1997 Toyota Land Cruiser

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What changed

The 40th Anniversary Limited, in Antique Sage Pearl or Emerald Green. The Black Package is dropped, though black paint stays.^1,2

Transmissions: 4-speed automatic⁵
Drivetrains: Full-time 4WD^6,4
Trims: Base^3,1, 40th Anniversary Limited (1997)^1,2
Packages: Third-row seat^6,1, Front and rear locking differentials (1993–1997)^3,1,5, Leather (1993–1997)³

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Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

Head gasket leak All years

What to check: Watch for coolant that drops with no leak on the ground, and wet coolant on the outside of the engine. Ask whether the head gasket has been done.

FLEX lists head gaskets among the common faults of the 4.5L.

$1,100 at a dealer, in one owner's 2003 forum post

Sources ^5,7
Leaking front knuckles and worn wheel bearings All years One source so far

What to check: Look for grease or oil weeping from the front axle knuckles.

Sources ⁵
Cracked frame at the steering box All years One source so far

What to check: Look for cracks in the frame around the steering box mounts.

FLEX says the steering box puts a lot of stress on the frame, and some owners add a reinforcing plate there.

Sources ⁵
Rust in the floors and around the rear windows All years One source so far

What to check: Look at the front footwell floors, under the truck and around the rear windows, above all on trucks from salted roads.

Sources ⁵

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

Good find 40th Anniversary Limited Trim
In Antique Sage Pearl or Emerald Green²

4,744 sold in the US²

Why it is a good find: HiConsumption calls it Toyota's proper goodbye to the 80 Series, with commemorative fender decals and two-tone leather.⁸
Good find Antique Sage Pearl Color
40th Anniversary Limited only^1,2

Why it is a good find: It marks a 40th Anniversary Limited, which HiConsumption calls Toyota's proper goodbye to the 80 Series, with commemorative fender decals and two-tone leather.⁸
Good find Emerald Green Color
40th Anniversary Limited only^1,2

Why it is a good find: It marks a 40th Anniversary Limited, which HiConsumption calls Toyota's proper goodbye to the 80 Series, with commemorative fender decals and two-tone leather.⁸

No recalls are listed for this year.

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Reputation: what owners and the press report

Avoid: The 4.0L for towing All years Less sought after One source so far

In one IH8MUD thread on a 1992 against a 1993, nine of thirteen members favor the 1993 and later trucks with the 4.5L, most of them for towing power. Two prefer the 4.0L, one as much easier to work on, though that one agrees it is not the engine for heavy towing. A third member says the 4.0L has head gasket and ECU relay problems.⁹

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.