2007 Toyota Fj Cruiser Brakes Problems

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)

NHTSA ID

11666491

Incident

Jun 10, 2025

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.

NHTSA ID

11504331

Incident

Jan 27, 2023

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

NHTSA ID

11444119

Incident

Dec 2, 2021

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

NHTSA ID

11430422

Incident

Aug 25, 2021

Due to rust on my 2007 FJ Cruiser, I've had many unexpected expenses. I first was losing brake pressure and my brake lines had to be replaced after breaking when in a mechanic's shop. I've also replaced all four calipers, all the rusted pulleys on the engine, lower control arms that were so rusted that they had to be cut out, and hub assemblies for both front wheels. The hub assembly lead to a failed vehicle inspection for safety concerns. The exhaust pipe literally broke apart near the rear frame crossmember and was sitting on it, so had to be replaced. The exhaust manifold rusted apart and separated from the engine block, leading to dangerous fumes in the engine bay and horrible gas mileage. The O2 sensors were rusted in place and giving poor readings and had to be replaced. Turning the steering wheel became difficult and that was due to being extremely rusty, so it had to be replaced. Shifter cable and PRNDL switch had to be replaced due to not shifting into drive or lower gears. The front differential drain plug was so rusted that the dealership would not attempt to remove it. Now there are holes rusted through the body mount brackets, as well as the passenger side floor. The cargo area's floor where the charcoal EVAP canister connects to the vehicle has completely rusted through, and one of the subframe brackets rusted so badly that it was taken off by hand. Both subframe brackets need to be replaced. The rear control arm mounts are very thin due to extreme rust. My mechanic is now replacing coolant lines because they have rusted through and started to leak, and gas tank straps which were on the verge of failing.

NHTSA ID

11419802

Incident

May 23, 2021

SEVERE RUST ISSUES. ENTIRE REAR DIFFERENTIAL REQUIRED REPLACEMENT. ALL POWER STEERING AND AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LINES NEEDED REPLACEMENT, FUEL LINES ARE NEXT FUEL TANK STRAPS RUSTED AND BROKE OFF, TANK FELL DOWN. BRAKE PAD PINS REQUIRED CUTTING OFF. PROTECTION PLATES RUSTED OFF. EXHAUST SYSTEM COMPONENTS REQUIRED REPLACEMENT DUE TO RUST. ENTIRE FRAME AND ENGINE COMPARTMENT COVERED IN RUST. ALL THESE ITEMS HAVE CAUSED MULTIPLE SAFETY ISSUES. MULTIPLE STRAPS AND CONNECTIONS FOR VARIOUS COMPONENTS ARE NO LONGER USABLE DUE TO RUST.

NHTSA ID

11375036

Incident

Nov 5, 2010

Mileage

75,000 mi

VEHICLE WAS DRIVING IN TRAFFIC AND MULTIPLE HAZARD LIGHTS CAME ON, ALARM CAME ON, AND AS DRIVER ATTEMPTED TO SLOW DOWN BRAKE PEDAL WENT TO THE FLOOR AND DOWNSHIFTING WITH EMERGENCY BRAKE USED TO STOP IN MIDDLE OF INTERSECTION.VISUAL INSPECTION REVEALED NO BRAKE FLUID IN MASTER CYLINDER RESERVOIR AND LEAKING BRAKE FLUID ON DRIVERS REAR BRAKE CYLINDER.PICS ATTACHED.PRIOR REPORTS APPEAR OF THIS FJCRUISER ISSUE BUT ONLY TACOMA VEHICLES RECALLED.I AM CONTACTING MY LEWISVILLE TOYOTA WHERE I PURCHASED VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11340102

Incident

Jul 18, 2020

Mileage

175,000 mi

I HAVE HAD TWO BRAKE LINES BURST IN THE PAST YEAR DUE TO RUST. BOTH TIMES I WAS LUCKY TO NOT HAVE BEEN ON THE INTERSTATE AND WAS TRAVELING AT A LOW SPEED. BOTH HAVE BEEN THE BACK BRAKE LINES. THIS RUST SITUATION WITH THE FJ'S IS UNACCEPTABLE AND DANGEROUS! TOYOTA SHOULD BE HELD ACCOUNTABLE AND THE SITUATION NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED BEFORE A PERSON IS KILLED OR SERIOUSLY INJURED.

