10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
14 / 1
Injuries / Deaths:
11 / 1
Average Mileage:
48,037 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

2006 Toyota Highlander engine problems

engine problem

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2006 Toyota Highlander Owner Comments (Page 1 of 3)

problem #42

Dec 182020

Highlander

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The brake actuator is failing and is making loud noises. The car does not brake normally. I have reported braking problems since I bought the vehicle in 2007. When it hits a bump it accelerates and I must stand on the brakes so I do not hit someone. It lurches forward when it hits a pothole or some kind of obstruction in the road. When I worked down near the bus station I would hit the areas in the road where the buses created bumps in the roadway and it would lurch forward. I reported this numerous times at North bakersfield Toyota. I recently went in to report the noise I was hearing and they finally figured out that the brake actuator is failing. I was told that it was not a hazard but they could not tell me when it will totally fail. I believe it is a safety hazard and there has been a problem from day one

- Bakersfield, CA, USA

problem #41

Mar 242021

Highlander

  • 199,000 miles
The vsc light, ABS light, check engine light and sound is are on. The code is back as well C1391 for this brake actuator. It is a well known problem with Toyota. This was fixed once already by Toyota dealer and failed after 40K miles again. How can a part has failed again in such a short time and miles" this is a common problem and we can't get help from Toyota company other than to pay for their lack of quality on parts? I can't afford $4000 plust to fix a part that only lasted 40,000 miles. When is Toyota going to do a recall on this part and fix it for good"

- Fleming Island, FL, USA

problem #40

May 212020

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 172,560 miles
Once after parking and then twice while driving on a highway, the check hybrid system light, the vsc light, the check engine light, and the caution light all illuminated and the vehicle lost all power including steering assistance. Each time requiring multiple key turns to restart the vehicle into limp home mode. This vehicle has been repaired once before for a similar issue which occurred while driving up a hill in moderate traffic. The tank is full of fuel, the tires are less than a year old, and the vehicle undergoes regular maintenance(which includes a new battery as the one bought from Toyota had a few dead cells after only a year or two). I've read multiple complaints about this online while searching for the underlying issue and there seems to be a related recall that doesn't include my VIN.

- Augusta, GA, USA

problem #39

Jun 272016

Highlander 6-cyl

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. While making a turn at 5 mph, the contact depressed the brake pedal and the vehicle accelerated at an unknown speed. As a result, the vehicle struck a pedestrian. A police report was filed. The pedestrian suffered injuries and medical attention was required. The dealer and manufacturer were not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The failure mileage was unknown.

- Sand Springs, OK, USA

problem #38

Jun 062018

Highlander

  • 208,000 miles
The vehicle accelerates seemingly on it's own. While driving it picks up speed then slows down some.

- Paw Paw, WV, USA

problem #37

Jan 012016

Highlander

  • miles
2006 Toyota Highlander. Consumer writes in regards to vehicle sudden acceleration accident. The consumer stated the vehicle accelerated and jumped a curb and hit a building while the brakes were being depressed.

- Deland, FL, USA

problem #36

Mar 262017

Highlander

  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Steering recall: I have a 2006 Toyota Highlander hy with the P/S (powers steering) light on. I've been to Toyota twice in the past week and only owned the vehicle for 2 weeks. They say they cannot do anything without knowing the problem and I've told them the problem. The vehicle also tries to accelerate on its on when at a complete stop.

- Trenton, NJ, USA

problem #35

Mar 192015

Highlander

  • 151,247 miles
After an synthetic oil change and rear brake job at Firestone a few days earlier in atlanta, I was driving along and my check vsc system light came on. I then took it back to Firestone and they put it on the computer and there were no codes; subsequently they suggested that I take it to the dealer for diagnosis. The diagnosis at the dealer revealed that I needed a new ABS accumulator and this could be repaired for $3,118. I was not interested in spending this amount since the part has a know design manufacturers defect. I decided to do some research on clearing the check vsc system light and followed the instructions and the code cleared for about 9 days and reappeared on yesterday for some reason. What can I do?

- Dacula , GA, USA

problem #34

Jan 052015

Highlander

  • 150,500 miles
Was driving in traffic when an alarm sounded and several dashboard lights lit up. Center display said "check vsc system". I took it to the dealer who said the ABS module needs to be replaced at a cost $2,800. Other than a vibration under the hood while slowing down the car appears to be operating normally. The ABS warning light is on which leads me to believe the ABS maybe disabled. I was able to run a vsc diagnostic and pulled code 45. Given the number of reported incidents for this failure it appears to be a wide spread problem.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #33

Apr 182012

Highlander

  • 85,000 miles
Complaint: 2006 base Highlander, fwd, 4 cylinders. Brake system (vsc, trac off, ABS & brake) and TPMS lights on, disabling safety features. 1)TPMS flashing light. Issue may have been in-process since day 1. it regularly came on, reset by dealers and eventually showed us how to reset ourselves. 2)brake system lights. All (4) came on, diagnosed as left rear wheel sensor. Dealer quoted cost: $1000. Replacement didn't work, wound up replacing wheel hub assembly pigtail. Lasted two (2) weeks, re-diagnosed as ABS pump/control module assembly. Dealer quoted cost: $2500. While this itself is ridiculous, the repair costs would exceed 1/8th (13%) the cost of the vehicle new! now, in 2014, it's approximately (50%) of the current vehicles value. This issue has recently resulted in screeching to a halt in dangerous traffic. It essentially negates the star safety system features, for various environmental and driving conditions. This issue cannot be ignored any longer, since it's the topic on numerous web site forums and inquiries and even salvaged used parts are being sold by many sites for this problem. Recompense: Remuneration of expenses to date and future repairs to correct this problem is requested. Review of tsb and/or investigation into recall campaign to fix all affected vehicles.

