112 of the
1,219 complaints filed about the Toyota FJ Cruiser
are about the other systems —
9% of everything owners reported.
The worst model year for it is 2007.
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 owners down on this one.
NHTSA complaint #11757740 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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.
NHTSA complaint #11703439 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
While towing my boat, the rear frame to which the trailer hitch is a part of, ripped down both side of the frame. Basically, the rear frame of the truck is barley holding on by rust. The hitch and frame section are dangling down. Rust has completely eaten through the entire frame after closer inspection.
NHTSA complaint #11602681 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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 complaint #11577448 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
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)
NHTSA complaint #11558061 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Took vehicle to a machine shop to have frame undercoated. The machinist found that the frame had holes in it due to rust. He found that the tab gusset bracelet was cracked ( the part of the frame that holds the A-Arm in place). He said that the vehicle was not safe to drive and needs a new frame. The vehicle has 109,000 miles on it. Toyota should have a recall on all Toyota FJ.I contacted Toyota and was denied any help in this matter.
NHTSA complaint #11535465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Frame rust prematurely affecting integrity of the rear lower control arm mounts. Back half of frame almost completely rusted through requiring a full frame replacement.
NHTSA complaint #11531473 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
My Toyota fj cruiser has frame rot issues. Will not pass an inspection because of the frame rot problem.my Toyota has less than 79000 miles on it and looks to be in excellent condition on the interior and exterior. Toyota knows about the problem and refuses to take responsibility for it .Is there anything I can do about it.. Got a verbal quote to replace ( it's gonna cost about 9500 to repair ) could be more after they start to replace and if they find more problems.
NHTSA complaint #11508181 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I recently purchased the used 2007 Toyota FJ with 101,000 miles. During maintenance and inspection, it was found that the fuel tank straps are rusted out and need to be replaced. The rear brake lines are rusted out and need to be replaced. The frame is severely rusted out and failing at the factory welds. I was referred to submit a report and investigate filing a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for negligence, as this is apparently a known issue. I am hoping that the will reach someone that is able to help all the owners with the same issues as this should be recalled and repaired to prevent unnecessary injury or death. This is a huge financial burden for those expecting a quality vehicle that will be safe. Failing brakes, loose gas tanks and weakened frames are recipe for disaster.
NHTSA complaint #11504331 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The frame on my 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser has severe corrosion, compromising it's roadworthiness and the safety of occupants. It is available for inspection. Frame would not protect occupants during a crash, and may fail during normal operation. The problem has been confirmed by two independent mechanics. It has not been further inspected. There were no warning lamps or symptoms until discovered by mechanic. Anecdotal information seems to indicate broad and serious corrosion problems with FJ Cruiser frames, but no warnings, recalls, or service bulletins have been issued.
NHTSA complaint #11502954 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
This is a 2007 vehicle I have owned since 2009. One of the two Fuel Tank straps broke in April of 2021. This left one strap holding the tank in place. This happened while driving allowing the tank to drag on ground. I stopped before it became a more serious problem. The strap was completely rusted through. Both straps were replaced. The remaining strap had serious rust as well.
NHTSA complaint #11496901 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Vehicle's frame was excessively rusted creating structure issues. Among the issues is that I can no longer tow anything with this vehicle because the rear structure is unsafe. Multiple other structural issues have been identified by a service center.
NHTSA complaint #11494424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
I was planning on trading in my FJ Cruiser, so I took it to our local mechanic to look it over. After he put it on the lift, he showed me that the frame and gas tank straps were rusted out and that it wasn't safe to drive. I took it to another body repair shop and after putting it up on the lift, he said he has never seen a frame so rusted out in his twenty five years of doing body work. I contacted Toyota and they said they would NOT repair the frame.
NHTSA complaint #11490732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Backing out of my driveway we heard a slight pop and a dragging feel on the right passengers front.( thought I ran over a landscape brick) Stopped and inspected nothing was under the vehicle starting to leave my complex vehicle started to shake some. When I got up to 20 MPH it was obvious I should not drive. Called tow truck. Thought I needed ball joints or something similar. Mechanic said frame was completely rusted out and unfixable. The Toyota FJ cruiser is suppose to be a tough off road SUV which I never used for off road driving They even advertised how tough the frame is in commercials . I see there has been recalls for other Toyota models of SUV and trucks of the same year and their is a class action lawsuit already started I think in California. If I would have continued to the freeway A serious accident would had happened. I contacted Toyota and opened a case # [XXX] which after two communications they closed because there is no recall on the vehicle. The car is in great condition other wise. A frame should last more than 15 years on a truck \SUV designed for off road driving . her are some details of the pending lawsuit: Plaintiffs allege that a manufacturing defect causes excessive rust and corrosion to the frames of 2007-2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles. The suit claims the defect weakens the structure of the vehicle, therefore posing a serious safety threat to vehicle occupants. In some cases, vehicles failed to pass safety inspection and are no longer safe to drive. As a result, owners find themselves stuck with a vehicle that is no longer legally allowed on the roads with a greatly diminished resale value. Toyota Activity Marketed the FJ Cruiser with Special “Electrocoat Deposition” Rust Protection Coating Despite Toyota’s marketing highlighting the “Electrocoat Deposition” protective coating, plaintiff’s claim FJ Cruiser frames prematurely rust and corrode at an accelerated rate. The suit states Toyota had been aware of the frame defect, but fail INFORMATION Redacted PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFOR
NHTSA complaint #11489377 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.