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Which year to buy
Bar height: serious owner complaints to NHTSA for that year per car on the road, against this model's usual year.
2014GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual Extended coverage
27 serious complaints of 30, the most about structure (10) and steering (4); per car on the road, 0.9× this model's usual year. 5 recalls.
What owners report
“Notable frame rust and corrosion. Available for inspection upon request. Safety risk if any parts of frame are rusted through and vehicle has no structural support. Confirmed by independent service center. Inspected during each Toyota service, including one done in March 2021 prior to purchasing vehicle.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Apr 2022
“Intermediate Steering Shaft Weld Failure: Recall concern. My car was built 7/25/2014. Recalls were initiated for FJ’s within the following date ranges 8/7/2013 - 8/20/2013 for this issue. My FJ has the same issue confirmed by three Toyota Dealership Service Departments. Revisiting the Recall Status is needed. Thank you for your attention.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Nov 2025
Fixes and extended coverage
- Extended coverage On December 20, 2022, a settlement of claims for certain low pressure fuel pumps was approved by the federal court. The purpose of this Customer Support Program letter is to help clarify how to administer this coverage in accordance with the settlement. (23TE04, Feb 2023)
From the manufacturer's bulletins filed with NHTSA. A dealer can look up whether a car has had the work done or is still covered.
30 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 16–18 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2014 trims and features
2013GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual
19 serious complaints of 23, the most about structure (10) and suspension (6); per car on the road, 0.9× this model's usual year. 4 recalls.
What owners report
“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.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Aug 2024
“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.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the suspension, Feb 2026
23 owner complaints · 4 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 16–18 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2013 trims and features
2012GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.9× usual
24 serious complaints of 40, the most about structure (11) and steering (9); per car on the road, 0.9× this model's usual year. 5 recalls.
What owners report
“My frame is corroding at a rapid rate and needs to be addressed by Toyota! I truly believe that this was cheap way of selling cars without the proper undercoating affecting these trucks later on most Toyota trucks had the frames replaced buy the dealers with the same problems that these fj cruisers have, this needs to be addressed asap.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Aug 2026
“Speeds above 55 mph cause the steering wheel to constantly shake. It seems to be a consistent issue regardless of the types of tires and balancing that is used.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jun 2018
40 owner complaints · 5 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 16–19 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2012 trims and features
2011GOOD BUYSerious complaints 0.8× usual
15 serious complaints of 23, the most about steering (8) and suspension (6); per car on the road, 0.8× this model's usual year. 7 recalls.
What owners report
“Vehicle exhibits steering shimmy between 55-65 mph, vehicle can not maintain stable performance at highway speeds. Toyota have replace both wheel and tires and have the same result. Fj cruisers are having a problem, and toyota will not do anything on this saftey issue. Tr”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Feb 2013
“Lower control arms rusted. Need replaced couldn't adjust them for alignment. Frame rusting front and rear diff rusting. Stock skid plate replaced rusted through completely. I thoroughly wash salt off my vehicle, yet it still has rusted just like the original frame recall toyota hasn't gotten it right. Need another recall.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the suspension, Dec 2019
23 owner complaints · 7 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 17–19 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2011 trims and features
2010GOOD BUYSerious complaints 1.3× usual, mostly structure and steering
53 serious complaints of 66, the most about structure (13) and steering (13); per car on the road, 1.3× this model's usual year. 12 recalls.
What owners report
“Single Toyota 2010 FJ Cruiser Owner.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the structure, Sep 2021
“#8 - steering problem of the 2010 toyota fj cruiser the vehicle is a 2010 toyota fj cruiser. This vehicle can not maintain safe highway speeds of 55 to 60 mph due to severe wheel shimmy. I have had these wheels force balance about a dozen times, still having the same issue. Why won't toyota look into this problem.”
An owner's complaint to NHTSA about the steering, Jul 2013
66 owner complaints · 12 recalls (check a car's VIN for open recalls) · EPA combined: 17–19 mpg · NHTSA: Not rated · 2010 trims and features
Verdicts computed from NHTSA owner complaints, defect investigations and recalls. Cars on the road from New York State registrations. (How we judge.) Data checked 2026-10-06.
Year by year
| Year | Engines | Drive | Fuel economy | Crash rating | Recalls | Owner complaints | Most-reported problem | CarPlay |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | 4.0L 6-cyl, 260 hp manual available | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 16–18 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 30 | Structure (10) | — |
| 2013 | 4.0L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, AWD, RWD | 16–18 mpg | Not rated | 4 | 23 | Structure (10) | — |
| 2012 | 4.0L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 16–19 mpg | Not rated | 5 | 40 | Structure (11) | — |
| 2011 | 4.0L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 17–19 mpg | Not rated | 7 | 23 | Steering (8) | — |
| 2010 | 4.0L 6-cyl manual available | 4WD, RWD | 17–19 mpg | Not rated | 12 | 66 | Structure (13) | — |
Owner complaints are unverified reports to NHTSA, counted as filed: older years have had longer to collect them and sales aren't adjusted for, so see Which year to buy for a fair comparison. Most-reported problem: the component named in the most complaints that year. Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Apple.
