JTEBU4BF4EK1982412014 TOYOTA FJ CruiserSR
2014 TOYOTA FJ Cruiser was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately....
Executive Summary
2014 TOYOTA FJ Cruiser
2014 TOYOTA FJ Cruiser was analyzed across NHTSA recalls, owner complaints, crash test data, and public auction records. There are 5 open recalls on record — these are safety-critical and should be addressed immediately. 30 owner complaints have been filed with NHTSA — review the complaint section for the most common failure patterns.
- 5 open recalls including safety-critical systems (Steering system recall; Fuel system recall)
- 30 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — above average for this class
- Suspension/Wheels is flagged in both recalls and owner complaints — double-confirmed failure pattern
- Component failure cascade detected — a known defect pattern that typically leads to more severe downstream damage
Title Brand Check
Mined from auction damage fields and listing titles — not a DMV title history pull
No auction records available. Title brand status could not be verified — request title history from seller or state DMV.
Vehicle Specifications
Decoded from NHTSA vPIC database
- Make
- TOYOTA
- Model
- FJ Cruiser
- Year
- 2014
- Trim / Series
- SR
- Body Style
- Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV]
- Vehicle Type
- MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV)
- Drive Type
- 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4
- Fuel Type
- Gasoline
- Engine
- 6-cyl 4.0L 260.00 hp
- Doors
- 5
- Manufacturer
- TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION
- Assembly
- HAMURA, JAPAN
- GVWR
- Class 1: 6,000 lb or less (2,722 kg or less)
Assembly Plant Quality
Plant: HAMURA, JAPAN
No specific quality data available for this plant. No documented recall or complaint concentrations on record.
Safety Intelligence
Composite analysis from NHTSA recall, complaint, and crash data
- ▸Steering system recall
- ▸Fuel system recall
- ▸1 fuel system recall(s) — potential ignition risk
- ⚠Safety system appears in both official recalls and owner complaints
Lemon law eligibility depends on state law, number of repair attempts, and days out of service. Consult an attorney for actual eligibility.
The same components appear in both official NHTSA recalls and owner-filed complaints — a double-confirmed failure signal.
Deferred Failure Risk
Components and defects approaching or past their known service milestones
Worn chain tensioners cause timing chain skip or snap — common on GM 5.3L/6.2L, Ford EcoBoost, VW/Audi EA888, BMW N47/N63. Listen for cold-start rattles.
Water pump failure causes rapid overheating. If the engine overheats even once, head gasket damage is likely — turning a $400 part into a $3,000+ repair.
Degraded transmission fluid destroys clutch packs and solenoids. CVT transmissions are especially sensitive — neglected fluid can result in a $4,000–$8,000 replacement.
On 4WD/AWD vehicles, neglected differential or transfer case fluid causes metal-on-metal wear. Replacement costs $1,500–$4,000.
Degraded coolant loses corrosion inhibitors and attacks aluminum engine components. Can cause head gasket failure and water pump corrosion.
Worn spark plugs cause misfires that can foul and crack catalytic converters. A $150 tune-up can prevent a $1,200 catalytic converter replacement.
Dirty or failing injectors cause rough idle, reduced fuel economy, and increased emissions. Cleaning costs $100–$200; replacement $800–$1,600.
NHTSA Safety Recalls
5 RECALLSNHTSA VIN-specific recall lookup returned no data for this VIN. The 5 recalls below are model-wide and may or may not apply to this exact vehicle depending on production date. Verify at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Average repair completion across 5 recalls is ~65%. Always ask the seller for dealer service records confirming each repair.
Statistical model based on recall age, component type, and manufacturer. Not a repair confirmation. Demand dealer service records.
TOYOTA has an excellent recall completion rate (95%) — owners typically receive a remedy within 14 months.
Avg time to remedy open recall: ~14 months · Source: NHTSA Recall Completion Rate Reports
EQUIPMENT
SummarySoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner, Tacoma, FJ Cruiser, Land Cruiser, RAV4, Scion FRS, and XB vehicles. The affected vehicles may have accessories installed by SET, such as running boards or other items, that were incorrectly installed. The accessory attaching fasteners were not tightened with the proper torque, possibly causing the accessory to detach from the vehicle.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
SummaryToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles equipped with an optional "Trail Teams Ultimate Edition" package, in which the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced at vehicle processing centers. In some of these vehicles the bolts which secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and/or the front suspension lower arm to the front cross member assemblies might have been tightened with insufficient torque when the front shock absorbers and springs were replaced during the installation process.Read full details...
