Two problems related to engine failure have been reported for the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid based on all problems reported for the 2006 Highlander Hybrid.
On June 29th, 2013 I was traveling south bound on interstate 95, just north richmond va, when the vehicle lost power and the and "hybrid engine fail", or something similar flashed on the display. I pulled to the left shoulder which was very narrow. Checking traffic behind me, I was able to get to the right shoulder, where it died. I had it towed to the dealer, who said the hybrid system needed to be replaced at a cost of $9,200. We opted to sell the car for scrap and received $3,600. If I hadn't been able to get to the shoulder, I would have been a sitting duck and that busy section of road.
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact was driving approximately 25 mph when the engine stalled with an illumination of the engine and vsc warning indicators. The engine failed to restart and the vehicle was towed to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The contact was awaiting a response from the dealer to determine the cause of failure. The contact referenced an open investigation for the failure under NHTSA action number: pe11005 (hybrid propulsion system: inverter). The failure mileage was approximately 55,000. Updated 03/29/lj the ignition coils were replaced. Updated 04/22/11.