2006 Toyota Highlander: loss of power steering

5 of the 279 complaints about the 2006 Toyota Highlander describe loss of power steering.

owner complaints: 5
of this car's complaints: 2%
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 1 service bulletin covers this area of the car. See below

Loss of power steering by model year

2020
1
2019
1
2018
1
2017
4
2015
2
2013
1
2012
1
2011
4
2009
2
2008
1
2007
1
2006
5
2005
4
2004
3
2002
1
2001
1

What owners say

Filed Sep 27, 2021 · Steering · MI

Sudden power steering failure. Hybrid vehicle with power assist steering.

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 May 10, 2014 · Electrical, Steering · 116,000 miles · WA

I have owned this highlander hybrid 2006, for exactly 1 week. There were no incidents leading up to this one while owner drove vehicle that week. Owner started car on saturday morning to get kids to soccer game and vocal class, both missed. Upon starting vehicle driver noticed p/s warning sensor light on dashboard. Then put car in reverse and realized there was no power steering in vehicle? This was the one and only light that came on. Contacted dealership who says they will contact owner on monday.

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 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.