NHTSA ID

11297827

Incident

Mar 31, 2019

Mileage

119,000 mi

EXCESSIVE AMOUNT OF RUST FOR MILEAGE OF CAR 156K AS OF WRITING FRAME IS FLAKING/SCALING EVEN AFTER APPLICATION OF POR-15 TO TRY AND SALVAGE THE FRAME TO MAKE IT LAST A WHILE LONGER. REPLACEMENT OF TANK STRAPS AT 120K DUE TO FAILURE FROM RUST. CAR WILL BECOME UNSAFE TO DRIVE IN A SHORT PERIOD THIS SEEMS TO BE A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS FRAME/YEAR AREA AS TOYOTA ALREADY HAS REPLACED THE TACOMA FRAMES THAT WERE RUSTING/ROTTING THE SAME WAY.

NHTSA ID

11296883

Incident

Jan 3, 2020

Mileage

156,000 mi

BOUGHT MY FJ NEW IN 2007.WHEN I DID I ASKED IF THEY HAD RUSTY JONES OR UNDERCOATING AND WAS TOLD WITH THE NEW ALLOYS I DIDNT NEED IT. 3 WEEKS AGO I WAS HAVING MY MECHANIC CHECK THE BRAKES AND HE CALLED ME DOWN TO SHOW ME A BREAK IN THE FRAME CONNECTING TO THE BODY.THANKFULLY HE FOUND IT BECAUSE I WAS SUPPOSED TO GO TO BOSTON THE NEXT DAY. THE TRUCK ONLY HAS 139,000 MILES ON IT AND THE FRAME IS COMPLETELY RUSTED OUT SO ITS NOT SAFE TO DRIVE.I BROUGHT IT TO THE DEALER I PURCHASED IT FROM AND 2 REPS CAME DOWN FROM NH TO LOOK AT WHO BASICALLY TOLD ME I HAD A GOOD RIDE WITH IT AND THEY WOULD DO NOTHING.I THEN CALLED TOYOTA CEC AND WAS TOLD THE SAME. I BROUGHT TO A WELDER WHO SPECIALIZES IN THIS TYPE OF WORK AND WAS TOLD 5000+ IN LABOR ALONE AND THATS WITHOUT SEEING UNDER THE GAS TANK SO HE SAID IT WOULDNT BE WORTH IT AS HE BANGED OF THE RUST IN OTHER SPOTS AND THERE WAS NO METAL TO WELD TO LEFT.BRAKE AND FUEL LINES ARE SWELLED FROM THE RUSTY METAL TUBING.I CONSIDER MYSELF LUCKY AS I OFTEN TAKE MY GRANDKIDS IN THE FJ. SO NOW IM LEFT WITH MY OTHER FJ THAT I BOUGHT NEW IN 2008 WHICH IS OK UNDERNEATH.THE ISSUE IS WITH ALL THE 2007 FJ FRAMES LIKE THEIR TUNDRAS AND TACOMAS. I HAVE OPENED A CASE WITH TOYOTA BUT THERE ARE SO MANY THERE SHOULD BE A RECALL AS THESE ARE UNSAFE TO DRIVE.THE BODY IS READY TO COLLAPSE ON THE FRAME. I WAS TOLD PRIVATELY THAT TOYOTA CHOOSES TO IGNORE THE ISSUE AS THEY NO LONGER MAKE THE FJS BUT STILL SELL TACOMAS AND TUNDRAS. ## VIN PASSED ## 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER ##

NHTSA ID

11291333

Incident

Dec 3, 2019

Mileage

139,000 mi

DURING 2019-2020 STATE INSPECTION OF 2007 FJ CRUISER WITH 78000 MILES BY DEALER WAS TOLD THAT FRAME IS SO RUSTED THAT IT PROBABLY WOULD NOT PASS THE NEXT INSPECTION. EXPLANATION GIVEN WAS THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT MAKE THEIR FRAMES AS THICK AS OTHER MAKES. THIS VEHICLE WAS USED AS A DAILY DRIVER, NOT MUCH OFF-ROAD AND NO SERIOUS OFF-ROADING. I WORK FROM HOME, SO MOST YEARS LESS THAN 5000 MILES DRIVEN. ALSO HAVE HAD TO REPLACE FRONT BRAKE CALIPERS FOR THE PAST 3 YEARS.

