CarBrief

The 2007 FJ Cruiser has 593 owner complaints on file with NHTSA, far more than any other model year of this SUV[1][2]. It also has 8 recalls, so check that the recall work was done before you buy[2].

593owner complaints[1]
8recalls[2]
16–18MPG combined (EPA)[3]

Most reported problems

NHTSA lists 593 complaints for this model year[1]. Of those, 15 mention a crash[1], 5 a fire[1] and 9 an injury[1]. No deaths are reported[1]. These are unverified owner reports, and one complaint can name more than one component.

Component group Complaints
Structure[4] 238
Unknown or other[5] 80
Suspension[6] 78
Visibility[7] 77
Brakes[8] 72
Power train[9] 51

We read a small sample of complaint texts for the biggest groups. Here is what owners describe.

The power train group has 51 complaints, fewer than structure, suspension, visibility and brakes[9]. We did not read a text sample for it, so we say nothing about what those complaints describe.

Recalls

NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year[2]. Newest first:

Fuel economy

All three EPA ratings are for a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine that runs on premium fuel[3][18][19].

Version City / highway / combined MPG Est. annual fuel cost
2WD, automatic 5-speed[3] 17 / 21 / 18 $4,550
4WD, automatic 5-speed[18] 15 / 19 / 17 $4,850
4WD, manual 6-speed[19] 15 / 18 / 16 $5,150

EPA's fuel cost uses its current fuel price assumptions, not prices when the car was new.

Safety ratings

NHTSA gives the 4-door RWD/AWD version 3 stars for rollover, with a rollover risk of 26.7%[20].

Engine and size

The EPA ratings list a 4.0L 6-cylinder engine[3]. These dimensions are Canadian-market specifications for the 2-door SUV 4WD variant and can differ slightly from US models[21].

Measure Value
Length[21] 177 in
Width[21] 75 in
Height[21] 72 in
Wheelbase[21] 106 in
Curb weight[21] 4,295 lb

How 2007 compares with other years

2007: 593 complaints, 8 recalls59320072008: 124 complaints, 9 recalls20082009: 7 complaints, 10 recalls20092010: 66 complaints, 10 recalls20102011: 23 complaints, 6 recalls20112012: 41 complaints, 4 recalls20122013: 23 complaints, 4 recalls20132014: 30 complaints, 5 recalls2014
Owner complaints filed with NHTSA for each FJ Cruiser model year. The 2007 is highlighted[2].
Show the numbers
Model yearComplaintsRecalls
20075938
20081249
2009710
20106610
2011236
2012414
2013234
2014305

The 2007 model year stands out for complaints. It has 593[2], compared with 124 for 2008[2], 66 for 2010[2] and 41 for 2012[2]. No other year has more than 124[2]. Complaint counts are not adjusted for sales, so part of this may reflect how many were sold.

Recalls tell a different story. 2007 has 8, while 2009 and 2010 have 10 each and 2008 has 9[2]. So 2007 is not the model year with the most recalls.

Should you buy a used 2007 FJ Cruiser?

The complaint record is heavy, and it centers on structure, brakes, frame rust and windshields. Complaints are unverified, but in the texts we read, the same themes repeat[4][6][7][8]. If you look at one, have a mechanic inspect the engine bay sheet metal and the frame, and test the brakes over rough pavement. Ask for proof that the recall work was done, especially the seat belt anchor recall[13]. Fuel economy is modest at 16 to 18 combined MPG on premium fuel[3][18][19].

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Structure is the largest complaint group at 238 of 593 complaints[1][4]. In a sample of texts, owners describe cracking engine bay sheet metal, brakes that go briefly dead over bumps, frame rust and cracked windshields[4][6][7][8].
How many recalls does the 2007 FJ Cruiser have?
NHTSA lists 8 recalls for this model year, covering seat heater accessories, auxiliary lamps, a seat belt anchor, tire load labels and tire bead damage[10][11][12][13][15][14][16][17].
What is the gas mileage of a 2007 FJ Cruiser?
EPA rates it at 18 combined MPG for 2WD automatic, 17 for 4WD automatic and 16 for 4WD manual[3][18][19].
Is the 2007 FJ Cruiser the worst year?
By complaint count it is the highest at 593, versus 124 for 2008[2]. By recall count, 2009 and 2010 have more, with 10 each versus 8[2].

Facts and sources

  1. NHTSA has 593 owner complaints on file for the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser (15 mention a crash, 5 a fire, 9 injuries, 0 deaths reported). NHTSA vehicle records
  2. Owner complaints and recalls for every Toyota FJ Cruiser model year (chart above). NHTSA recall database
  3. EPA rating for FJ Cruiser 2WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Premium, Rear-Wheel Drive: 17 city / 21 highway / 18 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,550. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  4. 238 complaints name the structure component group (4 crashes, 2 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 59,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  5. 80 complaints name the unknown or other component group (0 crashes, 0 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 120,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  6. 78 complaints name the suspension component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 125,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  7. 77 complaints name the visibility component group (1 crashes, 0 fires, 0 injuries, median mileage at failure 3,450). NHTSA vehicle records
  8. 72 complaints name the brakes component group (1 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 55,000). NHTSA vehicle records
  9. 51 complaints name the power train component group (2 crashes, 1 fires, 1 injuries, median mileage at failure 80,500). NHTSA vehicle records
  10. Recall 16V396, filed June 2, 2016: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  11. Recall 14V743, filed November 19, 2014: Seats › Front Assembly › Seat Heater / Cooler. NHTSA recall database
  12. Recall 13V163, filed April 25, 2013: Exterior Lighting. NHTSA recall database
  13. Recall 13V098, filed March 15, 2013: Seat Belts › Front › Anchorage. NHTSA recall database
  14. Recall 10V036, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  15. Recall 10V035, filed February 3, 2010: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  16. Recall 09V223, filed June 15, 2009: Equipment › Other › Labels. NHTSA recall database
  17. Recall 06V235, filed June 26, 2006: Tires › Bead. NHTSA recall database
  18. EPA rating for FJ Cruiser 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Automatic 5-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 19 highway / 17 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $4,850. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  19. EPA rating for FJ Cruiser 4WD, 4.0L 6-cyl, Manual 6-spd, Premium, 4-Wheel or All-Wheel Drive: 15 city / 18 highway / 16 combined MPG; EPA estimated annual fuel cost $5,150. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov
  20. NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings, 4 DR RWD/AWD: rollover 3 stars; rollover risk 26.7%. NHTSA vehicle records
  21. Transport Canada specifications via NHTSA vPIC, FJ CRUISER 2DR SUV 4WD: length 177 in, width 75 in, height 72 in, wheelbase 106 in, curb weight 4,295 lb (converted from centimeters and kilograms). vpic.nhtsa.dot.gov

Complaints submitted to NHTSA by owners; unverified reports, one complaint can name several components. Complaint counts are not normalized by sales; compare years of the same model, not different models. EPA annual fuel cost uses EPA's current fuel price assumptions, not the price when the car was new. Horsepower is the rating listed for EPA test vehicles. Dimensions are Canadian-market specifications and can differ slightly from US models.