Photo: Wikimedia Commons (CC)
Power
Combined, EPA 2014
What owners say
Our take, from owner reports
Extremely positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, durability, and off-road capability.
8 problems reported (3 very frequent, 3 recurrent, 2 isolated) · high confidence
Problems owners report
- Very frequentSevere blind spots / poor visibility
Due to thick C-pillars and small rear window, described as "a blind spot big enough to cover a southern small town scandal.".
- Very frequentVery poor fuel economy
Real-world reports of 14-19 MPG (16.8-12.4 L/100km), with some calculations as low as 4 km/L (approx. 9.4 MPG) in heavy traffic.
- Very frequentExtremely high used market prices / "Toyota tax"
Prices described as "insane," with low-mileage examples commanding near-original MSRP and 200,000-mile examples still demanding high prices.
+ 5 more issuesShow fewer
- RecurrentUncomfortable on-road ride and handling
Heavy, slow, poor handling, and unstable feeling at highway speeds, especially when lifted; attributed to body-on-frame construction and solid rear axle.
- RecurrentOutdated interior technology
Lack of modern infotainment, noted as a negative compared to newer vehicles.
- RecurrentRust
A primary concern during pre-purchase inspections, specifically mentioned regarding the undercarriage and frame.
- IsolatedManual transmission reliability concerns
The 5-speed manual transmission is noted to have issues, making the automatic the recommended choice.
- IsolatedOil leaks
Mentioned as a potential issue on higher-mileage or poorly maintained examples.
The version owners recommend
Trail Teams Special Edition: Specifically mentioned as a rapidly appreciating collectible with factory off-road enhancements like 16-inch TRD wheels for better sidewall, often commanding 2-3x original MSRP. For general use, models equipped with the automatic transmission are recommended over the manual due to noted issues with the 5-speed manual. 4x4 with a rear locker is the desired configuration for serious off-road use.
Competitors to consider
Owners compare it most often with the Nissan Xterra, Jeep Wrangler, Toyota 4Runner (3rd & 5th Gen), Toyota Tacoma and Lexus GX470.
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Overall sentiment
Extremely positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, durability, and off-road capability. The vehicle is widely described as a "dream car" with a cult-like following, praised for its overbuilt nature, robust 4.0L V6 engine (1GR-FE), and exceptional resale value. Owner discussions consistently highlight its ability to reach very high mileage (200,000-300,000 miles) with proper maintenance. However, significant and very frequent criticisms focus on poor on-road dynamics, including heavy and slow handling, an uncomfortable ride due to body-on-frame construction and solid rear axle, and terrible fuel economy (reported 14-19 MPG, with some as low as 4 km/L). Other recurrent negatives include massive blind spots due to thick C-pillars and small windows, high used market prices described as "insane" and "Toyota tax," and outdated interior technology. The consensus indicates deep satisfaction among off-road enthusiasts and those valuing longevity, but strong caution for buyers seeking a comfortable daily driver or value at current inflated prices.
Positioning vs competitors
Positioned as a more reliable, durable, and capable off-roader than the Nissan Xterra, but at a significantly higher price point for similar specifications. Frequently compared to the Jeep Wrangler as a more reliable alternative with similar off-road intent but inferior aftermarket support for extreme modifications. Seen as sharing a platform and legendary reliability with the Toyota 4Runner and Tacoma, but with worse on-road manners, visibility, and practicality due to its unique design. The Lexus GX470 is noted as a more powerful, smoother-riding, and more luxurious alternative on a similar Land Cruiser platform. The Hummer H3 is mentioned as a competitor with superior factory approach/departure angles and off-road prowess in period comparisons.
