10.0

really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 2
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
98,814 miles

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problem #69

Sep 302019

Highlander Hybrid

  • 150,000 miles
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid. The contact stated that the vehicle did not start and the hybrid warning indicator illuminated. The contact also stated that the vehicle was repaired three previous times by naguabo auto Toyota (carretera 31 km 3.9, naguabo, pr 00718) regarding the hybrid module. The vehicle was not repaired again. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 150,000.

- Las Piedras, PR, USA

problem #68

Mar 022019

Highlander Hybrid

  • 175,000 miles
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!

- Rocky Mount, VA, USA

problem #67

Jun 052018

Highlander Hybrid

  • miles
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.

- Dc, DC, USA

problem #66

Feb 022018

Highlander Hybrid

  • 130,000 miles
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.

- Katy, TX, USA

problem #65

Mar 192018

Highlander Hybrid

  • 84,000 miles
Car has 84,000 miles on it. After a 40 minute hiughway drive, car lost power and stalled. Engine lights "check hybrid system" "check ABS" and "check vcs" came on. Towed to dealer, diagnostic check said the problem was with a wiring harness for the hybrid electrical cable, which suffered from corrosion and thus was leaking voltage. Cost to fix minimum of $3500. Faulty design??

- Edgartown, MA, USA

problem #64

Feb 192018

Highlander Hybrid

  • 149,500 miles
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.

- Martinez, CA, USA

problem #63

Nov 262017

Highlander Hybrid

  • 200,000 miles
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.

- Honeoye Falls, NY, USA

problem #62

Sep 202017

Highlander Hybrid

  • 138,000 miles
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

- Plano, TX, USA

problem #61

Apr 292017

Highlander Hybrid

  • miles
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?

- Dudley, NC, USA

problem #60

Jul 032016

Highlander Hybrid

  • 135,000 miles
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.

- Lynn, MA, USA

problem #59

Jun 192016

Highlander Hybrid

  • 175,000 miles
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.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #58

May 252015

Highlander Hybrid

  • 195,450 miles
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.

- Ponce, PR, USA

problem #57

Aug 032015

Highlander Hybrid

  • 162,000 miles
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. Diagnostic cost $138. 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.

- Phoenix, AZ, USA

problem #56

Jun 202015

Highlander Hybrid

  • 180,000 miles
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?

- Fredericksburg, VA, USA

problem #55

May 092015

Highlander Hybrid

  • 161,359 miles
Engine mechanical ~|~check and report...check engine light and vsc light on dash, .found inverter pump not working properly ~|~replaced inverter water pump

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #54

Jul 252010

Highlander Hybrid

  • 71,893 miles
Engine mechanical ~|~check and report...check engine light and vsc light on dash, ,,car lost power while driving, had to pull over and get the vehicle towed in to the dealership... ~|~tech pulled code P0A05, P0A08, P0A93, ...found inverter pump not working properly ~|~replaced inverter water pump

- Sacramento, CA, USA

problem #53

Jun 152014

Highlander Hybrid 6-cyl

  • 119,167 miles
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.

- Centennial, CO, USA

problem #52

May 142014

Highlander Hybrid

  • 107,500 miles
There was fire in the inverter assembly. The wiring harness for the inverter and the transmission were completely cooked and melted. The professional opinion of a Toyota national engineer is that the generator in the trans axle surged and caused a fire melting the components. How can this go un-investigated with so many of these vehicles on the road. My family and I could have been burned alive or in a fatal crash due to this completely unsafe system. How can Toyota continue to say they are all about safety when they will not do anything about issues like this. They have sent me a $16,000 bill for this issue that is completely a product of their poor and unsafe vehicle.

- Oilivia, NC, USA

problem #51

May 152014

Highlander Hybrid 6-cyl

  • 107,500 miles
I was driving the vehicle and heard a loud popping noise on the way to the dealership for recall work. Once the technician opened the inverter case we found the wiring harness for both the inverter and transmission were completely melted and cooked due to a fire inside the inverter. I am now looking at a $15000 repair bill with Toyota and luckily my family and I were not burned alive or in an accident resulting in fatalities.

- Sanford, NC, USA

problem #50

Sep 202013

Highlander Hybrid 6-cyl

  • 140,250 miles
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.

- Allen, TX, USA

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