The 2006 Toyota Highlander has 4 recalls, the most serious being a fire risk from aftermarket seat heaters where a damaged copper heating element can short circuit and ignite.
The seat heater concern only affects vehicles that were sold through Southeast Toyota Distributors with aftermarket heated seat equipment installed. On hybrid models specifically, the inverter can develop a fault that forces the vehicle into a reduced-power mode, limiting acceleration and overall drivability until the system is repaired. On the brake side, certain brake fluid formulations containing polymers can degrade the master cylinder and other brake components over time, leading to a soft or inconsistent pedal feel and, with continued use, a meaningful reduction in stopping ability that raises the risk of a crash. Finally, some vehicles sold through Southeast Toyota were missing the required load capacity labels inside the door or door frame, which means a driver has no way to know the vehicle's weight limits and could unknowingly overload it.
At a glance
What can fail
The electrical wiring in aftermarket seat heaters with copper strand heating elements can be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed, potentially causing electrical issues.
What the fix does
Dealers will disconnect the seat heaters at no charge and refund the purchase price of the accessory.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
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At a glance
What can fail
The Intelligent Power Module in the inverter may have transistors that operate hotter than the solder can withstand, causing heat damage to the transistors. This triggers warning lights on your dashboard.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the Intelligent Power Module at no cost to you.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Brake fluid without proper lubricating polymers causes the rubber seal at the rear of the brake master cylinder to dry out and curl when the piston moves, allowing brake fluid to slowly leak into the brake booster.
What the fix does
Dealers replace the seal with a newly designed one at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Your vehicle lacks the required load capacity modification label that shows safe tire and rim specifications per federal safety standards.
What the fix does
A corrected label will be mailed to you, or your dealer can install it free of charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
