2006 Toyota Highlander: engine failure

Filed Mar 10, 2020 · Engine · 290,000 miles · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving at 75 MPH, the vehicle stalled with several unknown warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that the power steering and brakes still operated as intended however, the vehicle failed to respond when the accelerator pedal was depressed. The contact coasted to the shoulder and checked the fluid levels in the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle and the vehicle operated as intended. The vehicle was diagnosed by an independent mechanic however, the failure could not be duplicated. The contact stated that the engine was replaced several months prior to the failure. Neither the dealer nor the manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 290,000.

Filed Jul 6, 2015 · Steering · 105,000 miles · LA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While driving at 35 MPH the steering seized and made steering the vehicle very difficult. The vehicle was taken to the dealer for diagnostic testing; however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The mechanic cleaned the power steering pump, but the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed May 7, 2013 · Engine · 102,000 miles · SD

When I was driving on the interstate about 75mph the temperature gauge rose above the read line (hot). Before I was able to get to a parking area it continuously rose and fell, however, it never dropped as low as the middle line on the gauge. After checking the fluids I had to add water. I took my highlander to a mechanic and they told me that the intake manifold was cracked and was leaking coolant($700 to repair this). I had this fixed and had not taken it out of town until apr 27, 2013 and the same thing happened again. Took it to toyota and they told me that the threads were stripped and the bolts were coming out "the head is pulling away from the block and coolant is leaking. I take very good care of my vehicle and have every receipt for oil changes and maintenance. I was told that I may need a new engine ($6000 to fix this) and am concerned that this is happening to a lot of people with this type of car. Coolant is dangerous to humans, animals, and the environment so this can be a safety concern. Toyota needs to take responsibility for this error I am very frustrated and toyota is not going to do anything about it. I know I am not the only one with this issue with this toyota and they have lost a loyal customer over this. This issue is obviously happening more and more everyday and it is frustrating. Any advise is welcome!!!

Filed Apr 10, 2013 · Engine · 81,000 miles · NY

I was advised that my head gasket blew at 80,000 miles and when they went to fix it they found the threads were stripped and I need a new engine? At 80,000 miles, this is insane. I googled this problem and found many people are having the same problem. There is obviously a manufacturers defect with these bolts. No way the threads should be strippled and a head gasket blown at 81,000.

Filed Jun 18, 2012 · Engine · 66,000 miles · MA

Three months and 6000 miles past the warranty (66,000 miles) our highlander failed (overheated). I googled the problem and there were many similar occurrences with this engine. Oolant leaked from engine onto floor in large amounts. Our mechanic said threads were stripped and three head gasket bolts had pulled out. Only solution, new engine or possible rebuild by toyota dealership. Toyota refused to help us. They denied that this problem even existed. But why would toyota put out a bulletin on how best to repair this problem , if the problem didn't even exist? Toyota dealership did not offer to help. We had our local dependable toyota mechanic rebuild threads for $2,700.a lot of money to spend on a toyota with under 70,000 miles. Very disappointed in toyota's response. They not only lost my future business but also my daughter's. Car works fine now. But I no longer have confidence in the vehicle. That loss of feeling of dependability is the worst part.

Filed Feb 23, 2012 · Engine · 59,871 miles · CA

Coolant leaked from engine onto floor in large amounts. Our mechanic said threads were stripped and head gasket bolts had pulled out. Only solution, new engine or possible rebuild by toyota dealership. We were under 60,000 mile warranty but over 60 months. Toyota refused to help us. Sadly I've been changing my own oil and didn't keep all receipts for a maintenance record. Lesson learned. Toyota dealership offered new engine for $7,300 or rebuild for $4,600. We had non-toyota mechanic rebuild threads for $2,300. Car works fine now. Way more money than we expected to spend on a toyota with under 60,000 miles.

Filed Jan 16, 2012 · Engine · 67,996 miles · MI

I purchased a used 2006 toyota highlander from a fernelius dealership in michigan in april 2011 - it was in mint condition with 56210 miles on it - thought I had made the best deal ever - then the day before thanksgiving while driving it overheated. Thought I had blown a head gasket only to find out that the thread bolts on the short block had stripped out and leaked radiator fluid everywhere causing it to overheat. At that time the mechanic told me that I needed a new engine. Contacted the dealership and they told me too bad I bought a used vehicle if I wanted to tow it to them they would look at it. I than contacted toyota corporation only to be told pretty much the same thing, since I wasn't the original owner they weren't going to help me either. So now I'm stuck trying to find an engine because the dealership can only offer me one with 58000 miles on it installed for about $7,000, and from what I'm reading on the internet they have this problem when the engine reaches right out of the warranty at 60,000 miles. I can't believe that both the dealership and corporation won't stand behind their product and fix the engine or at least offer some assistance. Why should their faulty engine part be my problem? Now of course being just a working stiff and retired military money doesn't grow on trees and I don't have another vehicle, so I have to get it fixed. I won't buy another toyota again since they don't stand behind their own product, but I'm stuck with this one for now.