2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Complaint Log

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while her son was attempting to start the vehicle, the vehicle failed to start. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic; however, no cause for the failure was found. The independent mechanic informed the contact that the undercarriage and subframe were severely corroded. The contact was informed that the vehicle should not be driven because the wheels might detach from the vehicle. The vehicle remained with the dealer unrepaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 185,000.

I am the owner of a Toyota FJ Cruiser (Year:2007), VIN: [XXX] ]) equipped with the TRD High-Performance Brake Kit, which is under recall campaign C0R / NHTSA 12E046. I recently experienced a serious safety issue involving the front TRD brake crossover tube. While driving, I suddenly noticed a soft brake pedal and significant loss of braking power. I was unable to stop the vehicle properly and nearly crashed into another car at an intersection. I had to swerve at the last moment, which could have caused a more serious accident. Upon inspection, I found that brake fluid was leaking from the crossover tube—exactly the defect described in the TRD brake recall. This failure happened without warning, and my safety and the safety of others was clearly at risk. This is unacceptable for a safety recall. I am requesting immediate investigation, assistance, and a permanent solution. Toyota must ensure this part is properly redesigned and replaced, and that no vehicle is left on the road with this faulty setup. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V098000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,305.

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.

Silver paint is peeling off the hood, bumper, doors, ect

My fj cruiser has terrible rust on the frame. It literally looks like it was stored in the ocean for 50 years. This vehicle is from 2007 and should not have this much rust.

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

-Toyota recalled the vehicles using the same/similar frame has the same rusty issues, like Tacoma. This recalled made me pay attention on this issue and I found the my FJ cruiser is no longer 100% safe while driving. -The frame of the body is very rusty after years which is not normal. I believe most owners of this model having the same issue. There are rust everywhere under the body, when change some parts, it was really hard to do so, need the fire gun to burn all the screws. And the exhaust system all rusty and leaked as well, cost me a lot of money to fix. -The frame may broken anytime while driving which is risky to me and my passengers. -No dealers would like to fix that frame for me unless to pay a huge amount of Labour costs, which is higher than the value of the car. -it has been inspected by more than 5 car specialists and body shop workers, saying that frame is dying and won’t last for long, maybe will completely broken in a few years. -There is no issues on mechanics, just the under body rust. It happened a lot of years maybe 5-7 years before. -I’m from Canada.

DRIVER SIDE SEATBELT DOES NOT RETRACT ON MY 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract, causing the contact to have to manually put the seat belt in place. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times and progressed where the seat belt would not retract. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V098000 (Seat Belts) and the dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,700. The contact stated vehicle has been repaired, and this case may be closed.

Frame and undercarriage have excessive wear for age of vehicle despite normal maintenance and care. Rust and corrosion has made the vehicle unsafe to drive.

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.

Our 2007 FJ Cruiser when brought in for annual inspection has been deemed unsafe for use due to crack in frame due to corrosion. The vehicle has no other mechanical issues and runs as if new. We invested in 5 new tires and now find ourselves possibly having to purchase a new vehicle. We witnessed all the other Toyota vehicles frames being replaced due to the recall regarding insufficient undercoating and excessive rust. We inquired if our vehicle was included and if there was reason for concern and were told No. We also own a 2010 Prius which we purchased new. We had no reason to question the validity of the answer. Years later we are grateful we did not experience any incident and crack was discovered before one happened. We now want to know why we did not get a replacement as did all the other models.

Rust is inherently bad on these vehicles. The other day i heard a weird noise under my truck driving down the road. As if I flung a rock up and hit a spring or something. To my dismay, I noticed the fuel tank hanging. One of the straps rusted to the point that it broke allowing the fuel tank to droop.

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.

the frame and associated components are severly corroded putting the vehicle in danger of the back axel detaching . i was informed of this by a repair shop who were concerned of the safety of operating vehicle. there is some type of coverage for related vehicles but not for this model. i think this is the same platform which was recalled under a truck model. toyota refuses any coverage or help for this problem. the vehicle has 70k miles but is unsafe to operate. photos are available. although the top of the vehicle is what you would expect with 70k miles, it is unsafe to operate because the back axel could fall off at any time

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.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that the front driver’s side seat belt retractor and locking mechanism was inoperable, failing to secure the driver as needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V098000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.

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 INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6).

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.