NHTSA ID

11291290

Incident

Sep 29, 2019

Mileage

78,000 mi

MY VEHICLE IS PREMATURELY GETTING EATEN BY A RAPID AND UNCONTROLLABLY GROWING RUST ISSUE. THIS IS VERY UNSAFE AS THE GAS TANK ALMOST FELL OFF WHILE DRIVING DUE TO THE STRAPS BEING CORRODED AND THE FRAME IS GETTING WEAKER TO THE POINT I CAN FEEL THE BODY FLEXING IN SITUATIONS IT DOES NOT NEED TO BE FLEXING.

NHTSA ID

11277771

Incident

Nov 2, 2019

Mileage

45,000 mi

FRAME COMPLETELY RUSTED AWAY FROM BODY OF CAR. ENGINE AND EXTERIOR BODY ARE IN PERFECT CONDITION DUE TO THE RUSTED OUT FRAME TOYOTA CLAIMS THE CAR IS UNSAFE TO DRIVE AND THEY WILL NOT TOUCH IT. SEE ATTACHED . THE FRAME LOOKS LIKE A PASTRY WOULD AS IT FLAKES AWAY IN LAYERS UNTIL THERE IS NOTHING LEFT.

NHTSA ID

11271331

Incident

Oct 2, 2019

Mileage

150,000 mi

WHILE DRIVING NORMALLY AND LESS THAN 10 MILES PER HOUR, THANKFULLY ON A REGULAR, PAVED, LOCAL ROAD WITH LITTLE TRAFFIC, THE DRIVER SIDE REAR SUSPENSION SPRING SEAT AND STABILIZER BAR ATTACHMENT POINT ON REAR AXLE SUDDENLY, UNEXPECTEDLY, AND WITHOUT WARNING JUST TORE APART AND OFF OF THE AXLE HOUSING TO WHICH IT WAS MOUNTED AND THE RESULTING SHARP AND HEAVY METAL EDGED PARTS COMPLETELY SHEARED OFF A BRAKE LINE RELEASING ALL HYDRAULIC BRAKE FLUID AND CAUSING THE IMMEDIATE LOSS OF ALL NORMAL BRAKING ABILITY. THANKFULLY NOBODY WAS INJURED, BUT THE CAR CAN'T BE DRIVEN AT ALL NOW, BECAUSE IT HAS NO BRAKES AT ALL, OTHER THAN THE MECHANICAL EMERGENCY BRAKE, AND BY USING TRANSMISSION "BRAKING." LOTS OF RUST UNDER CAR SINCE WE BOUGHT IT USED FROM DEALER IN MORRISTOWN NJ, APPARENTLY DUE TO LOW QUALITY STEEL USED IN INITIAL CONSTRUCTION AND APPARENT LACK OF ADEQUATE FACTORY ANTI-RUST TREATMENT OF FRAME AND OTHER UNDERCARRIAGE PARTS. INTERIOR AND PAINTED TOP BODY PARTS SHOW NO RUST ISSUES. HOWEVER, THE UNDERSIDE, IS FULL OF LOTS OF RUST. THIS IS APPARENTLY A WELL-KNOWN, VERY COMMON PROBLEM WITH TOYOTA FJ MODELS. IT IS VERY DANGEROUS, AND IT SHOULD BE ADDRESSED BY TOYOTA IMMEDIATELY! I'M MAKING PLANS TO HAVE THE CAR TOWED TO A LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP FOR INSPECTION AND POSSIBLE REPAIRS. FINALLY, AS FAR AS I AM AWARE, THIS CAR HAS NEVER DONE ANY SIGNIFICANT OR TAXING "OFF-ROADING."

NHTSA ID

11269734

Incident

Oct 13, 2019

Mileage

100,000 mi

CHASSIS HAS EXCESSIVE RUST. UPPER REAR CONTROL ARM MOUNT ON CHASSIS RUSTED OFF. CAUSING LOSS OF CONTROL WHEN BRAKING. REAR BUMPER SUPPORT HAS HOLE IN FRAME FROM RUST. BODY MOUNTS ARE RUSTING OFF FRAME. BRAKE LINES HAVE RUSTED AND LEAKED FLUID. GAS TANK STRAP MOUNT IS VERY COMPROMISED BY RUST. FRONT RADIATOR SUPPORT EXCESSIVE RUSTING NUMEROUS SOFT SPOTS AND HOLES. MAJOR FLAKING , AND DELAMINATION OF FRAME ALL OVER. TRUCK HAS 98,000 MILE ON IT IT IS A MANUAL 4WD. LOCATED IN MICHIGAN.

