WHILE DRIVING MY VEHICLE ALL THE LIGHTS ON MY DASHBOARD ILLUMINATED. MY VEHICLE LOST POWER AND I HAD TO PULL OVER. IT DIED THERE. I WAS ON BELFIELD AVE AND GRATZ STREET IN PHILADELPHIA, PA . I SUBSEQUENTLY HAD IT TOWEDBACK TO MY RESIDENCE.
2006 toyota Highlander powertrain problems
severe 19 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500
Complaints
19
Recalls
0
Crashes
1
Avg fix
$2,500
What owners are reporting 2 most recent
I PURCHASED A TOYOTA HIGHLANDER SPORT 4 MONTHS AGO. I BOUGHT THE V6 ENGINE. I BECAME CONCERNED ABOUT A HESITATION PROBLEM WHERE THE CAR HOLDS BACK WHEN STARTING FROM A STOP AND THEN LURCHES. THIS IS DANGEROUS AT STOP LIGHTS AND ENTERING FREEWAYS. THE TOYOTA DEALER SAYS THE CAR DOES THIS ON PURPOSE BUT THEY DON'T KNOW WHY. THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN EXCISE FOR A FLAW IN THE DESIGN. I CHECKED WWW.CARSURVE…
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2006 toyota Highlander?
It's a meaningful issue. 19 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain 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 $2,500 for powertrain 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 powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain 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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