2006 Toyota Highlander: sudden loss of power

Filed Dec 28, 2020 · Electrical, Fuel system · 174,000 miles · PA

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.

Filed May 21, 2020 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · 172,560 miles · GA

Once after parking and then twice while driving on a highway, the check hybrid system light, the vsc light, the check engine light, and the caution light all illuminated and the vehicle lost all power including steering assistance . Each time requiring multiple key turns to restart the vehicle into limp home mode. This vehicle has been repaired once before for a similar issue which occurred while driving up a hill in moderate traffic. The tank is full of fuel, the tires are less than a year old, and the vehicle undergoes regular maintenance(which includes a new battery as the one bought from toyota had a few dead cells after only a year or two). I've read multiple complaints about this online while searching for the underlying issue and there seems to be a related recall that doesn't include my VIN.

Filed Jan 7, 2020 · Steering · 185,000 miles · NJ

While driving, we (multiple drivers) experience intermittent loss of power steering at slow to moderate speeds (below 30 MPH). We have checked the fluids and all looks good. The mechanic cannot pinpoint the issue and I've noted that multiple people on the internet have experienced the same issue. The issue occurs very sporadically and may go days without recurrence. It has occurred during turns around the corner as well as during lane changes.

Filed Feb 5, 2018 · Driver assistance, Engine · CA

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. On several occasions, while driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle stalled and lost power. The contact stated that all of the warning indicators illuminated on and off. The contact called stevens creek toyota san jose at (408) 984-1234 (located at 4202 stevens creek blvd, san jose, ca 95129) where it was confirmed that no recalls were associated with the VIN. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unavailable.

Filed Apr 11, 2013 · Engine · 53,000 miles · OH · fire

Tl* the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 75 MPH, there was a complete loss of engine power. Additionally, the trac off and vsc warning indicators illuminated prior to the failure. The vehicle was coasted into the center median where the contact exited the vehicle. A massive amount of smoke emitted inside of the vehicle and the grassy area underneath the vehicle was on fire. There was no personal injury. The fire department extinguished the flames. The vehicle was completely destroyed and towed to a salvage facility. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 53,000. Updated 05/28/13*lj updated 06/11/2013

Filed Jan 12, 2011 · Electrical · 145,000 miles · LA

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander. While driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact stated that the vehicle lost all power without warning and would not restart. The vehicle was towed to the dealer where the contact was informed that the inverter needed to be repaired. The manufacturer offered no assistance. The vehicle was not repaired. The current and failure mileages were approximately 145,000.

Filed Jun 30, 2010 · Engine · 67,400 miles · VA

While attempting to pass a vehicle on interstate 85 nb, my toyota certified pre-owned 2006 highlander hybrid completely shutdown resulting in the loss of power steering, power braking, and all engine power. I was able to maintain control of my vehicle despite the failure and coast to the shoulder of the highway from an initial speed of approximately 70 MPH. My vehicle was towed to my local toyota dealership where I was informed that my "power inverter" had failed and would subsequently need to be replaced. I was also told that this was the second instance that day of a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid having a failure of the power inverter. Upon further research via multiple online forums such as edmunds I discovered that this problem had occurred to several others in the past year resulting in similar consequences (loss of control, power steering, power braking, etc.). My power inverter was covered under the toyota warranty and is currently being replaced free of charge. Nonetheless, given the complete failure of the system and subsequent loss of all power braking, steering, and engine use while at speed on an interstate and multiple toyota owners experiencing the same situation I believe the federal safety agency should investigate further.

Filed Feb 23, 2010 · Engine · 63,000 miles · KS

Tl- the caller has a 20006 toyota highlander. The contacted that while traveling done the down the highway the vehicle lost power. The vehicle was traveling 55mph and the vehicle compleyely shut down. No warning lights came on before the vehicle shut down. The dealer stated that no problems were found when a diognostic performed on the vehicle. The vehicle had 63000 miles at the time of the failure and those are also the current mileage. Rl

Filed Oct 2, 2009 · Steering · 61,000 miles · IN

Tl*the contact owns a 2006 toyota highlander hybrid. While driving 25 MPH he lost power steering. As a consequence, it became difficult to control the steering wheel. The dealer was notified and a technician concluded that the rack and pinion, and electrical motor needed to be replaced. The failure and current mileages were 61,000.

Filed Jan 4, 2007 · 3,500 miles · NC

Tl* - the contact stated that 2006 toyota highlander lost power when he used the vehicle for towing. Weather conditions varied, road conditions were primarily icy, gravel, and dirt. The only way he could get the vehicle to move was by un-hitching the trailer. The dealer told the contact that this was the way the vehicle was designed, and it will lose power to protect the vehicle if the load was too heavy. The vehicle lost power at 3,500 miles and at 17,500 miles. There were no warning signs before or after power loss. The vehicle started up and drove normally once the trailer was unhitched. Ak the consumer was told the problem could not be duplicated, the vehicle was performing as it was designed to do. Updated 01/29/07.