2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Routine

Owners filed 124 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the body and frame. It has been recalled 11 times.

Not among the Toyota FJ Cruiser years to avoid. Which Toyota FJ Cruiser years to avoid →

When it fails
020k40k60k90k120k200k
30,600 milesMedian miles at failure

96 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 10,000–20,000 miles.

Most common 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser problems

38 of the 124 complaints (31%) are about the body and frame.

ComponentReportsCrashesFiresInjuries
Structure › Body · body and frame33
000
Service Brakes, Hydraulic · brakes13
000
Seat Belts12
000
Service Brakes · brakes9
100
Service Brakes, Electric · brakes8
000
Unknown or Other7
000
Steering4
000
Vehicle Speed Control · throttle and acceleration3
000
Structure · body and frame3
000
Fuel/Propulsion System · fuel and propulsion system3
000

11 safety recalls

Part 573 reports
Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler16V396000
Filed Jun 2, 20167,749 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater/Cooler14V743000
Filed Nov 19, 20143,233 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels14V475000
Filed Aug 4, 201420,000 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Exterior Lighting13V163000
Filed Apr 25, 2013208,000 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage13V098000
Filed Mar 15, 2013209,000 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment12E046000
Filed Oct 17, 2012200,000 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

Defect. Toyota is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, P/N PTR09-35070, and TRD High-Performance brake kits, P/N PTR09-35100, installed by Toyota vehicle processing centers and sold by Toyota dealers as an optional accessory for model year 2007 through 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vehicles. The subject TRD brake kit is specifically designed for the front wheels of 2007-2012 model year FJ Cruiser vehicles. Due to the shape of the outer brake tube of the brake kit, the clearance between the outer brake tube and a TRD 16 inch 6-spoke alloy wheel is minimal. If wheel balance weights are installed in an incorrect location, there is a possibility that the outer brake tube could be damaged due to interference with the balance weight, and brake fluid could leak from the damaged tube.

Risk. If a brake tube becomes damaged and leaks fluid, it may result in increased stopping distances, and in some cases, loss of vehicle front braking performance, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Remedy. All known owners of 2007-2012 model year FJ Cruiser vehicles will be notified by first class mail. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, the brake caliper outer brake tube will be replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. During this service, if necessary, the dealer will make wheel balance adjustments. This remedy will be performed even if the vehicle has original equipment 16 inch or 17 inch wheels or TRD 16 inch Beadlock ring type wheels, which are not affected by the condition, to assure sufficient clearance in the event wheels are changed at a later time. Notification to owners began on December 17, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.

Tires › Pressure Monitoring and Regulating Systems11V148000
Filed Mar 4, 201122,000 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.

Risk. FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.

Remedy. FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.

Equipment10E043000
Filed Sep 3, 2010294 vehiclesMarathon Seat Covers, Inc.

Defect. MARATHON IS RECALLING CERTAIN SEAT COVERS, BRAND SUPERHIDES WITH PART NUMBERS 593, 594, 578, 960, 228, 228-09, 267-08, 333, 625, AND 630, SOLD FOR USE AS AFTERMARKET EQUIPMENT FOR VARIOUS PASSENGER VEHICLES. THESE SEAT COVERS ARE MADE OF HEAVIER THREAD AND ARE NOT COMPATIBLE WITH SEATS CONTAINING SIDE AIRBAGS. THE HEAVIER SEAT COVER COULD INTERFERE WITH FULL DEPLOYMENT OF THE AIRBAG IN THE EVENT OF A CRASH.

Risk. AN IMPROPERLY DEPLOYED AIRBAG COULD RESULT IN SERIOUS INJURY.

Remedy. MARATHON WILL NOTIFY OWNERS OF RECORD AND REPLACE THE SEAT COVER FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 14, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT MARATHON AT 1-800-735-2769.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V035000
Filed Feb 3, 2010271,417 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels10V036000
Filed Feb 3, 2010153,418 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC

Defect. 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.

Risk. 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.