~36% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
SummaryToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."Read full details...
~44% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
STEERING
SummaryToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2014 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured August 7, 2013, to August 20, 2013. In the affected vehicles, the intermediate steering shaft which connects the steering wheel and the steering gear box may have an inadequate weld.Read full details...
~32% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
SummaryToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) recalled certain 2018-2019 4Runner, Highlander, Camry, Land Cruiser, Sequoia, Sienna, Tacoma and Tundra, and Lexus RC 300, RC 350, GS 350, GX 460, IS 300, LC 500, LS 500, LX 570, RX 350L, and 2019 Toyota Avalon and Corolla, and certain Lexus NX 300, and ES 350 vehicles on January 13, 2020.
On March 4, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include certain 2014-2015 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser, 2018 Avalon, Corolla, 2014 FJ Cruiser, 2017 Sienna and Lexus 2018 ES 350, 2018-2019 GS 300, 2013-2014 GS350, 2014-2015 GX 460, IS 350 and LX 570, 2014 IS F, 2018-2019 IS 350, LC 500H and LS 500H, 2013-2015 LS 460, 2015 NX 200T and RC350, 2017 RC 200T and RX 350. Toyota also removed the 2018-2019 Toyota 4Runner and Land Cruiser and 2018-2019 Lexus GX 460 and LX 570 and 2019 NX300 from inclusion in this recall. On March 19, 2020, Toyota expanded the recall to include 2015 Lexus GS350 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.Read full details...
~26% chance this recall was never fixed
Moderate RiskSource: NHTSA statistical model by recall age & component type
Recall Intelligence
Detailed analysis of recall history and severity
⚠ One or more recalls have been open for over 5 years — may never have been repaired on this vehicle.
Recall Remedy Effectiveness — Complaints Continue After Fix
RECALL DIDN'T FIX ITOwner complaints filed AFTER recall remedies were issued for the same components
100% of complaints about "SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT" were filed AFTER recall campaign 14V539000 (2014-08-09) — the recall remedy may not have fully resolved the issue.
Continuing complaints after a recall may indicate an inadequate fix, a new failure mode, or that many vehicles never had the recall performed. Verify recall completion status directly with NHTSA.
Complaint Intelligence
30 complaints analyzed across 8 system categories
Owner Complaints
HIGH VOLUME30 safety complaints filed with NHTSA
Intermediate Steering Shaft Weld Failure: Recall concern. My car was built 7/25/2014. Recalls were initiated for FJ’s within the following date ranges 8/7/2013 - 8/20/2013 for this issue. My FJ has the same issue confirmed by three Toyota Dealership Service Departments. Revisiting the Recall Status is needed. Thank you for your attention.
The contact owns a 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while cleaning underneath the vehicle, the contact discovered that the subframe was severely corroded. The dealer was made aware of the failure; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer made aware of the failure and advised them contact to file a complaint with the NHTSA Hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Mice or rats consume the soy-based wires. They consumed one of the fuel injection wires on my 2014 FJ. The Toyota dealership charged me $896 for the new connector that was located under the intake manifold.
Excessive frame rust causing safety issue with suspension and crash danger. Yes my vehicle is available for inspection. My safety as well as other drivers safety are put at risk if the suspension fails causing my vehicle to veer into on-coming traffic. The problem is on going and can be confirmed by a dealer or independent service. My vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer, but is available for inspection upon request. No warnings lamps. This is an undercarriage issue that is hidden by the tires and the body that sits on the frame.
