Toyota FJ Cruiser Complaints (2007)

593 consumer complaints on file.

#11515136April 3, 2023
SUSPENSION
Our 2007 FJ Cruiser when brought in for annual inspection has been deemed unsafe for use due to crack in frame due to corrosion. The vehicle has no other mechanical issues and runs as if new. We invested in 5 new tires and now find ourselves possibly having to purchase a new vehicle. We witnessed all the other Toyota vehicles frames being replaced due to the recall regarding insufficient undercoating and excessive rust. We inquired if our vehicle was included and if there was reason for concern and were told No. We also own a 2010 Prius which we purchased new. We had no reason to question the validity of the answer. Years later we are grateful we did not experience any incident and crack was discovered before one happened. We now want to know why we did not get a replacement as did all the other models.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11508823February 23, 2023
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Rust is inherently bad on these vehicles. The other day i heard a weird noise under my truck driving down the road. As if I flung a rock up and hit a spring or something. To my dismay, I noticed the fuel tank hanging. One of the straps rusted to the point that it broke allowing the fuel tank to droop.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11504331January 29, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER, FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM, SERVICE BRAKES
I recently purchased the used 2007 Toyota FJ with 101,000 miles. During maintenance and inspection, it was found that the fuel tank straps are rusted out and need to be replaced. The rear brake lines are rusted out and need to be replaced. The frame is severely rusted out and failing at the factory welds. I was referred to submit a report and investigate filing a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for negligence, as this is apparently a known issue. I am hoping that the will reach someone that is able to help all the owners with the same issues as this should be recalled and repaired to prevent unnecessary injury or death. This is a huge financial burden for those expecting a quality vehicle that will be safe. Failing brakes, loose gas tanks and weakened frames are recipe for disaster.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11502954January 21, 2023
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frame on my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser has severe corrosion, compromising it's roadworthiness and the safety of occupants. It is available for inspection. Frame would not protect occupants during a crash, and may fail during normal operation. The problem has been confirmed by two independent mechanics. It has not been further inspected. There were no warning lamps or symptoms until discovered by mechanic. Anecdotal information seems to indicate broad and serious corrosion problems with FJ Cruiser frames, but no warnings, recalls, or service bulletins have been issued.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11497287December 13, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Serviced 99% of the time at Toyota dealer. Within a week of having the vehicle serviced by the dealer, I noticed a rattling/banging. One gas strap had completely rusted through, and the other was hanging on by about a quarter inch of material. I always ask the dealer to inspect the frame due to the history of rust problems on FJs—they have never flagged anything but I inspect it as I can myself, but have no way to lift the vehicle up thoroughly. I also have the service fluid applied by Rust Check to prevent/inhibit deterioration. On a sidebar, this summer I was traveling on the interstate when the rear-most crossmember rusted out while I was using a hitch haul to move a dresser to South Carolina.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496901December 10, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
This is a 2007 vehicle I have owned since 2009. One of the two Fuel Tank straps broke in April of 2021. This left one strap holding the tank in place. This happened while driving allowing the tank to drag on ground. I stopped before it became a more serious problem. The strap was completely rusted through. Both straps were replaced. The remaining strap had serious rust as well.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496354December 7, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
took the vehicle to a toyota dealership which stated the frame is dangerous and rusted very badly. they told me to file a complaint since the delaer was not covered under the lemon law
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11496411December 7, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, SUSPENSION
the frame and associated components are severly corroded putting the vehicle in danger of the back axel detaching . i was informed of this by a repair shop who were concerned of the safety of operating vehicle. there is some type of coverage for related vehicles but not for this model. i think this is the same platform which was recalled under a truck model. toyota refuses any coverage or help for this problem. the vehicle has 70k miles but is unsafe to operate. photos are available. although the top of the vehicle is what you would expect with 70k miles, it is unsafe to operate because the back axel could fall off at any time
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11490732October 25, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was planning on trading in my FJ Cruiser, so I took it to our local mechanic to look it over. After he put it on the lift, he showed me that the frame and gas tank straps were rusted out and that it wasn't safe to drive. I took it to another body repair shop and after putting it up on the lift, he said he has never seen a frame so rusted out in his twenty five years of doing body work. I contacted Toyota and they said they would NOT repair the frame.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11489377October 15, 2022
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER, STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
