2006 Toyota Highlander Recalls, Problems & Safety Rating

7 safety recalls on file

The 2006 Toyota Highlander has 7 safety recalls on file with NHTSA.

Owners have filed 278 complaints with NHTSA, including 29 crashes, 4 fires, 30 injuries.

The most-reported problem area is Service Brakes (71 reports).

7Recalls
278Owner complaints
29Crashes reported
n/aNHTSA safety rating
Is the repair still open on your Highlander?

A recall covers specific vehicles. Your VIN shows whether yours still needs the free repair.

2006 Toyota Highlander recalls

Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire

Recall 16V396Jun 2, 20167,749 vehicles affected

Certain vehicles were equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters that have a copper strand heating element.

Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler

Recall 14V743Nov 19, 20143,233 vehicles affected

Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal

Recall 11V112Feb 24, 2011769,379 vehicles affected

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder

Recall 10V499Oct 21, 2010728,544 vehicles affected

Equipment:Other:Labels

Recall 10V035Feb 3, 2010271,417 vehicles affected

Equipment:Other:Labels

Recall 10V036Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehicles affected

Equipment:Other:Labels

Recall 09V223Jun 15, 200927,080 vehicles affected

Most common 2006 Toyota Highlander problems

Problem areas named in the 278 complaints owners filed with NHTSA.

Problem areaReports
Service Brakes71
Vehicle Speed Control44
Electrical System26
Service Brakes, Hydraulic23
Power Train22
Engine And Engine Cooling21
Engine19
Steering16
Air Bags12
Visibility12

What owners report

2026-10-07, Service Brakes
Multiple warning lights appeared on the dash board including ABS, also check VSC system in the dialogue window. Code C1391 (Abnormal leak in accumulator) appeared in a diagnostic scan. After some internet research, it appears this a common problem with the 2006 Toyota Highlander and is a very costly repair $2000-$4000. The leaky accumulator creates an unsafe driving condition as the ABS and VSC system are disabled due to the leak. Due to the high number of failures for these vehicles, I feel that Toyota should take responsibility and warranty this part and repair. Thank you
2026-09-12, Service Brakes
The Antilock Braking Actuator has failed. This seems to be a known issue and was already recalled on the Toyota Camry. Toyota sells the part for $1500 locally and labor will be added to that as well - which will put the cost of replacing this critical part almost above the current value of the vehicle. This is a safety issue if I lose braking capability. It has not yet catastrophically failed, but is making a buzzing sound which is the indication of this unit losing brake fluid pressure and trying to keep the brake booster pump running to restore the pressure. The booster pump will burn out, possibly catch fire and/or blow the fuse and then the braking will loose power assist, and with
2026-09-01, Service Brakes
The ABS/Brake Actuator is going out. There is a stuttering as I'm coming to a stop, but when I brake from normal speeds to slow down, there is no stutter/vibration. Only when I'm going very slow and about to stop the car is when I feel a vibration/stutter in the vehicle. When pressing the brakes all the way down, there is a weird chirping/clicking noise that comes from under the hood towards the passenger side of the car. I do not have and did not get any warning lights about this, even still I don't have any. I have taken it to 2 mechanic shops now and they both have diagnosed the brake/ABS actuator failing.
2026-08-05, Service Brakes
ABS actuator/accumulator issue on 2006 Toyota Highlander hybrid limited. Internal component failure there are recalls on others but not this particular year. Was driving along hit the brakes and got hard pedal. Yes there were other indicator lights on including the VSC system and traction control I came to an intersection and I couldn't stop I couldn't even kind of stop it was all hard pedal were before it was normal as if there wasn't an issue. I've done a lot of research and I've seen a lot of forums and people are complaining that Toyota isn't backing this problem my 2006 Toyota is in perfect condition not a single problem except for this break issue and if you take it to Toyota the park
2026-07-01, Service Brakes, Hydraulic
The contact owns a 2006 Toyota Highlander. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, the vehicle failed to decelerate while the brake pedal was depressed. The contact stated that excessive pressure was needed on the brake pedal to stop the vehicle. The ABS and ESC warning lights were illuminated. In addition, there was an abnormal sound coming from underneath the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to a local independent mechanic, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ABS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was towed to another independent mechanic for a second opinion, and it was confirmed that the ABS unit needed to be replaced. The vehicle was taken to a local de

2006 Toyota Highlander questions

Does the 2006 Toyota Highlander have any recalls?

Yes. NHTSA lists 7 safety recalls for the 2006 Toyota Highlander: Aftermarket Seat Heaters May Short Circuit and Cause Fire; Seats:Front Assembly:Seat Heater/Cooler; Vehicle Speed Control:Accelerator Pedal; Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Foundation Components:Master Cylinder; Equipment:Other:Labels. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

What are the most common problems with the 2006 Toyota Highlander?

Based on 278 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are Service Brakes (71), Vehicle Speed Control (44), Electrical System (26).

How do I check if a recall on my 2006 Toyota Highlander has been fixed?

Enter your 17-character VIN in our VIN recall check. It shows open recalls that have not been repaired on your specific vehicle. Recall repairs are normally free at an authorized dealer.

Other Toyota Highlander years

Other 2006 Toyota models