Extensive rust in frame
FRAME IS SEVERELY RUSTING. WE TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALER TO GET A LOOSE SKID PLATE ATTACHED, AND MECHANIC TOLD US THAT THEY HAD TO REMOVE IT BECAUSE "THERE WAS NOTHING LEFT TO ATTACH TO AS THE FRAME HAS RUSTED AWAY. THE FRAME, ATTACHMENT POINTS, SUPPORTS, AXLES AND SUSPENSION PIECES ARE EXTREMELY RUSTY. WE WERE ADVISED BY MECHANIC TO DISPOSE OF THE CAR BECAUSE IT WOULD SOON BE UNDRIVEABLE. 98000 MILE, 9 YEAR OLD, BABIED, DEALER MAINTAINED CAR.
Rear Body Mount rotted, frame very rusted and thin, could pose issue with structure. All the times bringing to dealer, nothing was mentioned regarding how bad the frame was.
Frame corrosion and complete frame failure. The area compromised affected the steering of the vehicle. Luckily, the failure was discovered before failure at Highway speeds . No warning of any kind prior to failure. The vehicle is currently at a Toyota dealership awaiting a complete frame replacement . Should the failure have occurred at Highway speed, this would have been a catastrophic event as the front end/ steering would have been dramatically affected
Notable frame rust and corrosion. Available for inspection upon request. Safety risk if any parts of frame are rusted through and vehicle has no structural support. Confirmed by independent service center. Inspected during each Toyota service, including one done in March 2021 prior to purchasing vehicle. Documentation does not mention frame/structural rust anywhere. Initial photographs of frame rust done prior to first oil change in July 2021. Was told it was just surface rust and could be "sanded down" and it would be good as new. No warning messages.
CONDITION IS CONTINUOUS: WHEN VEH. IS IN MOTION OR PARKED WITH MOTOR RUNNING OR MOTOR IS NOT RUNNING.. BACK DOOR OF VEHICLE CANOT BE UNLOCKED WITH A KEY AS SUGGESTED ON PAGE 40 OF OWNERS MANUAL.. OR WHEN USING WIRELESS REMOTE, OR DOOR SWITCH.THIS CONDITION WAS FIRST NOTICED WHEN THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED AND MOTOR NOT RUNNING.. DRIVER AND PASSENGER DOORS DO WORK PROPERLY WITH THE KEY. BOTH SIDE DOORS WORK PROPERLY USING A KEY AS DESCIBED ON PAGE 35 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL., THE GLASS HATCH CANNOT BE OPEND WITH A KET AS SUGGESTED ON PAGE 45 OF THE OWNERS MANUAL, I DO NOT KNOW THE CAUSE OF THIS MALFUNCTION.,THESE CONDITIONS ARE A SAFETY HAZZARD.
THE VEHICLES FRAME IS CONSIDERABLY RUSTED WHEN TAKING INTO ACCOUNT THE AGE AND USE OF THE VEHICLE, IT HAS LESS THAN 50K AT THE TIME OF SUBMISSION.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS AT A STAND STILL, THE REAR TAILGATE DOOR WAS UNABLE TO OPEN. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE DIAGNOSED NOR REPAIRED AS OF YET. A DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE MANUFACTURER HAD BEEN INFORMED OF FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 35,000.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE CONTACT CALLED THE DESERT TOYOTA OF TUCSON LOCATED AT 7150 E 22ND ST, TUCSON, AZ 85710, (520) 296-8535, AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT PARTS WERE NOT YET AVAILABLE FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. PARTS DISTRIBUTION DISCONNECT.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO CRESTMONT TOYOTA (730 NJ-23, POMPTON PLAINS, NJ 07444) DUE TO AN ABNORMAL FUEL ODOR OF FUEL. TOYOTA OF MANHATTAN (645 11TH AVE, NEW YORK, NY 10036) AND CRESTMONT TOYOTA (730 NJ-23, POMPTON PLAINS, NJ 07444) AND THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE AND INFORMED THE CONTACT THAT PART WOULD BE AVAILABLE MAY OF 2020. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 68,000. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V012000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE) HOWEVER, THE PART TO DO THE RECALL REPAIR WAS UNAVAILABLE. AN UNKNOWN DEALER WAS CONTACTED AND IT WAS CONFIRMED THAT THE PART WAS NOT AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE ISSUE. THE CONTACT HAD NOT EXPERIENCED A FAILURE. VIN TOOL CONFIRMS PARTS NOT AVAILABLE.