Equipment › Other › Labels09V223000
Filed Jun 15, 200927,080 vehiclesToyota Motor North America, Inc.

Defect. 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."

Risk. 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.

All 11 campaigns on file, newest first.

What owners reported

Newest filings
Steering
Filed Sep 11, 2026OR

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.

Suspension
Filed May 1, 2026MA

Chassis frame rotted

Unknown or Other
Filed Dec 6, 2025MI

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.

Steering
Filed Oct 10, 2024197,000 milesNY

The contact owns a 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the contact became aware that the electronic power steering was not functioning properly, requiring increased steering wheel rotation before the vehicle started to maneuver in either direction. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer or an independent mechanic. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was 197,000.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 26, 2024MA

Premature frame rust

Wheels
Filed Dec 2, 2023FL

The frame of the vehicle is rotted out. Holes in it. Front to back , side to side ROTTED. TOYOTA DEALER looked at it at my request when it was in for service and said it was very bad. I’m [XXX] on Social Security, I cannot afford a frame or a new car. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Seat Belts
Filed Sep 17, 2023FL

Seat belt just started to not work. retractor is not working and I am concern for my safety due to relocating to Florida and seat belt is not working.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 26, 2023OH

The brakes are constantly binding up due to rust and need replaced, recently ABS brake lines rusted off causing me to miss a stop sign, very dangerous, Upper rear control arm mount rusted and cracked completely off causing steering and braking problems and had to be replaced to even use this vehicle, , The front rack has been replaced due to excessive rust of lines and fittings, same with transmission cooler lines-rotted off...brake backing plates rotted off.. Even though I have had this undercoated and rust treated, the frame is rusting inside-out...frame braces, everything on the frame is rusted much more than one would expect, even in a salt state like Ohio....my safety was put at risk by faulty brakes, the frame is not safe under hard braking and may cause an accident, the dealer has seen this vehicle, a local independent says "get rid of it"...no warning lamps, just wild things happen with brakes, pulls left, pulls right, front, then back and this past time ...NONE!...only 111,000 miles.

Service Brakes
Filed Jan 20, 2023MD

On the home my wife went to apply the brakes and she had no brake pressure. The pedal went all the way to the floor. Then several lights and a buzzer sound started, and she could not stop the car. She was able to pull up on the e-brake just before she drove completely into the intersection, where several cars were driving in both directions. The front end of car ended partially in the north bound lane of US MD-5. There was also a home at the end of the road that she could have also driven into. I researched on several forums where other owners have had the same issue and the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. No TSB or recall has been made, but the number of people that have had this issue, something should have been done. My 4-year-old daughter was in the car, and I could have lost both of them. People need to aware of this. I had no idea that a total brake failure was possible with these vehicles.

Chest Clip, Buckle, Harness
Filed Dec 8, 2022TN

I was given this car seat as a gift 12/18/2021. The metal buckle is inserted backwards on the left side. This results in a twist of the seat belt that can’t be corrected. I cannot remove the metal piece to fix this because the strap is sewn together. I thought it was just twisting because that’s what car seats sometimes do. But when I remove the padding to clean it today I realized it was a manufacturer error.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jun 18, 2022PA

Rear fuel tank strap rusted and broke, leaving my tank hanging several inches lower to the ground.

Unknown or Other
Filed May 17, 2022FL

After buying my vehicle I have began to notice a growing rust problem that is not due to salt water or other environmental conditions, but clearly a defect in manufacturing. After joining a few Facebook groups with other FJ owners I’ve found countless other people have had the same problem and that without massive trust removal my vehicle is expected to have failures in the frame and suspension at some point.

