Toyota FJ Cruiser brake failure problems

Filed May 8, 2026 · Body, Brakes · MD

Please consider opening or expanding an investigation into frame, underbody, brake-line, and suspension-mount corrosion affecting Toyota FJ Cruisers. I own a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4WD. A professional inspection found multiple fluid leaks, heavy rust, rusted exhaust, leaking rear shocks, and brake line/hose concerns. After reviewing the condition, the mechanic essentially declined to repair it and recommended scrapping the vehicle. The attached photos show conditions that appear safety-relevant: rust perforation through underbody structural metal near a bracket/crossmember area; severe corrosion around brake lines and fittings; widespread scaling near suspension and frame components; a leaking rear shock; and badly deteriorated exhaust connections. This is not just appearance rust. Also note the contrast between the observable condition of the vehicle versus the problems hidden beneath. This rust is clearly outpacing normal wear and tear. The safety risk is straightforward. At interstate speeds, a corroded brake line could fail during emergency braking. A weakened shock mount, suspension bracket, or crossmember could fail when the vehicle hits a pothole, uneven bridge plate, or highway debris. In dense, aggressive traffic, especially where vehicles travel 70+ mph, any sudden loss of braking, stability, or rear-end structural integrity could cause a spinout, rollover, or multi-vehicle crash. I understand Toyota has previously addressed severe corrosion on other truck platforms. I urge the federal safety agency to review whether the FJ Cruiser has a similar pattern of premature or excessive structural corrosion. Owners may not know the vehicle is unsafe until a mechanic refuses repair or a component fails. Please review consumer complaints, inspection photos, and corrosion-related failures before this becomes a fatal incident.

Filed Jun 12, 2025 · Brakes · NJ

I am the owner of a Toyota FJ Cruiser (Year:2007), VIN: [XXX] ]) equipped with the TRD High-Performance Brake Kit, which is under recall campaign C0R / the federal safety agency 12E046. I recently experienced a serious safety issue involving the front TRD brake crossover tube. While driving, I suddenly noticed a soft brake pedal and significant loss of braking power. I was unable to stop the vehicle properly and nearly crashed into another car at an intersection. I had to swerve at the last moment, which could have caused a more serious accident. Upon inspection, I found that brake fluid was leaking from the crossover tube—exactly the defect described in the TRD brake recall. This failure happened without warning, and my safety and the safety of others was clearly at risk. This is unacceptable for a safety recall. I am requesting immediate investigation, assistance, and a permanent solution. Toyota must ensure this part is properly redesigned and replaced, and that no vehicle is left on the road with this faulty setup. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Jan 20, 2023 · Brakes · MD

On the home my wife went to apply the brakes and she had no brake pressure. The pedal went all the way to the floor. Then several lights and a buzzer sound started, and she could not stop the car. She was able to pull up on the e-brake just before she drove completely into the intersection, where several cars were driving in both directions. The front end of car ended partially in the north bound lane of US MD-5. There was also a home at the end of the road that she could have also driven into. I researched on several forums where other owners have had the same issue and the dealership has been unable to diagnose the issue. No TSB or recall has been made, but the number of people that have had this issue, something should have been done. My 4-year-old daughter was in the car, and I could have lost both of them. People need to aware of this. I had no idea that a total brake failure was possible with these vehicles.

Filed Aug 25, 2021 · Brakes, Steering · NJ

Loss of brakes while driving. Brakes locking up. Complete frame rust

Filed Jul 18, 2020 · Brakes · 175,000 miles · TX

Vehicle was driving in traffic and multiple hazard lights came on, alarm came on, and as driver attempted to slow down brake pedal went to the floor and downshifting with emergency brake used to stop in middle of intersection.visual inspection revealed no brake fluid in master cylinder reservoir and leaking brake fluid on drivers rear brake cylinder.pics attached.prior reports appear of this fjcruiser issue but only tacoma vehicles recalled.I am contacting my lewisville toyota where I purchased vehicle.

Filed Oct 20, 2019 · Body, Brakes · 100,000 miles · NJ

While driving normally and less than 10 miles per hour, thankfully on a regular, paved, local road with little traffic, the driver side rear suspension spring seat and stabilizer bar attachment point on rear axle suddenly, unexpectedly, and without warning just tore apart and off of the axle housing to which it was mounted and the resulting sharp and heavy metal edged parts completely sheared off a brake line releasing all hydraulic brake fluid and causing the immediate loss of all normal braking ability. Thankfully nobody was injured, but the car can't be driven at all now, because it has no brakes at all, other than the mechanical emergency brake, and by using transmission "braking." lots of rust under car since we bought it used from dealer in morristown nj, apparently due to low quality steel used in initial construction and apparent lack of adequate factory anti-rust treatment of frame and other undercarriage parts. Interior and painted top body parts show no rust issues. However, the underside, is full of lots of rust. This is apparently a well-known, very common problem with toyota fj models. It is very dangerous, and it should be addressed by toyota immediately! I'm making plans to have the car towed to a local toyota dealership for inspection and possible repairs. Finally, as far as I am aware, this car has never done any significant or taxing "off-roading."

Filed Jul 26, 2019 · Brakes · 97,000 miles · NC

When approaching an intersection to turn or stop, with brakes applied, and vehicle encounters a pot hole or broken pavement, brake pedal goes to the floor and vehicle loses brakes. This has happened to me on multiple occasions. Other drivers of the same model vehicle have encountered same issue across multiple year models.

Filed Feb 2, 2018 · Brakes, Engine · 105,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2007 toyota fj cruiser. While driving 62 MPH, the vehicle stalled and the check engine warning indicator illuminated. In addition, the brake pedal was applied, but the brakes failed to respond and the steering wheel seized. The vehicle was able to restart after numerous attempts. The vehicle was towed to ridgeway sunoco service center but was not diagnosed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that unknown parts needed to be replaced. The dealer was contacted (t j toyota inc, 6698 ny-56, potsdam, ny 13676, (315) 265-3350). The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and stated that the warranty had expired. The failure mileage was 105,000.

Filed Sep 17, 2014 · Brakes · 11,000 miles · NJ

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.

Filed Aug 19, 2014 · Brakes · 7,300 miles · NC

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.