Toyota FJ Cruiser 2007–2014

A used-car review points buyers to a 2009 or later truck, after early ones showed cracking at the inner fenders and door openings. Pass on heavily modified trucks, and check the rear differential on a 2007.

1 generation
8 model years
6 warnings
10 recalls

Learn

Generations

2007–2014
Original 2007–2014

A retro two-row SUV on the 4Runner's chassis, styled after the FJ40, with a white roof, round headlights and rear-hinged half doors. One V6, a choice of 2WD or two kinds of 4WD, and a rear locker on many.

11 colors, 5 interiors, 10 rare catches

No walk-away warnings.
- 2007
- 2008
- 2009
- 2010
- 2011
- 2012
- 2013
- 2014
Options, colors and years for the Original →

Timeline

Original 2007–2014
What changed, year by year (8)
1. 2007 New model, based on a 2003 concept, with a 239 hp 4.0L V6 and a TRD Special Edition in black.^1,2,3
2. 2008 Side and curtain airbags become standard. The TRD Special Edition gives way to an All-Terrain Package and a Trail Teams Special Edition in Iceberg White, limited to 3,200.^4,3
3. 2009 Active headrests and a rollover sensor become standard, and a backup camera is offered.³
4. 2010 Revised valve timing raises power to about 259 hp, and premium fuel is no longer needed. Army Green replaces VooDoo Blue.^5,3
5. 2011 An Off-Road Package, and iPod, USB and Bluetooth audio. Sun Fusion and Sandstorm paints are dropped.³
6. 2012 No changes.^6,3
7. 2013 Power mirrors become standard and Magma Red is new. The Trail Teams Special Edition changes from Radiant Red to Cement Gray.^7,3
8. 2014 The last model year. The Trail Teams Ultimate Edition, in Heritage Blue with a white grille surround, is limited to 2,500.⁸

Buy

Rare catches

Rare options, colors and interiors to look out for, and whether finding one is good news.

Good find Trail Teams Ultimate Edition Package · Original
Only in the last model year⁸

2,500 built⁸

Why it is a good find: AutoGuide says the final Trail Teams Ultimate Edition had all the best off-road equipment Toyota offered from the factory.⁹
Good find Heritage Blue Color · Original
Only on the 2014 Trail Teams Ultimate Edition⁸

2,500 built⁸

Why it is a good find: It marks the Trail Teams Ultimate Edition, which AutoGuide says had all the best off-road equipment Toyota offered from the factory.⁹
Good find Iceberg White Color · Original
Only on the 2008 Trail Teams Special Edition³

3,200 built³

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Trail Teams Special Edition Package · Original
Limited runs, 3,200 in the first year³

Why it is a good find: AutoGuide names the TRD and Trail Teams Special Edition models the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Radiant Red Color · Original
A Trail Teams Special Edition color^3,7

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Cement Gray Color · Original
The 2013 Trail Teams Special Edition color^3,7

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Beige Interior · Original
Trail Teams Special Edition only¹⁰

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Green Interior · Original
Trail Teams Special Edition only¹¹

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Red accents Interior · Original
Trail Teams Special Edition only¹²

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹
Good find Cement Grey accents Interior · Original
Trail Teams Special Edition only¹³

Why it is a good find: It marks a Trail Teams Special Edition, which AutoGuide names, with the TRD models, the most desirable FJ Cruisers.⁹

Recalls 10

06V235000 2007
The inner bead of some Bridgestone and Dunlop tires may be damaged, causing bulges and leaks. The tires are replaced.¹⁴
09V223000 2007–2009
The load capacity label was missing. A new label is supplied.^14,15,16
11V148000 2008–2011
The tire pressure warning was not recalibrated, so it may not warn of a low tire.^15,16,17,18
12E046000 2007–2012
Wheel weights in the wrong place can damage a brake tube and cause a fluid leak. The tube is replaced.^{14,15,16,17,18,19}
13V098000 2007–2013
The rear access door panel that holds the front seat belt retractors can crack, and a retractor could come loose in a crash.^{14,15,16,17,18,19,20}
13V163000 2007–2013
The lamps are too bright with their 55-watt bulbs, which are replaced.^{14,15,16,17,18,19,20}
14V475000 2008–2014
The tire placard may give the wrong spare tire size and pressures.^{15,16,17,18,19,20,21}
14V539000 2014
Lower ball joint or control arm bolts may be loose, which can lead to a loss of steering control.²¹
15V081000 2014
A weld on the intermediate steering shaft may be weak. The shaft is replaced.²¹
20V012000 2014
The low-pressure fuel pump in the tank can fail and stall the engine.²¹

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Before you pay

A buyer's checklist for each generation: every warning and recall, with a box to tick.

Original (2007–2014)

Sources

The specs, year changes and recalls here are facts from Toyota, NHTSA and reference sources. The desirability and issue claims are reputation, from the press, and none is measured against sale prices yet.