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Mar 18, 2022CA

My Toyota FJ Cruiser 2008 "FUEL PUMP" failed to indicate the amount of gasoline I had in the tank, the car completely stop working on the freeway while I was driving approximately at 70 MPH right in the fast lane, the car/motor just ugly shook and suddenly it stall/shut down... luckily the cars behind me were able to maneuver their cars and avoided a possible crash. I tried to start the car again and gave me some forward jumps until i got it off of the road. the gas panel indicator was still reading 1/2 filled tank but not gas inside tank...I called freeway service patrol (511) and they Offered me a gallon of gas, as i run out (they saved my day). i thought this was just one hit wonder problem but not the car has been getting me in trouble ever since now my wife drives it too, she or me assume there is still gas in the car and out of the blue i wind out carrying gas in a red gallon... i asked mechanics if they can replace but they said no easy - access to replace the pump is not well designed to extract the fuel pump and the floor mats on the car and the rear seat must be removed and some how the car will have some cosmetic damage... best is to lower the full gas tank from underneath but there is also a problem as the wire connector length are extremely short and they must be cut out and add extensions after replacing pump and may affect sensor lights... and repair for that is quite expensive. The car pump goes up when full tank but as gas is used needle stops at 1/2 mark and

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 10, 2021TX

The driver seat belt will not contract back.

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 31, 2021TX

The frame of my Truck has started to rust out as to many FJ Cruisers. It's been a known issue that these frame have this problem along with the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra. Which Toyota have a recall on those two models but they've yet to recognize the Toyota FJ Cruiser for the same issue. If this issue isn't resolved, it can result in weak points in the chassis making those area fail and cause an accident underload. I have had my shop look at it and said they can only treat the affected areas so much but the issue will keep coming back over time as rust does not go away unless its cut out. For the safety for myself, any FJ Owners as well as the roads we share with the public I hope that we get this issue corrected through the Manufacturer. Thank you

Unknown or Other
Filed Jul 7, 2021WI

The rear fuel tank strap broke due to corrosion and it was retained. The Fuel tank was spotted hanging lower than normal after driving on a long trip on a vacation. I removed the tank shield and have removed the vehicle from service until new tank straps arrive. No police or insurance have been contacted. There was no warning of this failure or evidence this failure was imminent.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 7, 2021WI

While inspecting a broken rear fuel tank strap, several holes were noticed in the frame of the vehicle. Excessive corrosion was present all along the welds on the frame and its crossmembers. There were spots where I could poke my finger through the frame. There was no warning that this corrosion was happening. I am the third owner of this FJ and it was inspected before I purchased it. The vehicle has not yet been taken to a dealership, police or an insurance company.

Service Brakes
Filed May 10, 2021CA

UPON HARD BRAKING, IF VEHICLE HITS A BUMP, POTHOLE, UNEVEN ROAD SURFACE, ETC, THE ABS KICKS IN MAKING IT ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP UNLESS I COMPLETELY RELEASE THE BRAKES THUS REQUIRING ME TO SLAM ON IT HARD TO PREVENT REAR ENDING ANOTHER OBJECT.

Structure › Body
Filed Apr 3, 2021188,900 milesOH

GAS TANK SUPPORT STRAPS FAILED WHILE DRIVING. DEALER INSTALLED TEMPORARY NYLON RATCHET STRAPS UNTIL PARTS ARRIVED.

Steering
Filed Mar 17, 2021137,000 milesMO

MY STEERING HAD BECOME STIFF, NO STEERING FLUID LEAKS OR ISSUES WITH THE RACK, DEALER DROVE VEHICLE SAID NOTHING IT WRONG. I GOT HOME AND TOOK A BETTER LOOK, THE U JOINTS ON THE LOWER INTERMEDIATE STEERING SHAFT ARE RUSTED AND ROTTED. THE STEERING IN NOTICEABLY TIGHT AND HAS TROUBLE RETURNING TO CENTER.

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 27, 2021FL

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT NOT RETRACTING

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 10, 2021130,000 milesGA

FRAME, SUSPENSION, AND BRAKES HAVE EXTREME DAMAGE FROM RUST. REAR BRAKES ARE NON-FUNCTIONAL BECAUSE OF RUST.

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 3, 202150,000 milesNC

EXTREME RUST AND CRACKING IN FRAME

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 10, 2020MN

EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME AND UNDERCARRIAGE. NEEDED TO BE CLEANED AND TREATED.

