2006 Toyota Highlander: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2006 Toyota Highlander? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 273 complaints, with Brake System as the top reported area.
2006 Toyota Highlander Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 6 2006 Toyota Highlander trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 6 trims analysed.
2006 Toyota Highlander Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not Rated17.4% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
17.4% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2006 Toyota Highlander has 273 owner complaints, 29 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Brake System. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Highlander
- Model year
- 2006
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 273
- Crash-related complaints
- 29
- Safety recall campaigns
- 7
- Top reported component
- Brake System
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 22
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 19 / 25
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Most Common 2006 Toyota Highlander Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Brake System
Unintended Acceleration
Engine Problems
Complaint patterns center on Brake System, Unintended Acceleration, Engine Problems. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2006 Toyota Highlander?
The 2006 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2006 Toyota Highlander
Inspection Focus
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and master cylinder.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration or engine issues.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect the brake system thoroughly, including pads, rotors, and master cylinder.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for brake, engine, and electrical repairs.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle for any signs of unintended acceleration or engine issues.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2006 Toyota Highlander, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Complaints for the 2006 Toyota Highlander are concentrated in the brake system, with a notable number of unintended acceleration reports. Engine problems and electrical faults also appear frequently. The data suggests potential issues with braking performance and powertrain control.
- Brake system complaints account for the largest share of reported issues.
- Unintended acceleration is the second most reported concern.
- Engine problems and electrical faults are also commonly cited.
- Brake System: 97 complaints, indicating possible braking performance issues.
- Unintended Acceleration: 43 complaints, suggesting potential throttle or control problems.
- Engine Problems: 40 complaints, pointing to possible engine reliability concerns.
All 2006 Toyota Highlander Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2006 Toyota Highlander. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brake System | 97 | 9 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 43 | 14 | 1 | — | |
| Engine Problems | 40 | — | 2 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 26 | — | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 22 | 1 | — | — | |
| Hydraulic | 22 | 5 | — | — | |
| Steering Defects | 16 | 2 | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 12 | 8 | — | — | |
| Visibility | 12 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 11 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 8 | — | — | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 7 | 1 | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 5 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 4 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 2 | 1 | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Hybrid Propulsion System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Diesel | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2006 Toyota Highlander. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
My 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Limited has an ABS fault that has caused my vehicle to undergo several maintenance issues and poses a serious safety hazard. My vehicle has less than 150,000, and over the course of the last year, my ABS light, my emergency brake light, my TSC lig…
Toyota’s part number 44050-48190 brake actuator assembly failed, as it has in other models and is very commonly doing in the Highlander model. It is triggering other warning lights issues in the vehicle. Vehicle safety is at risk. Many others have reported the same issue.
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 disp…
The vehicle suffers from an ABS module failure. I've been researching that this is common problem with the Toyota Highlander Hybrid and presents a danger of failing brakes while driving. My brakes partially failed with my [XXX] son in the car. When attempting to stop, I had no…
The brakes on my 06 Highlander hybrid AWD have been finicky at best since I’ve owned the vehicle. The car lunges forward when braking, all the way until a complete stop. While driving at around 55 MPH a medium sized dog ran out into the road. I braked hard but the brakes just lun…
The driver's side sun visor does not stay up against the roof of the car and falls down obstructing the driver's view. It will not stay up and falls down immediately when pushed up against the roof. We have resorted to tying the visor up but then are unable to use the sun visor w…
Car is lunging forward while braking.I just had to put a new abs module and pump on the vehicle which was very expensive.Since I know there was a recall but I was not notified.Is there a way to get toyota to pay for the new pump and module ?
Two problems being reported are severe safety issues, and could result in injury, death, and/or property damage. Problem 1: While driving, the brake pedal suddenly went all the way to the floor, and the car would not stop. To avoid hitting the car in front at a stop sign, I had t…
The ABS Module on the vehicle continually go bad. A newly never used one was purchased 2yrs 4 months ago. A genuine Toyota part ($1300) and it has already gone bad. This is causing safety issues as the brakes make a loud thumping sound when pressed. The car also starts rolling in…
Over 2 year ago our 2006 Highlander Hybrid began making a series of noises when depressing the brake pedal when in park and in motion. Dashboard screen are showing Check ABS, Check VSC System, Check Brake System and Brake Malfunction, and Errors. The noise would get louder and …
The past couple months the Brakes have been acting up. Changed brakes and rotors to only find out that my brake pump or actuator are faulty and a known issue for highlanders yet my vehicle had no recalls
The Brake Actuator on many Toyota Hybdrid and Lexus Hybrid models fails prematurely leading to a unsafe situation with virtually no braking. Toyota extedend the warranty on the item however there are many cars which didn't qualify for the repalcement and are still failing. This …
When braking, apparently when the vehicle transitions from regenerative braking to hydraulic braking, there is a brief total loss of braking force and a noticeable sense of acceleration before the hydraulic brakes begin to grab and slow the vehicle resulting in an unanticipated i…
Power brakes stopped working while driving due to bad brake actuator. Vehicle shut down while driving due to power train system.
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 th…
My electric brake computer thu a code C1256 & C1391, ABS Brake Actuator Failure. Not regular maintenance item. No code ever thrown til this time. Major people killer when it fails. My experience was during a rain storm, lost all brakes for maybe 1-2 seconds. Felt like you were o…
Brake Actuator Assembly is a known issue with several Toyota models including my Hylander Hybrid. Toyota tried to address these actuator issues by extending the warranty coverage for the Brake Actuator Assembly on a limited basis, however; there is not an actual recall for this …
While normally driving on the highway and without no warning the vehicle the power steering stops working , it just dies with no power and dash lights warning start to flash and Check Hybrid System turns on. I am not a mechanic nor a technician . The mechanic disconnected the gro…
I was driving the car then as I hit the brakes it felt like they were not engaging until I applied more pressure. Then as I was almost home the abs and traction control lights came on. Took it to a specialist and they said that the abs module would have to be replaced. There are …
The contact's client owned a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated while his client was driving at an unknown speed when the front passenger tire blowout and he crashed into a tree. The contact stated the front driver side air bag did deploy but the front passenger-side air …
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2006 Toyota Highlander.
2006 Toyota Highlander Recalls
7 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2006 Toyota Highlander. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2006 Toyota Highlander Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2006 Toyota Highlander reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 273 owner complaints, 29 crash-related complaints, and 7 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2006 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Highlander?▾
#1: Brake System (97 complaints). #2: Unintended Acceleration (43 complaints). #3: Engine Problems (40 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2006 Toyota Highlander?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2006 Toyota Highlander?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2006 Toyota Highlander, NHTSA complaints include 29 crash-related reports and 4 fire reports out of 273 total complaints. 30 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2006 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?▾
Yes. 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2006 Toyota Highlander. A major recall area is SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER. 7 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2006 Toyota Highlander?▾
The 2006 Toyota Highlander shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Brake System during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Highlander reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2006 Toyota Highlander based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.