I filled up my truck with gas. Upon driving to work I noticed a loud clank. I looked under the vehicle but it was dark and saw nothing obvious. I continued down the road and heard knocking only when braking hard. When examined in daylight, I could see that the Fuel Tank Support Strap (Rear) rusted thru and the weight of the tank/fuel caused it to shift toward and rub against the Drive Shaft. The loud clank I would hear was caused by the tank being struck by the Drive Shaft balancing weight. The more I research, the more I see others have experienced the same thing. I made it safe until I could procure parts and make the repair. I examined the area and the replaced straps. The rear strap is doomed to fail. The OEM part is painted but exposed in the left rear tire well. Basically, the strap is doomed to be sandblasted by road debris, salt, sand and plain old dirt. Photos and descriptions of others with similar problems are always in the same location. I feel Toyota should make the Straps from a better quality material not as susceptible to corrosive properties of Salt. This is a serious fuel tank issue. If there was a problem with the front strap the rear strap failure could have dropped the tank on the road. Will it take the death(s) of the occupants of affected vehicle should a fire or explosion occur for Toyota to step up and assume responsibility? Or maybe if the tank falls out of the vehicle and car that runs over it then it explodes and kills those occupants will get Toyota's attention? I have retained the failed part should it be needed at a future date for inspection, etc.

Frame rust has become a major safety issue even though we do rust prevention twice a year.

Toyota used interior metal to make the frame and it has rusted to the point the whole frame needs to replaced.

I was driving the vehicle to work and was unable to stop. I had to use the emergency brake system.

The frame has rusted to the point the car is not driveable. This is caused by the rust protectant that Toyota used on their FJs frames.

Massive amounts of rust underneath the car on the frame and pretty much everything is affected around it. Concerned for my families safety…Toyota needs to address this immediately!!!

I purchased this vehicle used in April 2022. It was not driven much until June 2022 because the car was purchased for our son, who attends school at the US Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. The goal was to get him a car before his 3 week summer break and he and his sister and his best friend would drive it out to Colorado for him to use throughout his last two years. Their trip began on June 16, 2022, leaving central Ohio. We started getting texts from our daughter about loud noises the car was making while she was sitting in the back seat. Then we started getting texts from our son about noises by the rear tire. We had him check the tires for proper inflation or for any damage. None was reported. My daughter complained about the handling of the vehicle when she was driving. Saying it was not easy to control when going 70 through the plains of the US. They were very pleased to arrive in one piece out in Colorado. My son started to think it was a suspension issue because of the way it handled going over bumpy roads. He took it to a dealer and the dealer took video of the frame, and the black goo used to try and cover the holes and cracks in the frame. $21,000 was their estimate to put a brand new frame on the vehicle. This is a known defect with this vehicle. We should not have to pay for such poor manufacturing.

While working on car notice extreme rust and broken frame welds

Heavy rust continues to occur and rot frame from seemingly within the frame. Terrible build quality. I have spent thousands keeping this car alive. Plenty of 07-era cars on the road with not this much rust and I clean my CAR!

The SUV frame rails are prematurely rusted completely through from within the frame rails at a minimum of four know locations while other areas of the frame still appears solid (a further deeper inspection will be performed and repairs will be made after documenting the rust failures). We were at risk of the frame rail failing completely under load due to the size/length of rusted our areas which measure up to 12-inches or so, which would lead to loss of control of the vehicle while driving. The vehicle is home in my driveway for repairs of the clutch system (after failure on the roadway at 65mph) when rusted areas were observed April 2022. The dealer performed a recall for an unrelated part on the vehicle in April 2020 along with performing an oil change, however the dealer did not report an issue to me at that time.

Excessive frame rust eventually leading to catastrophic failure.

Major frame issues due to poor quality steel.

Possible structural frame rust. Just like every other FJ cruiser Toyota has built. I’m making this complaint in hopes that the NHTSA will force Toyota to recall FJ cruiser frames due to the amount of FJ cruisers that have the same frame rust issue.

Frame is rusting out.

The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated while having the vehicle routinely serviced, the mechanic observed that the subframe showed severe corrosion. The contact had taken the vehicle to another independent mechanic and had the subframe inspected. The contact was informed that the subframe was dangerously corroded and perforated and that the vehicle should not be driven. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 160,000.

