2006 Toyota Highlander

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2006 models.

Toyota Highlander
Pictured: Toyota Highlander Hybrid (XU70) 1X7A6356. Photo: Alexander Migl, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD
Body styles
4dr SUV 4WD V6, Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD
Engines
3.3L 6-cyl, 2.4L 4-cyl
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
27 combined · 28 city / 25 hwy
Length
184.6–185.4 in
Curb weight
3,880–3,935 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
9 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 27 MPG combined — 48% better than the average 2006 SUV - (18.3 MPG).
  • Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

  • Many owner complaints207 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 54 for similar models — most often about the service brakes.
  • 9 recallsMore than similar models (about 2). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 35 similar 2006 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2006 Toyota Highlander is a SUV - offered with 2 engines (3.3L 6-cyl and 2.4L 4-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive and 4-wheel or all-wheel drive.

It measures about 185 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 107-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,880 lb (4dr SUV 4WD V6).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 27 MPG combined (28 city / 25 highway), 48% better than the 2006 SUV - average of 18.3 MPG, for an estimated $2,500 a year in fuel.

It has 9 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 207 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the service brakes.

What changed for 2006

  • New hybrid version
  • Best combined MPG up from 22 to 27
  • Lightest version 397 lb heavier

Compared with 2005; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2005 Highlander →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
4dr SUV 4WD V6184.6 in72 in68.5 in107.1 in62.2 / 61.4 in3,880 lb58/42
Hybrid 4dr SUV FWD185.4 in72 in68.9 in107.1 in62.2 / 61.8 in3,935 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Highlander Hybrid 2WD Hybrid3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)Front-Wheel Drive28 / 25 / 27+48%$2,500329
Highlander Hybrid 4WD Hybrid3.3L 6-cylAutomatic (variable gear ratios)4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive27 / 25 / 26+53%$2,600342
Highlander 2WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive19 / 25 / 22+20%$3,050404
Highlander 4WD2.4L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive18 / 23 / 20+18%$3,350444
Highlander 2WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive17 / 23 / 19+4%$3,550468
Highlander 4WD3.3L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spd4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive16 / 22 / 19+12%$3,550468
Spend $500Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
18.3 MPG2006 Sport Utility Vehicle - 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2006 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2006 Toyota Highlander under the current (2011+) test program.

Similar 2006 SUV -s

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2006 Toyota Highlander (this car)27 MPGNot rated9
2006 Toyota Land Cruiser13 MPGNot rated2
2006 Toyota RAV424 MPGNot rated10
2006 Toyota 4Runner18 MPGNot rated5
2006 Ford Explorer16 MPGNot rated0
2006 Subaru Forester22 MPGNot rated1
2006 Jeep Grand Cherokee17 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (9)

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Jun 2, 2016

NHTSA campaign 16V396000 · 7,749 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Risk
If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler · Nov 19, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V743000 · 3,233 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Risk
Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Hybrid Propulsion System › Inverter · Sep 4, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V396000 · 133,081 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid vehicles manufactured February 16, 2005, through July 29, 2010; and model year 2006-2008 Lexus RX400h vehicles manufactured February 23, 2005, through December 2, 2008. The Intelligent Power Module (IPM) inside the inverter module may contain transistors that have higher operating temperatures than the solder can support and the transistors may be heat damaged by the solder. If this occurs, various warning lamps, including the malfunction indicator lamp, slip indicator light, brake system warning light, and master warning light, will be illuminated on the instrument panel.
Risk
The vehicle may enter a fail-safe/limp-home mode that limits the drivability of the vehicle. It is possible that the hybrid system will shut down while the vehicle is being driven, causing the vehicle to stall unexpectedly, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the IPM free of charge. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331. Vehicles that had their IPM replaced under recall 11V-342 are not affected by this campaign.
Engine And Engine Cooling · Nov 9, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V539000 · 420,326 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
Risk
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL CHECK THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY TO IDENTIFY WHETHER IT WAS PRODUCED BY THE U.S. SUPPLIER. IF SO, THE DEALER WILL REPLACE THE PULLEY WITH A NEW ONE AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Electrical System · Jun 29, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V342000 · 82,273 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2006-2007 HIGHLANDER HYBRID AND LEXUS RX400H PASSENGER CARS MANUFACTURED FROM FEBRUARY 16, 2005, THROUGH AUGUST 30, 2006. A MODULE INSIDE THE INVERTER MODULE MAY CONTAIN INADEQUATELY SOLDERED TRANSISTORS THAT DURING HIGH-LOAD DRIVING, MAY BE DAMAGED BY HEAT CAUSED BY THE LARGE CURRENT. IF THIS OCCURS, VARIOUS WARNING LAMPS, INCLUDING THE MALFUNCTION INDICATOR LAMP, SLIP INDICATOR LIGHT, BRAKE SYSTEM WARNING LIGHT, AND MASTER WARNING LIGHT, WILL BE ILLUMINATED ON THE INSTRUMENT PANEL.
Risk
THE VEHICLE MAY ENTER A FAIL-SAFE/LIMP-HOME MODE THAT LIMITS THE DRIVABILITY OF THE VEHICLE. IT IS POSSIBLE THAT THE HYBRID SYSTEM WILL SHUT DOWN WHILE THE VEHICLE IS BEING DRIVEN, CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO STALL UNEXPECTEDLY, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
TOYOTA/LEXUS MAILED AN INTERIM OWNER NOTIFICATION ON JULY 19, 2011 TO ADVISE OWNERS OF THIS RECALL AND THE FACT THAT THEY WILL RECEIVE A FUTURE NOTICE WHEN PARTS BECOME AVAILABLE TO COMPLETE REPAIRS. TOYOTA DEALERS WILL INSPECT THE HYBRID INVERTER PRODUCTION NUMBER TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE INVERTER CONTAINS SUSPECT TRANSISTORS AND REPLACE THE MODULE FREE OF CHARGE. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal · Feb 24, 2011