I BOUGHT MY 2014 FJ CRUISER BRAND NEW WITH 5 MILES ON IT. 6 MONTHS INTO OWNING IT THE DRIVER DOOR LOCKS STOPPED WORKING. THE DEALER REPLACED IT UNDER WARRANTY. ABOUT A YEAR LATER THE PASSENGER LOCKS STOPPED WORKING AND THEY REPLACED THOSE UNDER WARRANTY. ABOUT 1-1/2 YEARS LATER THE DRIVER LOCK (THAT WAS ALREADY REPLACED) STOPPED WORKING AGAIN. I HAD 34,000 MILES ON IT AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT'S NO LONGER COVERED UNDER WARRANTY. I TOLD THEM THAT THE LOCK THEY REPLACED WENT OUT BUT THE DEALER SAID THE REPLACEMENT WARRANTY IS ONLY GOOD FOR 1 YEAR AFTER THE REPAIR! SHORTLY AFTER THE PASSENGER LOCK WENT OUT AGAIN AS WELL. AND NOW THE BACK DOOR WONT EVEN UNLOCK WITH THE KEY FOB OR EVEN MANUALLY WITH THE KEY. THE DOOR LOCK ACTUATORS ON THE CARS ARE TERRIBLE! I WENT TO THE DEALER AND THE SERVICE MANAGER TOLD ME THEY WERE HAVING A LOT OF ISSUES WITH THE TOYOTA LOCKS AND FOR ME TO KEEP AN EYE OUT FOR A RECALL! IT'S BEEN 3 YEARS NOW THAT I'VE BEEN WITHOUT LOCKS AND NO RECALL! DEALER QUOTED ME $900 TO FIX ONE DOOR! $360 FOR THE PART AND THE REST LABOR. RIDICULOUS ESPECIALLY BECAUSE THEY HAVE ALREADY REPLACED THESE PARTS IN THE PAST UNDER WARRANTY!! WHAT GOOD IS IT TO PAY FOR THE SAME PART THEY ALREADY 'REPLACED' JUST FOR THEM TO GO OUT SO SOON!!!
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE COMING TO A STOP AND PULLING INTO A DRIVE THRU, THE VEHICLE STALLED WHILE THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING LIGHT ILLUMINATED INTERMITTENTLY. THE CONTACT WAS ABLE TO RESTART THE VEHICLE. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE DEALER WAS NOT CONTACTED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE VIN WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 20V120000 (FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE). THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
FRAME IS RUSTING REALLY BAD. TOYOTA ALREADY REPLACE THE TRD COIL SPRINGS ON EACH SIDE DUE TO RUST
HAD VEHICLE IN SHOP, NEW TIRES AND BALANCE. ALL FOUR TIRES HAD TO BE REBALANCE. HAD BRAKES DONE,( ROTORS AND PADS AND ALL FOUR TIRES REBALANCE). ONE MONTH LATER STEERING STARTED ACTING UP. STIFFING UP. NOW DEALERSHIP SAIDS NO RECALL. DIFFERENT SITES SAYING STEERING SHIFT NEEDS A WELT. DEALERSHIP WANTS TO CHARGE TO FIX IT.(600.00).
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2014 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE FRONT OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM FAILED. WHEN A PASSENGER WAS SEATED IN THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT, THE FRONT PASSENGER AIR BAG WAS OFF AND THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT BELT WARNING INDICATOR ILLUMINATED THAT THE SEAT BELT WAS OFF. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO GRAND BLANC TOYOTA MOTORCARS, LTD (9000 HOLLY ROAD, GRAND BLANC, MICHIGAN, (810) 695-4400) SEVERAL TIMES FOR THE AIR BAG FAILURE. THE DEALER PERFORMED A DIAGNOSTIC TEST AND RECALIBRATED THE FRONT PASSENGER SEAT SENSOR; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO THE DEALER AND THEY REPLACED THE FRONT PASSENGER SENSOR, WIRING HARNESS, AND SEAT CAGE; HOWEVER, THE FAILURE WAS NOT CORRECTED. THE DEALER WAS UNABLE TO DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE MANUFACTURER WANTED TO REIMBURSE THE CONTACT FOR THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE.
