Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2006 Toyota Highlander owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
I can see many complaints similar to mine on line since the car was built in 2006. Driving on a 7hr trip when engine light came on and car overheated. We had to pull over on a busy highway and wait for car to cool down and light to go off. It was scary since I had my child in the car and traffic was moving at 60 mph. The next day I had the Toyota dealer charge me $160.00 to tell me coolant and oil were leaking from the head gasket and the bolt corroded and listed out causing a sealing issue. We just had the car in their shop doing thousands of dollars of maintenance and had a full inspection done in preparation for this trip. We also had fluid leaks from the engine twice before at 65819 miles and again at 84458 miles. No mention of this issue was ever brought up by dealer. I have full records and always did maint as suggested. …
I was on the interstate driving about 72 mph when the car just shut off all the dash lights came on and the dash it said check hybrid system I had no brakes or steering I got it off the road turned it off and back on again it started up and I drove it home but the dash still displayed check hybrid system , a week later I get in it to go to work and there's an alarm that won't cut off and the abs , traction control and brake light and warning light and tire pressure light are all on and the brakes are hard and there's a weird noise coming from somewhere when u push on the brake and it says check VSC system on the dash now
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes still operated as intended however, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact coasted to the shoulder and checked the fluid levels in the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the engine was replaced several months prior to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 290,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a complete loss of engine power. Additionally, the trac off and vsc warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was coasted into the center median where the contact exited the vehicle. A massive amount of smoke emitted inside of the vehicle and the grassy area underneath the vehicle was on fire. There was no personal injury. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 05/28/13 updated 06/11/2013
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. When the vehicle was started, the brake light, antilock brake light, and the check engine light illuminated. The vehicle did not accelerate and the antilock brakes did not work. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer where it was diagnosed that the computer core needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 90,000. ..updated 05/02/16
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle loss motive power and stalled. The contact stated that the forward gears were inoperable however, the reverse gear worked as designed. The vehicle was towed to mark mclarty Toyota 4336 landers rd, north little rock, ar 72117 [phone] but was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. As soon as the vehicle was started, the vsc light and check engine warning indicator illuminated simultaneously and remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, but could not be diagnosed. The vehicle was repaired; however, the failure recurred. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The VIN was invalid. The approximate failure mileage was 240,000.
Tl 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 updated 05/02/11
Tl* the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving at approximately 45 MPH, the vehicle stalled as all the dashboard warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was able to restart. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.
Driving car and it stalled then mesage came on which stated check hybrid engine. Took it to shop and was told would cost $9,000 as it was the inverter. They said my VIN was not on the recall list for the recall of 2006 Highlander hybrids. Had the power module replaced as recall in 2012 but why wasnt my car on recall list for the inverter?
Engine complaints in other Highlander years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2006 Toyota Highlander?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2006 Toyota Highlander, 14% of the model year's 278 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2006 Toyota Highlander engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2006 Toyota Highlander, though it has 7 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 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 80,000 miles, and 6% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 0 crashes, 2 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.