Structure › Body
Filed Sep 27, 202035,000 milesOH

THIS VEHICLE STARTED TO DEVELOPE RUST IMMEDIATELY AFTER PURCHASE. THE VEHICLE IS A 2008 AND IS SCARY RUSTY ON THE FRAME AND OTHER COMPONENTS. AN ABNORMAL AMOUNT OF RUST COMPARED TO OTHER 2008 ERA VEHICLES. EVENTUALLY ONE OF THESE FAULTY FRAMES ARE GOING TO BREAK IN A HIGH SPEED SCENARIO AND SERIOUS INJURY OR DEATH WILL OCCUR. MY OTHERWISE PERFECT FJ CRUISER ONLY HAS 35000 MILES ON IT AND SAT IN STORAGE FOR THE WINTER OF 2016 AND 2017.

Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 6, 2020160,277 milesKY

THE REAR GAS TANK STRAP SNAPPED ON THE VEHICLE (THE STRAP SIDE FACING TO THE OUTSIDE OF THE VEHICLE). THE STRAP FAILED DUE TO RUST. THE STRAP MUST HAVE SNAPPED WHEN I HIT A BUMP IN THE ROAD. HOWEVER, I DID NOT KNOW THAT THE STRAP HAD FAILED UNTIL I HAPPENED TO BE STANDING BEHIND THE VEHICLE ONE DAY AND NOTICED THE TANK SAGGING. THEREFORE, I DO NOT KNOW HOW MANY DAYS THAT I HAD BEEN DRIVING AROUND WITH THE TANK HANGING, SUPPORTED ONLY BY THE FRONT STRAP. BUT I THINK THAT POSSIBLY I NOTICED THE FAILURE WITHIN ONE DAY OF THE FAILURE. THE RED STRAP IN THE PHOTO IS MY TEMPORARY SUPPORT UNTIL I CAN HAVE THE STRAPS REPLACED.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 27, 2020143,000 milesFL

2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER FRAME ROTTING FROM INSIDE AND OUT. ALL SUSPENSION COMPONENTS HAVE BEEN REPLACED DUE PARTS FAILING BECAUSE OF CORROSION THAT BLED OVER FROM THE FRAME TO INCLUDE BOTH FRONT STEERING KNUCKLES, TWO PARTS THAT ONLY EVER GET REPLACED IN THE EVENT OF AN ACCIDENT. SEVERAL FRAME SUPPORTS HAVE CORRODED FROM THE INSIDE OUT AND ARE FLAKING OFF. BRAKE COMPONENTS THAT RUN ALONG THE FRAME HAVE CORRODED FROM THE FRAME TO THE BRACKET THAT HOLDS THEM TO THE LINES THEMSELVES. CAUSE A SLOW BRAKE LEAK OVER TIME THAT EVENTUALLY RESULTED IN A DANGEROUS NEAR ACCIDENT SITUATION THAT WAS CAUSED BY COMPLETE IMMEDIATE LACK OF BRAKE PRESSURE. EVASIVE DRIVING AND A SOUND MIND AVOIDED A LEGITIMATE ACCIDENT, HAD TO TOW THE TRUCK TO A SHOP. UNSAFE TO DRIVE. FRAME WILL NOT HOLD UP IN AN ACCIDENT. 12 YEAR OLD FRAME SHOULD NOT BE ANYWHERE NEAR THIS CONDITION. DUE TO OVERSIGHTS AT THE MANUFACTURER THIS FRAME IS NOW CORRODING FROM THE INSIDE OUT.

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 27, 2020160,903 milesNY

SEVERE RUST ON ALL PARTS OF THE FRAME 'UNDERCARRIAGE', BRAKE LINES, GAS TANK STRAPS. THIS ISSUE HAS BEEN WIDELY REPORTED BY FJ OWNERS AND NOTHING DONE BY THE MANUFACTURER. TRUCK WAS NEVER DRIVEN THROUGH SALT WATER NOR IS IT STORED BY THE WATER FRONT. I AM FRIGHTENED THAT IN AN ACCIDENT THE WHOLE BODY OF THE TRUCK WILL JUST COME OFF THE FRAME.

