Best and worst Toyota FJ Cruiser years — which to avoid

The FJ Cruiser has been one of Toyota’s most rugged off-road SUVs in the past few decades, and it’s widely regarded as a reliable car. However, there are some FJ Cruiser years to avoid and we’ll tell you all about them in this guide so you can come at it prepared.

Our team did a lot of digging on Toyota FJ Cruiser complaints filed to NHTSA, ownership reviews and feedback, and common issues that made some of the FJ Cruiser models simply not worth it. We’ll also take a look at the official recalls and other relevant details to help you identify the worst years of the model so you can shop around for the best option.

Why you can trust REREV’s advice on which car model years to avoid: Our car experts look at official data, ask real drivers what they think, and talk to experienced mechanics to make sure our list is useful. This reliable info can make buying a car easier for you. Want to know how we do it? Find out more about our research methodology.

How we rated the best and worst Toyota FJ Cruiser years

While we were exploring different Toyota FJ Cruiser reliability reports, we realized that we need to bring you only verified information from top-tier driving safety associations like NHTSA. However, we also understand that you need some background on how the model drives as a used car, which is why we also considered driver reviews on Edmunds, KBB, and Consumer Reports.

Finally, our team also wanted to hear from drivers discussing the Toyota FJ Cruiser problems on forums, and we used all that as a complete package to bring you the list of best and worst years:

Most common FJ Cruiser problems

Over the years, the FJ Cruiser had a fair share of problems that almost make it seem like it’s one of the worst vehicles that Toyota has made. However, these are mostly light issues that can easily be handled, and there weren’t many reported engine problems. All the vehicles are equipped with Toyota’s 4.0-liter V6 engine which proved to be as sturdy as it gets.

1. Transmission faults

No driver wants to walk up to a car only to see the transmission fluid leak when parked. In this case, chances are that the transmission is affected by problems that lead to it eventually stalling. Transmission faults that FJ Cruiser drivers have experienced over the years include excessive noises during gear shifts, shuddering, and sluggish gear changes.

In some cases, this can turn out to be dangerous if you can’t get peak torque from the appropriate gear, it can be difficult to properly overtake cars and drive at higher speeds on a highway. Because of all this, you should either inspect the transmission before the purchase or go with a 6-speed manual transmission instead.

2. Faulty drivetrain components

Besides the transmission problems that drivers have reported for an FJ Cruiser with an automatic gearbox, there are also some drivetrain problems specific to this car. Drivers have reported symptoms of bad CV joints, rattling noises caused by bad bearings, and driveshaft issues.

Because of all this, it becomes impossible to properly drive the car without stability issues or noises and that makes every ride a drag. Transmission shudder sometimes occurs along with these problems, so it makes it difficult for drivers to keep control over their vehicles.

3. Tire pressure monitoring system faults

One problem that might not be as severe as transmission and drivetrain problems, but still makes you wonder is the TPMS fault. The tire pressure monitoring system is supposed to warn you about insufficient tire pressure, but it can’t do its job when it’s inoperable.

Because of that, TPMS malfunctions should be addressed so you can drive safely and get the low-pressure warning when needed. It’s a minor issue that can be solved by sorting out the wiring, but it’s still something you should pay attention to when buying a used FJ Cruiser.

4. Low-pressure fuel pump issues

The FJ Cruiser uses a low-pressure fuel pump to deliver fuel from the tank toward the combustion chambers. This pump is known to have stalling issues, and if the fuel pump stalls while driving, it can also cause the engine to stall. This is especially dangerous when driving at higher speeds, so make sure to check the fuel pump before buying a used Cruiser.

Replacing a faulty low-pressure fuel pump can be an expensive fix, so it’s always better to inspect the purchase.

Worst FJ Cruiser years to avoid

The FJ Cruiser was produced only in a single generation and it’s an SUV that didn’t stick for too long on the US market. It was discontinued in 2014, and there were some pretty solid model years along with truly bad production years that you should avoid, so what are the worst Toyota FJ Cruiser years?

The worst Toyota FJ Cruiser year is 2007, but here’s a complete list of years that you should avoid:

• 2007
• 2008
• 2013

We’ll further discuss each of these to give you a complete picture of what to expect when buying one of these.

First-generation FJ Cruiser (2007-2008 and 2013 model years)

The two initial production years were also the worst for the FJ Cruiser since the 2007 and 2008 models received the most complaints. The 2007 FJ Cruiser model in particular was rated the worst FJ Cruiser production year with several standout problems that caused expensive repairs.

So, there’s the matter of faulty transmission, bad CV joints, slipping gears, and even some fan belt problems. On top of that, Toyota issued a recall regarding seat belt anchorages which couldn’t be properly used to secure the passengers.

There’s also the matter of bad brake rotors that required frequent changes and this issue was mostly present in the 2008 model. The airbag sensor module also caused problems for the 2013 model year, as well as the faulty seat heaters. Because of all the transmission and drivetrain problems along with minor issues, it’s best if you avoid the 2007, 2008, and 2013 model years.

What are the best FJ Cruiser years to buy?

The FJ Cruiser didn’t stop production because of the poor reliability, but rather due to low interest in the US market. So, the listed problems may seem like a big deal, but some solid model years turned out to be reliable and worth your consideration in the long run. Especially given the decent market value of these models, it’s handy to know the best FJ Cruiser years so here’s our list:

• 2009
• 2010
• 2011
• 2012
• 2014

Out of all these, the 2014 model is the best-rated one reliability-wise and it also provides the updated interior and exterior design which is always nice when you are buying a used car.

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

The 2014 FJ Cruiser model year is the one to go for if you wish to have the least trouble with your used FJ Cruiser. By this time, Toyota has settled all the major issues including transmission shudders and rough shifting, drivetrain issues, and suspension problems.

Also, the seat belt problems have been solved along with bad airbag sensors, so that’s a relief for those who don’t want to deal with the SRS light being constantly visible on the dashboard.

Is the FJ Cruiser worth buying?

Having in mind that this is a Toyota SUV after all, our team had a surprisingly difficult job of going through all the reported problems of the car. Luckily, the overall impression stays the same – Toyota FJ Cruiser is a reliable car except for a few bad production years.

So, as long as you use this guide to avoid those, you should be fine when shopping for a used FJ Cruiser. You should still pay attention to the drivetrain and transmission problems since the condition of a particular unit may vary and also depend on prior maintenance done by the previous owner.

Interested in off-road excursions? Our guides like Jeep Wrangler years to avoid, Land Rover LR3 years to avoid, or Jeep TJ years to avoid identify the best picks and which are best avoided, distinguishing the top and bottom model years for each.