2013 Toyota Fj Cruiser Owner Complaints

Please consider opening or expanding an investigation into frame, underbody, brake-line, and suspension-mount corrosion affecting Toyota FJ Cruisers. I own a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD. A professional inspection found multiple fluid leaks, heavy rust, rusted exhaust, leaking rear shocks, and brake line/hose concerns. After reviewing the condition, the mechanic essentially declined to repair it and recommended scrapping the vehicle. The attached photos show conditions that appear safety-relevant: rust perforation through underbody structural metal near a bracket/crossmember area; severe corrosion around brake lines and fittings; widespread scaling near suspension and frame components; a leaking rear shock; and badly deteriorated exhaust connections. This is not just appearance rust. Also note the contrast between the observable condition of the vehicle versus the problems hidden beneath. This rust is clearly outpacing normal wear and tear. The safety risk is straightforward. At interstate speeds, a corroded brake line could fail during emergency braking. A weakened shock mount, suspension bracket, or crossmember could fail when the vehicle hits a pothole, uneven bridge plate, or highway debris. In dense, aggressive traffic, especially where vehicles travel 70+ mph, any sudden loss of braking, stability, or rear-end structural integrity could cause a spinout, rollover, or multi-vehicle crash. I understand Toyota has previously addressed severe corrosion on other truck platforms. I urge NHTSA to review whether the FJ Cruiser has a similar pattern of premature or excessive structural corrosion. Owners may not know the vehicle is unsafe until a mechanic refuses repair or a component fails. Please review consumer complaints, inspection photos, and corrosion-related failures before this becomes a fatal incident.

NHTSA ID

11736593

Incident

May 8, 2026

I purchased my beloved 2013 FJ Cruiser from Wellesley Toyota 6.5 years ago and have really enjoyed it. I have had it serviced religiously at McGee Toyota of Hanover since my purchase and expected to continue to enjoy it for many years to come and was just informed by McGee Toyota that the frame is severly rusted out throughout. My truck only has 158K miles on it and I expected this to last at least twice as long. This appears to be the same issue Toyota experienced with the Tundra and Tacoma with premature rusting on their vehicles due to a manufacturing issue. There are numerous complaints online about this issue and even a current class action lawsuit. I have alerted Toyota Corporate of this and they are not standing behind their product.

NHTSA ID

11717366

Incident

Jan 5, 2026

I had a car accident on Feb 10, 2025 and my air bag did not deploy

NHTSA ID

11648412

Incident

Feb 10, 2025

The contact owns a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Upon having the vehicle inspected by a State Inspector, the contact was informed that there was significant corrosion on the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the corrosion failure was a result of normal wear and tear. The contact was referred to an independent mechanic who specialized in vehicle undercoating to prevent further corrosion damage to the vehicle. Despite the vehicle being treated for the corrosion damage, the contact was recently informed that the corrosion damage had worsened, and that the vehicle was unsafe to drive. The manufacturer was notified of the failure; the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ID

11606446

Incident

Aug 1, 2021

Mileage

80,000 mi

I went down the road & hit a bump my car rocked a little so I stopped to check the lug nuts & see if anything was wrong. I did not see anything. So, I continued to go pick my friend up as I was driving down the freeway anytime I hit a bump the car rocked more the faster I went. So I slowed down & watched traffic around me. Picked my friend up, went on the ramp and hit another bump and bam, my vehicle went so high up in the air my friend thought we were going to roll over. I immediately got off the freeway & there was a dealership right there. I asked if they could look at it & they wouldn't, they were too busy. I managed to baby it all the way back to my dealership. They said the control bar came away from the frame that was rotted. I called my insurance co. they said nothing they could do because of wear & tear. They did not view anything but pictures. I called claims & they said my VIN has no recalls that they won't do anything. They did not look at anything. I asked that they call my dealership to have them tell them how serious this could have been. They said my warranty was up in July of 2021. I had no letters to tell me this. I have only had it serviced at the dealership when it was due for service, nowhere else. I found out claims previously have been paid through a lawsuit on frames. Frames should last longer than this even in inclement weather. I also had it fluid filmed. Nobody will do anything & it's scary. Sad they want an accident before they look at things. I hope you can address this some way. Thank You.

NHTSA ID

11465817

Incident

May 13, 2022

Frame rust. Gas tank strap rust. Undercarriage rusted.

NHTSA ID

11443720

Incident

Dec 14, 2021

Severely rusted & rotting frame. Diagnosed by Mike’s Automotive, Sturgeon Bay, Wi.