TOYOTA CONTINUES TO HAVE A SIGNIFICANT PROBLEM WITH THE RA61F TRANSMISSION AND CLUTCH ASSEMBLY IN THEIR 2001 TO 2017 TACOMA & FJ CRUISERS THAT MOST PROBABLY AFFECT OVER 20,000 VEHICLES. THE CLUTCH RELEASE BEARINGS CONTINUALLY FAIL ACCOUNTING FOR SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE, EXPENSE, AND RISK FOR THEIR OWNERS OVER THEIR YEARS OF OWNERSHIP. ONLY AFTER 9 YEARS WAS THE PROBLEM OFFICIALLY ACKNOWLEDGED WITH A TOYOTA TSB THAT DID NOTHING TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM (T-SB-0365-10). INSTEAD, THE TSB RECOMMENDATIONS WERE NOTHING MORE THAN A THINLY VEILED ATTEMPT TO THROW PARTS AT THE PROBLEM IN AN EFFORT 'RUN-OUT' THE WARRANTIES ON THE AFFECTED VEHICLES. THIS PROBLEM IS ALSO AN ISSUE OF SAFETY, AS THE FAILURE OF THE CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING CAN CAUSE LOSS OF CONTROL OVER THE VEHICLE'S POWER TRAIN, AND BY EXTENSION, LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE MANUFACTURE'S IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY IN THEIR WRITTEN ADVERTISING IS/WAS FALSE AND DECEPTIVE. TOYOTA CONTINUES TO SELL THESE VEHICLES WITH BOTH DEFECTIVE ENGINEERING AND PARTS IN THEIR TRANSMISSION/CLUTCH ASSEMBLIES. TOYOTA HAVING IGNORED THE PROBLEM FROM 2001-2010 IS UNETHICAL, AND THE NHTSB'S COLLUSION WITH TOYOTA TO NOT ISSUE A RECALL FOR ALL VEHICLES AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED AND OWNERS COMPENSATED. THE TOYOTA TACOMA & FJ CRUISER BETWEEN THE YEARS OF 2001 AND 2017 SHOULD BE RECALLED, TOYOTA SHOULD BE INVESTIGATED FOR COVERING-UP THIS ISSUE, AND AN ACTUAL FIX FOR THE PROBLEMS OR TOYOTA 'BUY-BACK' SHOULD BE OFFERED. AS THE OWNER OF A 2014 FJ CRUISER WITH ONLY 32K ROAD MILES, WHO RECENTLY HAD A CLUTCH RELEASE BEARING FAIL WHILE ON THE HIGHWAY IN ALASKA - I DO NOT APPRECIATE HAVING MY LIFE, MY PROPERTY, AND THE LIVES OF OTHERS PUT AT RISK DURING THE OPERATION OF A DEFECTIVE UNSAFE PRODUCT.
I WAS DRIVING MY VEHICLE WHEN THE PLASTIC FOOT REST I HAD MY FOOT ON BROKE OFF. I WAS ADJUSTING MY BODY IN THE SEAT AND WHEN IT BROKE OFF IT WENT UNDER MY BRAKE PEDAL AND I COULD NOT COMPRESS MY BRAKES. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP AND TOLD THEM AND EVEN WHEN IT HAD 30K MILES ON IT, THEY TOLD ME IT WASN'T COVERED UNDER WARRANTY AND WASN'T A CONCERN. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR WORSE, KILLED SOMEONE ELSE BY NOT BEING ABLE TO STOP MY VEHICLE. *TR
KNOWN PROBLEM BY MANUFACTURERS. EXTREME DAMAGE TO WIRING HARNESS AND COMPONENTS WITHIN ENGINE COMPARTMENT BY RODENT. VEHICLE HAS 13,837 MILES ONLY. NEW WIRING STANDARDS REPORTEDLY DRAW RODENTS AND/OR INCREASE AMOUNT OF DAMAGE TO VEHICLE SYSTEMS. VEHICLE WAS PARKED LESS THAN 7 HOURS AND WHEN TURNED IGNITION TO VEHICLE, INSTRUMENT PANEL ILLUMINATED EVERY SAFETY WARNING TO INCLUDE ENGINE LIGHT FLASHING. ENGINE SPUTTERED AND REQUIRED TOW. INSURANCE COMPANY REPORTS HIGH NUMBER OF CLAIMS ESPECIALLY RELATED TO NEWER CARS WITH WIRING. DAMAGE TO WIRING IF DRIVEN COULD CAUSE VEHICLE SYSTEMS TO FAIL, FIRE AND COULD CAUSE GRAVE RISK OF INJURY OR DEATH TO OPERATOR AND PASSENGERS. MANUFACTURER DOES NOT COVER IN WARRANTY NOR PROVIDES PREVENTIVE REMEDY TO ISSUE.
