DRIVING DOWN THE ROAD AT NORMAL SPEED, I NOTICED THE CAR OVERHEATING. THIS HAD NEVER HAPPENED. PULLING INTO A 70 YEAR OLD SERVICE CENTER IN CRANSTON, RHODE ISLAND, I LEFT THE CAR WITH RELIABLE SERVICE PEOPLE AND THEY CHECKED IT OUT. IT SEEMS THAT THE BOLTS HAD COME LOOSE FROM THE ENGINE AND FLUID WAS GOING INTO THE PISTONS,THEY REPORTED TO ME THAT THE THREADS IN THE ENGINE WERE FAULTY, I THINK TH…
2006 Toyota Highlander engine problems
severe 33 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $3,100
Complaints
33
Recalls
0
Crashes
0
Avg fix
$3,100
What owners are reporting 3 most recent
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER HYBRID. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 55 MPH WHEN THE BEGAN VEHICLE LOOSING POWER. THE HYBRID WARNING LIGHT WAS ILLUMINATED AND THE VEHICLE THEN STALLED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO THE DEALER WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED AS A FAILURE IN THE BATTERY CELL. THE DEALER ADVISED THE CONTACT THAT THE INVERTER WOULD NEED TO BE REPLACED. THE CONTACT ST…
MY SON WAS DRIVING OUR 2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER. HE DROVE APPROX 2 MILES FROM OUR HOUSE AT AN AVERAGE SPEED OF 35 MPH WHEN THE TEMPERATURE GAUGE SUDDENLY WENT PAST THE RED LINE. HE DROVE OUR CAR APPROX 2 MILES BACK TO OUR HOUSE. WE THEN HAD IT TOWED TO SAVANNAH TOYOTA WHERE THEY CHECKED THE ENGINE AND FOUND THE HEAD WARPED AND THE BOLTS STRIPPED . I WENT TO SAVANNAH TOYOTA AND TOLD THEM THAT I HAD …
Common questions
How serious is the engine problem on the 2006 Toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 33 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $3,100.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Mileage data is limited for this issue. Owners report failures across a wide range, suggesting cause is more about driving conditions and maintenance than mileage alone.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $3,100 for engine repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Other problem areas on this vehicle
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities.
Repair cost estimates are independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area.
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