Toyota FJ Cruiser Complaints

908 consumer complaints on file.

#11769545October 7, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The vehicle within less than 15 years had structural creams rust that had compromised the safety of my vehicle and it is rotting out with holes, the fuel tank is rusted and lose, and may fall, repairs are expensive and it is my only car. They’re all also rust holes right through the body and floor in multiple locations.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11763615September 11, 2026
STEERING
While operating my vehicle at normal legal speeds on a public road, the aftermarket Rough Country lifted steering knuckle suffered a sudden, catastrophic structural breakage at the tie-rod mounting point after hitting a standard pothole. The complete fracturing of the steering knuckle resulted in an immediate, unpreventable loss of steering control on the driver's side wheel. This sudden structural failure forced the front wheel assembly out of alignment, completely disabling the vehicle's steering mechanics and bending the lower drop crossmember brackets. This is a severe life-safety hazard. Had this casting failure occurred at highway speeds or in heavy traffic, it easily could have resulted in a rollover, a head-on collision, or a fatal accident. Heavy-duty cast suspension components should never experience catastrophic metal breakage from everyday public road imperfections. The manufacturer, Rough Country, is refusing to recognize this as a structural defect and is denying liability. This failure needs to be investigated immediately to see if there is an underlying casting, metallurgical, or design defect in Rough Country's lifted steering knuckles before it causes a fatal crash on public roads.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11757740August 18, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The truck's frame was found to be cracked / rusted through in spots. It was discovered during another attempted repair 8/17/26. Because of the split / crack in the frame, the vehicle is now not drivable as it is deemed not road worthy. This problem is known to Toyota as well as the NHTSA. The Tacomas of the same years, on which this vehicle is built (same frame, same faulty rust-proofing operation from the manufacturer), was identified and Toyota was required to address it. Why this vehicle was NOT included in the fix is a complete mystery as this problem is well-known and well-documented, far and wide (see YouTube, FJ Cruiser forums, etc., etc.). NHTSA and Toyota have really let FJ Cruiser owners down on this one.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755567August 7, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
My frame is corroding at a rapid rate and needs to be addressed by Toyota! I truly believe that this was cheap way of selling cars without the proper undercoating affecting these trucks later on most Toyota trucks had the frames replaced buy the dealers with the same problems that these fj cruisers have, this needs to be addressed asap.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11755006August 5, 2026
SEAT BELTS, AIR BAGS
Driver side seat belt is too loose non functional Airbag sign is on I m scared to drive vehicle
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11746560June 25, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY
Took FJ in for an inspection and was informed the frame was rusted to the point it could not pass inspection.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11745754June 22, 2026
TIRES, TIRES:SIDEWALL
Tires were purchased April 2026. Vehicle was then driven in June 2026 for off-road use, minimal usage prior to June due to mechanical issues). A structural failure occurred on 3 new truck tires (Size: 275/60R20, DOT: 0225) within 24 hours while driving under 10 MPH on a basic off-road trail. Day 1: Rear driver tire suddenly deflated with a loud thwapping sound. The tire separated from the bead and suffered a 3-4" sidewall tear. Vehicle was at 15 PSI (standard trail pressure). 10 companion trucks ran identical terrain without issue, isolating the failure to this tire batch. Swapped to spare. Day 2: Remaining tires aired up to 20 PSI to mitigate risk. Despite higher pressure and slow speeds, the exact same failure mode recurred on the replacement tire in the same rear driver location, causing another 3-4" sidewall tear. Trail patches failed. Borrowed a spare from another vehicle. 15 minutes later, a 3rd identical failure occurred on the rear passenger tire, causing a blowout and tearing on the inside sidewall. Vehicle was stranded, requiring a 2nd borrowed spare to exit. Tires had only 300 miles of total use. Failed components include the tire sidewalls and internal casing structures. All 3 failed tires are preserved and available for material inspection. Rapid, consecutive loss of multiple tires severely compromised vehicle stability, leaving me repeatedly stranded. Had these structural failures occurred at highway speeds rather than 10 MPH, a catastrophic loss of control or rollover could have occurred. The selling dealer has explicitly refused to file a warranty claim or inspect the failed casings. No prior warning lamps, pressure alerts, or symptoms occurred before the sudden, catastrophic failures.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11741162May 31, 2026
SEAT BELTS
Passenger front seat belt will not retract anymore and a passenger hit the windshield during a hard braking incident. I looked online and saw NHTSA 13V098000 about the seat belt retractor being recalled, but we were never notified.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736593May 8, 2026
STRUCTURE:BODY, SERVICE BRAKES, SUSPENSION
