2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid: won't start

Filed Dec 12, 2019 · Electrical, Fuel system · 150,000 miles · PR

Tl* 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.

Filed Jul 10, 2016 · Electrical, Transmission · 135,000 miles · MA

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.

Filed Sep 9, 2014 · Acceleration, Brakes · 90,000 miles · CA

In june 2014 we heard a squeaking noise when we put the car in drive and the brakes were applied while we were on a trip. Two days after we returned the"check vsc system" came on and the car would not start.. The dealer said it was due to the battery. We replaced it and the warning light went away. However, three months later the noise is back. The dealer (different one) said the brake actuator needs replacement. Very expensive repair costing $3,600. After doing research, I saw many complaints (and a recall) for this defective part in other toyota vehicles. Toyota needs to do a recall for the highlander as well. Our car has been meticulously maintained. We bought it new. Very unhappy.

Filed Jun 10, 2013 · Electrical, Engine · 105,000 miles · NJ

We were driving on the nj turnpike. Suddenly, the car stalled and the steering locked. Luckily, we just started the hour long drive and were on the slow lane and was able to glide the car over safely to the shoulder. The check "csv" and "check hybrid system" lights came on and the hybrid battery showed no energy. The car would not start and was towed to the closest toyota dealership. There were no prior warnings about battery errors or problems before completely stalling. It is understandable problems will arise, but with no warning and a car stalling on a major highway, the incident could have been extremely dangerous.

Filed Jun 18, 2011 · Fuel system · 286,556 miles · CA

On a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid 4x4. Engine stalled while driving at 70 MPH on highway. Vehicle coasted to side and would not restart. Had to have it towed home and engine still will not start. Will have to take it to dealer.

Filed Jun 2, 2011 · Fuel system · 160,000 miles · NJ

On may 18, 2011, my 2006 toyota highlander hybrid stalled with a loud pop and no power while pulling out at a busy intersection. The car was on a hill and I had to let it "coast" in neutral backward down the hill to turn into a less busy street. It would not start nor would the engine run. I had to tow it to the toyota dealership where all my service has been performed on the scheduled basis. It took over a week to diagnose the problem as an inverter failure with an estimated repair at approximately $9000. The car is less than 5 years old with 160,000 miles but in excellent shape. Upon research, I noted that there are issues with the 2006 model highlander hybrid inverter system that may warrant investigation/recall.

Filed Mar 23, 2011 · Fuel system · 140,000 miles · NY

While driving my 2006 toyota highlander hybrid on the interstate highway I lost all power and the engine shut off I had to cost the vehicle across three lanes of high speed traffic to get to the side of the road while almost getting hit by a passenger bus. All power was gone and vehicle would not start. Had vehicle towed to a dealer. Was informed the power inverter system had over heated and fried. Just the parts for a new inverter were quoted at $9,000.

Filed Mar 2, 2011 · Electrical · IN

The computer on 2006 toyota highlander hybrid won't allow engine to start. 12v battery will not start auto until a small charge is connected to battery I have had it in the dealership 3 times with the same problem. The first time was when the vehicle was less than 1 week old - was told that I must have left a door open, and nothing was wrong with it. Second time to the dealership - same problem - same response, again, they said nothing was wrong. New battery was installed 1/1/11. Still having the same problem - car will not start-get stranded and car will not start. On 2/22/11 I took vehicle back to the dealership, along with documentation on service bulletin 01605, the federal safety agency item number 10015806 - serviceman said that they (the service department) do not pay any attention to any of the federal safety agency bulletins that I would have to pay to have a diagnostic test. No lights left on or accessories left on. Heater, radio, seats, are turned off.

Filed Feb 24, 2011 · Driver assistance, Electrical · 109,486 miles · FL

I made a right hand turn and was accelerating, heard a pop and the car shut down. I coasted to the side of the road and the car wouldn't start. The check hybrid system light came on and then the check vsc light came on. The car was towed to the dealership. Dealership said the hybrid inverter failed.

Filed Feb 22, 2011 · Electrical · NV

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. While the vehicle was parked, the vehicle would not start. The contact had the vehicle jumpstarted . The failure occurred between three and four times. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer who replaced the battery; the battery had been placed four times in five years. The vehicle was at the dealer. The failure mileage was unknown and the current mileage was 108,000.

Filed Aug 4, 2010 · Electrical · 131,600 miles · FL

Tl-the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. While driving at approximately 70 MPH the vehicle stalled and would not start. It towed to an authorized dealer where she was told a wire shorted and blew out the hybrid system. She was told the failure occurred within the inverter. The authorized dealer also informed her this failure was a manufactured defect. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure and current mileages were 131,600. Sm.

Filed Jul 19, 2010 · Engine · 99,681 miles · MA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. While driving approximately 10 MPH the vehicle stalled. While attempting to restart the vehicle a service light would illuminate on the instrument panel to check the hybrid system. The vehicle would not start and was towed to an authorized dealer where the contact was informed that the inverter needed to be replaced. The dealer was replacing the inverter when the complaint was filed. The failure and current mileages were 99,681. The VIN was unavailable.