Backing out of my driveway we heard a slight pop and a dragging feel on the right passengers front.( thought I ran over a landscape brick) Stopped and inspected nothing was under the vehicle starting to leave my complex vehicle started to shake some. When I got up to 20 MPH it was obvious I should not drive. Called tow truck. Thought I needed ball joints or something similar. Mechanic said frame was completely rusted out and unfixable. The Toyota FJ cruiser is suppose to be a tough off road SUV which I never used for off road driving They even advertised how tough the frame is in commercials . I see there has been recalls for other Toyota models of SUV and trucks of the same year and their is a class action lawsuit already started I think in California. If I would have continued to the freeway A serious accident would had happened. I contacted Toyota and opened a case # [XXX] which after two communications they closed because there is no recall on the vehicle. The car is in great condition other wise. A frame should last more than 15 years on a truck \SUV designed for off road driving . her are some details of the pending lawsuit: Plaintiffs allege that a manufacturing defect causes excessive rust and corrosion to the frames of 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles. The suit claims the defect weakens the structure of the vehicle, therefore posing a serious safety threat to vehicle occupants. In some cases, vehicles failed to pass safety inspection and are no longer safe to drive. As a result, owners find themselves stuck with a vehicle that is no longer legally allowed on the roads with a greatly diminished resale value. Toyota Activity Marketed the FJ Cruiser with Special “Electrocoat Deposition” Rust Protection Coating Despite Toyota’s marketing highlighting the “Electrocoat Deposition” protective coating, plaintiff’s claim FJ Cruiser frames prematurely rust and corrode at an accelerated rate. The suit states Toyota had been aware of the frame defect, but fail INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11488345October 7, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
I was hauling a hitch hauler in my hitch which was carrying a portable fish house that weighed approximately 80 lb. As I was leaving the parking lot, I heard a loud clunk noise in which when I look back the hitch hauler and my fish house were laying on the road. The vehicle behind me had to swerve out of the way. I had to haul the fish house to the side of the road and as I was inspecting my vehicle realized the hitch and the frame were cracked and not usable. I had to leave my equipment there because I had no way of hauling it back. I brought the truck to an auto body repair shop and there he told me that I have extensive damage and my frame was rotten. I paid him to repair the damage to the best of his ability. He said that the frame was too bad and that I would have to bring it to another specialist. Since then the front body mounts have rotted off.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11487401October 1, 2022
SUSPENSION, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame is rusting out.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11486939September 28, 2022
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
I filled up my truck with gas. Upon driving to work I noticed a loud clank. I looked under the vehicle but it was dark and saw nothing obvious. I continued down the road and heard knocking only when braking hard. When examined in daylight, I could see that the Fuel Tank Support Strap (Rear) rusted thru and the weight of the tank/fuel caused it to shift toward and rub against the Drive Shaft. The loud clank I would hear was caused by the tank being struck by the Drive Shaft balancing weight. The more I research, the more I see others have experienced the same thing. I made it safe until I could procure parts and make the repair. I examined the area and the replaced straps. The rear strap is doomed to fail. The OEM part is painted but exposed in the left rear tire well. Basically, the strap is doomed to be sandblasted by road debris, salt, sand and plain old dirt. Photos and descriptions of others with similar problems are always in the same location. I feel Toyota should make the Straps from a better quality material not as susceptible to corrosive properties of Salt. This is a serious fuel tank issue. If there was a problem with the front strap the rear strap failure could have dropped the tank on the road. Will it take the death(s) of the occupants of affected vehicle should a fire or explosion occur for Toyota to step up and assume responsibility? Or maybe if the tank falls out of the vehicle and car that runs over it then it explodes and kills those occupants will get Toyota's attention? I have retained the failed part should it be needed at a future date for inspection, etc.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483751September 9, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rust has become a major safety issue even though we do rust prevention twice a year.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11483755September 9, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
Toyota used interior metal to make the frame and it has rusted to the point the whole frame needs to replaced.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11476997August 1, 2022
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The frame has rusted to the point the car is not driveable. This is caused by the rust protectant that Toyota used on their FJs frames.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472892July 8, 2022
SUSPENSION, STRUCTURE:BODY, UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Massive amounts of rust underneath the car on the frame and pretty much everything is affected around it. Concerned for my families safety…Toyota needs to address this immediately!!!
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472360July 5, 2022
STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated while having the vehicle routinely serviced, the mechanic observed that the subframe showed severe corrosion. The contact had taken the vehicle to another independent mechanic and had the subframe inspected. The contact was informed that the subframe was dangerously corroded and perforated and that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11472095July 2, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
I purchased this vehicle used in April 2022. It was not driven much until June 2022 because the car was purchased for our son, who attends school at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The goal was to get him a car before his 3 week summer break and he and his sister and his best friend would drive it out to Colorado for him to use throughout his last two years. Their trip began on June 16, 2022, leaving central Ohio. We started getting texts from our daughter about loud noises the car was making while she was sitting in the back seat. Then we started getting texts from our son about noises by the rear tire. We had him check the tires for proper inflation or for any damage. None was reported. My daughter complained about the handling of the vehicle when she was driving. Saying it was not easy to control when going 70 through the plains of the US. They were very pleased to arrive in one piece out in Colorado. My son started to think it was a suspension issue because of the way it handled going over bumpy roads. He took it to a dealer and the dealer took video of the frame, and the black goo used to try and cover the holes and cracks in the frame. $21,000 was their estimate to put a brand new frame on the vehicle. This is a known defect with this vehicle. We should not have to pay for such poor manufacturing.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0
#11469963June 19, 2022
STRUCTURE:BODY
The vehicles frame and other underbody components have rusted extremely badly. The fuel tank straps broke due to rust, the radiator splash guard fell off while driving due to being very rusty, exhaust clamps have also broken due to rust.
Crash:
No
Fire:
No
Injuries:
0
Deaths:
0

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