ON 7/18/15 AT ABOUT 11:10 AM IN THE NEWLY PAVED PARKING LOT OF THE LOWES, LATHAM, NEW YORK, THE ALLOY RIM OF DRIVER SIDE FRONT WHEEL SPLIT (RIM INTO TWO PIECES) CAUSING THE TIRE TO BLOW OUT AND THE VEHICLE TO GRAZE THE A LIGHT POLE. THE TIRE, WHEEL AND RIM DID NOT HIT ANYTHING PRIOR TO THE RIM FAILURE. THERE WERE NO POTHOLES OR OBSTRUCTIONS IN THE LOT. EVEN IN GRAZING THE LIGHT POLE, THE TIRE DID NOT MAKE CONTACT WITH THE POLE, ONLY THE OUTER FENDER FLARE MADE CONTACT. THIS WAS A SPONTANEOUS FAILURE OF THE RIM. INSURANCE INVESTIGATION CONFIRMS THE RIM FAILURE. TOYOTA DENIES RIM FAILURE. THE RIM AND ALL PARTS REMOVED FROM THE VEHICLE ARE AVAILABLE FOR INSPECTION.
PURCHASED VEHICLE DRIVING THE VEHICLE HAD SLIGHT PROBLEM WITH STEERING THEN WE NOTICED THE CAR WAS ON A SLANT. TWO TO THREE INCH DIFFERENCE FROM LEFT BUMPED TO GROUND AND THE RIGHT BUMPER. BROUGHT TO A DEALER TWO TIMES AND STILL AN INCH DIFFERENCE. I THEN MEASURED TWO OTHE FJ CRUISERS IN THEIR LOT AND NOTICED IT IS ON ALL THE FJ'S WE WERE TOLD NOTHING THEY CAN DO THEY CONTACTED HEADQUARTERS AND THEY ARE SORRY. THE CAR IS OFF FROM ONE SIDE TO THE OTHER AND THEY ARE AWARE OF THIS PROBLEM BUT WILL NOT HELP ME AND FIX THE PROBLEM.
WHEN THE CAR IS DRIVEN OVER 55MILE PER HOUR THE STEERING WHEEL START TO SHAKE AND TO VIBRATE VIOLENTLY MAKING THE CAR VERY UNSTABLE AND UNSAFE TO DRIVE.TOOK BACK TO THE TOYOTA DEALER BUT THEY WERE UNSUCCESSFUL OF FIXING IT. AFTER MULTIPLE ATTEMPTS BY THE CAR DEALER ,AS OF TODAY THE STEERING WHEEL FLUTTERING AND VIBRATION HASN'T BEEN FIXED. *TR
WE HAVE HAD A COMPLETE BRAKE FAILURE IN THE VEHICLE TWO TIMES SINCE WE HAVE OWNED IT. THE FIRST TIME I WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE IN 15-20 MPH STOP AND GO TRAFFIC. I ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE AND THE PEDAL FELT LIKE A BRICK AND WOULD NOT MOVE. I QUICKLY REMOVED MY FOOT OFF THE PEDAL AND ATTEMPTED TO DEPRESS THE PEDAL AGAIN. IT DID SLOW THE VEHICLE DOWN BUT FELT JITTERY AS THE PEDAL MOVED CLOSER TO THE FLOOR. I DID NOT BRING THE VEHICLE IN FOR ASSESSMENT THAT TIME AS IT DID NOT HAPPEN AGAIN ON THE WAY HOME, THERE WAS NO SERVICE LIGHT ON MY DASHBOARD SIGNALING A MALFUNCTION, AND I GUESS I DOWNPLAYED THE SITUATION IN MY MIND. THE SECOND TIME THE BRAKES FAILED MY HUSBAND WAS DRIVING THE VEHICLE. HE WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH GETTING READY TO SLOW DOWN AS A LIGHT UP AHEAD TURNED YELLOW. HE ATTEMPTED TO BRAKE BUT LIKE MY SITUATION, IT WAS LIKE HITTING A BRICK. HE HELD DOWN THE PEDAL AND IT FINALLY DEPRESSED AFTER ABOUT 2 SECONDS, SLOWING THE VEHICLE DOWN. THE VEHICLE WAS BROUGHT INTO THE