Model year report

2006 Toyota Highlander: what breaks, and at what mileage

What breaks on the 2006 Toyota Highlander

On the 2006 Toyota Highlander, the failure owners report most often is other brake problem, and the reports cluster around 80,000 miles. The earliest to appear is other powertrain problem, reported by a median of 35,000 miles. Overall it scores 70 out of 100, high risk for a 2006.

High risk for a 2006 — 131st riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. 346 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.

What breaks on the 2006 Toyota Highlander

Owners have reported 45 named failure modes on the 2006 Toyota Highlander, and the three most-reported carry 33% of everything filed, which is an unusually even spread for one model year.

Other brake problem leads with 57 reports, about 0.8 per 1,000 vehicles and with the middle half of reports between 43k to 165,000 miles.

Other speed control problem follows with 34 reports, usually reported between 25k to 60,000 miles. 1 of those report mention a fire.

Other engine problem follows with 24 reports, usually reported between 48k to 130,000 miles. 2 of those reports mention a fire.

By system, the reports fall mostly into brakes (98), adas (49) and engine (34).

The mileage the reports cluster at

249 of the reports on the 2006 Toyota Highlander came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 69,000 miles.

Cumulatively, 33% by 50,000 miles, 63% by 100,000 miles and 79% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed, with 16 filed above the top of the chart.

The busiest stretch is between 0 and 10,000 miles, which alone holds 16% of the dated reports.

26% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles.

In the order they tend to show up: other powertrain problem around 36k, other fuel system problem around 49k, other speed control problem around 50k and other electrical problem around 70k.

Median

Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens

Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 45. The full list is in the table below.

How reports accumulate

Share of reports filed by each mileage

half by 69k

Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A further 16 reports came in above that, which is why the line stops short of the top. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.

Line share of reports filed by that mileage
Dashed the median reported mileage

What happens when these parts fail

Across the named modes, 32 mention a crash, 4 a fire, 18 an injury and 1 a fatality. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.

The average severity weight across every report on this year is 5.27, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.

What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: other brake problem at $300–$1,800, other speed control problem at $250–$2,000, other engine problem at $300–$4,000 and other electrical problem at $250–$2,000. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.

18% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.

