Avoid: 2010, 2008, 2007 (lowest Year Scores on complaints per year on the road, crash reports and recalls)
Best: 2009
8 model years of NHTSA owner complaints and recalls · How we grade
Across 8 model years, the Toyota FJ Cruiser has 906 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 65 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are structure and service brakes. 2007 drew the most complaints (593), 2009 the fewest (7).
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for Toyota FJ Cruiser vehicles (US, public record). Typical used asking price $18,999–$30,562.
Complaint volume by model year. Raw NHTSA totals, not adjusted for sales volume or time on the road, so older and higher-selling years accumulate more. Every year links to its full breakdown.
Highest: 2007 (593 complaints). Lowest: 2009 (7).
Extremely positive sentiment regarding long-term reliability, durability, and off-road capability.
Due to thick C-pillars and small rear window, described as "a blind spot big enough to cover a southern small town scandal.".
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.
Prices described as "insane," with low-mileage examples commanding near-original MSRP and 200,000-mile examples still demanding high prices.
Heavy, slow, poor handling, and unstable feeling at highway speeds, especially when lifted; attributed to body-on-frame construction and solid rear axle.
Lack of modern infotainment, noted as a negative compared to newer vehicles.
Owner insights cover all generations of the FJ Cruiser. Individual model years are broken down above.
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