- Hendersonville, TN, USA

problem #32

May 302013

Highlander

  • 99,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 50 mph, the brake pedal was depressed continuously however, the vehicle continued to accelerate rapidly. The contact crashed into the rear of another vehicle, causing a chain reaction crash. The air bags deployed and bruised the contact's left arm, chest and neck. The contact also sustained multiple bruises from the seat belt. A police report was filed of the incident. The vehicle was towed to a collision center for inspection of the massive front end damages. The manufacturer was not notified of the incident. The approximate failure mileage was 99,000.

- Magnolia , TX, USA

problem #31

Apr 042013

Highlander 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 200,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 2 mph, the vehicle erroneously accelerated and the contact crashed into a pole. The passenger sustained bruising to the chest. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not contacted about the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 200,000......updated 06-19-13 updated 06/27/2013

- Bishop, CA, USA

problem #30

Aug 022011

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 60,000 miles
Vehicle hesitates or stalls on acceleration. Very dangerous situation to be in if pulling into traffic and not able to accelerate. Vehicle will also lung or over accelerate on some occasions after hesitation.

- Monroe, CT, USA

problem #29

Dec 292010

Highlander

  • 55,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that the vehicle would momentarily surge forward when the brakes were applied. The failure occurred on an intermittent basis. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer, where the contact was informed that a brake module and the transmission were defective. The vehicle was repaired, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer, where the contact was informed that clips on the floor mats were responsible for the failure. The vehicle was again repaired, but the failure continued. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000 and the current mileage was 60,000.

- Camarillo, CA, USA

problem #28

Jan 082011

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 35,000 miles
I received your response to my letter of complaint dated Feb 24, 2011. It did not address my concern with the delayed response between the depressed accelerator and a delayed engine response. Rather I was informed by a form letter that NY complaint would be satisfied with a "floor mat adjustment". I was additionally notified that a 2nd letter from Toyota would arrive by early May 2011 when "parts are ready and preparations are complete. I have not received this notification as of this date. I repeat; my accelerator does not stick". sometimes there is a one or two second delay when the accelerator is depressed and the engine responds causing a fast "lurch forward" rather than a gradual increase form the current speed or sometimes from a complete stop it will happen. The delayed engine response to a depressed accelerator is a serious problem with potentially dangerous consequences. Sincerely,

- Sierra Madre, CA, USA

problem #27

Feb 022011

Highlander 6-cyl

  • miles
I had an accident when I was driving my Toyota 2006 Highlander because of unintended acceleration.

- Herndon, VA, USA

problem #26

Feb 102011

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 35 miles
Vehicle Toyota 2006 VIN #[xxx] Highlander limited prior complaint sent to Toyota & dot 2/4/2010. After a stop when accelerator sometimes there is a second or two pause before the engine responds causing a sudden lurch forward. Additionally when diving at in town speeds and the accelerator is released and then a resumption of pressure on it there is a second or two pause before the engine engages, also causing a lurch forward. I have learned to "expect the condition" and make allowances for it, however it still causes concern and possibly a dangerous acceleration. The accelerator and engine activation need to be corrected for this "pause and lurch forward response". parts of this document have been redacted to protect personally identifiable information pursuant to the Freedom Of Information Act (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

- Sierra Madre, CA, USA

problem #25

Oct 042010

Highlander 6-cyl

  • 50,000 miles
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 Toyota 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.

- Joliet, IL, USA

problem #24

Mar 112010

Highlander

  • miles
My 2006 Toyota Highlander occasionally fails to accelerate while turning. The most predictable time this occurs is when slowing to almost a stop into a left turn and then attempting to accelerate into the turn. Depressing the accelerator only causes the vehicle to accelerate slightly. I normally have to accelerate hard or reaccelerate to get the car moving. There is about a 2-3 second delay between the time you depress the accelerator and when the car responds in the manner you expect.

- Cypress, CA, USA

problem #23

Mar 042010

Highlander

  • miles
Ever since we purchased our 2006 Toyota Highlander we have randomly experienced acceleration problems. After slowing down, we slowly accelerated and would experience a sudden thrust but could slow it down by lessening the pressure on the gas pedal or by braking. This would happen at random 2 or 3 times per year. We both thought it was our fault until we read about the Toyota acceleration problems. Now, we don't believe it is our fault and is a built-in problem. We recently have talked to the Toyota service department and they referred us to the Toyota headquarters for filing a complaint with them. We were told this car is not on the recall list. Since our problem does not seem as bad as other year's car, it may be that this is the year the problem developed in Toyota and got progressively worst as adjustments were made to the car's programming or engine. The last incident involving this acceleration was in late February or early March, 2010. We hope this information may be of some help to you and us in solving our problem.

- Huntington Beach, CA, USA

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