NHTSA campaign 11V112000 · 769,379 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, HIGHLANDER HYBRID, AND MODEL YEAR 2004-2007 LEXUS RX330, RX350, AND RX400H VEHICLES. IF THE FORWARD RETENTION CLIP USED TO SECURE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER, WHICH IS LOCATED IN FRONT OF THE CENTER CONSOLE, IS NOT INSTALLED PROPERLY THE COVER MAY LEAN TOWARD THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND INTERFERE WITH THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL ARM.
Risk
IF THIS OCCURS, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY TEMPORARILY BECOME STUCK IN A PARTIALLY DEPRESSED POSITION RATHER THAN RETURN TO THE IDLE POSITION. A STUCK ACCELERATOR PEDAL MAY RESULT IN UNINTENDED AND SUSTAINED VEHICLE SPEEDS AND MAKE IT DIFFICULT TO STOP, INCREASING THE RISK OF A VEHICLE CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE FLOOR CARPET COVER WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE FREE OR CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING MARCH 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Foundation Components › Master Cylinder · Oct 21, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V499000 · 728,544 vehicles

Problem
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2006 AVALON, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 HIGHLANDER, MODEL YEAR 2004-2006 LEXUS RX, AND MODEL YEAR 2006 LEXUS GS AND IS VEHICLES. BRAKE FLUID CONTAINING POLYMERS IS USED THAT ACTS AS LUBRICANTS FOR CERTAIN BRAKE SYSTEM COMPONENTS. IF REPLACEMENT BRAKE FLUID IS USED THAT DOES NOT CONTAIN SUCH POLYMERS, OR THAT CONTAINS ONLY SMALL AMOUNTS, A PART OF THE RUBBER SEAL LOCATED AT THE REAR OF THE BRAKE MASTER CYLINDER MAY BECOME DRY, AND THE SEAL MAY CURL DURING MOVEMENT OF THE PISTON. IF THIS OCCURS, A SMALL AMOUNT OF BRAKE FLUID COULD SLOWLY LEAK FROM THE SEAL INTO THE BRAKE BOOSTER.
Risk
A LEAK OF BRAKE FLUID COULD LEAD TO A CHANGE IN BRAKE PEDAL FEEL AND OVERTIME A DEGRADATION IN BRAKING PERFORMANCE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE SEAL WITH A NEWLY DESIGNED ONE. THIS SERVICE WILL BE PERFORMED FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON NOVEMBER 15, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331 AND LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V035000 · 271,417 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Feb 3, 2010

NHTSA campaign 10V036000 · 153,418 vehicles

Problem
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Risk
A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2006 Toyota Highlander is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

207Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
14Involved a crash
1Involved a fire
12Injuries reported
150,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Service Brakes120
Electrical System27
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)25
Engine21
Steering16
Vehicle Speed Control12
Unknown Or Other9
Power Train8
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
21/09: 221/10: 121/11: 222/01: 122/05: 122/07: 122/10: 123/01: 123/04: 123/05: 223/10: 124/02: 124/07: 124/12: 125/01: 125/03: 125/05: 125/08: 125/12: 126/01: 226/07: 126/08: 126/09: 226/10: 121/0922/0122/1023/0524/0725/0325/1226/08max 2

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2006 Toyota Highlander buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 9 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Service Brakes — 120 owner reports. Brake firmly from speed; check for pulling, pulsing pedal or ABS warning light.
  3. Electrical System — 27 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
  4. Electronic Stability Control (Esc) — 25 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 150,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
  7. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2006 Toyota Highlander. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Highlander years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Highlander35194.9 inNot rated04
2025 Highlander35194.9 in★★★★★410
2024 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★743
2023 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★9198
2022 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★6272
2021 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5548
2020 Highlander36194.9 in★★★★★5330
2019 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★3511
2018 Highlander29192.5 in★★★★★4275
2017 Highlander29192.5 inNot rated3274
2016 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated2117
2015 Highlander28191.3 inNot rated1195

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →