The FJ Cruiser is a highly esteemed name among Toyota Land Cruiser enthusiasts. Toyota designed this model to resemble the legendary 1970s – ‘80s Land Cruiser FJ40. This rugged mid-size SUV came with a generous dose of style, making it a sought-after vehicle for off-road users.
Any fan of Toyota looking for a mid-size SUV will find the FJ Cruiser a considerable choice. But before buying an old vehicle model, it’s essential to identify the model years to avoid.
I discuss the FJ Cruiser years to avoid and why you should steer clear of them. I’ll also mention the best model years worth your money.
Answer: About Toyota FJ Cruiser
The FJ cruiser had a short lifespan – from 2006 to 2014, with an exterior design that paid tribute to the iconic FJ40 Land Cruiser. Toyota built this SUV with off-road lovers in mind.
The vehicle came with an active traction control (A-TRAC) system, an electronic-locking rear differential, a low-range transfer case, and a high crawl ratio. Its manual transmission option helped off-roaders keep moving on the trails.
Toyota sold over 200,000 FJ Cruiser models within eight years. Over half of them were sold in the first two years. Since the recession, sales declined, particularly due to multiple customer complaints.
The first model year received the most complaints regarding the transmission system, gears, paint, converter, and more. With a significant reduction in sales, Toyota could not meet the cost of producing the 2nd generation of the FJ Cruiser. So, the brand discontinued the SUV in 2014.
Answer: FJ Cruiser Years to Avoid
Below is a list of the FJ Cruiser models you should avoid.
- 2007 FJ Cruiser
- 2008 FJ Cruiser
- 2010 FJ Cruiser
- 2013 FJ Cruiser
2007 FJ Cruiser
The 2007 FJ Cruiser is the worst model year you should avoid. This model received the most complaints, particularly due to its problematic transmission system. Other issues with this SUV model included:
- Bad CV joints
- Paint that chipped off
- Check engine light turning on
- Gears slipping
- Fan belt issues
2008 FJ Cruiser
Like the 2007 model, the 2008 FJ Cruiser had many complaints regarding unreliable transmission systems. Other issues included:
- An erratic braking system.
- Steering troubles.
- Faulty internal accessories.
- A rusting problem.
- A leaking problem in the cabin.
2010 FJ Cruiser
The 2010 FJ Cruiser is another model year you should avoid. Consumers complained about unusual shifting noise, water leaking in the cabin, faulty driveshaft, steering wheel vibrations, and paint problems.
2013 FJ Cruiser
The 2013 FJ Cruiser had two common complaints: a wrongly-wired airbag sensor and the location of the fuel breather near the exhaust. Other issues included:
- Bad rear visibility
- Unreliable braking system
- Engine failure
- Uncomfortable 2nd-row seats
- Knocking sounds
Answer: Most Reported FJ Cruiser Problems
Let’s detail the most reported issues with the FJ Cruiser models you should avoid.
Unreliable Transmission System
Many owners of these model years encountered several transmission system problems, one being transmission shudder. The transmission would shudder when driving between 24-45 MPH. Vibration noises accompanied this shudder, resulting in a poor driving experience.
The transmission shudder occurred due to a faulty torque converter or an imbalance in the transfer case. These model years experienced gear slipping and hard-jerking issues. The gear shifting problem was common when shifting from 1st to 2nd gear.
These transmission problems can hinder getting peak torque after shifting to 1st or 2nd gear. Driving at high speeds or overtaking cars at those gears will be difficult on highways.
Faulty Drivetrain Components
FJ Cruiser drivers complained about defective drivetrain components like the CV joints, driveshaft, and bearings. As a result, the SUV made rattling noises and felt unstable while driving.
Transmission shudder accompanied drivetrain issues, making it difficult to control the SUV. Most users claimed that drivetrain problems occurred within 10K miles of operation.
Steering Wheel Vibrations
Another common problem with the worst FJ Cruiser years is excessive steering wheel vibrations. Like the drivetrain issue, steering wheel vibrations occurred after several thousand miles of operation. The worst part is that drivers encountered this issue even after conducting wheel alignment and balancing.
The steering wheel shook when driving at 60-70 MPH. Besides, the steering wheel vibrated at low RPM, mainly due to worn-out suspension components or wrapped brake rotors. Other causes of a shaky steering wheel include bad wheel bearings and worn-out brake pads.
Paint Problems
2007 and 2008 FJ Cruiser owners claimed that the SUV’s body paint started chipping or rusting after around 100K miles. Some users reported that their SUVs’ body paint chipped after approximately two months, even after driving on good roads or parking in the shade.
Body paint chipping or rusting is a serious issue that can compromise the value and integrity of these SUVs. Besides, it’s costly to repair, with most professionals charging over $1,000. So, before going for these model years, it’s necessary to consider the paint problem.
Check Engine Light Turning On
Due to multiple engine, transmission, and drivetrain issues, most FJ Cruiser’s check engine lights came on more often. Even after fixing the underlying problems, the check engine light would still illuminate on the dashboard.
This light is distractive, especially when driving, increasing the chances of a crash. It’s worth noting that fixing the underlying problem to clear the engine light can cost beyond $5,000. The problem might require replacing various expensive engine and transmission parts.
Unreliable Braking System
A problematic braking system is another issue with most FJ Cruiser years to avoid. Many users reported that they had to push the pedal to the floor when slowing or stopping the SUV. Brake failure occurred due to a defective master cylinder, warped rotors, and a malfunctioning ABS module.
Drivers noticed several brake failure symptoms like excessive steering wheel or brake pedal vibration, a burning smell around the wheels, and weird noises.
Answer: The Best Toyota FJ Cruiser Years
Despite launching some of the worst model years, Toyota launched several reliable FJ Cruisers. So, when looking for an FJ Cruiser, consider the following models:
- 2009 FJ Cruiser
- 2011 FJ Cruiser
- 2012 FJ Cruiser
- 2014 FJ Cruiser
These model years might still experience the mentioned problems. They’re flagged as the best model years because of a few complaints on various forums and review websites.
Generally, the 2014 FJ Cruiser is the best model year you should go for. This was the last model and by this time, the company had resolved most issues experienced in previous model years. The 2014 model year is less likely to have transmission shudders, drivetrain issues, and shifting problems.
Question: Is the FJ Cruiser a Good Vehicle?
If you choose one of the best FJ Cruiser years, the SUV will be worth the money. The vehicle comes with impressive features, capabilities, reliability, and reviews. It’s not one of the best mid-size SUVs on the market, but it’ll get you going for years.
Going for the best FJ Cruiser model years means affordable annual repair costs. These SUVs require less engine and transmission repair, depending on driving conditions.
Examining the transmission, engine, drivetrain, and braking systems is crucial before buying a used FJ Cruiser.
Final Thoughts
Toyota FJ Cruiser is a mid-size SUV with the best and worst model years. You can only find used models since Toyota discontinued this SUV in 2014.
Some of the FJ Cruiser years to avoid are the FJ Cruiser 2007, 2008, 2010, and 2013. These models experience transmission, drivetrain, braking, steering, and body paint issues.