2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser body problems

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 complaint #11736593 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS

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 complaint #11606446 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Frame rust. Gas tank strap rust. Undercarriage rusted.

NHTSA complaint #11443720 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

Severely rusted & rotting frame. Diagnosed by Mike’s Automotive, Sturgeon Bay, Wi.

NHTSA complaint #11436206 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

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 complaint #11422743 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME, CHASSIS, TIE ROD ENDS AND ALL OTHER METAL PARTS, ALTHOUGH CAR IS MAINTENED PROPERLY, ONLY 40K MILES, GARAGE PARKING, NO OFF-ROAD USAGE AND NO SALT EXPOSED.

NHTSA complaint #11363658 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

THE FRAME AND GAS TANK STRAPS AND REAR BUMPER ARE RUSTING TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. VEHICLE IS 2013 WITH ONLY 66000MILES. I AM SPENDING COUNTLESS DOLLARS YEARLY TO PREVENT THE RUST AND IT ISN'T GETTING ANY BETTER. OTHER VEHICLES THAT SHARE THE SAME FRAME HAVE HAD RECALLS ON THE FRAME AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED

NHTSA complaint #11278666 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

SEVERE RUST UNDER CARRIAGE INCLUDING FUEL TANK STRAPS AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. NUMBER IS RUSTED AND SKID PLATES. RUST BASICALLY COVERING UNDER VEHICLE. CONCERNED ABOUT INTEGRITY DURING A CRASH

NHTSA complaint #11252836 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

FRAME RUST, REAR BUMPER RUSH, UNDER CARRIAGE RUST, FRONT LOWER A-ARM RUST, DIFFERENTIAL RUST.

NHTSA complaint #11245781 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.

STRUCTURE:BODY

WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BUILD UP AMAZING AMOUNTS OF ICE. I SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM IT DOES THAT BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS HAVING TO PULL OVER AND STOP TO BREAK THE ICE OFF MY WIPERS BECAUSE THEY STOPPED CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD AND I WOULD LOOSE VISIBILITY. ALSO, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FJ CRUISER BUILDS UP AND COLLECTS ICE LIKE NOTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN. I AM A OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER AND HAVE DRIVEN IN ALL TYPES AND LEVELS OF BAD WEATHER, I HAVE NEVER SEEN ICE BUILD UP LIKE IT DOES ON THE FJ CRUISER.. THE FIRST TIME I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE JUST BEEN A FLUKE BUT IT REPEATED THE ICE BUILD UP YESTERDAY WHEN IT SNOWED AGAIN.

NHTSA complaint #10509449 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.