Polyurethane (PU) is a type of elastomeric polymer with high flexibility and durability, which is prepared by addition polymerization of polyol and isocyanate. It is one of the most versatile engineering materials and is widely applied in industry, electronics, construction, transportation and medical fields. The introduction of self-healing properties provides a significant contribution to the improved service life and recyclability of PU. Nevertheless, self-healing requires polymer molecular chains with high motility, which often leads to degradation of the mechanical properties of the material, resulting in the preparation of high-strength self-healing PU has been a challenge. In recent years, a large number of scholars have carried out research work on this problem and achieved significant results, effectively promoting the progress of self-healing PU applications, yet there is no generalized report on its repair mechanism and material properties. This work summarizes the recent research experiences and achievements in the study of high-strength intrinsic self-healing PU materials, and summarizing the importance of self-healing mechanism controlled by multiple interaction forces in balancing mechanical properties and repairability. Sorting out the ways to enhance the self-healing PU, and the first one is nano-filler enhancement as most frequently used, mainly including carbon-based fillers such as carbon nanotubes and graphene to improve the mechanical properties of self-healing PU. Secondly, the introduction of hydrogen-rich groups into side chains or main chains by employing specific molecular design methods, making PU exhibit excellent mechanical properties by increasing the density of hydrogen bonds, and achieving a joint breakthrough of high mechanical strength and high self-healing efficiency. Finally, regulation of the "micro-phase separation", through regulating the degree of separation between the soft matrix and the hard domain in PU, the mechanical properties and self-healing ability of the material are balanced to obtain the high-strength self-healing PU. In addition, this review compares and analyses the current problems of various types of reinforcement methods, and provides an outlook of the development direction and application prospects of high-strength intrinsic self-healing PU.