Pre-purchase inspection checklist — 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has six recalls and 370 filed complaints, notably regarding the brakes, electrical system, and hybrid propulsion. While some issues have been addressed through recalls, the evidence suggests potential concerns, particularly with the hybrid propulsion system. Inspect these areas carefully during pre-purchase evaluation.
NHTSA data on file today
The 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid has 6 NHTSA recall campaigns and 370 owner complaints on file as of . Recall data is refreshed daily from NHTSA.
Recall campaigns on file
- NHTSA #13V396000 Inverter Failure may cause Hybrid Vehicle to Stall NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V539000 CRANKSHAFT PULLEY NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V342000 INVERTER ASSEMBLY NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #11V112000 FLOOR CARPET COVER AND RETENTION CLIPS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #09V223000 INCORRECT GVWR LABELS NHTSA notice
- NHTSA #06V253000 CARPET INTERFERENCE WITH ACCELERATOR PEDAL NHTSA notice
Most-cited components in owner complaints
- Service Brakes 76 complaints
- Electrical System 74 complaints
- Hybrid Propulsion System 45 complaints
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic 42 complaints
- Vehicle Speed Control 33 complaints
- Engine and Engine Cooling 28 complaints
Of the 370 complaints on file, 34 report a crash and 7 a fire; across all 370 complaints, owners report 10 injuries and 2 deaths (owner-reported, not verified by NHTSA).
Known issues to inspect
Inverter failure
How to check: Check if inverter recall was completed.
Inverter soldering issue
How to check: Verify operation of warning lights and inverter cooling.
Service brake complaints
How to check: Test brake responsiveness and check brake recall.
Steering complaints
How to check: Inspect for any play or noise in steering.
Test-drive walkthrough
- 01
Cold start
What to check: Listen for unusual engine or inverter noises.
Red flag: Persistent abnormal noise
- 02
First minute idling
What to check: Monitor warning dashboard lights.
Red flag: Any warning lights remain on
- 03
Low-speed maneuvering
What to check: Check for smooth steering response.
Red flag: Difficulty steering or noise
- 04
City driving
What to check: Test brake response and feel.
Red flag: Brake pedal feels soft or unresponsive
- 05
Highway acceleration
What to check: Smooth transition and power delivery from hybrid system.
Red flag: Hesitation or power loss
- 06
Cruising at constant speed
What to check: Listen for any fluctuating inverter noise.
Red flag: Inconsistent humming or grinding
- 07
Braking from highway speed
What to check: Observe straight-line braking performance.
Red flag: Car pulls to one side when braking
Questions for the seller
Use this exact phrasing.
- Has the inverter recall been completed?
- Any recurring electrical issues?
- Have there been brake repairs or recalls?
- Any history of steering problems?
- Can I see recent service records?
Documents to request
Don't sign anything until you have these.
- Recall repair records
- Service history report
- Title and registration
- Vehicle history report
- Warranty coverages, if any
Generated by gpt-4o on from the NHTSA recall campaigns and owner-complaint counts on file for the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid at the time. AI output can be wrong; confirm anything you find with a mechanic.
Next step
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