Lately, most car owners prefer driving larger and more spacious SUV vehicles compared to sedans. Even some of the world’s most famous sedan automakers, such as Toyota, have been investing in the idea of making SUVs. One of Toyota’s previously successful SUVs is the FJ Cruiser, an outstanding mid-size SUV that gave even the Jeep a scare as it was rapidly growing in demand and popularity.

What makes such SUVs so popular is their spaciousness and comfortable ride experience. For the FJ Cruiser, having a solid build quality that greatly reduces damage in the case of a collision is what makes it stand out. However, the FJ Cruiser has faced a couple of challenges over the years, and one of its earliest models happens to be the worst.

The Toyota FJ Cruiser is a stylish SUV

In 2007, Toyota introduced the FJ Cruiser to the automotive industry. The vehicle is a mid-size SUV with a rugged exterior design and is built to cope with tough terrain.

It has a powerful 4-cylinder V6 engine that is responsible for generating 239 hp and a torque of 278 lb-ft. Its engine gives it supremacy, especially off-road when compared to some of its competitors, and it can also tow up to 5000 lbs.

The 2007 cruiser is also spacious since when its rear seats are lowered, it has a cargo capacity of 66.8 cu-ft. In addition, it has enough interior space to comfortably accommodate five passengers. Toyota only made FJ Cruiser models between 2007 and 2014, before it stopped shipping in America.

Many people who owned the FJ Cruiser had several complaints, such as limited cargo capacity and decreased comfort. Cruiser sales also greatly decreased by 2014, so Toyota had to discontinue this model.

Owning a 2007 FJ Cruiser is an awful experience

As much as the 2007 FJ Cruiser was the first model ever made, it also happens to be the worst model year according to CarComplaints.

After the vehicle has attained a mileage of 105,000 miles, it starts to shudder at random times between 35 mph and 45 mph. Usually, this is caused by a defective torque converter, and repairing this issue costs $2,180 on average. 

Next, the check engine light sometimes stays on after the FJ Cruiser has been used for around 66,050 miles, and the engine will frequently misfire. When this happens, the vehicle’s engine will need to be replaced, and this repair costs an average of $8,000.

Lastly, the FJ Cruiser has a bad paint job, since the frames of many vehicles will rust after they have been in use for about 112,900 miles. A good paint job may cost its owner even up to $5,000. These three main problems are what make the 2007 FJ Cruiser unbearable for its owners.

Why was the 2007 recalled?

Many reasons have led to the recall of the 2007 FJ Cruiser. In both 2016 and 2014, it was recalled for having faulty seat heater electrical wiring. The copper heating element has been reported to short circuit, and this may become a fire hazard.

Some vehicles in 2013 were recalled for having front lamps that exceeded maximum brightness, increasing the risk of a crash. Earlier in the same year, Cruisers were recalled for developing cracks in the panel around the lower retractor anchor. The seatbelt retractor would also become detached, increasing the risk of an injury. FJ Cruisers were also recalled in 2012 because the brake tube would damage and leak brake fluid.

2010 also had two recalls, both of which involved the load-carrying capacity modification labels, since overloading an FJ Cruiser increases the risk of a collision. Capacity labels also had to be modified in 2009, and the 2006 recall involved the vehicle’s tires losing air pressure, which could lead to an accident. Therefore, the 2007 Cruiser is very expensive to maintain.