repaired · 2017 Q4
Front assembly: seat heater/cooler
Risk. If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
2008 Toyota FJ CruiserProblems, recalls & complaints
NHTSA has logged 124 owner complaints about the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser, most often about the structure. It is covered by 9 safety recalls, and for recall 16V-396 the manufacturer reports only 24% of affected cars repaired.
Source: NHTSA complaints, recalls, investigations and manufacturer recall reports, through September 11, 2026. Updated daily. Photo: Spanish Coches, CC BY 2.0.
Complaints by system
Where the 2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser has problems
124 complaints grouped by the system owners reported.
42Structure1 crash/fire/injury
17Service brakes, hydraulic
14Suspension
13Seat belts
12Service brakes1 crash/fire/injury
8Service brakes, electric
6Power train
5Vehicle speed control
5Steering
3115 other systems5 crash/fire/injury
| System | Complaints | Crash, fire or injury |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 42 | 1 |
| Service brakes, hydraulic | 17 | 0 |
| Suspension | 14 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 13 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 12 | 1 |
| Service brakes, electric | 8 | 0 |
| Power train | 6 | 0 |
| Vehicle speed control | 5 | 0 |
| Steering | 5 | 0 |
| 15 other systems | 31 | 5 |
Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. Complaints are submitted by the public and are not verified by NHTSA.
9 recalls
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser recalls and how many were fixed
Each ring shows the share of affected cars repaired, from the manufacturer’s latest quarterly report to NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
repaired · 2016 Q2
Front assembly: seat heater/cooler
Risk. Damage to the seat heater wiring could cause the wires to short, increasing the risk of the seat burning and causing personal injury to the occupant.
repaired · 2016 Q1
Other: labels
Risk. 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…
no report yet
Exterior lighting
Risk. Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
Show 5 more recalls
no report yet
Front: anchorage
Risk. If cracks occur in the panel around the lower retractor anchor, the seat belt retractor could become detached, which could increase the risk of injury to an…
no report yet
Tires: pressure monitoring and regulating systems
Risk. FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
no report yet
no report yet
Other: labels
Risk. INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Recalls apply to specific cars. To see whether a recall is still open on yours, enter the 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls or with Toyota.
Mileage at failure
When do structure problems start?
33kmiles, median
Based on the odometer reading in 34 structure complaints. 79% were reported before 100,000 miles.
14under 30k miles27under 100k miles7100k miles or more
Best & worst years
2008 vs. every other FJ Cruiser year
Bars show complaints per model year. Colors show the CarFlaw verdict: complaints weighted for crashes, fires and injuries, adjusted for years on the road and compared with the FJ Cruiser median. How we score
'07'08'09'10'11'12'13'14'15
- Avoid
- Caution
- Solid
- Best
- Not rated
NHTSA crash tests
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser safety ratings
2008 Toyota FJ Cruiser 4-DR. w/SAB in NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program. Photos are from NHTSA's crash tests.
Frontal crashNot rated
Side barrierNot rated
- Rollover: 3 stars (26.7% risk)
- Stability control: Standard
- Forward collision warning: No
- Lane departure warning: No
In owners' words
What FJ Cruiser owners report
Recent structure complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. Personal details are removed.
After buying my vehicle I have began to notice a growing rust problem that is not due to salt water or other environmental conditions, but clearly a defect in manufacturing. After joining a few Facebook groups with other FJ owners I’ve found countless other people have had the same problem and that…
The frame of my Truck has started to rust out as to many FJ Cruisers. It's been a known issue that these frame have this problem along with the Toyota Tacoma and Toyota Tundra. Which Toyota have a recall on those two models but they've yet to recognize the Toyota FJ Cruiser for the same issue. If…
While inspecting a broken rear fuel tank strap, several holes were noticed in the frame of the vehicle. Excessive corrosion was present all along the welds on the frame and its crossmembers. There were spots where I could poke my finger through the frame. There was no warning that this corrosion…
Own a 2008 FJ Cruiser?
Decode your VIN to see the recalls for your exact car, then confirm open recalls with NHTSA.