general problems of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid - part 1

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!.

First a loud ringing happened and car would not stop. We have serviced car regularly, brakes are new, but car does not stop. Trying to brake at the intersection, stop light and highlander would not stop. Put us in danger almost led me into accident, was told it was the abs system and that Toyota is aware of this. This is a huge safety design issue and expensive fix Toyota needs to fix their design flaws. There is not physical contact or wear and tear on the part for it to fail. Ms. Deborah huston at Toyota stone walls the process to get this resolved. She claims Toyota is not aware of these issues, but the NHTSA records show customers have been complaining for a long time and that they know.

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 pregnant and driving with 2 small children when the lights on my dashboard came on about vsc and a loud ringing happened and then I tried to brake at the stop light and they were so difficult to push I barely stopped in time to avoid an accident. Was told it was the abs system and that Toyota is aware of this but put stipulations on an extended warranty rather than recall so it's too late for most to get fixed and be covered. This is a huge safety issue and expensive fix Toyota needs to stand behind.

While driving on the highway 65mph the vehicle lost all power,the check hybrid light was flashing, was able to pull over and stop. Was able to restart vehicle and drive 110 mile home.

Abs system failed at 137,000 miles , mechanics stated this should never happen,I was driving when abs brake light came on and continues to stay on, and on 09/17 my abs and brake light is on,and when I push brake petal down , my car does not stop. Unable to get car to come to a stop. I recently change my brake pads in August and everything was working perfectly untill septamber 20th 2017.

I am about to purchase an 06 Toyota highlander 4x4 hybrid. I received information that the 06 Toyota Highlander Hybrid inverter has serious problems, and that the cost to fully repair this problem is huge. I would like to protect myself from potential problems (like this) by not purchasing any such vehicle. I would also like to know (if this issue is valid) whether dealerships have the ability to be informed of any such vehicle problems, before they sell it on their lot?.

While driving on a major highway and in the fast lane going approximately 75/80 mph my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid died and failed to drive. The panel on the dash had a red ! exclamation point, and said check hybrid system and check vsc system. I was able to navigate my vehicle to the right breakdown shoulder to call for a tow. Tried to start my vehicle several times and it would not start, but the hazard lights and instrument panel continued to light giving evidence my new 12v battery was functioning properly. Called Toyota motor USA and asked what recalls they have listed for my vehicle and they asked for my VIN. They told me the electrical inverter assembly was covered for my VIN. They gave me the number of a tow company to call and told me it was covered by Toyota and I'd have a rental waiting for me. I had it towed to my local dealership as directed, they fixed several other recall issues but not this one, so when I drove off the lot the car died again. I managed to start the vehicle and drive it back across the highway into the dealership. After speaking with Toyota corporation USA again, they apologized and said they misinformed me and that my vehicle was not part of that recall. However, they paid for my tow and for my rental for 5 days (thus far). My case number given from Toyota corp is 1607053248. I read online there is a class action suit regarding this issue. Karl and irina gaal vs. Toyota motor sales, u. S. A. , inc. , a California corporation. Via atty mike arias. Toyota's customer experience has put in a request for me to speak with a supervisor and the Toyota dealership's gm in my area is also working on this issue as it's still pending.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a total loss of power while driving 35 mph. As a result, the vehicle was no longer operable. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 175,000. The VIN was not provided.

While driving home from work in normal free-flowing traffic conditions on the freeway, several lights came on the dash indicating brake issues including vsc, abs, skid, parking brake light. Continued to cautiously drive home, brakes seemed ok. Had our non-dealer mechanic look at the brakes all were fine and had recently been replaced. He could not find a brake issue. Took to the local Toyota dealer and one code came up c1391 "abnormal leak in accumulator" and was told I needed a new brake actuator at the cost of $3273. 00. Diagnostic cost $138. 00. Additional information on diagnostic paperwork from dealer says, "check for dtc's found c1391, check for fluid leaks, could not find leaks, check accumulator pressure voltage (3. 5 v), depressed pedal 4-5 times accumulator pressure drops below 3. 0 v, recommend replace brake/abs actuator". Other notes, some part of hybrid system seems to be cycling every few minutes. Over the years, when braking, there have been times where they "jump" or don't grab during brake pressure and after reading have found this complaint with other owners. I see that the camry and the Lexus have both had this part recalled/replaced by Toyota and wondering why, when this is likely the same hybrid system and component, that Toyota will not step up to the plate and offer this replacement part for owners for free or at a discount? the other vehicles have had accidents as a result of this part and Toyota should step up to the plate on the Highlander Hybrid.

