Toyota FJ Cruiser years to avoid, and the best years to buy
Every Toyota FJ Cruiser model year: which ones owners and specialists recommend, which have documented problems, which carry recalls, and what they sell for now.
2010–14 if you can. Those trucks have the dual VVT-i engine on regular fuel, and CarGurus says the inner-fender bulge mostly shows up on 2007–09 trucks, while 2007 draws far more owner complaints than any other year. IH8MUD owners add that some pre-February 2007 builds had a brittle rear ring and pinion, so check the door-jamb build date. They also point out that an early truck you plan to re-gear anyway isn't much of a loss. Rust history and how the truck was used matter more than the year.
At a glance
Toyota FJ Cruiser year by year
| YEAR | VERDICT | WHAT CHANGED |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | — | FJ Cruiser concept shown in Voodoo Blue at the Detroit auto show |
| 2005 | — | Production version shown at the Chicago auto show in February; Hino starts building it at Hamura in January 2006 |
| 2007 | Beware | Launch: 239-hp 1GR-FE on premium, six-speed manual (full-time 4WD) or five-speed automatic; 3,200 TRD Special Editions. CarGurus says owners report far more problems with 2007s than any other year, and inner fender aprons on early trucks can bulge and crack. IH8MUD owners add that some builds before February 2007 had a brittle rear ring and pinion |
| 2008 | — | Side curtain and torso airbags standard; first Trail Teams Special Edition (Iceberg, 3,200 built) |
| 2009 | — | Optional backup camera; no Trail Teams edition, a TRD package instead. US sales fall to 11,941 |
| 2010 | Sweet spot | Dual VVT-i 1GR-FE: 259 hp on regular fuel, slightly better economy, and a slightly larger rear diff. CarGurus ties the fender-apron bulge mainly to 2007–09 trucks, so 2010–14 are the years owners usually steer buyers toward |
| 2011 | — | 260 hp; new front-seat hinges for easier rear-seat access; RHD sales begin in Australia and New Zealand |
| 2013 | — | CRAWL control on Trail Teams automatics; access-door panel recall covers 2007–2013 trucks |
| 2014 | — | Final US model year; 2,500 Trail Teams Ultimate Editions in Heritage Blue |
| 2016–2018 | — | Australian exports end in August 2016; Japan Final Edition in September 2017, Japanese sales end January 2018 |
| 2022 | — | Middle East Final Edition (1,000 units); production ends in December |
“Sweet spot” means owners and specialists recommend those years; “Beware” means documented problems; “Recall” means check the recall was done rather than walk away.
What a Toyota FJ Cruiser costs (October 2026)
Jalopnik found sub-100,000-mile FJs listed at or above their last new price. Mileage, rust history and the 2010+ engine drive the spread, and special editions earn a premium only when they're clean.
| High-mile 2007–2008 | $12.5k–17k |
|---|---|
| Driver 2010–2013 | $26k–37k |
| Low-mile / late / Ultimate Edition | $38k–56k+ |
Based on 20 Bring a Trailer sales, August–October 2026: $12,500 for a 2007 up to $56,250 for a 7,000-mile 2014. A 27,000-mile 2014 Ultimate Edition sold for $42,000, and a 6,000-mile 2008 for $43,900.
Recalls by year
- Rear access-door panels can crack at the seat-belt retractor ↗ 2007–2013
- Intermediate steering shaft weld ↗ 2014 (built 7–20 August 2013)
- Trail Teams Ultimate Edition front suspension bolts ↗ 2014
- TRD brake kit outer brake tube ↗ 2007–2012 (accessory)
- Toyota auxiliary driving lamps too bright ↗ 2007–2013 (accessory)
- TPMS not recalibrated after accessory wheels ↗ 2008–2011
- Denso low-pressure fuel pump ↗ 2014 (some)
Best years are buyer consensus from owners, specialists and forums, not spec sheets. See all Land Cruiser years to avoid across every generation.