2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

• Bulging or cracked inner fenders and door openings 2007–2008 One source so far

  What to check: Look at the upper inner fenders and the front of the door openings for bulges, tears or cracks.

  Twisting off-road can cause it on early trucks, and it can also point to a past crash. The review says it was addressed from 2009.

  Sources ¹²

• Weak rear differential on early trucks 2007 One source so far

  What to check: In tight, slow turns with light throttle, listen for clicking, groaning or popping, and feel for binding.

  Wheelspin with the locker engaged, and oversized tires, add to the strain.

  Sources ¹²

• Water inside All years One source so far

  What to check: Feel for wet or moldy carpet, and look for silt behind the low door seals and stains low on the carpet.

  A blocked air-conditioning drain can cause it. A truck that has been in deep water is one to walk away from.

  Sources ¹²

• Frame rust or cracks All years One source so far

  What to check: Look at the frame for rust and cracks, above all under the engine.

  Sources ¹²

• Sagging seats All years One source so far

  What to check: Notice on the test drive whether the seat sinks toward the floor.

  Sources ¹²

• Faulty off-road electronics All years One source so far

  What to check: Try A-TRAC and the rear locker. A blinking light on the dash means a fault.

  Sources ¹²

Rare catches

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

• Good find Radiant Red Color

  A Trail Teams Special Edition color^3,8

  Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.¹³

Recalls

• 06V235000 2007

  The inner bead of some Bridgestone and Dunlop tires may be damaged, causing bulges and leaks. The tires are replaced.¹⁴

• 09V223000 2007–2009

  The load capacity label was missing. A new label is supplied.^14,15,16

• 12E046000 2007–2012

  Wheel weights in the wrong place can damage a brake tube and cause a fluid leak. The tube is replaced.^{14,15,16,17,18,19}

• 13V098000 2007–2013

  The rear access door panel that holds the front seat belt retractors can crack, and a retractor could come loose in a crash.^{14,15,16,17,18,19,20}

• 13V163000 2007–2013

  The lamps are too bright with their 55-watt bulbs, which are replaced.^{14,15,16,17,18,19,20}

What buyers say

Reputation: what owners and the press report

• Avoid: Modified or hard-used trucks Non-factory wheels, tires or suspension Less sought after One source so far

  The same review says to avoid trucks with non-factory wheels, tires or suspension, and any that have been used hard off-road.¹²

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.