My wife and I were travelling on I-95 (southbound) towards richmond, va. My wife was the driver. We were steadily travelling at a speed. . . Between 65 and 70 in the left lane (required speed limit). All of a sudden, with no warning, the panel lights started blinking and the power to the car was shut off. My wife was screaming because she was not able to control or effectively apply brakes. She tried and pulled car off the road barely and we pushed it off to a safe side. This could have resulted in a serious accident if we were travelling in the middle lane. The car was left overnight and towed to Toyota dealer. The dealer called back and gave a quote of $10000 because the hybrid inverter have to replaced. I mentioned the recall on the inverter. The dealer said the recall does not cover my issue. There is a recall on your website -what action or recourse do I have. The original owner of the car replaced the inverter at 16200 miles. Evidently all the 2006 inverters are defective. My question is this ---why your department is Toyota to get away with such a serious defect?.

On 12/02/13 the brake light and vcs system light came on. The warning light also went on and a beep noise inside the cabin, brakes does not function (breaks not responding). I took the car to an authorized Toyota dealership. According to the dealer codes (c1241 low or high power supply voltage, c1256 accumulator low pressure, and c1391 abnormal leak in accumulator) must be replaced the actuator assy, b part no. 4405048190. Actuator was replaced on 12/28/13 at $1,495 with tax for $ 1,600 and labor cost of $333. 84. Ust be replaced. On 05/25/15 again the brake light and vcs system light came on. The warning light also went on and a beep noise inside the cabin, brakes does not function (no break). I took the car to an authorized Toyota dealership for a diagnostic and I pay $64. 20. Again they mentioned that for a second time the actuator assy, b part no. 4405048190 needs a replacement. I ask for the guarantee and only was valid for 1 year. Diagnostic trouble codes report (abs/vsc/trac), codes (c1252 break booster pump motor on time abnormally long, c1256, accumulator low pressure, c1391, abnormal leak in accumulator). I think that there is an electronic problem with the 2006 Highlander Hybrid and they do not know what the cause since is in a 6 years period the actuator assy was replaced and less than 1. 5 year again the same part (actuator assy) needs replacement, current price is $2,000. I cannot use the car the brakes are not responding and I can have an accident.

Engine mechanical ~|~check and report. . . Check engine light and vsc light on dash, . Found inverter pump not working properly ~|~replaced inverter water pump.

While decelerating to turn into our drive way the vehicle rapidly accelerated. We were able to get it stopped by using the brakes, ending up in the yard/sidewalk. There were approximately 10 feet of skid marks. The engine was racing while the brakes were being applied. The floor mat was not involved. The increased engine rpm was not initiated nor controllable by the operator. This was truly an uncontrolled run away that could have been life threatening.

As I pulled out of the parking lot of a hotel the check vcs system, check hybrid system, check awd system warnings began to illuminate and alternate. The master warning light, slip indicator light, check engine warning light and the electronically controlled brake system warning light were all illuminated as well. The car would drive, however, the power steering and abs were not working. I was able to drive the car to the closest Toyota dealership. I was originally told that the car simply needed a new battery. Once the battery was replaced, I was told that the ecu for the abs system had died and would need to be replaced at the cost of $2000. When I mentioned the recall and the fact that the symptoms were directly in line with the recall notice for the imp I was told that while my VIN fell under the boj recall, the specific serial # of my imp did not. I was also told that this was not the problem my car was having. When I asked whether the serial numbers of the d1m recall were checked I was told this was an "interim recall" and that they were not authorized to do repairs on this one yet so they couldn't check. Research has indicated that an imp failure can cause and ecu failure. Furthermore, an ecu failure would not have caused the system to go into fail safe mode as it did. I have a Toyota case #, but they have told me there is nothing they can do.

My wife was backing out of our driveway when the car suddenly lost power to the wheels and all of the warning lights came on. She was unable to move the car forward or backward to get the car out of the lane of traffic. We got the car towed to the local Toyota dealership. They informed us that the inverter was bad and we needed a new one. We had received a recall notice about replacing an "intelligent power module" and had the repairs done Jan 9th 2013. The repair shop has said that the replaced part is working and that it is the inverter itself that has gone bad. I have seen many other complaints about this problem online. I am just thankful that she wasn't going highway speed with our child in the car when she lost power. That could have been very dangerous.

