. PARTICULARLY - THIS ISSUE MAY BE RELATED TO THE FACT THAT THE HYBRID VEHICLES RELY ON THE BRAKING SYSTEM TO REGENERATE THE BATTERY.
NHTSA complaint #11217854 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 178,361 milesLOS Angeles, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE ATTEMPTING TO MAKE A STOP AT AN INTERSECTION DURING CITY DRIVING THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAME VERY HARD TO PRESS DOWN AND SEVERAL WARNING LIGHTS CAME ON MY VEHICLE DASHBOARD. AT FIRST, THE PROBLEM WAS INTERMITTENT BUT PROGRESSIVELY GOT WORST OVER CONTINUED DRIVING. I TOOK MY VEHICLE TO MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALER FOR INSPECTION. THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT I HAD A PROBLEM WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM MODULE AND THE REPAIR WAS ABOUT $2,600.00. I PARKED THE VEHICLE BECAUSE IT WAS NO LONGER SAFE TO DRIVE AND TO MANY CLOSE CALLS. LATER I FOUND OUT THAT THIS 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND SEVERAL PROCEEDING MODEL YEARS HAD A VERY EXTENSIVE CONSUMER COMPLAINT NUMBER FOR THIS VERY SAME ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONCERN. I CONTACTED THE SERVICE MANAGER AT THE SAME LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP ABOUT A WARRANTY AT WHICH TIME THE SERVICE MANAGER INFORMED ME THAT MY WARRANTY EXPIRED WHICH I NEVER WAS INFORMED. IT SEEMS TO ME PERSONALLY THIS IS HOW THE AIR BAG SAFETY PROBLEM WAS OVER LOOKED ON THESE VEHICLES UNTIL CONSUMERS LOST THEIR LIVES ON FAULTY CONSUMER PRODUCTS THAT GOT PROGRESSIVELY WORST OVER TIME. SEVERAL OF THE OTHER IMPORT MANUFACTURE HAVE OFFERED RECALLS ON THE VERY SAME ABS SYSTEM BRAKE CONCERN. TOYOTA HAS YET TO OFFER A RECALL SEVERAL MODEL YEARS INTO THIS SAFETY CONCERN WITH THE ABS BRAKE SYSTEM. IF WE AS CONSUMERS CAN'T STOP OUR VEHICLES WHILE DRIVING ON THE CITY STREETS OR HIGHWAYS ACCIDENTS HAPPEN AND PEOPLE DIE. THIS SAFETY CONCERN HAS GONE ON LONG ENOUGH WITH THOUSANDS OF COMPLAINTS OVER THE YEARS FOR THE SAME ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONCERN. THERE MUST BE A MUCH BETTER JOB AT PROTECTING THE CONSUMER SAFETY FROM CONTINUED SAFETY CONCERNS NOT BEING ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA. ALL THE OTHER IMPORT MANUFACTURES HAVE STEP UP WITH RECALLS, WHATS TAKING TOYOTA MANUFACTURES SO LONG AFTER YEARS OF THE SAME SAFETY CONCERNS. PLEASE HELP US WITH THIS ABS BRAKE SYSTEM CONCERN.
