2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid Hybrid propulsion system Problems

“While accelerating to approximately 40 MPH from a standing stop at a traffic light in a zone merging 2 lanes to 1, my 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid (`48,000 miles on odometer, I am original owner) experienced sudden and total power loss. I was able to pull off the road and had vehicle towed to dealer. They reported a failed inverter in the hybrid system and I am awaiting the part and repair. From my online research I understand this has been a problem with the 2006 and early 2007 models and that NHTSA may be investigating. …”

“Driving approximately 65 MPH on a busy southern california freeway when I hear a popping sound and my car died. Was in the fast lane and had to move over to the right shoulder. Dangerous!!! Could have gotten in a accident, but made it ok. Had to have the car towed. Was told that the hybrid inverter needed replacing. Never knew that Toyota was having a problem with the inverter, and have now been told that there was a recall on some 2007's, but my VIN number was not included in the recall and therefore not covered. Cost to replace inverter $9,000 to $11,000. …”

“Driving on the 94 freeway west, the check hybrid system warning light came on. Car suddenly died unexpectedly. Was able to coast to the nearby exit - nearly hit by numerous vehicles. At the exit, the car was blocking traffic. People helped push the highlander to the side, where I called aaa. The highlander was towed to the Toyota el cajon dealership for repair. Toyota informed me the inverter had died. It would cost $9600.00 to repair because out of warranty. Toyota head office refuses to help. At 3.5 years old, the repair is worth more than the car. …”

“The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. While driving various speeds, the vehicle stalled and vehicle stability control and hybrid system displayed on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to hudson Toyota (599 nj-440, jersey city, new jersey) where it was diagnosed that the inverter was faulty. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified. The failure mileage was 119,000.”

“The contact owns a 2007 Toyota Highlander Hybrid. The contact stated that the hybrid system shut down and the vehicle stalled. The vehicle was repaired under NHTSA campaign number: 13v396000 (hybrid propulsion system), but the failure recurred. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 110,000.”