Does the FJ have more or less problems than a normal new model?

[Zack1978]

Hey everyone,
While I was looking at the FJcruiser forum they have have an entire section to FJ problems. It is four pages of threads, with some rather serious problems (water leaks, windshield issues, rear cargo area heat, etc).
I am not at all attempting to bash the FJ , in fact I am still thinking about getting one. However does the FJ have more or less problems than a normal new model? Most people claim that you should wait a year or two before you buy a new model so that the bugs get worked out, do you think that is true with the FJ? I just don't want to deal with a whole host of problems!


Thanks,
Zack

 

[LandCruisers4Life]

Hey everyone,
While I was looking at the FJcruiser forum they have have an entire section to FJ problems. It is four pages of threads, with some rather serious problems (water leaks, windshield issues, rear cargo area heat, etc).
I am not at all attempting to bash the FJ , in fact I am still thinking about getting one. However does the FJ have more or less problems than a normal new model? Most people claim that you should wait a year or two before you buy a new model so that the bugs get worked out, do you think that is true with the FJ? I just don't want to deal with a whole host of problems!


Thanks,
Zack

Not necessarily. I have had mine a while now and no problems at all. It drinks gasoline, but that's about it. Haven't heard of anyones leaking water or any of that. The windshield is very vertical, so it is prone to get smacked with small stuff. Cargo area heat? I don't think that's an issue.

Well, I would say there are very few real problems, considering there are thousands of them on the road now. Your choice. The dealer will have to remedy problems as they arise if you do have them. I don't think they are anymore prone than another vehicle in the first year.

 

[TRDSteve]

Well, I would say there are very few real problems, considering there are thousands of them on the road now. Your choice. The dealer will have to remedy problems as they arise if you do have them. I don't think they are anymore prone than another vehicle in the first year.

Agreed. Forums being what they are, create a space for a few to have loud voices. I'm not diminishing what they experienced, but I do not believe they are extraordinary - particularly for a new model.

Toyota has put out a TSB for early models for a tire mount/ wheel issue. Otherwise, they hae been responsive to most of the issues you list. The wet seatbelt I believe has been resolved. The windshield is what it is. And the cargo area heat was investigative-type post anyway.

We've been on two moderate runs with ours and accumulated a few thousand miles. No problems.

 

[1911]

Personally, I don't like to buy first-year models for that reason, but the FJC is a tried-and-true 4Runner power train on a Prado frame and Tacoma front suspension, so the main components are pretty well "broken in" already. Haven't had a single problem with mine in any event (3K miles so far).

 

[Dragon]

I've got over 11K on mine with no problems at all. The vertical A pillar was addressed by the engineers designing it and they were able to reduce a lot of the drag coefficient which is now about the same as the 4Runner. That being said, it's a bug magnet and you're best off not getting close to a gravel truck on the road. If you buy one, you'll rekindle a passion for driving and offroading. I gaurantee it. While a few have had problems (endemnic of all vehicles by any manufacturer) the overall vehicle design is an incredible mix of on road comfort and off road prowess.

...no, I don't work for Toyota. I have had a 2000 Taco, a 2005 Tundra, and a few others (cars). There is something about the FJ Cruiser that sets it apart from others. You may need to drive one to understand.

*steps off of soapbox*

 

[Dead-Reckoning]

Hey everyone,
While I was looking at the FJcruiser forum they have have an entire section to FJ problems. It is four pages of threads, with some rather serious problems (water leaks, windshield issues, rear cargo area heat, etc).
I am not at all attempting to bash the FJ , in fact I am still thinking about getting one. However does the FJ have more or less problems than a normal new model? Most people claim that you should wait a year or two before you buy a new model so that the bugs get worked out, do you think that is true with the FJ? I just don't want to deal with a whole host of problems!


Thanks,
Zack

I had mine for about 4 months now and my only problem I ran in to was a trailer that had rocks started flying out all over the freeway and damaged my winshield and dented my front hood, but that was fixed with in weeks,cost his insurance 2,330 worth of damaged. Anyway no problems here..

 

[cruiserdan]

I do not recall a single warranty repair being done at our dealership to date.

 

[cruiser88]

ive only heard of little dum****.i think you would be better for the next year to come out.even though the first year is real dam good for the first year

 

[Zack1978]

I guess when you look at the FJ forum it looks bad in terms of problems!

Zack

 

[Blues Dawg]

I've put 5K on my FJC in 4 months, city highway and 6 good trail runs. Only problem I had was driver related - misjudged the obstacle/vehicle relationship. That being said, my dealer got the control arm and replaced it in 24 hours.

I've had 4 new toys and 2 new chevys over the last 14 years. I believe the chevys (2004 avalance and 1999 corvette) each had about 4 recall issues, mostly minor except the corvette steering lock problem, and the only recall I recall on the toyota was the aboved mentioned tire issue - which was a mounting damage problem.

Toyota does a great job proving their products before putting them on the market. They are concerned with quality and it shows. Also, as referenced above, the FJC is based on proven platforms - Prado and 4Runner, so the risks of ownership of the 1st year are realatively low (at least that's how I convinced myself!)

 

[Trollhole]

Hey everyone,
While I was looking at the FJcruiser forum they have have an entire section to FJ problems. It is four pages of threads, with some rather serious problems (water leaks, windshield issues, rear cargo area heat, etc).
I am not at all attempting to bash the FJ , in fact I am still thinking about getting one. However does the FJ have more or less problems than a normal new model? Most people claim that you should wait a year or two before you buy a new model so that the bugs get worked out, do you think that is true with the FJ? I just don't want to deal with a whole host of problems!


Thanks,
Zack

Go over to the touareg board and see what real problems are on introducing a new vehicle.

 

[eelson]

Go over to the touareg board and see what real problems are on introducing a new vehicle.

True that! Reality is, the FJC is a Hino Toyota and will have less problems than other first-years (though mine has its share of little annoying ones). I always told myself that I'd never buy a first year. I think the history of this vehicle/company and opportunity for a really low VIN changed my mind and I don't regret it.

 

[GXO]

Only repairs I am familiar with are those caused by idiot brothers