NHTSA complaint #11206072 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesMobile, AL
SERVICE BRAKES
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN AUGUST 2018. IN JANUARY, WARNING LIGHTS INDICATED A 'VSC SYSTEM' PROBLEM. THE EVENT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I RESEARCHED CAR REPAIR WEBSITES AND FORUMS, AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS OFTEN A SIMPLE PROBLEM WITH A SENSOR FOR THE FUEL DOOR, OR A LINKAGE IN THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY. I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS, AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. OVER THE PAST SIX WEEKS, THE LIGHTS HAVE RETURNED, USUALLY IN ASSOCIATION WITH REFUELING THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TODAY, AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN ABS ACTUATOR WAS FAILING. THE PART IS $1700 FROM TOYOTA, WITH LABOR TOTALING $600. FURTHER RESEARCH REVEALED THE PROBLEM WAS WIDESPREAD, BUT THE ONLY REMEDY WAS A 'WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT' THAT HAS ALREADY EXPIRED. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR, AND I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THIS ISSUE AT PURCHASE. BECAUSE THIS ISSUE WAS CRITICAL FOR VEHICLE SAFETY, I FELT THE NEED TO ALERT THE NHTSA TO A CONTINUING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11202900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 95,000 milesMobile, AL
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE USED IN AUGUST 2018. IN JANUARY, WARNING LIGHTS INDICATED A 'VSC SYSTEM' PROBLEM. THE EVENT OCCURRED WHILE I WAS DRIVING. I RESEARCHED CAR REPAIR WEBSITES AND FORUMS, AND DISCOVERED THAT THIS IS OFTEN A SIMPLE PROBLEM WITH A SENSOR FOR THE FUEL DOOR, OR A LINKAGE IN THE ACCELERATOR ASSEMBLY. I FOLLOWED INSTRUCTIONS, AND THE LIGHT TURNED OFF. OVER THE PAST SIX WEEKS, THE LIGHTS HAVE RETURNED, USUALLY IN ASSOCIATION WITH REFUELING THE VEHICLE. I TOOK THE VEHICLE TO A DEALER TODAY, AND WAS INFORMED THAT AN ABS ACTUATOR WAS FAILING. THE PART IS $1700 FROM TOYOTA, WITH LABOR TOTALING $600. FURTHER RESEARCH REVEALED THE PROBLEM WAS WIDESPREAD, BUT THE ONLY REMEDY WAS A 'WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT' THAT HAS ALREADY EXPIRED. I CANNOT AFFORD THIS REPAIR, AND I WAS NOT INFORMED OF THIS ISSUE AT PURCHASE. BECAUSE THIS ISSUE WAS CRITICAL FOR VEHICLE SAFETY, I FELT THE NEED TO ALERT THE NHTSA TO A CONTINUING PROBLEM.
NHTSA complaint #11202900 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesYoungsville, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACE UNDER THE WARRANTEE EXTENSION ZG1. THE REPLACEMENT BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP FAILED BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER IT. IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE DEFECTIVE PART. WHEN THE PART FAILS MANY SYSTEMS ARE IMPACTED ESPECIALLY THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11195573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130,000 milesYoungsville, LA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
THE BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP FAILED AND WAS REPLACE UNDER THE WARRANTEE EXTENSION ZG1. THE REPLACEMENT BRAKE ACTUATOR PUMP FAILED BUT TOYOTA WILL NOT COVER IT. IT IS A VERY EXPENSIVE DEFECTIVE PART. WHEN THE PART FAILS MANY SYSTEMS ARE IMPACTED ESPECIALLY THE BRAKES.
NHTSA complaint #11195573 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesRocky Mount, VA
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON, THERE IS A HIGH BEEPING SOUND, AND THE BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE BRAKES EITHER NEED TO BE MATCHED WITH EXTREME FORCE OR THE BRAKES WILL SLAM BY BARELY TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND OFFERED A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AFTER THE EXTENSION WAS OFFERED AND HAVEN'T HAD ISSUES UNTIL RECENTLY. I AM CONCERNED FOR NOT ONLY MY SAFETY BUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I HAVE BEEN A TOYOTA FAN FOR ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE. HOWEVER, AFTER DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE AND BEING QUOTED $2000 TO FIX IT, I WOULD OFFER ADVICE TO ANYBODY OR NOT TO BUY A TOYOTA OR AT LEAST NOT A TOYOTA HYBRID. BUYER AND DRIVER BEWARE!
NHTSA complaint #11190314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 175,000 milesRocky Mount, VA
SERVICE BRAKES
INTERMITTENTLY, WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD, ALL OF THE DASH LIGHTS COME ON, THERE IS A HIGH BEEPING SOUND, AND THE BRAKES STOPPED FUNCTIONING PROPERLY. THE BRAKES EITHER NEED TO BE MATCHED WITH EXTREME FORCE OR THE BRAKES WILL SLAM BY BARELY TOUCHING THE BRAKE PEDAL. TOYOTA ACKNOWLEDGES THAT THIS IS AN ISSUE AND OFFERED A WARRANTY EXTENSION TO OWNERS OF THIS VEHICLE. I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE AFTER THE EXTENSION WAS OFFERED AND HAVEN'T HAD ISSUES UNTIL RECENTLY. I AM CONCERNED FOR NOT ONLY MY SAFETY BUT THE SAFETY OF MY FAMILY. I HAVE BEEN A TOYOTA FAN FOR ALL OF MY ADULT LIFE. HOWEVER, AFTER DEALING WITH THIS ISSUE AND BEING QUOTED $2000 TO FIX IT, I WOULD OFFER ADVICE TO ANYBODY OR NOT TO BUY A TOYOTA OR AT LEAST NOT A TOYOTA HYBRID. BUYER AND DRIVER BEWARE!
