Common problems · 1988–90
Land Cruiser FJ62 problems: 8 things to check
The problems owners and specialists flag most on the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ62, the repairs they end up doing and what those cost, plus the years and recalls to watch. Sourced, not scraped.
Land Cruiser FJ62 problems to check before you buy
- Rear frame railsCorsetti says this is the most important check on any 60: drop the spare if necessary and inspect the rear frame rails. Rusted through means walk away.
- The usual 60 rust spotsWindshield gasket corners, roof drip rails, tailgate hinge areas, inner and outer rear wheel wells, front fenders and rockers. Trucks from salted-road states rust fast; a magnet finds filler around the wheel wells and tailgate.
- Find the oil leakMost will have one. Before blaming the rear main seal, IH8MUD members suggest checking that the oil pan bolts are torqued to spec and that the valve cover gasket isn't the real culprit.
- Rough idleUsually a tune-up item or a vacuum leak rather than anything serious, but it's a useful bargaining point.
- Test the A/C and the 4WDCheck that the A/C compressor engages; it may just need a recharge. Engage four-wheel drive and low range on a loose surface and make sure the push-button system works.
- Knuckles and steeringLook for sludge at the front knuckles, and drive it to check for wobble or wander, especially on a lifted truck.
- Power-steering leaksA wet, shiny driver's-side axle and spring usually means the power-steering box or pump is leaking.
- Ask about the transfer caseIH8MUD members treated a transfer-case rebuild at 74,000 miles as a red flag on one truck. Ask why any major driveline work was done.
The repairs Land Cruiser FJ62 owners end up doing
| REPAIR | SYMPTOMS | DIFFICULTY | TIME | COST |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chase down a rough idle | Rough or hunting idle, hesitation, or a hiss under the hood. | 2 / 5 | ≈ 1–3 hours | Hoses and tune-up parts |
| Diagnose oil leaks before pulling the transmission | Oil drips at the bellhousing or under the engine. | 2 / 5 | ≈ 1–2 hours to diagnose | Gaskets; a rear main seal job is far more |
| Front knuckle rebuild | Grease sludge leaking from the steering knuckles. | 3 / 5 | ≈ Two days the first time | $200–600 (Corsetti); kits about $120–160 |
| Two-inch lift with steering damper | Sagging springs, worn shocks, or front-end shake after bumps. | 3 / 5 | ≈ A day | Old Man Emu kits about $2,400 (Cruiser Corps) |
| Fix power-steering leaks | Fluid on the driver's-side axle and spring, low fluid, or a groaning pump. | 3 / 5 | ≈ Half a day | Seals or a rebuilt box/pump |
| Rust repair at the rear wheel wells | Bubbling at the rear wheel arches, a patched-feeling inner well, or a mud flap that sits unevenly. | 4 / 5 | ≈ A weekend per side | Parts plus labor |
| Push-button 4WD stuck on: vacuum solenoid and lines | The green 4WD light stays on after you switch 4WD off, the front driveshaft won't turn by hand with the switch off, or the truck won't shift in or out of 4WD. | 2 / 5 | ≈ 1–2 hours | Vacuum hose, or a replacement solenoid valve; IH8MUD owners report paying anywhere from a $17.77 donor part to about $400 for a new Toyota one |
| Fuel tank leak and the 91V-110 recall | Fuel smell, or fuel dripping near the rear axle, especially when filling. NHTSA owner complaints describe a tank split at a spot weld and a corroded fuel line in the left rear wheel well. | 3 / 5 | ≈ Half a day to drop and replace the tank | Free if the recall is still open and parts are available; otherwise a tank, filler hose and lines |
Each repair links to a step-by-step guide with tools, part numbers and where to buy the parts.
Land Cruiser FJ62 recalls and service bulletins
- Rear lap belt may not retract ↗ 1982–1988 · NHTSA 89V155000The rear lap belt can stay partly extended and lock; the fix was a belt guide or sheath. 1988 is the only FJ62 year covered.
- Fuel tank welds can crack ↗ 1980–1990 · NHTSA 91V110000Heat and load can pressurize the tank and crack its welds, leaking fuel that can catch fire near an ignition source; the remedy was an improved tank (38,500 vehicles, 1980–90 Land Cruisers).
Check any VIN for open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls ↗, or see the recall tracker.
Owner questions about Land Cruiser FJ62 reliability
Is a little oil leak normal?
On a truck this age, mostly yes. As one IH8MUD member put it, 'any '88 Cruiser is going to leak some oil, from somewhere.' Check the pan bolts and valve cover gasket before assuming it's the rear main seal.
SOURCE · IH8MUDTake the printable Land Cruiser FJ62 inspection checklist: every check on this page plus the model-specific ones, on one sheet. Get the checklist →
Sourced from owners, specialists and factory documents; full sources are on the Land Cruiser FJ62 guide. Verify torque figures and procedures against the factory service manual (disclaimer).