Trims and features
What changed for 2014
- Gears: 5 → 6 (all trims)
- Ground clearance: 8.7 in → 9.6 in (all trims)
- Curb weight: 4,079 lb → 4,332 lb (all trims)
2014 FJ Cruiser trims
| Base | |
|---|---|
| Powertrain | |
| Horsepower | 260 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft |
| Transmission | 4x4 6-Speed Manual: — 4x4 5-Speed Automatic: ECT-i 4x2 5-Speed Automatic: ECT-i |
| Gears | 4x4 6-Speed Manual: 6 4x4 5-Speed Automatic: 5 4x2 5-Speed Automatic: 5 |
| Drivetrain | 4x4 6-Speed Manual / 4x4 5-Speed Automatic / 4x2 5-Speed Automatic |
| Size and capability | |
| Seats | 5 |
| Max towing | 5,000 lb |
| Cargo behind last row | 27.9 cu ft |
| Max cargo | 66.8 cu ft |
| Ground clearance | 4x4 6-Speed Manual: 9.6 in 4x2 5-Speed Automatic: 8.7 in |
| Length | 183.9 in |
| Curb weight | 4x4 6-Speed Manual: 4,332 lb 4x4 5-Speed Automatic: 4,343 lb 4x2 5-Speed Automatic: 4,079 lb |
| Tech | |
| Speakers | 6 |
| Comfort | |
| Seats | Cloth |
| Second row | Split Bench |
| Exterior | |
| Power liftgate | Manual |
| Wheels | 17 in |
| Headlights | Halogen |
Packages and options (50)
| Base | |
|---|---|
| Convenience Package | Optional |
| Off-Road Package | — |
| Upgrade Package | — |
| Electronically controlled locking rear differential | — |
| Exhaust Tip | — |
| Hood Protector | — |
| Paint protection film — hood/fender or front bumper | — |
| Rock Rails | — |
| Roof Rack | — |
| Running Boards | Optional |
| Spare Tire Cover | Optional |
| Towing receiver hitch, ball mount | — |
| TRD Air Filter | — |
| TRD Performance Air Intake | — |
| TRD Cat-Back Exhaust System | — |
| TRD Oil Cap | — |
| TRD Oil Filter | — |
| TRD Performance Brake Kit | — |
| TRD Performance Brake Pads | — |
| TRD Radiator Cap | — |
| TRD shocks | — |
| Vehicle Intrusion Protection (VIP) — Glass Breakage Sensor (GBS) | — |
| Wheel Locks | — |
| All-Weather Cargo Mat | — |
| All-Weather Floor Mats | — |
| Ashtray Kit | — |
| Cargo Cover | — |
| Cargo Net | — |
| Cargo Tote | — |
| Carpet Cargo Mat | — |
| Carpet Floor Mats | — |
| Center Armrest | — |
| Doorsill Enhancements | — |
| Emergency Assistance Kit | — |
| First Aid Kit | — |
| Rear Door Storage Net | — |
| TRD quick shifter | — |
| TRD Shift Knob | — |
| Rear Parking Assist Sonar | — |
| SiriusXM All Access subscription | Optional |
| 17-in. alloy wheels with P265/70R17 tires | — |
| 17-in. black steel wheel | — |
| Full-size spare tire on alloy wheel | — |
| Mud-and-Snow-rated steel-belted radials | Standard |
| Army Green | Optional |
| Black | Optional |
| Cement | Optional |
| Iceberg | Optional |
| Magma | Optional |
| Quicksand | Optional |
Trim data from OpenSpec (ODbL 1.0), built from Oem brochure, Nhtsa vin decode, Nhtsa vin decode. Still partial for this year: model, trims, powertrain, fuel economy, chassis, dimensions, exterior, interior, infotainment, safety, warranty, options, option rules, vin decode. "Optional" means a package or option adds it; hover for which.
Which years have…
Every NHTSA-rated version: crash ratings, safety tech, recalls, complaints
| Year | Version | Stars | Forward collision warning | Lane departure warning | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV FWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 30 |
| 2014 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 30 |
| 2013 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 23 |
| 2013 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 4 | 23 |
| 2012 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV 4WD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 40 |
| 2012 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV 2WD | Not Rated | No | No | 5 | 40 |
| 2011 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV AWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 23 |
| 2011 | Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV RWD | Not Rated | No | No | 7 | 23 |
| 2010 | Toyota FJ Cruiser w/SAB 4-DR. | Not Rated | No | No | 12 | 66 |
Source: NHTSA.
Every EPA-rated version: engines and combined mpg
| Year | EPA model | Engines | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | FJ Cruiser 2WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 18 |
| 2014 | FJ Cruiser 4WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
16–18 |
| 2013 | FJ Cruiser 2WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 18 |
| 2013 | FJ Cruiser 4WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
16–18 |
| 2012 | FJ Cruiser 2WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2012 | FJ Cruiser 4WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
16–18 |
| 2011 | FJ Cruiser 2WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2011 | FJ Cruiser 4WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
17–19 |
| 2010 | FJ Cruiser 2WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L | 19 |
| 2010 | FJ Cruiser 4WD | Auto 5-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L Man 6-spd, 6 cyl, 4.0 L |
17–18 |
Source: fueleconomy.gov.