Table 1 shows one common service brakes related problems of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Service Brakes problems |
Please consider opening or expanding an investigation into frame, underbody, brake-line, and suspension-mount corrosion affecting Toyota Fj Cruisers. I own a 2013 Toyota Fj Cruiser 4wd. A professional inspection found multiple fluid leaks, heavy rust, rusted exhaust, leaking rear shocks, and brake line/hose concerns. After reviewing the condition, the mechanic essentially declined to repair it and recommended scrapping the vehicle. The attached photos show conditions that appear safety-relevant: rust perforation through underbody structural metal near a bracket/crossmember area; severe corrosion around brake lines and fittings; widespread scaling near suspension and frame components; a leaking rear shock; and badly deteriorated exhaust connections. This is not just appearance rust. Also note the contrast between the observable condition of the vehicle versus the problems hidden beneath. This rust is clearly outpacing normal wear and tear. The safety risk is straightforward. At interstate speeds, a corroded brake line could fail during emergency braking. A weakened shock mount, suspension bracket, or crossmember could fail when the vehicle hits a pothole, uneven bridge plate, or highway debris. In dense, aggressive traffic, especially where vehicles travel 70+ mph, any sudden loss of braking, stability, or rear-end structural integrity could cause a spinout, rollover, or multi-vehicle crash. I understand Toyota has previously addressed severe corrosion on other truck platforms. I urge NHTSA to review whether the Fj Cruiser has a similar pattern of premature or excessive structural corrosion. Owners may not know the vehicle is unsafe until a mechanic refuses repair or a component fails. Please review consumer complaints, inspection photos, and corrosion-related failures before this becomes a fatal incident.
December 17, 2014 I was enroute to work between 9:00-9:30 am. And as I am driving along hughey road approaching robinson street a cross road the light turned yellow, so I applied my brakes while going over the rail road tracks and I loss my brakes ending up in the intersection and my front end in the pedestrian walk way nearly running over two pedestirans, they were so close they could touch my truck. It was a three lane road and I was in the middle the two other cars were able to stop but I wasn't and kept going with my foot planted firmly on the brake. I could feel the grinding of my brake pedal like it was a computer thinking. I called the Toyota custer care center and they gave me a case #1412182728.