2011 Toyota Highlander Body and structure Problems
- Complaints
- 27about this part
- Share
- 15%of 181 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 44,663miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 27 complaints about the body and structure of the 2011 Toyota Highlander, 15% of the 181 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 44,663 miles.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“When trying to open the rear hatch from the inside, the beeping sound would not turn office and when I went to investigate what was wrong with the hatch the hydraulic arm had broken and the molding popped off preventing it from working. I took it into Toyota dealership and they replaced the whole motor/arm on the hatch. This was covered through my warranty.”
NHTSA complaint #10904653, filed 2016-09, 70,000 miles“The power function lift arm broke off from where it connects into the rea door on my 2011 Highlander. Toyota didn't mentioned about the door hinges related issues and I had to pay for the repair/replacement of the hinges. This, of course didn't prevented nor resolved the issue with the power function lift arm that now is beyond repair; the bolt and screw hole are now stripped.”
NHTSA complaint #10781482, filed 2015-10, 43,002 miles“I pressed the rear hatch button to close it from driver's seat, hatch arm broke and spewed plastic and metal parts while parked, onto mall parking lot. Toyota states rod has fallen off of motor connect...t-sb-0038-15 power back door does not close properly...big gap on driver side hinge for back hatch. Toyota sold me $2299 service contract w/portfolio elite protection plan which says will not cover it. Diagnosis from Toyota in uploaded file.”
NHTSA complaint #10816623, filed 2015-12, 57,225 miles“The automatic latch of the liftgate started to fail. The liftgate not longer opens automatically. I was told it is probably the motor and the parts cost alone is over $1,200. I cannot afford this and am doing without that feature, but annoyed!”
NHTSA complaint #10667182, filed 2014-12, 55,000 miles“I own a 2011 Toyota Highlander that I bought new. At approximately 7-9 months of owning the vehicle, the pivot or link arm of the automatic lift gate detached from the body frame. I re-attached it as it looks it became loose. After a few other instances in which it got loose again at different intervals, I decided to bring the car to the Toyota dealer. I mentioned the issue to the services rep who informed that there was a service bulletin (sb) linked to the liftgate. …”
NHTSA complaint #10650086, filed 2014-10, 20,000 milesRelated service bulletins
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Some 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an…
Body and structure: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 4 | 9% |
| 2023 | 32 | 17% |
| 2022 | 43 | 16% |
| 2021 | 52 | 10% |
| 2020 | 30 | 9% |
| 2019 | 12 | 2% |
| 2018 | 12 | 4% |
| 2017 | 8 | 3% |
| 2016 | 4 | 4% |
| 2015 | 32 | 17% |
| 2014 | 32 | 24% |
| 2013 | 18 | 9% |
| 2012 | 20 | 11% |
| 2011 | 27 | 15% |
| 2010 | 14 | 6% |
| 2009 | 15 | 11% |
| 2008 | 11 | 3% |
| 2007 | 5 | 4% |
| 2006 | 4 | 1% |
| 2005 | 8 | 4% |
| 2004 | 8 | 3% |
| 2003 | 18 | 7% |
| 2002 | 24 | 8% |
| 2001 | 13 | 9% |
Other parts of the 2011 Toyota Highlander
35 complaintsSteering
34 complaintsElectrical system
23 complaintsBrakes
17 complaintsEngine
17 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsOther or unknown
14 complaintsVehicle speed control
12 complaintsAir bags
8 complaintsEngine cooling
5 complaintsExterior lighting
5 complaintsSeat belts
4 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2011 Toyota Highlander
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 27, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology