2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser Problems: 9 Issues Every Owner Should Know

2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser Problems: 9 Issues Every Owner Should Know | Au7o

NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

EQUIPMENT

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.

Campaign #14V82800030/12/2014

STEERING

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured August 7, 2013, to August 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft which connects the steering wheel and the steering gear box may have an inadequate weld.

Campaign #15V08100010/02/2015

SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles equipped with an optional "Trail Teams Ultimate Edition" package, in which the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced at vehicle processing centers. In some of these vehicles the bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and/or the front suspension lower arm to the front cross member assemblies might have been tightened with insufficient torque when the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced during the installation process.

Campaign #14V53900008/09/2014

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

Campaign #14V47500004/08/2014

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020. On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V01200013/01/2020

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota FJ Cruiser problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 5,630+ owner reports, the 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser has 9 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Frame Rust and Corrosion, Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal, A/C Compressor and Evaporator Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?

The 2009 Toyota FJ Cruiser has 9 known issues documented across 5,630+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Frame Rust and Corrosion and Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota FJ Cruiser problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota FJ Cruiser issues range from $30 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Frame Rust and Corrosion, typically costs $200-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Frame Rust and Corrosion?

FJ Cruisers develop significant frame rust in salt-belt states, especially at the rear crossmember, trailing arm mounts, and spare tire carrier. The frame design has areas where water and debris collect, accelerating corrosion. Rising FJ Cruiser values make frame preservation cri… Repairs typically run $200-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal?

The plastic driver footrest / dead pedal breaks away from its mounting clips and becomes a loose object in the driver footwell. In documented complaints the detached footrest slid under the pedals; in at least one NHTSA-reported case it lodged under the brake pedal and prevented… Repairs typically run $30-$150. Severity: high.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser A/C Compressor and Evaporator Failure?

The FJ Cruiser's A/C system is prone to compressor clutch failure and evaporator core leaks. The evaporator is located behind the dashboard, making replacement extremely labor-intensive. The A/C system struggles in hot climates, especially when off-roading at low speeds. Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear Differential Breather Clog and Water Intrusion?

The rear differential breather on the FJ Cruiser is located low on the axle housing and is prone to clogging with mud and debris. When clogged, pressure builds during heating cycles and forces gear oil past the pinion seal. During water crossings, the breather can suck water into… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder During Lockup?

The A750F 5-speed automatic behind the 4.0L V6 develops a distinct shudder/judder felt as a vibration typically between roughly 35-50 mph under light throttle when the torque converter clutch engages during 'Flex Lockup.' It is caused by aged/degraded Toyota WS fluid losing its f… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Starter Solenoid Contact Erosion Causing No-Crank / Single Click?

A common age/mileage failure on the 1GR-FE Denso starter: the high-current contacts inside the starter solenoid erode or corrode, so turning the key produces a single click with no crank, often intermittently and worse when hot or after moisture/salt exposure. Repeated key cyclin… Repairs typically run $100-$650. Severity: medium.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Windshield Cracking Due to Flat Design?

The FJ Cruiser's nearly flat windshield design makes it highly susceptible to cracking from small impacts that would be deflected by more curved windshields. Owners report going through multiple windshields over the life of the vehicle. The flat angle also causes more direct ston… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Front Inner Fender Apron Bulging, Cracking, and Tearing?

The thin sheet-steel inner fender aprons in the engine bay develop bulges that eventually crack and tear, typically a 3-4 inch tear in the upper inner fender roughly 6-8 inches from the firewall on both sides. It is attributed to metal fatigue from frame/body flex combined with a… Repairs typically run $100-$900. Severity: low.

What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear Door Spot-Weld Cracking and Hinge Sag from Spare Tire Weight?

The side-hinged rear cargo door carries the full-size spare (and often aftermarket tire carriers, gas cans, or heavier wheels). Over time the pinch-seam spot welds on the door crack and the door sags roughly half an inch, so it no longer aligns and must be lifted to latch. Rust d… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: low.

All 9 Known Issues

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Frame Rust and Corrosion#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Windshield Cracking Due to Flat Design#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Front Inner Fender Apron Bulging, Cracking, and Tearing#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Rear Door Spot-Weld Cracking and Hinge Sag from Spare Tire Weight#

2007-2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: A/C Compressor and Evaporator Failure#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Rear Differential Breather Clog and Water Intrusion#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder During Lockup#

2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: Starter Solenoid Contact Erosion Causing No-Crank / Single Click#

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