Thinking about buying a used Toyota FJ Cruiser (2006–2021) in New Zealand? We've documented 19 known faults for this model spanning engine, suspension, body & rust, and transmission. Each researched and verified before it's published. The most serious issues here are rated critical. Two are set out in full below — the rest, with the symptoms, repair costs and checks for each, are free with an account.
19
Documented faults
Critical
Most serious
$350–$1,400
Typical repair
6
Systems covered
Known Toyota FJ Cruiser faults
Every fault below is documented specifically for this model — researched and verified before it’s published.
The 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 uses two separate timing chains — a primary chain and a shorter secondary rear cam-to-cam chain. The secondary chain tensioner is oil-pressure fed and wears progressively, especially with infrequent oil changes. A worn tensioner produces a distinctive cold-start rattle from the rear of the engine valley. This is one of the most widely documented mechanical issues on the FJ Cruiser platform, confirmed across hundreds of owner reports and multiple specialist writeups. Ignored wear leads to chain jump and catastrophic valve damage.
Symptoms to notice
Cold-start rattle from the rear/top of engine valley, clears after 10-30 seconds
Rattle that worsens in cold weather or after oil changes using thinner oil
Check Engine Light with VVT or camshaft position codes (P0016, P0017, P0018, P0019)
Rough running after cold start
What to check
Cold start the engine and listen immediately for a rattling or clattering sound from the upper rear of the engine. If rattle is present and clears quickly, the secondary tensioner is worn. Ask owner to describe cold-start behaviour. Review oil change history for extended intervals. If a workshop inspection is possible: Pull OBD codes — cam correlation faults confirm timing chain slack.
Where to look: Rear of engine valley between cylinder banks, secondary cam-to-cam chain
Ask the seller
“Does the engine rattle or clatter on cold start before settling?”
“Has the secondary timing chain tensioner been inspected or replaced?”
“How frequently has the oil been changed and what specification was used?”
“Has the Check Engine Light ever shown timing-related codes?”
025-speed auto hesitation and harsh shifting
MinorOccasionalTransmission $250–$2,500 to fix
The A750 5-speed auto can develop hesitation and a harsh 1-2 or 2-3 shift as fluid ages or valve body wear sets in, especially if the fluid has never been changed. Neglected fluid accelerates clutch pack wear.
Symptoms to notice
Hesitation before downshifts
Harsh or delayed 1-2 shift
Flare between gears
Shudder on light throttle
What to check
Test drive assessing shift quality and hesitation, check fluid condition and colour if accessible, and scan for transmission codes.
Where to look: Automatic transmission and valve body
Ask the seller
“Has the transmission fluid ever been changed?”
“Any harsh or delayed shifts?”
“Any transmission repair history?”
SuspensionCritical
SuspensionCritical
SuspensionCritical
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
Body & RustMajor
EngineMajor
Body & RustMajor
SuspensionMajor
TransmissionMajor
EngineMajor
EngineMajor
TransmissionMajor
Fluid LeaksMajor
BrakesMajor
Fluid LeaksMinor
SuspensionMinor
17 more documented faults on the Toyota FJ Cruiser
Symptoms, what to check, where to look and what to ask the seller — for every fault above. Free with an account, no card needed. One account covers one vehicle, so make it the car you’re actually looking at.
This page covers the model. Enter the plate of the actual car you’re looking at and see its year, engine, safety rating and register flags — free, no account needed.
Like any used car, it depends on the specific example and its service history. Across the 19 documented faults for the Toyota FJ Cruiser, the recurring problem areas are engine, suspension, and body & rust. A Toyota FJ Cruiser with a full service history and no signs of the issues listed on this page can be a sound buy but each one needs to be checked individually before you commit.
What are the most common problems with a used Toyota FJ Cruiser?
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We've catalogued 19 known faults for the Toyota FJ Cruiser, covering engine, suspension, and body & rust. Two are written out in full on this page. The rest — with the symptoms to notice, what to inspect, and typical repair costs for each — are free once you create an account.
How much do repairs cost on a Toyota FJ Cruiser?
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Most single repairs on the Toyota FJ Cruiser fall between $350–$1,400 at NZ independent-workshop rates. Some of the 19 documented faults cost less and a few cost considerably more, and no one car needs them all. Knowing which ones to look for before you view is what lets you negotiate the price down or walk away.
Should I get a pre-purchase inspection on a Toyota FJ Cruiser?
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Yes. A Toyota FJ Cruiser inspection focused on its known weak points is the single best way to avoid an expensive mistake. KickTyres gives you a guided, model-specific inspection plus a market valuation and negotiation figure for $17.90 far less than the cost of missing one of the faults on this page.