DEALERSHIP THAT DAY FOR ASSESSMENT. THEY HAVE STATED THEY DID NOT FIND ANY ISSUES WITH THE VEHICLE AND COULD NO DUPLICATE THE MALFUNCTION OF THE BRAKES. I HAVE NOTIFIED TOYOTA AS I WANT TO RETURN THE VEHICLE FOR SAFETY CONCERNS. I DO NOT WANT TO TRADE IN THE VEHICLE AS IT IS UNSAFE TO BE DRIVEN BY ANYONE. AS IT IS, I NEED TO DRIVE THE VEHICLE DAILY TO TAKE MY DAUGHTER TO SCHOOL AND DO NOT FEEL SAFE IN THE VEHICLE. *TR
I PURCHASED A NEW FJ CRUISER & PUT 5,039 ON IT & THEN INSTALLED AFTERMARKET WHEELS & TIRES. AFTER 2 WEEKS THE VEHICLE DEVELOPED A SHIMMY IN THE STEERING AT 48 TO 65 M.P.H.. I HAD THE TIRES BALANCED 4 TIMES & THE TIRE SHOP ALSO REPLACED THE WHEELS WITH NO SUCCESS AT ELIMINATING THE SHIMMY. I REINSTALLED THE FACTORY WHEELS & TIRES BUT THE SHIMMY IS STILL PRESENT BUT NOT AS PRONOUNCED. I SEARCHED THE INTERNET FOR INFORMATION & FOUND THAT TOYOTA HAS HAD THIS PROBLEM WITH THEIR FJ CRUISER MODELS FOR YEARS. THEY HAVE CHOSEN NOT TO FIX THE PROBLEM. HOW MANY OF THESES FJ CRUISERS ARE ON OUR HIGHWAYS? *TR
I WAS ON A HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES PER HOUR(SPEED LIMIT OF THAT PART OF HIGHWAY). I STARTED TO TRY TO DECELERATE TO EXIT THE HIGHWAY WITH BRAKING, THE BRAKES FAILED TO ENGAGED, DEPRESSED BRAKE HARDER AND THE ABS STARTED TO ENGAGED BRIEFLY THEN STOPPED. I STARTED TO PUMP THE BRAKES AND THEY FINALLY ENGAGED. I ALMOST FLIPPED THE VEHICLE OVER GOING AROUND THE TURN OF THE EXIT( WHICH I HAD ALREADY COMMITTED TO THE TURN) BECAUSE MY SPEED WAS TOO HIGH. IF THE BRAKES DID NOT CATCH AFTER PUMPING THEM, I WOULD HAVE BEEN IN A SERIOUS ACCIDENT. I PROCEEDED TO TAKE THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND APPRAISED THEM OF THE PROBLEM. THE TECHNICIAN STATED THE BRAKING SYSTEM WORKED NORMALLY. NO CODES OF ANY PENDING OR PAST PROBLEMS IN THE COMPUTER DEALING WITH THE SYSTEM. I DO NOT FEEL SAFE AND I AM AFRAID THIS MAY HAPPEN AGAIN AND I WILL NOT BE SO LUCKY NEXT TIME. *TR
NEW 2014 FJ CRUISER TRAILS TEAMS EDITION WITH BFGOODRICH T/A KO TIRES CAUSE VIBRATION AND STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY. *TR
Component Failure Cascade Risk
Known patterns where one defect leads to more severe downstream failures
▸ Engine stalling at speed — fuel delivery failure can cause sudden loss of power in traffic or on highways
▸ Loss of brake assist and ABS in emergency — can significantly extend stopping distances
Complaint & Reliability Timeline
Annual complaints (blue) vs. composite reliability score (amber) — recall years marked in red
The blue line shows 30 total NHTSA complaints filed over 11 years, with the worst year being 2020 (8 complaints).