NHTSA ID

11267519

Incident

Oct 8, 2019

Mileage

98,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. WHILE DRIVING 62 MPH, THE VEHICLE STALLED AND THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED. IN ADDITION, THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS APPLIED, BUT THE BRAKES FAILED TO RESPOND AND THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED. THE VEHICLE WAS ABLE TO RESTART AFTER NUMEROUS ATTEMPTS. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO RIDGEWAY SUNOCO SERVICE CENTER BUT WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT UNKNOWN PARTS NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE DEALER WAS CONTACTED (T J TOYOTA INC, 6698 NY-56, POTSDAM, NY 13676, (315) 265-3350). THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE WARRANTY HAD EXPIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 105,000.

NHTSA ID

11066638

Incident

Jan 14, 2018

Mileage

105,000 mi

MASTER CYLINDER FAILED - HAVE TO SLAM THE BRAKE PEDAL ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND THEN I WAS STILL UNSURE IF THE CAR WOULD ACTUALLY STOP. HAD TWIN 3 YEAR OLD BOYS IN THE CAR, SCARED FOR OUR LIVES. DASHBOARD LITE UP LIKE A CHRISTMAS TREE. SECOND SHOP DIAGNOSED IT AS A FAILED MASTER CYLINDER. PARTS PLUS LABOR = $3,066. I WORK FOR THE SCHOOL SYSTEM AND WE DON'T HAVE THAT SORT OF MONEY. WILL TOW IT HOME, HOPEFULLY FIND A USED PART, AND TRY TO REPLACE IT OURSELVES. THE ONLY REASON I'M LOGGING A COMPLAINT (BECAUSE CARS NEED REPAIRS AND I UNDERSTAND THAT) IS BECAUSE I'M SEEING THE EXACT SAME COMPLAINT OVER AND OVER AGAIN "MASTER CYLINDER TOYOTA FJ CRUISER 2007". HOW CAN SO MANY OF THE SAME COMPLAINTS ON THE EXACT SAME VEHICLE GO UNHEARD? PLEASE HELP, MAKE THE MASTER CYLINDER RECALL APPLY TO THE FJ CRUISER. IT OBVIOUSLY SHOULD BE INCLUDED. THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.

NHTSA ID

11022634

Incident

Sep 1, 2017

Mileage

150,000 mi

THE SEAT BELT RETRACTOR IN MY 2007 FJ CRUISER HAS FAILED TO FUNCTION. SOMETHING AS IMPORTANT TO THE SAFETY OF THE DRIVER OF THE VEHICLE IS SOMETHING THAT SHOULD BE COVERED UNDER THE LIFETIME WARRANTY OF THE VEHICLE. INSTEAD, BAYRIDGE TOYOTA IS TELLING ME THAT I WILL HAVE TO PAY TO HAVE THESE PARTS REPLACED. I'M HORRIFIED THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT ISSUED A RECALL FOR THIS ISSUE TO CORRECT, TOYOTA SHOULD ASSUME RESPONSIBILITY FOR FIXING AN IMPORTANT SAFETY FEATURE. EMERGENCY BRAKES WOULDN'T GO ON

NHTSA ID

11000878

Incident

Jun 1, 2017

Mileage

77,000 mi

IT SEEMS TO ME THAT MY ANTI-LOCK BREAKS ARE ENGAGING WHEN THEY SHOULDN'T BE. WHEN I TRY TO STOP, IT JERKS SO HARD THAT IT SEEMS AS THOUGH I'VE BEEN HIT FROM BEHIND. IT WILL TRY TO STOP WHILE I'M DRIVING AND STARTS JERKING. THIS HAS HAPPENED MULTIPLE TIMES WHEN I'M DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY. MY SON IS 20 YEARS OLD AND HAS THIS VEHICLE NOW AND I AM LETTING YOU KNOW, THAT I WILL HOLD TOYOTA AND NHTSA PERSONALLY RESPONSIBLE SHOULD ANYTHING HAPPEN TO HIM. I HAVE READ SO ABOUT SO MANY ISSUES REGARDING THE 2007 TOYOTA FJ BREAKING SYSTEM THAT IT'S UNBELIEVABLE THAT A RECALL HASN'T BEEN ISSUED. YOU ARE PLAYING WITH PEOPLES LIVES.

