Parts for your 2006 Toyota Highlander-Head gasket

2006 Toyota Highlander (Kluger) head gasket: purpose, care and replacement

Yes, the 2006 Toyota Highlander—sold as the Kluger in Australia and New Zealand—uses a cylinder head gasket. This is confirmed by Toyota’s factory repair information (Toyota Technical Information System, Engine Mechanical—Cylinder Head sections for 2AZ‑FE and 3MZ‑FE), the Toyota Electronic Parts Catalogue (EPC), and independent manuals covering these engines. Both available engines for 2006—the 2.4‑litre 2AZ‑FE inline‑four and the 3.3‑litre 3MZ‑FE V6—are designed with multi‑layer steel (MLS) head gaskets between the cylinder head(s) and the aluminium engine block.

The head gasket’s job is to keep combustion pressure sealed while separating coolant and engine oil galleries. It helps the Highlander maintain strong compression, run clean, and avoid the mess of fluids mixing under the bonnet. When healthy, it’s invisible