Please consider opening or expanding an investigation into frame, underbody, brake-line, and suspension-mount corrosion affecting Toyota FJ Cruisers. I own a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD. A professional inspection found multiple fluid leaks, heavy rust, rusted exhaust, leaking rear shocks, and brake line/hose concerns. After reviewing the condition, the mechanic essentially declined to repair it and recommended scrapping the vehicle. The attached photos show conditions that appear safety-relevant: rust perforation through underbody structural metal near a bracket/crossmember area; severe corrosion around brake lines and fittings; widespread scaling near suspension and frame components; a leaking rear shock; and badly deteriorated exhaust connections. This is not just appearance rust. Also note the contrast between the observable condition of the vehicle versus the problems hidden beneath. This rust is clearly outpacing normal wear and tear. The safety risk is straightforward. At interstate speeds, a corroded brake line could fail during emergency braking. A weakened shock mount, suspension bracket, or crossmember could fail when the vehicle hits a pothole, uneven bridge plate, or highway debris. In dense, aggressive traffic, especially where vehicles travel 70+ mph, any sudden loss of braking, stability, or rear-end structural integrity could cause a spinout, rollover, or multi-vehicle crash. I understand Toyota has previously addressed severe corrosion on other truck platforms. I urge NHTSA to review whether the FJ Cruiser has a similar pattern of premature or excessive structural corrosion. Owners may not know the vehicle is unsafe until a mechanic refuses repair or a component fails. Please review consumer complaints, inspection photos, and corrosion-related failures before this becomes a fatal incident.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11736316May 7, 2026
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, SUSPENSION
Frame is rusted to the point of failure
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11735229May 1, 2026
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY
Chassis frame rotted
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11717366February 11, 2026
STEERING, SUSPENSION, POWER TRAIN
I purchased my beloved 2013 FJ Cruiser from Wellesley Toyota 6.5 years ago and have really enjoyed it. I have had it serviced religiously at McGee Toyota of Hanover since my purchase and expected to continue to enjoy it for many years to come and was just informed by McGee Toyota that the frame is severly rusted out throughout. My truck only has 158K miles on it and I expected this to last at least twice as long. This appears to be the same issue Toyota experienced with the Tundra and Tacoma with premature rusting on their vehicles due to a manufacturing issue. There are numerous complaints online about this issue and even a current class action lawsuit. I have alerted Toyota Corporate of this and they are not standing behind their product.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11703439December 6, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I have 47k miles on my car. I took it in for an oil change (Fox Toyota, Rochester Hills, MI) and was told that it was dangerous to drive. I needed a new rear axle and much more. No details were provided. I could not open the email link they sent to my phone. I left the car at the service dept. 10/21/25 -prior to this visit I brought my car in to Fox for an oil change august 2024 and was told I would probably need new struts soon. I had appx 44,000 miles on my car at that time. - I park in my garage every night and have had an undercarriage wash each month at a car wash. - I live on a dirt road but my husband's 2017 Chevy Silverado has 180,000+ miles. -People online have asked me if I parked in the ocean -I contact Toyota Brand Engagement immediately. They paid a small amount ($3900) toward fixing the $17,000 bill. My car was in limbo at service for 30 days. I had not care. So I had to accept.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11701405November 25, 2025
STEERING
Intermediate Steering Shaft Weld Failure: Recall concern. My car was built 7/25/2014. Recalls were initiated for FJ’s within the following date ranges 8/7/2013 - 8/20/2013 for this issue. My FJ has the same issue confirmed by three Toyota Dealership Service Departments. Revisiting the Recall Status is needed. Thank you for your attention.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700752November 21, 2025
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
The rear fuel tank mounting strap rusted in half. After filling vehicle with fuel and driving 10 miles home, I noticed the skid plate hanging down that covers the fuel tank. The plastic skid plate started to crack from the weight of the tank. The design of the skid plate to the tank allows moisture and contaminants to reside between the two, rotting the straps. Thankfully I noticed this as if I had kept driving I fear the tank would have completely fallen out of the vehicle. I ordered new straps and hardware, but during the parts search I found many owners of the Toyota FJ, all years, are having the same problem. Apparently the straps are just mild steel and were not treated with any corrosion preventative from the factory. I feel they should have been at least stainless steel. Part numbers for the straps are 77602-35050 and 77601-35110. I'll have photos once the parts come in and I take the vehicle apart. Currently I have a floor jack holding up the tank. Also to clarify, the skid plate is mounted to the fuel tank straps. Once both straps let go, the fuel tank is coming out with the skid plate. The fuel tank is located in front of the rear axle, the vehicle would run over it's own fuel tank, at least until the engine shuts off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11700517November 20, 2025
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while cleaning underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer made aware of the failure and advised them contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11697771November 5, 2025
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rust damage to frame
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11695714October 26, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Mice or rats consume the soy-based wires. They consumed one of the fuel injection wires on my 2014 FJ. The Toyota dealership charged me $896 for the new connector that was located under the intake manifold.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11689262September 23, 2025
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the undercarriage and subframe were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle should not be driven because the wheels might detach from the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11686892September 12, 2025
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, STEERING
I was driving the vehicle to work and was unable to stop. I had to use the emergency brake system.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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