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SuspensionPart report

2021 Toyota Highlander Suspension Problems

Complaints
4about this part
Share
1%of 533 total for the year
Median mileage
—not reported
Trend
Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.

NHTSA recorded 4 complaints about the suspension of the 2021 Toyota Highlander, 1% of the 533 complaints for this model year.

Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“I was forced to change lanes quickly from the left lane to the left shoulder of an interstate when a double tandem tractor trailer moved into my lane of traffic. The interstate was dry and the left shoulder was in excellent condition and wide enough to accommodate my vehicle easily. All lane assist options were turned off, the driving mode was set to “economy” and the cruise control was turned to “off”. A few seconds after entering the left shoulder of the interstate, I felt the rear end of my vehicle sway from side to side for a few seconds. …”

NHTSA complaint #11431183, filed 2021-08

“Early failure of front struts on a 2021 Toyota Highlander XLE, leaking fluid at 29,000 miles. Manufacturer does not seem to have any reported issues with these components. Issue discovered just one month after warranty expiration. Given the low daily use and time, this might be a manufacturer defect/concern. Could potentially be a safety concern affecting the vehicle handling and maneuverability.”

NHTSA complaint #11735102, filed 2026-05

“3 wheel alignments in same vehicle needed in less than 30 months: <5,000, 30,000 and 35,000 odometer readings It’s not from pot holes; I have owned about 14 cars in family fleet and have never had 1 vehicle need more than 1 alignment during it’s time of ownership of over 1,000,000 miles driven Something is wrong with vehicle design or mechanical components to go out of alignment so frequently”

NHTSA complaint #11527245, filed 2023-06

“•The transmission malfunctioned and developed an abnormal internal noise at approximately 67,000 miles, which is an unexpected failure at low mileage. The vehicle had been properly maintained and had no prior mechanical issues. Atlanta Toyota inspected the vehicle and confirmed the transmission had failed and required full replacement. The dealer also stated that as a result of the transmission failure, other related components showed excessive and abnormal wear. A second independent service center inspected the vehicle and confirmed the same diagnosis. …”

NHTSA complaint #11717006, filed 2026-02

Suspension: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202412%
202141%
202052%
201951%
201862%
201741%
201622%
201532%
201443%
201321%
201232%
201021%
200954%
200851%
200722%
200641%
200531%
200362%
200231%
200111%

Other parts of the 2021 Toyota Highlander

Transmission and drivetrain
228 complaints
Other or unknown
70 complaints
Brakes
68 complaints
Body and structure
52 complaints
Engine
47 complaints
Air bags
42 complaints
Fuel system
31 complaints
Electrical system
28 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
17 complaints
Forward collision avoidance
12 complaints
Steering
9 complaints
Vehicle speed control
9 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2021 Toyota Highlander

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 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