Structure › Body
Filed Jun 17, 202073,000 milesPA

THE FRAME AND SUSPENSION PIECES ON MY FJ HAVE RUSTED DUE TO POOR COATINGS AND MATERIALS USED BY TOYOTA. *TR

Structure › Body
Filed Mar 7, 2020216,000 milesIL

VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY IN DRIVEWAY MY FRAME, SOME SUSPENSION COMPONENTS, AND MY ROCKER PANELS WERE FALLING APART IN MY HANDS

Structure › Body
Filed Feb 3, 202039,000 milesMA

SEVER RUSTING OF FRAME, BREAK AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS AND BRACKETS. THIS 2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER IS QUICKLY BECOMING A SAFETY HAZARD ON THE ROADS. I HAVE A 92 SABB AND A 93 VW THAT DON'T HAVE HAVE THE RUST ISSUES THIS TOYOTA HAS. TOYOTA SHOULD HAVE RECALLED THE FJ CRUISERS FOR FAULTY FRAMES AND UNDERCARRIAGE LONG AGO.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 25, 202033,000 milesOH

EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FUEL TANK STRAPS AND VEHICLE FRAME. UNDERBODY OF THIS VEHICLE COULDN'T HAVE BEEN MANUFACTURED TO U.S CORROSION STANDARDS SINCE I'VE NOT SEEN ANY AMERICAN VEHICLES WITH THIS WIDESPREAD RUST ISSUE.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 24, 2020CO

THE VEHICLE HAS A SEVERELY RUSTY FRAME. REST OF THE FJ BODY IS MINT WITH A TOTAL OF 80K MILES. THE REAR CROSS SECTION WHERE THE GEM HITCH BOLTS TO IS PARTICULARLY BAD AND HAS HOLE. THE HITCH ITSELF IS ALSO SITTING A LITTLE CROOKED WHICH I BELIEVE IS DUE TO THE POOR STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY OF THE CROSS BAR. TOWING IS OUT OF THE QUESTION AT THIS POINT BUT MORE IMPORTANTLY, I AM VERY WORRIED WHAT MIGHT HAPPEN IN AN EVENT I GET REAR ENDED.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 23, 202030,000 milesKY

WE BOUGHT OUR FJ CRUISER NEW IN 2008. I HAVE METICULOUSLY MAINTAINED (WITH SEVICE RECORDS FROM TOYOTA DEALERSHIP), AND I HA E ALWAYS KEPT IT METICULOUS INSIDE AND OUT. THE VEHICLE IS A 2008 WITH 100K MILES AND LOOKS BRAND NEW UP TOP... HOWEVER THE UNDERCARRIAGE IS A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT STORY. NO MATTER HOW OFTEN I CLEANED THE FRAME, SUSPENSION, AND DRIVETRAIN I COULD NOT KEEP THE RUST AT BAY, NOW I'M EXTREMELY CONCERNED ABOUT MY FAMILIES SAFETY. I'M WORRIED BRACKETS ARE ABOUT TO RUST OFF, AND BODY MOUNTS AND BOLTS ARE SHOWING SEVERE RUST, THIS IS UNACCEPTABLE. I HAVE NEVER SEEN A CARS UNDERCARRIAGE RUST SO QUICKLY AND COMPLETELY IN ALL MY LIFE. THIS NEEDS TO BE REMEDIED BEFORE PEOPLE START GETTING HURT WHILE DRIVING WITH THESE WITH THESE UNSAFE CHASSIS AND COMPONENTS. AND MY GAS TANK STRAPS ARE ROTTING FAST. I HAVE OWNED TOYOTA'S MY WHOLE LIFE. I CURRENTLY OWN 5 DIFFERENT LAND CRUISERS. WE LOVED OUR FJ AND BOUGHT IT BECAUSE WE THOUGHT IT WOULD LAST.