NHTSA ID

10990981

Incident

May 20, 2017

Mileage

127,000 mi

I HAVE NOT BEEN NOTIFIED OF ANY RECALLS BY TOYOTA LISTED BY THE NHTSA FOR THIS VEHICLE. I HAVE BEEN EXPERIENCING LONGER, WOBBLY STOPPING FOR A WHILE NOW. RECENTLY REPLACED BRAKE PADS AND IT GOT A LITTLE BETTER BUT NOT MUCH. HAD I BEEN NOTIFIED OF THE RECALL ISSUES I WOULD HAVE TAKEN IT TO THE DEALER.

NHTSA ID

10970876

Incident

Mar 8, 2017

Mileage

140,000 mi

RECENTLY, MY FJ CRUISER LOSES BRAKES AND IT HAS ALMOST MADE ME GET INTO A COUPLE ACCIDENTS. THE BRAKE PEDDLE WILL GO ALL THE WAY TO THE FLOOR AND I HAVE HAD TO USE MY E-BRAKE TO STOP. PUMPING THE BRAKE USE TO WORK BUT NOW THE BRAKES WONT COME BACK FOR A WHILE. THIS HAPPENS AT ANY MPH AND THE BRAKE HAVE EVEN GONE OUT WHEN I'M STATIONARY.

NHTSA ID

10782500

Incident

Sep 28, 2015

Mileage

110,000 mi

BAD VIBRATION WHEN APPLYING THE BRAKES. END RESULT WAS THE ROTORS,BRAKE PADS, AND BOTH CALIPERS HAD TO BE REPLACED!! AN $800.00 BILL! DEALER STATED IT WAS PROBABLY DUE TO ROAD SALT ERROSION!! THESE VEHICLES ARE PROMOTED AS OFF-ROAD/4WD GO ANYWHERE VEHICLES! I HAVE NEVER HAD TO REPLACE CALIPERS ON ANY VEHICLE I'VE EVER OWNED. I FEEL IT HAS TO DO WITH THE QUALITY OF STEEL THEY USE IN THESE VEHICLES AS I'VE HAD TO ALSO REPLACE THE TRANSMISSION COOLERS LINES DUE TO RUST ERROSION/LEAKING OF THE METAL LINES! THE FRAME,SKID PLATES AND UNDER FRAME METAL ARE ALL FLAKING WITH RUST ERROSION. *TR

NHTSA ID

10661259

Incident

Aug 16, 2013

Mileage

78,230 mi

THE CHASSIS IS SO CORRODED AND FULL OF RUST IT HAS GOT TO A POINT OF LOOSING THE STRENGTH AND INTEGRITY OF THE WHOLE BODY. THIS IS VERY WORRISOME SPECIALLY IF THE CAR IS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT WHERE THE FRONT PART CHASSIS CANNOT RESIST THE IMPACT. THIS HAS TO BE RECALLED BY TOYOTA OR AT LEAST FIXED IN SOME WAY LIKE THEY DID WITH THE TACOMA AND TUNDRAS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10545745

Incident

Sep 27, 2013

Mileage

94,000 mi

WHEN I PUT MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE SUV STARTS TO SHAKE. I HAD MY ROTORS RESURFACED AND IT WENT AWAY. NOW IT'S BACK. I SPOKE WITH A CERTIFIEDTOYOTA MECHANIC. HE TOLD ME THAT THE TRUCKS ARE KNOWN FOR HAVING UNDER SIZED ROTOR AND BRAKE PADS AND THAT IS WHY THAT HAPPENS. I COULD BUY A NEW ROTORS AND IT WOULD STILL HAPPEN. IS WHAT HE TOLD ME. I WOULD LIKE TO SEE A RECALL ON ALL TOYOTA TRUCKS AND SUVS. THANK YOU *TR

NHTSA ID

10533078

Incident

Aug 1, 2013

Mileage

70,000 mi

THE DRIVER'S LEFT FOOT REST CAME LOOSE AND WENT UNDER THE BRAKE PEDAL. I WAS ABLE TO CLEAR THE PEDAL BEFORE BRAKING. I THINK THIS COULD BE A WIDE-SPREAD ISSUE AFTER LOOKING AT SEVERAL INTERNET POSTS. *TR

NHTSA ID

10522728

Incident

Mar 29, 2013

Mileage

81,000 mi