2006 TOYOTA HIGHLANDER User Comment / Complaint

I noticed hesitation in gear shifting and some lunging when my foot was off the brake after i purchased a new 2006 highlander in july 2006 and made a mental note to have it checked at the first follow-up service. in october 2006, i was pulling out of a post office parking lot while aware of 2 cars at a safe distance away. when in the intersection, 1 of the 2 cars was traveling much faster than anticipated. when i accelerated quickly, the car just seemed to choke, and the car collided into my rear side (driver's side). i and the other driver had only minor injuries, but the collision was very frightening and it could have been much worse. i also felt that something more serious was wrong with my car than i had thought. after i got my car back from the body repair shop (7 weeks later), i took it into to the dealer and asked them to check the problem. i was told all of the highlanders have that hesitation if the gas pedal is pressed hard. i was told to press down only gradually. since then, i continue to notice the problem with my car. it makes me feel very unsafe and am not sure how to resolve the issue other than to sell the car. i am worried however that others may be at risk because of this feature with the transmission.