Recommended configurations
Automatic transmission strongly recommended over manual due to reliability concerns with the 5-speed. 4x4 with a rear locking differential for maximum off-road capability. A thorough pre-purchase inspection is considered mandatory, with an extreme focus on checking for frame rust. Extended warranties (e.g., CarMax MaxCare) are suggested for peace of mind on higher-mileage examples. Aftermarket upgrades like Bilstein shocks, professional sound deadening, and quality tires (e.g., Nitto, BFG) are frequently discussed. Using high-quality OEM or reputable aftermarket parts for maintenance (e.g., brake pads, window trim) is emphasized.
General recommendations
Highly recommended for off-road enthusiasts, overlanders, and buyers prioritizing extreme long-term reliability and durability over comfort and efficiency. Suitable as a secondary "fun" vehicle or weekend toy. NOT recommended as a primary daily driver for urban commuters or those sensitive to fuel costs, ride comfort, or modern technology. Strongly advised to avoid purchases at or near MSRP for used models due to severe price inflation; patience and aggressive negotiation are key. A comprehensive pre-purchase inspection focusing on frame rust, maintenance history, and accident damage is non-negotiable. Buyers should be prepared for high ongoing costs including premium tires, fuel, and potential maintenance on older, high-mileage examples.
Remarks
The FJ Cruiser's cult status and discontinued status (2014) are the primary drivers of its exceptional resale value and market inflation. Owner discussions frequently reference its shared platform and components with the 4Runner, Tacoma, and Land Cruiser Prado, noting it is "overbuilt for its given weight." The robust 1GR-FE V6 engine is highlighted as still being used in current global Land Cruiser models, underscoring its proven reliability. A significant portion of negative feedback stems from comparisons with modern, comfort-oriented SUVs and crossovers, for which the FJ Cruiser was not designed. The data contains discussions spanning the entire production run (2007-2014), with no specific model year changes cited as major differentiators outside of the special edition Trail Teams models. Analysis based on approximately 35 substantive owner discussions and comparisons.
Generation by generation
Owner insights per generation and US complaint/recall records (NHTSA).
Complaints and recalls by model yearWorst year: 2007. Years to avoid: 2010, 2008, 2007Source: NHTSA (US)Show table
Each year graded against the model's other years: Year Score. See all Toyota FJ Cruiser years to avoid
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Most-reported area |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 30 | 5 | structure |
| 2013 | 23 | 4 | structure |
| 2012 | 40 | 5 | structure |
| 2011 | 23 | 7 | steering |
| 2010 | 66 | 12 | service brakes |
| 2009 | 7 | 12 | power train |
| 2008 | 124 | 11 | structure |
| 2007 | 593 | 9 | structure |
| 2006 | 1 | 0 | service brakes |
Complaint counts come from owner reports filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Higher-selling years naturally accumulate more complaints.
Recall notices65 on record · Source: NHTSA (US)Show recalls
2014 · equipmentcampaign 14V828000
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.
2014 · suspension:front:control arm:lower ball jointcampaign 14V539000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles equipped with an optional "Trail Teams Ultimate Edition" package, in which the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced at vehicle processing centers. In some of these vehicles the bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and/or the front suspension lower arm to the front cross member assemblies might have been tightened with insufficient torque when the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced during the installation process.
2014 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 14V475000
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."
2014 · steeringcampaign 15V081000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured August 7, 2013, to August 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft which connects the steering wheel and the steering gear box may have an inadequate weld.
2014 · fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pumpcampaign 20V012000
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
2013 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 14V475000
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."
2013 · exterior lightingcampaign 13V163000
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."
2013 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 13V098000
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.
2013 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 13V123000
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."
2012 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 14V475000
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."
2012 · exterior lightingcampaign 13V163000
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."
2012 · seat belts:front:anchoragecampaign 13V098000
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.
2012 · equipmentcampaign 12E046000
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.
2012 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 13V123000
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."
2011 · equipment:other:labelscampaign 14V475000
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."
50 older recalls not shown. Check nhtsa.gov with your VIN for the full history.
Specifications
4.0 V6
4.0L 6-cylinder · 272 hp · AWD · automatic
Built 2006–2022