2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser: what breaks, and at what mileage
What breaks on the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
On the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, the failure owners report most often is wiring harness or short circuit, with 5 reports on file. Across every failure mode on this year, half the dated reports were filed before 30,000 miles. Overall it scores 70 out of 100, high risk for a 2014.
High risk for a 2014 — 156th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. 37 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork.
What breaks on the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Owners have reported 17 named failure modes on the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, and the three most-reported carry 38% of everything filed.
Wiring harness or short circuit leads with 5 reports and about 0.2 per 1,000 vehicles.
Other body or interior problem follows with 5 reports, median 35,000 miles.
Rust or structural corrosion follows with 4 reports, median 165,000 miles.
By system, the reports fall mostly into body (10), electrical (7) and steering (4).
At what mileage it happens
20 of the reports on the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser came with an odometer reading, and half of those were filed before 30,000 miles.
Cumulatively, 80% by 50,000 miles, 85% by 100,000 miles and 95% by 150,000 miles of the dated reports had been filed.
The busiest stretch is between 30,000 and 40,000 miles, which alone holds 35% of the dated reports.
80% of the dated reports were filed below 36,000 miles, which is early enough that a fair number of these cars were still under a factory warranty when the owner complained.
Tick median reported mileage Solid middle half of reports Faint 10th to 90th percentile Colour how bad the failure is when it happens
Showing the 12 most-reported failure modes of 17. The full list is in the table below.
How reports accumulate
Every report with an odometer reading, cumulative, from 0 to 200,000 miles. A curve that climbs early is a car with early problems, whatever its total.
- Line share of reports filed by that mileage
- Dashed the median reported mileage
Severity, and what it costs
Across the named modes, 1 mentions a crash. Those are the words owners used in their own complaints, and NHTSA does not verify them, but they are the closest thing in this data to a measure of what a failure actually did.
The average severity weight across every report on this year is 3.76, where a stalled engine or a failed airbag weighs many times more than a rattling trim panel, and a figure this high means the reports are dominated by failures with safety consequences rather than annoyances. The weighting is set out in full on the methodology page.
What the top failures cost to put right, as editorial estimates for an independent US shop rather than figures from NHTSA: wiring harness or short circuit at $400–$3,500, other body or interior problem at $200–$2,000, rust or structural corrosion at $500–$6,000 and other steering problem at $350–$2,400. Dealer labour, a seized bolt or a part that is no longer made can push any of these past the top of its range.
5% of the reports on this year sit in the engine, transmission, drivetrain or cooling systems — the four where a repair bill is usually four figures.
Every reported failure mode
| Failure mode | System | Reports | With reading | 25th | Median | 75th | Per 1,000 | Typical repair | Severity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wiring harness or short circuit | electrical | 5 | 3 | — | 14k | — | 0.2 | $400–$3,500 | High |
| Other body or interior problem | body | 5 | 1 | — | 35k | — | 0.2 | $200–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Rust or structural corrosion | body | 4 | 1 | — | 166k | — | 0.1 | $500–$6,000 | High |
| Other steering problem | steering | 3 | 3 | — | 6k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,400 | High |
| Other wheel or tire problem | wheels | 3 | 1 | — | 27k | — | 0.1 | $200–$1,500 | High |
| Loss of braking | brakes | 2 | 2 | — | 9k | — | 0.1 | $400–$3,000 | Critical |
| Other fuel system problem | fuel | 2 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.1 | $300–$2,200 | High |
| Other suspension problem | suspension | 2 | 1 | — | 35k | — | 0.1 | $350–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Fuel leak or fuel odor | fuel | 1 | 1 | — | 68k | — | 0.0 | $300–$2,500 | Critical |
| Ignition switch, key fob or immobilizer failure | electrical | 1 | 1 | — | 6k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | High |
| Steering rack, gear or tie rod failure | steering | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $700–$2,600 | High |
| Control arm, ball joint or bushing failure | suspension | 1 | 1 | — | 120k | — | 0.0 | $400–$2,200 | High |
| Liftgate, tailgate or trunk failure | body | 1 | 1 | — | 35k | — | 0.0 | $250–$1,500 | Moderate |
| Other engine problem | engine | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $300–$4,000 | High |
| Other powertrain problem | transmission | 1 | 1 | — | 32k | — | 0.0 | $400–$4,500 | High |
| Other electrical problem | electrical | 1 | 0 | — | — | — | 0.0 | $250–$2,000 | Moderate |
| Other brake problem | brakes | 1 | 1 | — | 30k | — | 0.0 | $300–$1,800 | High |
| Unclassified problem | other | 2 | 2 | — | 35k | — | 0.1 | — | Moderate |
Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound. Repair costs are typical independent-shop ranges for the failure, not figures from these reports.
How often, against how many were built
Scaled by an estimate of how many of these cars exist, the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser draws about 1.3 per 1,000 vehicles, which puts it in the 78th percentile of complaint rates among 2014 vehicles we can rate.
That denominator is the weakest number on the page and it is fair to say so plainly. Rate per 1,000 uses a fleet-size estimate derived from recall paperwork for this exact model year. It is a lower bound.
The working figure is 27,738 vehicles. If the true number is twice that, every rate on this page is half what it says; the ranking against other 2014 vehicles, which is what the risk score uses, is far more robust than the rate itself.
What owners wrote
Verbatim from NHTSA complaint narratives, trimmed for length. The odometer reading is the one the owner gave.
Wiring harness or short circuit
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.
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.
Other body or interior problem
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.
