general problems of the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Rust is inherently bad on these vehicles. The other day I heard a weird noise under my truck driving down the road. As if I flung a rock up and hit a spring or something. To my dismay, I noticed the fuel tank hanging. One of the straps rusted to the point that it broke allowing the fuel tank to droop.

I recently purchased the used 2007 Toyota fj with 101,000 miles. During maintenance and inspection, it was found that the fuel tank straps are rusted out and need to be replaced. The rear brake lines are rusted out and need to be replaced. The frame is severely rusted out and failing at the factory welds. I was referred to submit a report and investigate filing a class action lawsuit against the manufacturer for negligence, as this is apparently a known issue. I am hoping that the will reach someone that is able to help all the owners with the same issues as this should be recalled and repaired to prevent unnecessary injury or death. This is a huge financial burden for those expecting a quality vehicle that will be safe. Failing brakes, loose gas tanks and weakened frames are recipe for disaster.

I filled up my truck with gas. Upon driving to work I noticed a loud clank. I looked under the vehicle but it was dark and saw nothing obvious. I continued down the road and heard knocking only when braking hard. When examined in daylight, I could see that the fuel tank support strap (rear) rusted thru and the weight of the tank/fuel caused it to shift toward and rub against the drive shaft. The loud clank I would hear was caused by the tank being struck by the drive shaft balancing weight. The more I research, the more I see others have experienced the same thing. I made it safe until I could procure parts and make the repair. I examined the area and the replaced straps. The rear strap is doomed to fail. The oem part is painted but exposed in the left rear tire well. Basically, the strap is doomed to be sandblasted by road debris, salt, sand and plain old dirt. Photos and descriptions of others with similar problems are always in the same location. I feel Toyota should make the straps from a better quality material not as susceptible to corrosive properties of salt. This is a serious fuel tank issue. If there was a problem with the front strap the rear strap failure could have dropped the tank on the road. Will it take the death(s) of the occupants of affected vehicle should a fire or explosion occur for Toyota to step up and assume responsibility? or maybe if the tank falls out of the vehicle and car that runs over it then it explodes and kills those occupants will get Toyota's attention? I have retained the failed part should it be needed at a future date for inspection, etc.

I was driving the vehicle to work and was unable to stop. I had to use the emergency brake system.

The gas tank strap rusted so the gas tank was hanging low. I fixed the problem myself.

Fj cruiser in tennessee was filling up gas tank and heard a noise under the car. I looked and noticed that the back of the gas tank was hanging down. After I got it home, I discovered that the rear fuel strap had broken due to rust. The front fuel strap was also extremely rusted and probably would have failed also.

I was driving down the street after filling up my fuel tank. I drove approximately 1/2 mile when I heard a sound, felt a clunk and stopped immediately. My fuel tank was hanging down on the ground. I called aaa and requested a flatbed and to bring a strap. He did not bring a strap and when my truck arrived at the mechanic the fuel tank had completely separated from the vehicle. The other complaint I have is the rusted frame. I purchased this vehicle used. I did not notice that the tube before the rear axle which holds suspension supports to the frame were completely broken off and separated from the rusted out frame that has failed. It has been welding but the rusted frame is very difficult to weld to.

Serviced 99% of the time at Toyota dealer. Within a week of having the vehicle serviced by the dealer, I noticed a rattling/banging. One gas strap had completely rusted through, and the other was hanging on by about a quarter inch of material. I always ask the dealer to inspect the frame due to the history of rust problems on fjs—they have never flagged anything but I inspect it as I can myself, but have no way to lift the vehicle up thoroughly. I also have the service fluid applied by rust check to prevent/inhibit deterioration. On a sidebar, this summer I was traveling on the interstate when the rear-most crossmember rusted out while I was using a hitch haul to move a dresser to south carolina.

When I cruise on a highway around 70mph, my car suddenly lost power. I was very scared but tried to move the car to curb, then the car died. One minute later I tried to restart the car but failed. I called the road assistance service. When they came and poured in one gallon gas in the car, then the car was started. The problem is that before the car died, the fuel indicator pointer pointed at the a quarter position. The fuel empty warning light was not on.

While inspecting excessive rust from my frame and the parts of the frame that have failed (already reported), we noticed the gas straps. They are completely rusted and over 3/4 broken because of the rust.

I was driving on a surface street and felt a strange but and then a distinct thump, thump,thump, sound began emitting from the rear of the vehicle, I contacted my local Toyota deal but they failed to provide me with any helpful information regarding any recalls regarding the rear differential. Since I had the vehicle at a shop already and it was out of warranty, I allowed an outside shop to do the work. 1ea ring and pinion gear set, 1ea bearings kit, 1ea seals kit, synthetic oil, and labor for a total of $2002. 20 I find it hard to believe a vehicle with 41. 000 miles on would have it rear differential fail in the manner that this unit failed.