NHTSA complaint #11190314 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Charles, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
WHILE DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED TO PROPERLY STOP THE CAR. THIS ISSUE FIRST HAPPENED IN JANUARY 2017. AT THAT TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN AND HAD THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER A LIMITED SERVICE RECALL BY TOYOTA AND THE REPLACEMENT ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY ALSO FAILED WITHIN 18 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA THE BRAKES AGAIN FAILED TO STOP THE CAR, MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND JERKING TO A HALT AFTER PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. BECAUSE THE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED UNDER THE LIMITED SERVICE RECALL TOYOTA DENIES ANY CULPABILITY IN THE FAILURE OF THE REPLACEMENT PART AND REFUSES TO OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11181659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 120,000 milesLake Charles, LA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
WHILE DRIVING ON A RESIDENTIAL ROAD THE BRAKE SYSTEM FAILED TO PROPERLY STOP THE CAR. THIS ISSUE FIRST HAPPENED IN JANUARY 2017. AT THAT TIME I TOOK THE CAR IN AND HAD THE BRAKE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY REPLACED UNDER A LIMITED SERVICE RECALL BY TOYOTA AND THE REPLACEMENT ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY ALSO FAILED WITHIN 18 MONTHS. WHILE DRIVING THROUGH A RESIDENTIAL AREA THE BRAKES AGAIN FAILED TO STOP THE CAR, MAKING A GRINDING NOISE AND JERKING TO A HALT AFTER PRESSURE APPLIED TO THE BRAKE PEDAL. BECAUSE THE ACTUATOR ASSEMBLY WAS REPLACED UNDER THE LIMITED SERVICE RECALL TOYOTA DENIES ANY CULPABILITY IN THE FAILURE OF THE REPLACEMENT PART AND REFUSES TO OFFER FURTHER ASSISTANCE.
NHTSA complaint #11181659 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBaldwin Park, CA
SERVICE BRAKES
I AM GETTING A "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH A RED TRIANGLE, ORANGE ABS LIGHT, ORANGE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, RED BRAKE LIGHT AND ORANGE EXCLAMATION MARK INSIDE A CIRCLE. I HAVE BEEN HEARING WEIRD POPPING NOISES WHEN BRAKING ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #11171000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesBaldwin Park, CA
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)
I AM GETTING A "CHECK VSC SYSTEM" ON THE DASHBOARD ALONG WITH A RED TRIANGLE, ORANGE ABS LIGHT, ORANGE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, RED BRAKE LIGHT AND ORANGE EXCLAMATION MARK INSIDE A CIRCLE. I HAVE BEEN HEARING WEIRD POPPING NOISES WHEN BRAKING ALSO.
NHTSA complaint #11171000 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesYoungsville, LA
SERVICE BRAKES
THE BRAKE ACTUATOR MODULE FAILED IN 2013 AND THE REPLACEMENT MODULE FAILED AGAIN IN 20018.
NHTSA complaint #11165997 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 170,000 milesPetal, MS
SERVICE BRAKES
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH, THE VEHICLE STABILITY CONTROL AND ANTI LOCK BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED. THE CONTACT STOPPED AND PULLED THE VEHICLE OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FAILURE OCCURRED SPORADICALLY. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED BY TOYOTA OF HATTIESBURG (6461 US-98, HATTIESBURG, MS 39402) IN FEBRUARY OF 2017, BUT THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED FOR THE RECENT FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 170,000.
NHTSA complaint #11164580 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.