Every reported failure mode

Mileage figures are percentiles of owner-reported readings. Click a column to sort.
Failure mode	System	Reports	With reading	25th	Median	75th	Per 1,000	Typical repair	Severity
Other brake problem	brakes	57	36	43k	81k	166k	0.8	$300–$1,800	High
Other speed control problem	adas	34	22	25k	50k	62k	0.5	$250–$2,000	Critical
Other engine problem	engine	24	21	48k	101k	129k	0.3	$300–$4,000	High
Other electrical problem	electrical	23	19	30k	70k	141k	0.3	$250–$2,000	Moderate
Other visibility problem	glass	22	16	60k	71k	85k	0.3	$150–$1,400	Moderate
ABS module or sensor failure	brakes	20	11	90k	149k	151k	0.3	$500–$2,400	High
Other powertrain problem	transmission	17	10	4k	36k	97k	0.2	$400–$4,500	High
Loss of braking	brakes	13	8	54k	102k	164k	0.2	$400–$3,000	Critical
Other steering problem	steering	13	7	—	66k	—	0.2	$350–$2,400	High
Other driver assistance problem	adas	11	9	70k	135k	177k	0.2	$250–$1,800	High
Other fuel system problem	fuel	8	8	29k	49k	141k	0.1	$300–$2,200	High
Head gasket failure	engine	6	5	—	68k	—	0.1	$1,400–$4,000	Critical
Control module (ECM/PCM/BCM) failure	electrical	6	5	—	85k	—	0.1	$700–$3,000	High
Master cylinder or brake booster failure	brakes	6	4	—	91k	—	0.1	$450–$2,200	Critical
Other wheel or tire problem	wheels	6	5	—	16k	—	0.1	$200–$1,500	High
Seat belt or retractor failure	airbag	4	4	—	7k	—	0.1	$200–$900	High
Cruise control failure	adas	4	4	—	15k	—	0.1	$200–$1,400	High
Loss of power steering	steering	4	3	—	105k	—	0.1	$600–$2,800	Critical
Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure	suspension	4	4	—	256k	—	0.1	$400–$2,200	High
Overheating	cooling	3	3	—	66k	—	0.0	$400–$3,500	High
Engine sensor failure	electrical	3	1	—	53k	—	0.0	$180–$900	Moderate
Other suspension problem	suspension	3	2	—	86k	—	0.0	$350–$2,000	Moderate
Other lighting problem	lighting	3	1	—	93k	—	0.0	$120–$1,200	Moderate
Other body or interior problem	body	3	3	—	79k	—	0.0	$200–$2,000	Moderate
Stalling while driving	engine	2	2	—	82k	—	0.0	$300–$2,500	Critical
No-start or intermittent start failure	engine	2	2	—	100k	—	0.0	$200–$1,800	Moderate
Differential or transfer case failure	drivetrain	2	2	—	58k	—	0.0	$900–$4,200	High
Fuel tank, filler or EVAP failure	fuel	2	2	—	107k	—	0.0	$250–$1,800	Moderate
Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure	electrical	2	2	—	4k	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	High
Parking brake failure	brakes	2	2	—	182k	—	0.0	$250–$1,300	Moderate
Airbag inflator rupture	airbag	2	2	—	80k	—	0.0	$0–$0	Critical
Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure	steering	2	1	—	61k	—	0.0	$700–$2,600	High
Sunroof failure or glass breakage	body	2	1	—	94k	—	0.0	$700–$4,500	High
Headlight failure or clouding	lighting	2	2	—	77k	—	0.0	$150–$1,800	Moderate
Water pump failure	cooling	1	1	—	70k	—	0.0	$500–$2,200	High
Radiator or coolant leak	cooling	1	1	—	103k	—	0.0	$350–$1,900	High
Transmission slipping	transmission	1	1	—	35k	—	0.0	$1,200–$5,500	High
Harsh or jerky shifting	transmission	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$600–$4,000	Moderate
CV axle or driveshaft failure	drivetrain	1	1	—	150k	—	0.0	$450–$2,200	High
Backup camera failure	infotainment	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$250–$1,200	Moderate
Airbag warning light or occupant sensor fault	airbag	1	1	—	45k	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	High
Tire blowout or tread separation	wheels	1	1	—	120k	—	0.0	$200–$1,500	Critical
Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure	body	1	1	—	35k	—	0.0	$250–$1,500	Moderate
Windshield cracking	glass	1	1	—	63k	—	0.0	$300–$1,600	Moderate
Other seat belt problem	airbag	1	0	—	—	—	0.0	$200–$900	High
Unclassified problem	other	18	12	5k	38k	78k	0.2	—	Moderate

Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.

How often, against how many were built

Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2006 Toyota Highlander draws about 4.7 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 81st percentile of complaint rates among 2006 vehicles we can rate.

That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.

The working figure is 72,854 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2006 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.

What owners wrote

Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.

Recalls on the 2006 model year

NHTSA has issued 7 recall campaigns covering the 2006 Toyota Highlander, affecting an estimated 121,064 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.

The campaigns cover seats:front assembly:seat heater/cooler, vehicle speed control:accelerator pedal and service brakes, hydraulic:foundation components:master cylin. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.

Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.

16V396000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

7,749 vehicles 2016-06-02

Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.

14V743000

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

3,233 vehicles 2014-11-19

Defect: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.

11V112000

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL

769,379 vehicles 2011-02-24

Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004-2006 highlander, highlander hybrid, and model year 2004-2007 lexus rx330, rx350, and rx400h vehicles. If the forward retention clip used to secure the floor carpet cover, which is located in front of the center console, is not installed properly the cover may lean toward the accelerator pedal and interfere with the accelerator pedal arm.
Consequence: If this occurs, the accelerator pedal may temporarily become stuck in a partially depressed position rather than return to the idle position. A stuck accelerator pedal may result in unintended and sustained vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the floor carpet cover with a newly designed one free or charge. The safety recall is expected to begin during march 2011. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

10V499000

SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:FOUNDATION COMPONENTS:MASTER CYLINDER

728,544 vehicles 2010-10-21

Defect: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2006 avalon, model year 2004-2006 highlander, model year 2004-2006 lexus rx, and model year 2006 lexus gs and is vehicles. Brake fluid containing polymers is used that acts as lubricants for certain brake system components. If replacement brake fluid is used that does not contain such polymers, or that contains only small amounts, a part of the rubber seal located at the rear of the brake master cylinder may become dry, and the seal may curl during movement of the piston. If this occurs, a small amount of brake fluid could…
Consequence: A leak of brake fluid could lead to a change in brake pedal feel and overtime a degradation in braking performance increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will replace the seal with a newly designed one. This service will be performed free of charge. The safety recall began on november 15, 2010. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331 and lexus at 1-800-255-3987.