The amber reliability line averaged 85/100 across the vehicle's life — relatively stable, with the lowest point of 52/100 in 2020.
The recalls (red dashed lines) were issued in the same year or before complaints peaked, suggesting the manufacturer identified and acted on the defect relatively quickly.
Red dots on the amber line flag 2015, a year when complaints included crash events — these are the highest-severity incidents in the dataset.
Legal & Regulatory Actions
Known class action lawsuits, settlements, and manufacturer extended warranty programs
5-Year Total Cost of Ownership
Estimated based on EPA fuel data, risk-adjusted maintenance, and depreciation
Estimated 5-year cost of ownership: $48,614 (~$810/mo). Repair risk buffer is standard due to vehicle risk profile.
Negotiation Ammunition
Use these data-backed findings to negotiate the price down
Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist
Tailored for the 2014 TOYOTA FJ Cruiser — specific failure modes your mechanic must check, not a generic list
Recall Probability Forecast
Estimated likelihood of a new recall in the next 18 months based on NHTSA signals
15% baseline recall probability — no strong indicators of an imminent recall.
- ▸Multiple prior recalls — pattern of safety issues on this model
Maintenance Schedule
OEM-specified service intervals for this vehicle
Maintenance intervals vary significantly by make, model, year, engine, and driving conditions. Always follow the manufacturer's official schedule — not generic industry estimates.
Tip: Request the seller's service records and compare against the manufacturer schedule. Missing intervals are a negotiation point.
Auction History
Public sale records from Copart, IAAI, and auction aggregators
Searching Public Auction Records
Checking Copart, IAAI, BidFax, and other sources for JTEBU4BF4EK198241. Results appear automatically when found.
Insurance Cost Estimate
Estimated annual premiums based on vehicle profile, theft data, and NHTSA safety ratings
Based on 2024 national avg ($2,011/yr full coverage). Individual rates vary by driver, location & insurer. Always compare 3+ quotes.
Manufacturer NHTSA Penalty History
Federal fines issued for recall delays and safety violations
TOYOTA has been fined $1217M+ by NHTSA. Most recently in 2014: Criminal settlement — concealed unintended acceleration defects for years before recall.
State-Specific Legal Protections
What consumer laws apply to this vehicle purchase in your state
Select your state to see what consumer protection laws, lemon law coverage, and title disclosure requirements apply to this vehicle purchase.
Complete Data Table
All decoded fields in a single flattened view
Vehicle Identity
| VIN | JTEBU4BF4EK198241 |
| Model Year | 2014 |
| Make | TOYOTA |
| Model | FJ Cruiser |
| Trim | SR |
| Series | GSJ15L/GSJ10L |
| Vehicle Type | MULTIPURPOSE PASSENGER VEHICLE (MPV) |
Body & Configuration
| Body Style | Sport Utility Vehicle [SUV]/Multipurpose Vehicle [MPV] |
| Doors | 5 |
| Drive Type | 4WD/4-Wheel Drive/4x4 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline |
Engine
| Engine Cylinders | 6 |
| Displacement (L) | 4.0 |
| Horsepower | 260.00 |
Manufacturer
| Manufacturer | TOYOTA MOTOR CORPORATION |
| Assembly City | HAMURA |
| Assembly Country | JAPAN |
VIN Structure
| WMI (Chars 1–3) | JTE |
| Check Digit (Char 9) | 4 |
| Model Year Code (Char 10) | E |
| Plant Code (Char 11) | K |
| Sequence (Chars 12–17) | 198241 |
Safety Data
| NHTSA Recall Count | 5 |
| NHTSA Complaint Count | 30 |
VIN Structure Decode
ISO 3779 character-by-character breakdown of this Vehicle Identification Number
Disclaimer: Data sourced from NHTSA public APIs and scraped auction listings. For informational purposes only. Not a substitute for a paid vehicle history report. Retrieved: 6/15/2026, 2:35:09 PM.