Structure › Body
Filed Jan 7, 202045,000 milesMA

EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE FRAME. VEHICLE IS MAINTAINED VERY WELL, BUT FRAME RUST CONTINUES TO GET WORSE. THIS IS A KNOWN ISSUE WITH THE FJ CRUISER ON ALL THE FORMS ONLINE. TOYOTA HAS YET TO FILE A RECALL ON OUR VEHICLES. OTHER TOYOTA VEHICLES THAT USE THE SAME FRAME HAVE ALREADY BEEN RECALLED. THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF US WITH A ROTTING IN FRAMES AND TOYOTA WILL DO NOTHING.

Structure › Body
Filed Dec 13, 2019214,000 milesIL

FRAME RUSTED WAY TOO EARLY IN ITS LIFE TIME

Structure › Body
Filed Nov 8, 20191,350,000 milesPA

EXTENSIVE FRAME RUST, HEAVY RUST ON REAR CROSSMEMBER AND REAR AXLE, BODY MOUNTS

Structure › Body
Filed Jul 16, 201996,000 milesRI

I HAVE COMPLAINED TO TOYOTA ABOUT THE RUST FORM THE START OF OWNERSHIP, THERE RESPONSE WAS THAT THE FRAMES WERE MADE IN AMERICA. DOES MATTER WHERE IT WAS MADE JUST THE SUPER POOR QUALITY OF THE METAL. I BELIEVE THIS IS THE SAME FRAME AS THE TUNDRA'S AND THEY ARE ALL RECALLED WHY NOT THE FJ CRUISERS?

Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Jul 11, 2019200,000 milesFL

THE FRAME ON MY FJ CRUISER IT LITERATELY ROTTING TO NOTHING. AS ARE MOST PRODUCED FROM 2007 - 2012 I HAVE BEGGED TOYOTA FOR HELP AND A RESOLUTION LIKE WITH THE TUNDRA AND TACOMA FRAME ROTTING ISSUES. THIS IS A MAJOR SAFETY ISSUE AND SOMEONE IS GOING TO GET HURT OR KILLED. MY CONTROL ARE IN ROTTING AWAY FROM THE FRAME. AS YOU CAN SEE IN THE PICTURE THE THIS IS BAD BAD. FJ CRUISER WAS STATIONARY.

Electrical System
Filed Jun 4, 2019150,000 milesIL

THERE APPEARS TO BE A SHORT IN SOME WIRING. MY TURN SIGNAL/HAZARDS FUSE BLOWS EVER TIME I TRY TO TURN THEM ON.

Seat Belts
Filed Dec 1, 2018145,000 milesCA

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT DOES NOT RETRACT. STAYS LOOSE OVER CHEST. THERE WAS A RECALL OVER THIS BUT FOR SOME REASON MY FJ WASN'T IN THE RECALL.

Seat Belts
Filed Nov 9, 2018AZ

SEAT BELTS NO LONGER WORKING,ENDS DO NOT CLICK TOGETHER TO SECURE SAFETY

Suspension
Filed Oct 30, 201880,000 milesWA

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2008 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 2 MPH, THE PASSENGER SIDE FRONT BALL JOINT FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO AUTONATION TOYOTA SPOKANE VALLEY (8600 E SPRAGUE AVE, SPOKANE VALLEY, WA 99212, (509) 850-9359) TO BE REPAIRED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED HOWEVER, THE FAILURE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 80,000.

Seat Belts › Front
Filed Apr 16, 201860,000 milesNY

PASSANGER SIDE SEAT BELT RUSTED OUT AND STOPPED RETRACTING AT 60K MILES. DRIVER SIDE IS ALSO STARTING TO GO.