NHTSA ID

11436206

Incident

Oct 5, 2021

Severe frame, structural and fuel tank strap rust.

NHTSA ID

11429121

Incident

Aug 14, 2021

The frame on my vehicle is incredibly rusty. Upon further research, I've found that this is a chronic problem FJ Cruisers. Many frames have rusted to the point where there is structural damage thereby rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. I know that Toyota issued a recall for Tacoma trucks for this very issue, and I would like to have a recall issued for the FJ as I'm incredibly concerned for my safety.

NHTSA ID

11422743

Incident

Jun 28, 2021

I purchased a used Toyota FJ Cruiser in June 2019 with 25,441 miles on it from Luv Toyota in Lakewood, NY. The car was purchased sight unseen with cash from a Toyota dealership and shipped to me in Sugar Land, TX. When the vehicle arrived it was covered in frame and total underbody rust. The vehicle is completely unsafe to drive and I have driven it less than 1000 miles since it was purchased 2 years ago. After numerous attempts to receive a refund from Luv Toyota and Toyota Motors Corp I have given up. A 5 year old vehicle with less than 30,000 miles should not be completely rusted out. This is a complete fraudulent transaction. Toyota Corp does not stand by their vehicles or their franchise dealerships.

NHTSA ID

11419119

Incident

Jun 6, 2019

FROM ACCELERATION; BETWEEN 30MPH AND 45MPH MY VEHICLE SHUDDERS AND SHAKES. I BELIEVE THE ISSUE IS COMING FROM THE TRANSMISSION AND OR DIFFERENTIAL OF MY VEHICLE.

NHTSA ID

11395818

Incident

Feb 5, 2021

Mileage

144,000 mi

BROUGHT CAR INTO DEALER LAST MONTH FOR NEW HORN AS IT WAS A WEAK VOLUME AND WOULD NOT PASS INSPECTION IN MASSACHUSETTS. WAS REPLACED. WORKED FOR A WEEK OR TWO THEN CEASED TO COMPLETELY FUNCTION. BROUGHT BACK IN TODAY AND WAS TOLD BY DEALER CLOCK SPRING/SPIRAL CABLE WAS CORRODING. REMINDED OF OLD RECALL ON VARIOUS PAST TOYOTAS.

NHTSA ID

11384336

Incident

Dec 21, 2020

Mileage

83,280 mi

EXCESSIVE RUST ON FRAME, CHASSIS, TIE ROD ENDS AND ALL OTHER METAL PARTS, ALTHOUGH CAR IS MAINTENED PROPERLY, ONLY 40K MILES, GARAGE PARKING, NO OFF-ROAD USAGE AND NO SALT EXPOSED.

NHTSA ID

11363658

Incident

Oct 10, 2020

THE FRAME AND GAS TANK STRAPS AND REAR BUMPER ARE RUSTING TO AN UNSAFE CONDITION. VEHICLE IS 2013 WITH ONLY 66000MILES. I AM SPENDING COUNTLESS DOLLARS YEARLY TO PREVENT THE RUST AND IT ISN'T GETTING ANY BETTER. OTHER VEHICLES THAT SHARE THE SAME FRAME HAVE HAD RECALLS ON THE FRAME AND THIS VEHICLE SHOULD ALSO BE INCLUDED

NHTSA ID

11278666

Incident

Nov 7, 2019

SEVERE RUST UNDER CARRIAGE INCLUDING FUEL TANK STRAPS AND SUSPENSION COMPONENTS. NUMBER IS RUSTED AND SKID PLATES. RUST BASICALLY COVERING UNDER VEHICLE. CONCERNED ABOUT INTEGRITY DURING A CRASH

NHTSA ID

11252836

Incident

May 1, 2016

FRAME RUST, REAR BUMPER RUSH, UNDER CARRIAGE RUST, FRONT LOWER A-ARM RUST, DIFFERENTIAL RUST.

NHTSA ID

11245781

Incident

Jun 1, 2019

Mileage

61,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. WHILE A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE AIR BAG WARNING INDICATOR FAILED TO ILLUMINATE. THE OVERWEIGHT PASSENGER TRIGGERED THE AIR BAG SENSOR AND CAUSED IT TO FAIL. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 25,000.