Frame Rust, I just spent about $6000 for upper engine repair only to find out that the shop has now reported that the frame on the 2007 FJ Cruiser is not safe to drive any longer. Frame is rusted through multiple locations on the frame from side to rear - Frame is so bad that if I hit a bump just right It could cause an accident. I washed vehicle weekly to prevent rusting, it did not help. I am not reporting engine repair I am reporting the Frames rusted through issue and now I have no money to buy a vehicle and no vehicle to drive. Toyota has recalled other vehicles with this known issue but not the FJ Cruiser why, They even lost the law suite for frame rust Issues, They should be accountable for these vehicles as well. I was quoted approx. $2000 more to fix the frame.

I purchased the vehicle with a clean carfax on 12/2/2021 Flew from Phoenix to Dallas to pick it up. Drove the vehicle from Dallas to Phoenix. The Brakes malfunctioned on the drive home. Fortunately it was late at night and not many vehicles on the road. Took car to mechanic on 12/4/2021. The frame, brakes, suspension, exhaust and engine mounts had been sprayed over to cover severe rust and rot of the the frame and undercarriage. The vehicle cost 14k The repairs to be done 20k The vehicle is not roadworthy and has not been driven since ai got back to Phoenix. The dealership purposely didn’t disclose the frame or brake damage. The dealership sold this vehicle knowing it was for my daughter and 3 year old granddaughter

The gas tank strap rusted so the gas tank was hanging low. I fixed the problem myself

My vehicle has 125,000 miles. it runs and drives and its like new inside and out. The problem is ,the whole bottom side and frame is rusted out like if it was a 50 year old car. Tacoma have a recall for this Nd fj cruisers have the same frame as tacoma.

Per mechanic who put a new muffler on said the frame is so rusted it wouldn’t pass inspection!

Structural Frame Rust making vehicle unsafe to drive. Gas tank straps rusted completely through as well.

Undercarriage of vehicle was not properly rust coated by manufacturer. Undercarriage is so rusted that my mechanic advised it may need a new frame.

FJ Cruiser in Tennessee Was filling up gas tank and heard a noise under the car. I looked and noticed that the back of the gas tank was hanging down. After I got it home, I discovered that the rear fuel strap had broken due to rust. The front fuel strap was also extremely rusted and probably would have failed also

Frame rust all over, going to cost tons of money to fix. Rust rotting through the frame of the car. Shouldn’t be a problem dont live near water or salt area.

Frame ha rusted to the point of failure after only 14 years.

Loss of brakes while driving. Brakes locking up. Complete frame rust

My recently purchased Toyota FJ Cruiser was found to have severe rust underneath the car . Nuts and bolts have rotted away with the part now held together by rust weld. New straps are holding up a dented gas tank which my mechanic thinks fell when the original straps failed. Is it a safety issue when a gas tank falls off a traveling vehicle? I don’t know what other problems may arise from this, but I have been online and there seems to be complaints of this nature all over the internet. Toyota ordered a recall on several models for this problem, but not the FJ. This many people can’t be making this stuff up. At some point it is going to lead to a death, if it hasn’t already . Have only had this vehicle 2 weeks, and I find it hard to believe Toyota can’t address this problem like it did with other models of their fleet. One lady’s pickup bed almost separated from the front of the truck. Please use whatever tools you have to see that Toyota does the right thing, and takes care of the customers who are driving their vehicles.

Frame is failing and fully corroded/compromised. Combination of very poor steel Toyota used in manufacturing (during these model years) combined with Toyota’s placement of air conditioning condensation drain above frame on passenger side has resulted in a corroded and corrupted frame with dangerous and deadly loss of structural integrity.

I was driving down the street after filling up my fuel tank. I drove approximately 1/2 mile when I heard a sound, felt a clunk and stopped immediately. My fuel tank was hanging down on the ground. I called AAA and requested a flatbed and to bring a strap. He did not bring a strap and when my truck arrived at the mechanic the fuel tank had completely separated from the vehicle. The other complaint I have is the rusted frame. I purchased this vehicle used. I did not notice that the tube before the rear axle which holds suspension supports to the frame were completely broken off and separated from the rusted out frame that has failed. It has been welding but the rusted frame is very difficult to weld to.

recently purchased used from dealership. Excessive rust on lower frame and other components (transmission and power steering lines) as well as suspension. This is not a flood vehicle. Initially took it to Toyota for repairs of the lines and trans. The quote was too high, so I took it to local shops for repair. The local shops were surprised by the amount of rust. Trans was fixed but the shops refused to fix other components that attached to the frame because they fear they will cause more damage. Visited several FJ Cruiser forums and frame rust issues are incredibly common with the FJ, to the point where there are class action lawsuits. Toyota needs to step up and fix this issue for FJ owners!