Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My wife was parked in front of our apartment building, idling with her foot on the brake, when our 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid suddenly accelerated and crashed into a gate. Before the car crashed, she repeatedly applied the brake and even put the car in park. The car did not stop. After the impact, the engine continued to rev and accelerate before finally stopping. This had never happened before. The body has been repaired, but per Toyota, nothing mechanical or electronic has been touched. Last week Toyota sent a specialist out to inspect the car and download data. We were present at the time, and 5 DTC codes displayed. The descriptions displayed on the investigator's lap top mentioned vehicle speed sensors on right wheel and left wheel, the emps, body ECU switch circuit and "low or high power supply voltage". The car was test driven, and no errors or codes were reported. …
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. …
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.
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.
Most of dashboard lights went on and brakes failed to engage when 17 y/o son driving vehicle as pulling into parking spot. Able to use emergency brake as in parking lot and stop the vehicle. Took to Toyota and told actuator needed to be replaced to cost of about $2400. This occurred on 01/09/2018. We found out after the fact the extended warranty on this expired on 12/31/2017 just 9 days before our son had this incident. Luckily in parking lot as we live in the mountains and could have been a fatality/serious injury in another setting. We have filed complaint w/ Toyota.
2006 Highlander Hybrid, check Hybrid system, check vsc light, brake and ABS light all on permanently and my brakes aren't working. I was fortunate noone got hurt.. It was really dangerous when you press the brake and it doesn't stop. ... From what I read ABS accumulator which cost 3K+ to replace and the Hybrid inverter which cost 5K+ to replace. NHTSA please issue a recall on this issues.
I was driving my car and when I brake to slow down I heard a chime and a check vcs system warning came with ABS , brake and slip indicator ,master warning light and electronic controlled brake system warning light came on too. I have found that in 2013 there was a safery recall dlf(d2f) on certain Highlander hv 2006-2010.
Slippery condition caused traction control in vehicle to deactivate complete 4wd drive train, preventing me from being able to avoid from sliding down directly onto a post. If it didn't completely disable the vehicle, I would have been able to continue to maneuver away from the obstacle.
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.
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.
Traction Control complaints in other Highlander Hybrid years
Frequently asked questions
How common are traction control problems on the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the stability & traction control of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 7% of the model year's 370 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid traction control problems?
No. NHTSA lists no stability & traction control recall for the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, though it has 6 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid traction control problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 120,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 0 injuries to stability & traction control problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.