Vehicle died while goiung down street. Had to be pushed out of roadway.

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated the inverter/converter hybrid system shuts down while the vehicle was being driven. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who inspected the vehicle and stated the inverter/converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified who stated they will contact him within the next couple of days. The mileage was 146,000. Mw.

My 17-year-old daughter was driving on I-5 in northern California. She had cruise control set at 70mph and was traveling up hill when cruise control suddenly popped off and car went dead. She had no power, and power steering went out. She managed to coast to the crest of the hill and down the other side to pull off the road, but was in a very dangerous situation near truck weigh station with big rigs pulling on and off highway. Car had to be towed to dealership. We were informed that hybrid inverter was dead and would cost $8,000. 00+ to repair. Contacted corporate and was informed that since the car was out of warranty they would offer no assistance in repair costs. Have since heard other similar stories regarding 2006 Toyota hybrids.

After making a left turn at a stop sign, the vehicle display started indicating error codes including check hybrid system. After driving approx 1/2 mile, the vehicle lost power and shut down/stalled in the middle of the highway in traffic. Fortunate, I received some help from an on-looker to help me manually steer the car over slightly on to the sidewalk area as traffic is congested in that area. Toyota does not consider this a safety issue even though their recall notice indicates "increasing the risk of a crash". Additionally, they will not honor their recall notice for the hybrid system inverter stating the intelligent power module located on the inverter was not the cause of the failure even though the conditions were exactly what is stated on the recall notice.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while driving approximately 55 mph, the vehicle stalled without any warnings. The vehicle was towed to the dealer who diagnosed that the inverter needed to be replaced. There was a recall under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v342000 (electrical system) that may be related to the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 80,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that while attempting to reverse from a residential drive way, the vehicle exhibited a loud popping noise and all of the warning lamps illuminated. The contact mentioned that immediately after the failure occurred, the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was taken to the dealer who diagnosed that the inverter and electronic control unit was defective and needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure who did not offer any assistance since the vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign id number: 11v342000 (electrical system). The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileage was 113,000.

My hh has about 160,000 miles on it. I had received recall notice and called my local Toyota dealership 3 to 5 times, each time was put over to "recall center", which equals voice mail with no return call. Ever. Last week when I was driving on the highway, my vehicle suddenly stopped running and was flashing error messages on dashboard, including check hybrid system. It ended up at the dealer as closest mechanic did not have computer system to check it. I asked the dealer to check and repair the recall(s) while they repaired the car. They ended up telling me that the issue, while related to a recall involving part of the inverter, that the parts required for the repair would cost $9000 over what the recall involved, but that, they would be so nice as to only charge me $4000 for the repair because the car had been serviced every 5000 miles up to 100,000 miles at a Toyota dealership. In researching this problem, I see that thousands of 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid owners have had same problem and, in fact, Toyota acknowledged problem not only by changing the inverter in 2007 models, but also by doing this complete repair job that my vehicle needs for many, many owners for under $1000. The dealership has been inadequately responsive to these issues; I have now contacted Toyota's "customer experience center" and am awaiting their response.

I swerved and stopped suddenly when someone pulled out from a side street to avoid a collision. When I tried to restart the car, I couldn't. Everything "seized" up. I just could not move the car. I had to have it towed to the dealership. They investigated and said that the actuator was stuck open and allowing brake fluid to continually enter the wheels, thereby engaging the brakes. In fact, the mechanic could only move the car once he disabled either the brakes or the actuator, he wasn't specific. From reading other customer discussions online, it appears that this part is supposed to have a lifetime warranty. My dealership looked up the general warranty and said that this wouldn't be covered. My car has had regular maintenance. I think a part like this should be covered and it should be recalled.

Driving home and car lost power. "check hybrid system" light came on. Luckily, it was late, so there was no traffic, as the car just died. I was able to make it to the side of the road and put into park before rolling back down he hill we were driving up. Car towed to the local dealer who stated that the inverter failed, and would cost $9,000 to repair, which is not much less than what the car is worth when it is running. Car has been recalled, but dealer says the parts serial number is not part of the recall. Called Toyota corporate who has assigned a case manager who is to contact me within one business day.

Tl- the contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer to have the vehicle repaired under NHTSA campaign id number: 11v342000 (electrical system). The dealer refused to repair the failure without giving reasonable explanation to the contact. The manufacturer was notified and sided with the dealer, advising the contact that they would release another notice to inform consumers when they would be available to perform the work recall work on selected vehicles. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and the current mileage was 136,000. Kmj.

