2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Steering Problems
- Complaints
- 25about this part
- Share
- 7%of 370 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 96,944miles
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 25 complaints about the steering of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid, 7% of the 370 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 96,944 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“My 2006 highlander drove just fine. Parked in my usual spot and the next time I start it my p/s light is on and I have no steering. I searched online and it seems to be a common problem for it to just quit working on people. I'm curious as to why this issue hasn't been addressed by Toyota yet. Thank god I wasn't driving like others were when it happened.”
NHTSA complaint #11220268, filed 2019-06, 140,000 miles“Steering does not steer correctly sometimes when I drive. Dealer says that they want $2000 to fix it by replacing the steering mechanism. I have noticed it sometimes when I am moving.”
NHTSA complaint #11154460, filed 2018-11, 175,029 miles“I experienced total power loss to the engine and steering of my 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid while driving down the highway. Toyota wants $7000 to replace the hybrid power inverter. Toyota refuses to disclose frequency of this failure. Identical failures can be found in online forums, all with the 2006 highlander or with the 2006 lexus rx 400h. Potentially deadly failure followed by a price gouging repair costs.”
NHTSA complaint #10339590, filed 2010-06, 129,000 miles“We were driving on the nj turnpike. Suddenly, the car stalled and the steering locked. Luckily, we just started the hour long drive and were on the slow lane and was able to glide the car over safely to the shoulder. The check csv and check hybrid system lights came on and the hybrid battery showed no energy. The car would not start and was towed to the closest Toyota dealership. There were no prior warnings about battery errors or problems before completely stalling. …”
NHTSA complaint #10515984, filed 2013-06, 105,000 miles“2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (43,058 miles) - loss of electronic power steering assist after driving one hour in the highway, I stopped at my parents house, when I was maneuvering to park the SUV in the side of the road, I lost the eps assist in the middle of the lane. Fortunately I was not in the highway and there were no accidents. It was very difficult to maneuver the SUV to a save spot after the loss of the eps assist. …”
NHTSA complaint #10244665, filed 2008-10, 43,058 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10028733Jan 16, 2009Toyota service campaign: see document search button for owner letter. Due to insufficient adhesion between the permanent magnets and the rotor of the eps, the motor may gradually…
Steering: other model years
Other parts of the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
137 complaintsElectrical system
74 complaintsHybrid propulsion system
45 complaintsVehicle speed control
33 complaintsEngine cooling
28 complaintsEngine
25 complaintsElectronic stability control
24 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
19 complaintsExterior lighting
15 complaintsOther or unknown
12 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
10 complaintsAir bags
9 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2006 Toyota Highlander Hybrid
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology