Fender Bulge

[Tacoman99]

Probably should close the thread.

I went ahead and bought a new 2013. I could not find a used one for a reasonable price. Dealer had what I wanted in stock. I went through Costco auto purchase and got one heck of a good deal. Only a couple thou more than a low milage used one. Actually cheaper than a couple I saw on Craigs list.

I am looking at buying a used FJ and have read a lot about the fender bulge/crack/rip issue. I noticed that the postings seem to stop in 2009. I understand that there was a good fix even before they changed to the 150 frame in 2010. I have searched but could not find when that change took effect. Does anyone know which VIN numbers were free of the problem.

Thanks
John

 

[Mtbcoach]

From my understanding, there is no specific VIN numbers that this issue impacted. I had an '07 (produced 3/06) and didn't have the issue. Inspect the area, if its used and not an issue by now, probably won't be...

 

[BirdManzFJ]

X2 what Jerry said. I too (HAVE ) an early 06 build with an ARB bumper/winch/Hi Lift up front, a lot of extra weight over stock plastic and no problems yet.

 

[1911]

Me neither; my 4/06 build has 140,000 miles, is VERY heavy and has been wheeled a lot. No problems so far.

 

[Corey]

Me either.
Summer build of 2006, took delivery in late July.
ARB bumper, winch, ect, no problems.

 

[ordoman]

I have an early 07 with a fender bulge. I can tell you the moment I got it.

No bumper or added weight at the time. Dropped into a u-shaped ditch doing less than 5 mph. Went down, came up the other side, front wheels off the ground less than a foot, came down on the other side of the ditch. Stopped, popped the hood and there they were, small but visible. This was probably more than 5 years and 100k miles ago.

They have continued to grow, very slowly. I now have a winch and steel bumper, but am very conscious about dropping the front end too hard. I guess some day I'll have to do something about it.

I heard that the initial fix from Toyota didn't really work (never checked it out), but stopped worrying about it a long time ago.

 

[BMThiker]

Mine have cracked all the way through. I guess I should do something about it, but haven't yet. Probably gonna drive it until the proverbial fenders fall off.

 

[ordoman]

Mine have cracked all the way through. I guess I should do something about it, but haven't yet. Probably gonna drive it until the proverbial fenders fall off.

That actually did happen to a guy I met back in April. The whole front end fell off. Not sure if he had to pay out of pocket to get it fixed or not.

 

[Tacoman99]

Probably should close the tread.

I went ahead and bought a new 2013. I could not find a used one for a reasonable price. Dealer had what I wanted in stock. I went through Costco auto purchase and got one heck of a good deal. Only a couple thou more than a low milage used one. Actually cheaper than a couple I saw on Craigs list.

 

[fjcruzn]

My 2007 developed cracks in the front fenders at 58,000 miles. I traded it with 107,000 miles and the cracks had not grown significantly...

I haven't heard of any newer ones having the problem.

cheers,

dale

 

[Southeast Overland]

FJ Cruisers with the older fender design are more likely to get bulges but even the newer design have had some issues.