Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
Limited mileage data: 10 of 23 reports include usable mileage. There isn’t enough coverage to show a useful chart.
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
Structure. Review the 10 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Suspension. Review the 6 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
Air Bags. Review the 3 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
1 crash reports0 fire reports1 injury reports
What owners actually said
23 reports
Mileage unknown · May 8, 2026
Service BrakesStructureSuspension
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 revie…
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11736593
Mileage unknown · Feb 11, 2026
Power TrainSteeringSuspension
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. …
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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.
NHTSA ODI #11717366
Mileage unknown · Mar 14, 2025
Air BagsCrashInjury
I had a car accident on Feb 10, 2025 and my air bag did not deploy
NHTSA ODI #11648412
80,000 miles · Aug 5, 2024
Structure
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Upon having the vehicle inspected by a State Inspector, the contact was informed that there was significant corrosion on the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the corrosion failure was a result of normal wear and tear. The conta…
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The contact owns a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Upon having the vehicle inspected by a State Inspector, the contact was informed that there was significant corrosion on the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the corrosion failure was a result of normal wear and tear. The contact was referred to an independent mechanic who specialized in vehicle undercoating to prevent further corrosion damage to the vehicle. Despite the vehicle being treated for the corrosion damage, the contact was recently informed that the corrosion damage had worsened, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
NHTSA ODI #11606446
Mileage unknown · May 23, 2022
Suspension
I went down the road & hit a bump my car rocked a little so I stopped to check the lug nuts & see if anything was wrong. I did not see anything. So, I continued to go pick my friend up as I was driving down the freeway anytime I hit a bump the car rocked more the faster I went. So I slowed down & watched traffic around me. Picke…
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I went down the road & hit a bump my car rocked a little so I stopped to check the lug nuts & see if anything was wrong. I did not see anything. So, I continued to go pick my friend up as I was driving down the freeway anytime I hit a bump the car rocked more the faster I went. So I slowed down & watched traffic around me. Picked my friend up, went on the ramp and hit another bump and bam, my vehicle went so high up in the air my friend thought we were going to roll over. I immediately got off the freeway & there was a dealership right there. I asked if they could look at it & they wouldn't, they were too busy. I managed to baby it all the way back to my dealership. They said the control bar came away from the frame that was rotted. I called my insurance co. they said nothing they could do because of wear & tear. They did not view anything but pictures. I called claims & they said my VIN has no recalls that they won't do anything. They did not look at anything. I asked that they call my dealership to have them tell them how serious this could have been. They said my warranty was up in July of 2021. I had no letters to tell me this. I have only had it serviced at the dealership when it was due for service, nowhere else. I found out claims previously have been paid through a lawsuit on frames. Frames should last longer than this even in inclement weather. I also had it fluid filmed. Nobody will do anything & it's scary. Sad they want an accident before they look at things. I hope you can address this some way. Thank You.
NHTSA ODI #11465817
Mileage unknown · Dec 14, 2021
StructureSuspension
Frame rust. Gas tank strap rust. Undercarriage rusted.
NHTSA ODI #11443720
Mileage unknown · Oct 10, 2021
Structure
Severely rusted & rotting frame. Diagnosed by Mike’s Automotive, Sturgeon Bay, Wi.
NHTSA ODI #11436206
Mileage unknown · Aug 14, 2021
Unknown Or Other
Severe frame, structural and fuel tank strap rust.
NHTSA ODI #11429121
Mileage unknown · Jun 29, 2021
Structure
The frame on my vehicle is incredibly rusty. Upon further research, I've found that this is a chronic problem FJ Cruisers. Many frames have rusted to the point where there is structural damage thereby rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. I know that Toyota issued a recall for Tacoma trucks for this very issue, and I would like…
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The frame on my vehicle is incredibly rusty. Upon further research, I've found that this is a chronic problem FJ Cruisers. Many frames have rusted to the point where there is structural damage thereby rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. I know that Toyota issued a recall for Tacoma trucks for this very issue, and I would like to have a recall issued for the FJ as I'm incredibly concerned for my safety.
NHTSA ODI #11422743
Mileage unknown · May 31, 2021
Unknown Or Other
I purchased a used Toyota FJ Cruiser in June 2019 with 25,441 miles on it from Luv Toyota in Lakewood, NY. The car was purchased sight unseen with cash from a Toyota dealership and shipped to me in Sugar Land, TX. When the vehicle arrived it was covered in frame and total underbody rust. The vehicle is completely unsafe to dr…
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I purchased a used Toyota FJ Cruiser in June 2019 with 25,441 miles on it from Luv Toyota in Lakewood, NY. The car was purchased sight unseen with cash from a Toyota dealership and shipped to me in Sugar Land, TX. When the vehicle arrived it was covered in frame and total underbody rust. The vehicle is completely unsafe to drive and I have driven it less than 1000 miles since it was purchased 2 years ago. After numerous attempts to receive a refund from Luv Toyota and Toyota Motors Corp I have given up. A 5 year old vehicle with less than 30,000 miles should not be completely rusted out. This is a complete fraudulent transaction. Toyota Corp does not stand by their vehicles or their franchise dealerships.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
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.
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0
No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.
2013 Toyota Fj Cruiser Problems, Complaints & Recalls | Skip That Year