I'm nearing 100,000 on my 06 Highlander. Has anyone encountered any problems with theirs? I've gotten conflicting information that is gets real difficult to trade it in after 100,000 because so many things need to be replaced, though I can't get anyone to tell me what kinds of problems are reported. THanks!!

 

Did you change the timing belt at the Toyota recommended 90,000 miles?

If not, you should do this soon if you plan on keeping the vehicle for awhile. This is not a cheap service procedure since a lot of disassembly is required to reach the timing belt. Expect about 5 hours of dealership labor. While replacing the timing belt, consider replacing the water pump at the same time since it is easy to replace with the timing belt off and expensive to replace if done separately.

The engine water pump is driven directly by the engine timing belt so a bad water pump can contribute to the wear and failure of the timing belt.

The Highlander has an interference style valve system which means that if the timing belt breaks or slips a few teeth, the valves will slam into the tops of the pistons with immediate and catastrophic engine damage costing thousands of dollars to fix.

The 90,000 mile timing belt replacement schedule is conservative and timing belts can last much longer than this. However the financial consequence of a belt failure loom large with this many miles making it prudent not to put this off too long.

At 100k miles, the engine and inverter coolant should be replaced.

If the valves are noisy and the engine vibrates, some of the valve shims may need to be replaced to bring the valve lash back into specification. This check is usually done at 60k miles.

 

thx for that info. i'm almost at 90k and plan on doing that. i'm also interested to see if many people have had their hlh last well fast that point and how many miles was on it when it was finally sold.

 

I am a week away from hitting 90,000 miles, and am always on top of my service intervals as my HiHy is the only thing that I own. Because I change my oil, air and cabin filter myself, I have scheduled the following maintenance:

-Timing belt, pulley tensioners and water pump
-Coolant/Inverter Coolant
-Front and Rear Diff fluids
-Transmission Fluid
-Torque driveshaft bolts
-Replace spark plugs (recommended plug change is 120,000 miles on iridium plugs, but I won't change them again for another 90,000)

I was also cruising by my dealer and thought I'd stop in and look at the new toys. While there, they asked if I would like a quick appraisal if I were to trade in my vehicle and offered me $18k in trade. So from a personal experience, I don't feel I am losing a significant amount if I were to trade with high miles. But quite frankly, I love my car too much to part with her.

 

I just had my spark plugs replaced (90k) in my 2006 HiHy. Usually, I prefer to not go through my dealer but through my reputable mechanic. The dealer was amazingly less expensive though! The dealer charged for 1 hour of labor and ~$10/plug. While the mechanic was working my rear 3 plugs, he asked if I wanted my PCV valve replaced as it would be the same labor, but he had to remove it to get to the plugs anyways. Total parts and labor for plugs and PCV valve: $179.80

 

Read the threads here on the '06 inverter failures. $7000-$11000 replacement cost. This after a total power failure to the engine and steering system. Luckily I was only going about 30MPH when mine quit. No warning, sealed unit so no maintenance. I've found failures online anywhere from 29,000 - 149,000 miles (mine was at 129,000). I can't find other years or other makes for that matter that have failed in this manner. Only the '06 Highlander and also the '06 Lexus Rx 400h, and I'm trying to confirm the Lexus is the same inverter. Toyota won't discuss how many have failed (surprise) and so far my dealer hasn't been able to help us. The warrnaty on the inverter expires at 8 years or 100,000 miles every but CA (10yrs/150,000 miles).

Best car I've ever owned, until it tried to kill me and now is trying to break me!

 

I've have found the VIN break for the change from the defective inverter to the new part. Before the break you may experience total power failure, engine, steering and brakes. After the break the new part does not have any failures I can find.
Toyota 06 Highlander Hybrid 2wd - Ending in 60009725
Toyota 06 Highlander Hybrid 4wd - Ending in 60019910
Lexus 06 Rx 400h 2wd - Ending in 60002207
Lexus 06 Rx 400h 4wd - Ending in 60036526