Seat Belts
Filed Oct 16, 2017170,000 milesTX

DRIVER SIDE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR STOPPED WORKING. SEAT BELT IS FULLY EXTENDED AND WILL NOT RETRACT THE SEAT BELT. ONLINE RESEARCH SHOWS SEAT BELT RETRACTOR SPRINGS ARE RUSTING INTERNALLY, THUS PREVENTING THE RETRACTOR FROM RETURNING THE SEAT BELT TO NORMAL POSITION. DRIVING, PARKING, ETC. WILL NOT RESULT IN THE SEAT BELT RETRACTING AT ALL.

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 29, 201788,000 milesOH

HELLO, TOYOTA CALIPERS AND CALIPER PISTONS HAVE A PROBLEM. THE PISTONS OR CALIPERS ARE CORRODING AND CAUSING DELAYED EMPLOYMENT OF BRAKING ON THAT CALIPER. UNDERSTAND THAT THE CALIPERS THAT ARE WORKING CORRECTLY WILL "PULL" TO THE SIDE THEY ARE ON AND THE CALIPER THAT HAS A PROBLEM WILL HAVE A DELAYED ENGAGEMENT. THIS IS EXTREMELY DANGEROUS. THE "GOOD" CALIPER CAUSES THE CAR TO PULL TO THAT SIDE, THEN THE "BAD" CALIPER ENGAGES PULLING THE CAR BACK THE OTHER WAY. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE RELEASED, THE "GOOD" CALIPER LETS GO AND THE "BAD" CALIPER RELEASES A FEW SECONDS LATER. UNDERSTAND THAT THIS CAN HAPPEN ON ANY OF THE FOUR CALIPERS FRONT OR REAR. THE COMBINATIONS OF GOOD AND BAD CALIPERS CAN CAUSE THE CAR TO ZIG ZAG LEFT OR RIGHT UNPREDICTABLY, PULLING LEFT OR RIGHT, AND IF THE DRIVER IS NOT READY FOR IT, CAN CAUSE A BIG PROBLEM CONTROLLING THE CAR. HARD TO EXPLAIN THE COMPLEXITY OF THE VARIOUS BRAKING RESPONSES YOU CAN GET WITH THIS PROBLEM, BUT CHECK THE COMMENTS ON THE INTERNET AND KNOW THAT THERE ARE THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE WITH ISSUES WITH FJ CRUISERS, FOUR RUNNERS ETC. I HAVE HAD THREE CALIPERS REPLACED UNDER WARRANTY, BUT THE PROBLEM IS RETURNING. TOYOTA KNOWS THEY HAVE A PROBLEM, BUT AS USUAL, NO PUBLIC ACKNOWLEDGEMENT. PLEASE DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT. YOU CAN CONTACT ME ANYTIME, [XXX]. THIS IS A PROBLEM AND PLEASE LOOK INTO IT. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