Rust or structural corrosion
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
Recalls on the 2014 model year
NHTSA has issued 5 recall campaigns covering the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser, affecting an estimated 32,065 vehicles. A recall is a different kind of evidence from a complaint: it is the regulator and the manufacturer agreeing that something has to be fixed, and the fix is free for as long as the car exists.
The campaigns cover fuel system, gasoline:delivery:fuel pump, steering, equipment and suspension:front:control arm:lower ball joint. Whether the work was actually done on the car in front of you is a question only the VIN can answer, and the manufacturer or NHTSA will answer it free.
Recalls also distort complaint counts. Publicity about a campaign reminds owners that complaining is possible, so reports for a recalled component often spike after the recall rather than before it.
FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
1,830,752 vehicles 2020-01-13- Defect
- Toyota 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…
- Consequence
- If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump, free of charge. The recall began May 4, 2020. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 20TB02 and 20TA02 for Toyota vehicles and 20LB01 and 20LA01 for Lexus vehicles.
STEERING
116 vehicles 2015-02-10- Defect
- Toyota 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.
- Consequence
- If the intermediate steering shaft weld fails, there would be a loss of steering control, increasing the risk of a vehicle crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the intermediate steering shaft, free of charge. The recall began on March 6, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
EQUIPMENT
3,958 vehicles 2014-12-30- Defect
- Southeast 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.
- Consequence
- Accessories that detach from a vehicle may result in a vehicle crash and/or personal injury.
- Remedy
- SET will notify owners, and dealers will inspect and tighten the affected bolts, free of charge. The recall began February 23, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET-14B.
SUSPENSION:FRONT:CONTROL ARM:LOWER BALL JOINT
2,501 vehicles 2014-09-08- Defect
- Toyota 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.
- Consequence
- In this condition, one or both bolts could become loose during driving and fall out. If both bolts fall out from the front lower ball joint or the front suspension lower arm, these components could detach from the steering knuckle or the front cross members, causing a loss of steering control, which could increase the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners of vehicles with the optional package installed, and dealers will inspect the torque of the bolts. If the bolts are found to be loose, dealers will retighten them to the proper torque. For any missing bolts, dealers will install new ones. The recall began on November 7, 2014. Owners may contact toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
20,000 vehicles 2014-08-04- Defect
- Toyota 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."
- Consequence
- If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy
- For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Recall work is free at a franchised dealer regardless of the car's age. Check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls before assuming it was done.
How it ranks in the 2014 field
The score at the top of the page, placed among its peers. The zones are the same thresholds the scorer applies, read out of the scorer itself, so the picture and the band word cannot disagree.
Scores are ranked within the model year, never across years, because an older car has had longer to accumulate reports.
- Left fewer and less serious reports
- Right more, or worse
- Marker this vehicle
How 2014 compares with the other years
High risk for a 2014 — 156th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. Because the ranking is against the same model year only, age cancels out of it.
Across the 8 model years of this car that carry enough reports to score, 2009 comes out best at 64 and 2010 worst at 73, with 2014 itself at 70.
If the model year is negotiable, 2009 scores lower than 2014 by a margin worth acting on. Same body, same engines, different luck — usually a supplier change or a mid-cycle fix, which the complaint data can show but never explain.
Within the 2010–2015 generation specifically, 2013 is the strongest year at 68 and 2010 the weakest at 73.
Scores compare each year against other cars of the same model year, so a low number on an older car is a real result and not an artefact of age.
Shorter is better. Years with too few reports to score are shown without a bar rather than as a zero, because no data is not good news.
Within the 2010-2015 generation, 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser scores best at 68 and 2010 Toyota FJ Cruiser worst at 73.
Where these figures stop being useful
37 owner reports; fleet size estimated from this year's own recall paperwork. Every count on this page is therefore a floor: it is the number of owners who went to the trouble of filing with a federal agency, which is a small and self-selected fraction of the owners who had the fault.
Of those 37 reports, 20 carried an odometer reading, so the mileages here describe 54% of the sample rather than all of it. Owners also round: readings pile up on multiples of ten thousand, which is why this site publishes "about 90,000 miles" and not "91,438".
Named failure modes come from matching phrases in the complaint text, so a badly worded complaint can land in the wrong bucket. The effect washes out across hundreds of reports and does not wash out across five.
And nothing here predicts what one car will do. These are other people's complaints, filed years apart, on cars maintained by strangers. Read the page as a map of where this model year has previously gone wrong, then have the specific car in front of you inspected.
Questions this page answers
What are the most common problems with the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The most-reported failures are wiring harness or short circuit (5 reports, median 15,000 miles), other body or interior problem (5 reports, median 35,000 miles) and rust or structural corrosion (4 reports, median 165,000 miles). Counts come from owner complaints filed with NHTSA, which are voluntary, so they show what owners bothered to report rather than every fault that occurred.
Is the 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?
It scores 70 out of 100 on our risk index, which is high — 156th riskiest of the 270 2014 vehicles we can rate. The score is a comparison against other 2014 vehicles, not a prediction about any individual car, and it is built from complaint rates, severity and how early failures appear.
Which year of the Toyota FJ Cruiser is best?
Within the 2010–2015 generation, 2013 scores best at 68 out of 100 and 2010 worst at 73. Same body, same engines, different luck.
Where this comes from. Every figure above is computed from NHTSA owner complaints and recall records for this exact make, model and year. Complaints are voluntary and self-selected, so treat counts as a floor. The methodology page writes out each formula, and the same numbers are available as JSON.
What breaks at my mileage Compare with another car
Source Owner complaints and recall records published by the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, model years 1996–2027 Figures rebuilt Published by AtWhatMileage How every figure is computed