*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.
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…
Aug 17, 2026Tires
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,…
Jun 12, 2026Fuel/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…
Nov 14, 2025Engine
No proper rust protection causing corrosion and irreparable transmission damage.
Aug 26, 2024Structure › Body
The frame has rusted so badly it no longer is road safe and the frame needs to be replaced. Large hole in frame on front passenger side, and bad rusting all over. Mechanics said this is a known issue with FJ and Tacoma frames , and in my case the only solution is to replace the frame, which will cost (with associated work) $22K.
Feb 9, 2023Steering
I have a dangerous steering issue. I tried to get my Toyota dealer to fix it, or adjust it but they said nothing was wrong. I feel they didn't want to even try. This issue has almost led to head-on collisions many times. I have replaced the tires, no help there. I had it aligned, (at dealer I purchased it from) with no improvements at all. What it does is, to stay in the center of the road I can not turn my head away from constantly adding steering input. This is an issue a big one, my car Drifts left or right but rarely goes straight when steered straight, I must constantly make adjustments to its direction. Before I replace the tires again, (the car has only 53,000 miles on it) and align…
Sep 17, 2010Structure › BodyCrash
The frame has alot of rust on metal and on welds affraid of frame failing and coming apart.
Feb 8, 2022Structure › Body
Owner of a 2010 FJ Cruiser. The amount of corrosion on the frame and components is very high for the age of the vehicle, it leads to significant safety concerns (Including gas tank straps are corroded). Toyota should rectify this issue as it seems like they did a poor job on this model to isolate against rust the frame. There should be a Recall for a re-treatment of the frame (Just like they did on the Tundra and Tacoma models).
Nov 22, 2021
Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.