NHTSA ID

10909738

Incident

Sep 14, 2016

Mileage

25,000 mi

DECEMBER 17, 2014 I WAS ENROUTE TO WORK BETWEEN 9:00-9:30 AM. AND AS I AM DRIVING ALONG HUGHEY ROAD APPROACHING ROBINSON STREET A CROSS ROAD THE LIGHT TURNED YELLOW, SO I APPLIED MY BRAKES WHILE GOING OVER THE RAIL ROAD TRACKS AND I LOSS MY BRAKES ENDING UP IN THE INTERSECTION AND MY FRONT END IN THE PEDESTRIAN WALK WAY NEARLY RUNNING OVER TWO PEDESTIRANS, THEY WERE SO CLOSE THEY COULD TOUCH MY TRUCK. IT WAS A THREE LANE ROAD AND I WAS IN THE MIDDLE THE TWO OTHER CARS WERE ABLE TO STOP BUT I WASN'T AND KEPT GOING WITH MY FOOT PLANTED FIRMLY ON THE BRAKE. I COULD FEEL THE GRINDING OF MY BRAKE PEDAL LIKE IT WAS A COMPUTER THINKING. I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTER CARE CENTER AND THEY GAVE ME A CASE #[XXX]. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID

10667244

Incident

Dec 17, 2014

Mileage

12,889 mi

IN THE 60-70 MPH RANGE THE STEERING WHEEL SHIMMIED BACK AND FORTH AS MUCH AS 1-2 INCHES. THE VEHICLE FEELS UNSTABLE IN THIS RANGE. *TR

NHTSA ID

10637842

Incident

Jun 1, 2014

Mileage

16,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING IN SNOW CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD WIPERS BUILD UP AMAZING AMOUNTS OF ICE. I SPOKE WITH DEALERSHIP AND THEY CLAIM IT DOES THAT BECAUSE OF THE ANGLE OF THE WINDSHIELD. I WAS HAVING TO PULL OVER AND STOP TO BREAK THE ICE OFF MY WIPERS BECAUSE THEY STOPPED CLEARING THE WINDSHIELD AND I WOULD LOOSE VISIBILITY. ALSO, THE UNDERSIDE OF THE FJ CRUISER BUILDS UP AND COLLECTS ICE LIKE NOTHING I HAVE EVER SEEN. I AM A OVER THE ROAD TRUCK DRIVER AND HAVE DRIVEN IN ALL TYPES AND LEVELS OF BAD WEATHER, I HAVE NEVER SEEN ICE BUILD UP LIKE IT DOES ON THE FJ CRUISER.. THE FIRST TIME I THOUGHT IT MIGHT HAVE JUST BEEN A FLUKE BUT IT REPEATED THE ICE BUILD UP YESTERDAY WHEN IT SNOWED AGAIN. *TR

NHTSA ID

10509449

Incident

Apr 15, 2013

Mileage

5,000 mi

VEHICLE HAS A SHIMMY OR SHAKING AS FELT IN THE STEERING WHEEL AT SPEEDS OF 45 MPH OR HIGHER. THIS SEEMS MUCH MORE PRONOUNCED WHEN DRIVING ON A CURVE THAN ON A STRAIGHT HIGHWAY. HAVE HAD THE FRONT TIRES BALANCED BY THE TOYOTA DEALER 3 TIMES SO FAR, AND THE BALANCING IS SPOT ON (I WATCHED THEM BALANCE THEM), BUT SHAKING IN THE STEERING WHEEL STILL CONTINUES. THE TIRES DID NOT TAKE EXCESSIVE WEIGHTS EITHER. I HAVE STOCK TRD WHEELS WITH BF GOODRICH 265-75/16 TIRES - WHICH CAME WITH THE 2013 TEAM TRAILS EDITION. I DON'T BELIEVE THIS IS A TIRE BALANCING PROBLEM, BUT SOMETHING LOOSE IN THE STEERING OR SUSPENSION. *TR

NHTSA ID

10508791

Incident

Mar 2, 2013

Mileage

700 mi

CPSC: I1330412A. 2013 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. CONSUMER STATED THAT RODENTS HAVE BEEN EATING THE WIRES UNDER THE HOOD OF HER VEHICLE. *LN THE CONSUMER WAS INFORMED THE WIRES WERE MADE WITH SOME TYPE OF SOY, THAT ATTRACTED THE RODENTS AND SO FAR IT HAS COST $800 IN THE PAST TWO MONTHS.

NHTSA ID

10506123

Incident

Feb 12, 2013

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2013 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 60 MPH, SHE NOTICED THERE WAS A BLIND SPOT ON THE REAR PASSENGER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS SHE ATTEMPTED TO ENTER ANOTHER LANE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE AND CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 250. THE VIN WAS NOT AVAILABLE.

NHTSA ID

10489446

Incident

Dec 17, 2012

Mileage

250 mi