Who makes Toyotas struts?
Toyota's struts come from a mix of suppliers rather than a single maker.
As with most automakers, Toyota sources suspension components—including struts—from multiple suppliers around the world. The exact supplier for a given model and market varies by year, platform, and regional agreements, and not every partnership is publicly disclosed.
How Toyota orchestrates suspension supply
Tuning and producing a vehicle’s suspension involves close collaboration with specialist manufacturers. Toyota often relies on established Japanese damper specialists for OEM components, while also engaging global suppliers for broader platform needs. The supplier mix can shift with new generations, regional requirements, and regulatory changes.
Key suppliers commonly associated with Toyota's struts
Before diving into the names, it’s important to note that the exact vendor for a given model isn’t publicly cataloged by Toyota. The following companies are among the best-known players in the automotive suspension supply chain and have been associated with Toyota’s struts in various markets and generations.
- KYB Corporation (Japan) — A leading global supplier of shock absorbers and struts; widely used across automakers, including Toyota, for OEM and aftermarket applications.
- Showa Corporation (Japan) — A major supplier of suspension systems, including struts and dampers; has collaborated with Toyota on multiple models to provide OEM components.
- ZF Friedrichshafen AG / ZF TRW (Germany) — A large supplier of suspension modules and components; has supplied Toyota on certain platforms and projects in global markets, depending on the generation and region.
Regional and platform-specific arrangements exist, and Toyota’s exact vendor mix can evolve with new platforms, markets, and contractual arrangements.
What this means for owners and buyers
For those replacing worn struts, aftermarket options from reputable brands—often including KYB, Showa, Bilstein, Monroe, and others—are commonly compatible with Toyota vehicles when matched to the correct model and year. If you want to preserve OEM performance, you can also source OEM-equivalent parts from the same suppliers that Toyota uses, though availability can vary by market and model.
Summary
In short, Toyota does not rely on a single supplier for its struts. The automaker works with a diversified set of suspension specialists, with KYB and Showa standing out as major OEM partners in many markets. The precise supplier for a given model is not consistently published, and the mix can change over time and by region. For consumers, the practical takeaway is that trusted aftermarket and OEM parts from recognized brands are typically available to maintain Toyota’s suspension performance.
Are Toyota OEM shocks good?
Guaranteed Quality And Fitment
Toyota doesn't cut corners on its genuine OEM parts, and that applies to shocks. Toyota only uses high-quality materials, and it specifically designs its shocks to work optimally with your model's weight. Also, there won't be any fitment issues with a set of OEM shocks on your car.
Is KYB or Monroe better?
Neither KYB nor Monroe is universally "better"; the best choice depends on your priorities. KYB offers a firmer, more responsive ride and is often a good value, especially for performance-oriented drivers. Monroe typically provides a softer, more comfortable ride and is known for its durability and wider vehicle fitment.
Choose KYB if:
- You prefer a sportier or more controlled handling experience.
- You're looking for a balance of performance and value.
- You want a firm, responsive feel.
Choose Monroe if:
- You prioritize a soft, comfortable ride for daily driving.
- You need a shock for a vehicle with specific factory valving, as Monroe offers more fitments.
- You are looking for durability and longevity.
Is KYB Japan vs USA?
Are there any differences between the KYB shocks & struts manufactured in the U.S. vs. other countries (like Japan)? No. All KYB products are designed at the KYB world R&D offices and every KYB manufacturing plant then builds each product to the designed…
Is Denso an OEM for Toyota?
Yes, Denso is a major original equipment (OEM) supplier for Toyota and makes many parts that are installed in Toyota vehicles during manufacturing. However, there can be a difference between the specific OEM parts found in a new car and the aftermarket parts sold by Denso, as the OEM versions are built to Toyota's exact specifications and standards.
- OEM vs. aftermarket: The parts that come in a new Toyota from the factory are built to meet Toyota's specific standards. Denso also sells aftermarket parts, which can be of very high quality but may not be identical to the OEM parts in every detail, though they are often made by the same company.
- Part numbers: The part numbers for OEM and aftermarket Denso parts can be different, so it's important to use the correct part number for your specific vehicle.
- Examples of Denso parts: Denso supplies a wide range of components to Toyota, including electrical parts, spark plugs, sensors, and engine components.