The front window defroster and heater controller potentiometer assembly is defective. Ice build-up on the front window is known to impair a driver's visibility and cause an accident. The nut on my temperature controller was several turns loose! the original multi-stranded wires soldered to the temp-controller potentiometer were rigid because they were too well tinned with solder and broke from vibration fatigue; due to the loose nut on the temp-controller potentiometer shaft. . Read more...

Driving the upper roadway of the queensboro 59th st bridge the car just died. Flashing on the panel read check the vsc system waited for a tow around a dangerous curve, we could have been killed. Otw to the Toyota dealer to see if they will honor the recalled inverter part.

There have been four incidents with this vehicle in which the hybrid system shutting down. The first three times the vehicle was fine when I turned it off, but would not restart. With all three of these incidents the vehicle would restart with no issues after a few hours. The csv and the check hybrid system lights as well as most of the panel lights would come on. The dealership checked it two times and said it was fine. In the most recent event, I was waiting at the bottom of a driveway. When I went to proceed I pressed the accelerator and the engine made a loud sound that seemed equivalent to it running at a high rpm. The car would not go forward or reverse. I turned the car off and then on again, it made the same sound and again did not move. The csv and the "check hybrid system" lights as well as the panel lights came on. I rolled the car out of the driveway and turned it off again. Due to the previously described history of the car, I chose to wait an hour before trying to restart it. After waiting an hour, I attempted to restart the car and the exact same things happened. After putting the car on the scope the dealership could not determine the problem. I was called after two days of the dealer running many tests and told it was the inverter. The price quoted to me was $8000. I insisted that they needed to look into the Toyota recall of the hybrid inverters. I was told my vehicle was checked by another dealership on August 15,2011, and it was "cleared. " I asked them to recheck this recall to see if my car fit into the category. I was informed they were not going to recheck it, but they would instead contact Toyota. Had this happened while I was driving up or down my driveway, I would most certainly would have gone over the 50 foot embankment on my driveway or the cliff directly across the street from my house.

On may 2, 2011 the inverter assembly broke down.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While driving approximately 65 mph the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was towed to the dealer. The technicians stated that the inverter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The approximate failure mileage was 125,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While driving approximately 5 mph, the engine stalled and the check hybrid system and cvc warning indicators illuminated. The engine was restarted followed by a loud noise. When the accelerator pedal was engaged, there was no response and the steering wheel would not function normally. The vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer where they informed the contact that the failure was related to a faulty inverter. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact was driving 65 mph when the check hybrid system, check esc system and check all wheel drive warning lights illuminated. The vehicle lost all power and was towed to an authorized dealer who advised that the hybrid inverter system would need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The current and failure mileage were approximately 172,000.

The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact was driving approximately 35 mph when the check esc warning light illuminated and the entire hybrid system shut down, causing the vehicle to come to a complete stop. The vehicle was towed to the contacts residence where he contacted the dealer and was advised that the failure was common for his year, make and model. The vehicle was neither inspected nor repaired. The VIN was unavailable. The current and failure mileage was approximately 191,000. Updated 03/23/11.

Toyota is not following cra (corrective repair action) for pre-notification remedies. According to the defect information report dated June 29, 2011 regarding inverter failure recall, item 7 "the owner letter will instruct vehicle owners who have paid to have this condition remedied prior to this campaign to seek reimbursement pursuant to Toyota's general reimbursement plan. " however, the 'interim' recall notification letter to owners did not supply instructions to vehicle owners who paid to have the condition remedied. The inverter in my my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid failed. I replaced the inverter at my own expense. I contacted Toyota motors corp customer care and they requested that I have the vehicle inspected to document the repair was completed, mail or fax the paid invoice for the inverter, proof of ownership and the inspection report in for payment. This information was faxed and sent via us mail on October 19, 2011. I was contacted via phone by Toyota motors corp on 11/10/11 and was informed that my claim was denied because "Toyota does not have a recall" on the inverter . I referred the Toyota representative to the NHTSA website. I was told my claim was denied because the letter was an 'interim letter" and not a recall. I was informed that because the the part is not officially recalled, I would need to wait until it was official because Toyota does not have a remedy for the failure. My concern is that the 'interim' letter is almost 4 months old and Toyota does not offer relief to owners. Further, I am very concerned that the Toyota representative told me repeatedly that they do not have a recall on this part.