Table 1 shows one common suspension related problems of the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
| Problem Category | Number of Problems |
|---|---|
| Suspension 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.
I purchased my beloved 2013 Fj Cruiser from wellesley Toyota 6. 5 years ago and have really enjoyed it. I have had it serviced religiously at mcgee Toyota of hanover since my purchase and expected to continue to enjoy it for many years to come and was just informed by mcgee Toyota that the frame is severly rusted out throughout. My truck only has 158k miles on it and I expected this to last at least twice as long. This appears to be the same issue Toyota experienced with the tundra and tacoma with premature rusting on their vehicles due to a manufacturing issue. There are numerous complaints online about this issue and even a current class action lawsuit. I have alerted Toyota corporate of this and they are not standing behind their product.
I went down the road & hit a bump my car rocked a little so I stopped to check the lug nuts & see if anything was wrong. I did not see anything. So, I continued to go pick my friend up as I was driving down the freeway anytime I hit a bump the car rocked more the faster I went. So I slowed down & watched traffic around me. Picked my friend up, went on the ramp and hit another bump and bam, my vehicle went so high up in the air my friend thought we were going to roll over. I immediately got off the freeway & there was a dealership right there. I asked if they could look at it & they wouldn't, they were too busy. I managed to baby it all the way back to my dealership. They said the control bar came away from the frame that was rotted. I called my insurance CO. They said nothing they could do because of wear & tear. They did not view anything but pictures. I called claims & they said my VIN has no recalls that they won't do anything. They did not look at anything. I asked that they call my dealership to have them tell them how serious this could have been. They said my warranty was up in July of 2021. I had no letters to tell me this. I have only had it serviced at the dealership when it was due for service, nowhere else. I found out claims previously have been paid through a lawsuit on frames. Frames should last longer than this even in inclement weather. I also had it fluid filmed. Nobody will do anything & it's scary. Sad they want an accident before they look at things. I hope you can address this some way. Thank you.
Frame rust. Gas tank strap rust. Undercarriage rusted.
Severe rust under carriage including fuel tank straps and suspension components. Number is rusted and skid plates. Rust basically covering under vehicle. Concerned about integrity during a crash.
Vehicle has a shimmy or shaking as felt in the steering wheel at speeds of 45 mph or higher. This seems much more pronounced when driving on a curve than on a straight highway. Have had the front tires balanced by the Toyota dealer 3 times so far, and the balancing is spot on (I watched them balance them), but shaking in the steering wheel still continues. The tires did not take excessive weights either. I have stock trd wheels with bf goodrich 265-75/16 tires - which came with the 2013 team trails edition. I don't believe this is a tire balancing problem, but something loose in the steering or suspension.