2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: Recalls, Problems & MPG
Here are the deets on the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: 6 recalls, 370 owner complaints and up to 27 mpg combined.
Recalls
6 vehicle recalls from the manufacturer. Repairs are free. Check your VIN to see if one is still open on your car.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #06V253000 · 2006 · 367,594 vehicles
What's wrong: On certain sport utility and hybrid vehicles, the two retaining clips for the driver's side forward center console can 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.
Why it matters: This condition May interfere with the accelerator pedal returning to the idle position increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Dealers will replace the two floor carpet cover retaining clips free of charge. The recall began on July 24, 2006, and should be completed by early September 2006.
Equipment Vehicle recall #09V223000 · 2009 · 27,080 vehicles
What's wrong: 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."
Why it matters: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: 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.
Speed control / throttle Vehicle recall #11V112000 · 2011 · 769,379 vehicles
What's wrong: 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.
Why it matters: 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.
The fix: 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.
Electrical Vehicle recall #11V342000 · 2011 · 82,273 vehicles
What's wrong: A module inside the inverter module May contain inadequately soldered transistors that during high-load driving, May be damaged by heat caused by the large current. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Why it matters: The vehicle May enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota/Lexus mailed an interim owner notification on July 19, 2011 to advise owners of this recall and the fact that they will receive a future notice when parts become available to complete repairs. Toyota dealers will inspect the hybrid inverter production number to determine whether the inverter…
Engine & cooling Vehicle recall #11V539000 · 2011 · 420,326 vehicles
What's wrong: The amount of adhesive agent applied between the outer ring and the torsional rubber damper (inner ring) in the crankshaft pulley May be inadequate. If the adhesive is insufficient, there is a possibility that the outer ring May become misaligned and it May not properly rotate with the inner ring, causing noise and/or illumination of the battery discharge indicator light.
Why it matters: In some cases, the belt for the power steering pump May become detached from the pulley which could result in a loss of power steering and a sudden increase in steering effort, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the u.s. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during early January 2012.
Hybrid system Vehicle recall #13V396000 · 2013 · 133,081 vehicles
What's wrong: The intelligent power module (ipm) inside the inverter module May contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors May be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Why it matters: The vehicle May enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
The fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the ipm free of charge.
Most-reported problems
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA, by component. One complaint can list several components. 7 mention a fire, 10 injuries and 2 deaths were reported.
What owners describe
- Brakes (76): the most common themes are warning light on (21), noise or vibration (19), brake failure / soft pedal (9).
- Electrical (74): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (35), electrical failure (29), warning light on (25).
- Hybrid system (45): the most common themes are stalls / loses power (19), warning light on (16).
- Brakes (hydraulic) (42): the most common themes are brake failure / soft pedal (5).
The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 370 owner complaints, ranking #1 of 22 Highlander Hybrid model years for complaints (9.9× the average Highlander Hybrid year). Complaints peaked in 2010 (90 filed that year). The typical problem showed up when the car was about 5 years old, at a median of 93,550 miles. Neighboring years: 2005 (1 complaints, 1 recalls), 2007 (110 complaints, 2 recalls).
Engines & fuel economy (EPA)
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3.3 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 28 | 25 | 27 | Regular |
| 3.3 L 6-cyl hybrid | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive | 27 | 25 | 26 | Regular |
Want the full repair deets? Get the factory manual.
Recall and complaint data tells you what goes wrong. A service manual tells you how to fix it: torque specs, wiring diagrams, fluid capacities and step-by-step procedures for the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid.
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FAQ
Does the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 6 vehicle recalls for the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at any dealer, no matter how old the car is. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid problems?
Owners have filed 370 complaints with NHTSA. The most-reported areas are brakes (76), electrical (74), hybrid system (45).
What gas mileage does the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid get?
EPA ratings run up to 27 mpg combined (3.3 L, Automatic (variable gear ratios)), across 2 engine and transmission combos.
Where can I get a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid repair manual?
eManualOnline sells downloadable manuals, Mitchell 1 DIY and ALLDATAdiy sell online access to factory repair data, and Haynes sells printed guides and online access. Pick a download if you want to keep it, or a subscription for wiring diagrams and TSBs.