10V036000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

153,418 vehicles 2010-02-03

Defect: Southeast toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2011 passenger vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Consequence: A driver may overload a vehicle which may increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact southeast toyota at 1-800-301-6859.

10V035000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

271,417 vehicles 2010-02-03

Defect: Gulf states toyota is recalling certain model year 2005-2010 vehicles for failing to comply with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims." these vehicles were sold between september 1, 2005 and june 2, 2008 without the requisite load carrying capacity modification labels.
Consequence: This does not meet the standard requirements.
Remedy: Dealers will mail to consumers the corrected label or the customer will have the option for dealers to install the label free of charge. Dealers will also correct the owner's manual. The safety recall began on may 27, 2010. Owners may contact gulf states toyota at 713-580-3300.

09V223000

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

27,080 vehicles 2009-06-15

Defect: Toyota is recalling 27,080 model year 2005 through 2010 passenger cars built from september 1, 2005 to may 4, 2009. These vehicles were not equipped with load carrying capacity modification labels which fails to conform with the requirements of federal motor vehicle safety standard no. 110, "tire selection and rims."
Consequence: Incorrect load carrying capacity modification labels could result in the vehicle being overloaded, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners and provide them with a new, accurate label to be installed over the inaccurate label free of charge. The safety recall began on august 18, 2009. Owners may contact toyota at 1-888-270-9371.

Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.

How it ranks in the 2006 field

The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.

Risk score against the rest of the 2006 field

Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.

Left fewer and less serious reports
Right more, or worse
Marker this vehicle

Better and worse years of the same car

High risk for a 2006 — 131st riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.

Across the 24 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2002 comes out best at 60 and 2019 worst at 82, with 2006 itself at 70.

If the model year is negotiable, 2002, 2003 and 2001 score lower than 2006 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.

Within the 2001–2007 generation specifically, 2002 is the strongest year at 60 and 2007 the weakest at 73.

Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.

Risk score by model year, out of 100

Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.

Within the 2001-2007 generation, 2002 Toyota Highlander scores best at 60 and 2007 Toyota Highlander worst at 73.

What to look at before buying one

The mileages below are where the first quarter of reports for each mode had already been filed, which makes them the point at which a fault is worth looking for rather than the point at which it happens: other powertrain problem from about 4k, other speed control problem from about 25k, other fuel system problem from about 29k and other electrical problem from about 30k.

On a 2006 Toyota Highlander with more miles than that on it, the useful question to put to a seller or a mechanic is whether other powertrain problem has been dealt with, and if so with what parts and at whose expense. A car that has already had the repair is in a different position from one that has not.

None of this is a diagnosis. It is a list of what other owners of the same model year reported, ordered by when they reported it, which is a good place to point an inspection and a poor place to stop.

Where these figures stop being useful

346 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.

Of those 346 reports, 249 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 72% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".

Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.

And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.

Questions this page answers

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Highlander?

The most-reported failures are other brake problem (57 reports, median 80,000 miles), other speed control problem (34 reports, median 50,000 miles) and other engine problem (24 reports, median 100,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.

At what mileage do 2006 Toyota Highlander problems start?

Other powertrain problem is the earliest failure mode to show up, with a median reported mileage of 35,000 miles and a quarter of reports before 5,000 miles. Across all failure modes on this year, the median report sits at 69,000 miles.

Is the 2006 Toyota Highlander reliable?

It scores 70 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 131st riskiest of the 343 2006 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2006 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.

Which year of the Toyota Highlander is best?

Within the 2001–2007 generation, 2002 scores best at 60 out of 100 and 2007 worst at 73. Same body, same engines, different luck.

Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.

What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car

Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt 30 August 2026 Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed