NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
51 reportsClear category filterMileage unknown · Mar 14, 2024
Power TrainSuspensionUnknown Or Other
The fj cruiser is a common issue for rot/ rust on the frame of the vehicle, I have clean the frame often during the winter months and my frame is continuously rusting and rotting the frame of the vehicle I have decided to not drive the vehicle till the frame is either replaced or repaired due to the safety concern of driving it …
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The fj cruiser is a common issue for rot/ rust on the frame of the vehicle, I have clean the frame often during the winter months and my frame is continuously rusting and rotting the frame of the vehicle I have decided to not drive the vehicle till the frame is either replaced or repaired due to the safety concern of driving it on the road, numerous others have same incidents of the holes in the frame due to rust the manufacturer did not put any kind of corrosion treatment on the frame to stop this from happening the frame flexes when accelerating and is not safe for anyone to including my passengers or other people on the road
NHTSA ODI #11577448
Mileage unknown · Jul 19, 2021
Power TrainStructureUnknown Or Other
recently purchased used from dealership. Excessive rust on lower frame and other components (transmission and power steering lines) as well as suspension. This is not a flood vehicle. Initially took it to Toyota for repairs of the lines and trans. The quote was too high, so I took it to local shops for repair. The local sho…
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recently purchased used from dealership. Excessive rust on lower frame and other components (transmission and power steering lines) as well as suspension. This is not a flood vehicle. Initially took it to Toyota for repairs of the lines and trans. The quote was too high, so I took it to local shops for repair. The local shops were surprised by the amount of rust. Trans was fixed but the shops refused to fix other components that attached to the frame because they fear they will cause more damage. Visited several FJ Cruiser forums and frame rust issues are incredibly common with the FJ, to the point where there are class action lawsuits. Toyota needs to step up and fix this issue for FJ owners!
NHTSA ODI #11425444
Mileage unknown · Jun 9, 2021
Power TrainStructureSuspension
RUST! Frame rust!
NHTSA ODI #11420330
Mileage unknown · Jan 9, 2021
Power TrainSuspensionWheels
I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AN INDIVIDUAL ON DEC. 12, 2020. LESS THAN 30 DAYS AGO. I BROUGHT IT TO THE BODY SHOP TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THE RATTLING SOUND THAT CAME FROM WHEN I HIT A BUMP. THE CARS BODY IS IN GREAT CONDITION. THE MILEAGE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR WAS 183,800. I ASSUMED I MAY NEED TO DO SOME WORK ON THE CAR, BUT TH…
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I PURCHASED THE CAR FROM AN INDIVIDUAL ON DEC. 12, 2020. LESS THAN 30 DAYS AGO. I BROUGHT IT TO THE BODY SHOP TO SEE IF THEY COULD FIX THE RATTLING SOUND THAT CAME FROM WHEN I HIT A BUMP. THE CARS BODY IS IN GREAT CONDITION. THE MILEAGE WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR WAS 183,800. I ASSUMED I MAY NEED TO DO SOME WORK ON THE CAR, BUT THE BODY SHOP TOLD ME THAT THE SOUND I WAS HEARING WAS DIFFERENT PARTS OF THE UNDERCARRIAGE THAT HAD RUSTED SO BADLY THAT THEY WHERE CLOSE TO FALLING OFF. INCLUDING THE GAS TANK. THEY TOLD ME THAT FJ CRUISERS WHERE KNOWN FOR RUSTY UNDER BOTTOMS AND THAT I WOULD BE A SAFETY RISK TO MYSELF AND OTHERS IF I DROVE THE CAR. THEY ALSO SAID THE CAR WAS BEYOND NORMAL REPAIR. I WILL ATTACHED PHOTOS THEY SENT ME. I HAVE DRIVEN THE CAR 1,500 MILES AND IT IS CONSIDERED UNDRIVABLE AND UNFIXABLE. I GOT A SECOND OPINION. WITHOUT KNOWING THE RESULTS OF THE FIRST OPINION THEY CAME TO THE EXACT SAME CONCLUSION. EXCEPT THEY TOLD ME TO REACH OUT TO YOU.
NHTSA ODI #11387313
75,000 miles · Nov 17, 2020
Power TrainService BrakesSuspension
SEVERE RUST ISSUES. ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. ALL POWER STEERING AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT, FUEL LINES ARE NEXT FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED AND BROKE OFF, TANK FELL DOWN. BRAKE PAD PINS REQUIRED CUTTING OFF. PROTECTION PLATES RUSTED OFF. EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT DU…
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SEVERE RUST ISSUES. ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. ALL POWER STEERING AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT, FUEL LINES ARE NEXT FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED AND BROKE OFF, TANK FELL DOWN. BRAKE PAD PINS REQUIRED CUTTING OFF. PROTECTION PLATES RUSTED OFF. EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT DUE TO RUST. ENTIRE FRAME AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVERED IN RUST. ALL THESE ITEMS HAVE CAUSED MULTIPLE SAFETY ISSUES. MULTIPLE STRAPS AND CONNECTIONS FOR VARIOUS COMPONENTS ARE NO LONGER USABLE DUE TO RUST.
NHTSA ODI #11375036
140,000 miles · Sep 15, 2020
Power TrainSuspension
PREMATURE FRAME AND SUSPENSION RUST. I WORRY ABOUT THE SAFETY OF THE VEHICLE WITH HIDDEN RUST POSSIBLY CAUSING A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE.
NHTSA ODI #11355088
Mileage unknown · Apr 14, 2020
Power Train
REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER IS BAD. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO TOYOTA; BAD GEARS IN 2007 MODELS. THEY CORRECTED IT IN 2010 WITH UPGRADED GEARS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY TOYOTA SINCE THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.MY FJ HAS ONLY 80,000 MILES AND NO REAR END SHOULD GO OUT AT THIS LOW MILEAGE.THE REPAIRS FOR THIS AT TOYOTA…
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REAR DIFFERENTIAL CARRIER IS BAD. THIS IS A KNOWN PROBLEM TO TOYOTA; BAD GEARS IN 2007 MODELS. THEY CORRECTED IT IN 2010 WITH UPGRADED GEARS. THIS SHOULD HAVE BEEN RECALLED BY TOYOTA SINCE THEY WERE AWARE OF THE PROBLEM.MY FJ HAS ONLY 80,000 MILES AND NO REAR END SHOULD GO OUT AT THIS LOW MILEAGE.THE REPAIRS FOR THIS AT TOYOTA SERVICE CENTER IS $4,000.00. *TR
NHTSA ODI #11321139
140,000 miles · Mar 6, 2020
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
WHEN I CRUISE ON A HIGHWAY AROUND 70MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I WAS VERY SCARED BUT TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR TO CURB, THEN THE CAR DIED. ONE MINUTE LATER I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR BUT FAILED. I CALLED THE ROAD ASSISTANCE SERVICE. WHEN THEY CAME AND POURED IN ONE GALLON GAS IN THE CAR, THEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. THE PROBLEM I…
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WHEN I CRUISE ON A HIGHWAY AROUND 70MPH, MY CAR SUDDENLY LOST POWER. I WAS VERY SCARED BUT TRIED TO MOVE THE CAR TO CURB, THEN THE CAR DIED. ONE MINUTE LATER I TRIED TO RESTART THE CAR BUT FAILED. I CALLED THE ROAD ASSISTANCE SERVICE. WHEN THEY CAME AND POURED IN ONE GALLON GAS IN THE CAR, THEN THE CAR WAS STARTED. THE PROBLEM IS THAT BEFORE THE CAR DIED, THE FUEL INDICATOR POINTER POINTED AT THE A QUARTER POSITION. THE FUEL EMPTY WARNING LIGHT WAS NOT ON.
NHTSA ODI #11316513
Mileage unknown · May 24, 2019
Power TrainStructureSuspension
FRAME HAS RUST THROUGHOUT. HAD TO REPLACE GAS STRAPS BECAUSE RUSTED THROUGH AND BROKE. REPAIR AXEL BEARING.
NHTSA ODI #11209899
92,000 miles · Nov 21, 2018
Power Train
TAKATA RECALL- REAR DIFFERENTIAL WENT BAD, NO HARD DRIVING, AND CHANGING FLUID FREQUENTLY.
NHTSA ODI #11153017
Official recalls
8Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Apr 25, 2013
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured January 25, 2006 through February 23, 2013 and equipped with a Toyota Auxiliary Driving Lamp Kits mounted to the front bumper. These lamp assemblies include 55 watt bulbs and due to this wattage and mounting angle, the combination of the upper beam headlamps plus the auxiliary lamps are too bright and exceed the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 55 watt bulbs with 35 watt bulbs, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Mar 15, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2013 FJ Cruiser passenger vehicles. The retractors for the front driver and passenger seat belts are mounted in the access door (rear door) panels of the vehicle. Due to insufficient strength of the access door panel, cracks may develop in the panel if the access door is repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If cracks occur in the panel around the lower retractor anchor, the seat belt retractor could become detached, which could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
Remedy: The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Toyota will mail an interim letter to owners late in April 2013. Remedy notifications to the owners for the repair will begin in late May 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Jun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Jun 26, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EITHER BRIDGESTONE DUELER OR DUNLOP GRANDTREK TIRES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE INNER BEAD OF THE TIRE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. IF THE BEAD IS DAMAGED, A BULGE MAY DEVELOP ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE AND AIR MAY LEAK FROM THE AREA OF THE DAMAGED BEAD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TIRE LOSES AIR PRESSURE IT MAY LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FIVE TIRES, INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE, TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE WITHIN THE AFFECTED TIRE-TO-WHEEL ASSEMBLY RANGE AND REPLACE ALL INVOLVED TIRES WITH NEW TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331. NOTE: DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE DOT SERIAL NUMBER SECTION OF THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS, A NUMBER OF VEHICLES WERE NOT INSPECTED CORRECTLY. TOYOTA RELAUNCHED THIS CAMPAIGN IN MID-AUGUST 2006.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