Service Brakes
Filed Sep 8, 201770,496 milesOH

BRAKE CALIPER AND BRAKE CALIPER PISTONS BIND IN CALIPER BORE CAUSING THE VEHICLE TO PULL TO ONE SIDE OR THE OTHER DEPENDING ON WHICH SIDE THE PROBLEM IS. WHEN THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THE "GOOD" CALIPERS DO THEIR JOB, BUT THE BAD CALIPER PISTONS ARE MOMENTARILY STUCK AND THIS CAUSES THE CAR TO PULL TO THE GOOD SIDE AS THE BRAKES ARE APPLIED, THEN A MOMENT LATER THE "BAD" BRAKE PISTONS LET LOOSE AND THE CAR PULLS BACK THE OTHER WAY. ALSO THEN AS THE PISTONS ARE BOUND, WHEN THE BRAKES ARE RELEASED, THE GOOD SIDE PISTONS RETRACT, BUT THE BAD SIDE BIND ON RETURN, SO PULLING TO THE BAD SIDE. THIS IS MOST NOTICED ON THE FRONT BRAKES BUT ALSO OCCUR ON THE BACK. NOTE THAT THE "BAD" SIDE ON THE BACK MAY NOT BE THE SAME SIDE AS "BAD" ON THE FRONT, CAUSING A ZIG-ZAG TYPE PULLING , FRONT ONE WAY, BACK THE OTHER AND CAN BE VERY UNPTEDICTABLE, PARTICULARLY WHEN SUDDEN OR "PANIC" BRAKING OCCURS. I PURCHASED AN EXTENDED WARRANTY WITH THE CAR AND TOYOTA AUTHORIZED AND THE DEALER DID REPLACE THREE COMPLETE CALIPERS NO CHARGE UNDER MY EXTENDED TOYOTA WARRANTY. HOWEVER SUBSEQUENT COMPLAINTS BROUGHT THE REGIONAL SERVICE REP TO A MEETING AT MY REQUEST WHERE WE WENT TO AN EMPTY PARKING LOT AND CONDUCTED "PANIC" STOPS SEVERAL TIMES AT 35 MPH AND ONE AT 40 MPH WITH NOT DUPLICATION OF MY COMPLAINTS. I AM SUSPICIOUS THAT THE PANIC STOPPING IS A WAY TO GET WHAT WOULD BE CALLED A "PROPORTIONING CONTROL VALVE" TO UN-STICK. THIS VALVE AS I CALL IT IS A DEVICE THAT BALANCES BRAKE FLUID PRESSURE TO ALL FOUR C

Structure › Body
Filed Aug 15, 2017120,000 milesAZ

BOTH INNER FRONT FENDERS ARE CRACKED. I DON'T KNOW HOW THIS HAPPENED, THE VEHICLE HAS NEVER BEEN INVOLVED IN ANY SORT OF ACCIDENT.

Seat Belts
Filed Jun 20, 2017149,358 milesCO

SEAT BELTS FOR BOTH DRIVER'S SIDE AND PASSENGER SIDE DO NOT RETRACT BACK COMPLETELY ONCE USED. ESPECIALLY, THE DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT WAS GETTING WORSE AS IT WAS USED. FINALLY, DRIVER'S SIDE SEAT BELT LOCKED AND DOES NOT PULL OR RETRACT. TAKING IT TO THE DEALERSHIP...

Seat Belts
Filed Feb 28, 201785,000 milesCA

DRIVER SEAT BELT WONT RETRACT. DEFECT ON RECALL AND REPORTEDLY REPAIRED ON 08-15-13 AT CARSON CITY SCION, NEVADA. THE DEFECT REMAINS AS SEAT BELT WILL NOT RETRACT. I PURCHASED VEHICLE USED IN JULY, 2016; SEAT BELT RETRACTED THEN BUT WAS VERY LOOSE REQUIRING ADJUSTMENT CONSTANTLY. I CONTACTED TOYOTA OF SALINAS ON 2/28/17 AND SPOKE WITH SERVICE MANAGER DON CORRELL. CORRELL INFORMED ME HIS COMPANY WOULD NOT REPAIR THE DEFECT AS TOYOTA IN CARSON CITY ALREADY DID. I THEN SHOWED HIM, AND SERVICE ASSISTANT IVAN GONZALES OF THE DEFECT AND ADVISED THEM THE SAFETY DEFECT WAS NOT PROPERLY REPAIRED AND REMAINS DEFECTIVE AND UNSAFE DUE TO REPAIR DEFICIENCY AS IT WAS SELF EVIDENT THE ALLEGED REPAIR WAS NOT DONE PROPERLY. CORRELL'S RESPONSE WAS: : WE ARE NOT GOING TO FIX YOUR CAR".

Complaints 1-50 of 124, newest first, reproduced as filed.

Across model years

Worst on record: 2007
YearComplaintsRecallsFiresDeathsAssessment
20150100Routine
201430500Routine
201323400Routine
201241510Routine
201123700Routine
2010661210Routine
200971200Routine
2008 — this page1241110Routine
2007593950Above average
20061000Routine

Compare every FJ Cruiser year →

Reading this record

No unusual pattern of severe incidents in the complaint record.

Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.

Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.

Most recent recall on file: Jun 2, 2016. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.