Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that the driver's side seat belt failed to retract, causing the contact to have to manually put the seat belt in place. The contact stated that the failure recurred several times and progressed where the seat belt would not retract. The contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V098000 (Seat Belts) and the dealer was contacted, and it was confirmed that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 191,700. The contact stated vehicle has been repaired, and this case may be closed.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt retractor and locking mechanism was inoperable, failing to secure the driver as needed. The cause of the failure was not yet determined. The local dealer and manufacturer were notified of the failure, but no assistance was offered. The contact was informed that the VIN was not included in the NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V098000 (Seat Belts). The contact stated that the vehicle had experienced the failure listed in the recall. The failure mileage was 100,000.
The contact owns a 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that the front driver's side seat belt failed to retract. The contact related the failure to NHTSA Campaign Number: 13V098000 (Seat Belts). The dealer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not included in the recall. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 158,305.
The seat belt is stuck in the out position 24/7 and will not retract. It is apparently a common problem. It is known that these seat belt retractors are fully rusted and ready to fall apart. It is unheard of in a vehicle that is 10 years old. It must be faulty construction / engineering of the part. Toyota will not honor any such repairs to safety equipment, unless 3 years or less, which is a surprise because one would think having the liability of faulty safety equipment such as seat belts not working correctly and possible cause of death due to seat belt not retracting at all. A seat belt does no good if stuck in the all the way out position.
The seat belt retractor in my 2007 FJ Cruiser is failing to function correctly. Something as important to the safety of the driver of the vehicle is something that should be covered under the lifetime warranty of the vehicle. Instead, Toyota is telling me that I will have to pay to have these parts replaced. In doing some research I have discovered that others are having this same issue. I'm disappointed that Toyota has not issued a recall for this issue to correct their error in craftsmanship.
The seat belt retractor in my 2007 FJ Cruiser has failed to function. Something as important to the safety of the driver of the vehicle is something that should be covered under the lifetime warranty of the vehicle. Instead, bayridge Toyota is telling me that I will have to pay to have these parts replaced. I'm horrified that Toyota has not issued a recall for this issue to correct, Toyota should assume responsibility for fixing an important safety feature. Emergency brakes wouldn't go on
Went to gas station today to fill up my FJ with gas and the fuel tank straps broke in 2 places. The bolted and pinned connections are still there but the actual straps have deteriorated and snapped right in half. The fuel tank is now hanging down completely in the rear. First the rear differential manufacturer's defect which they would not pay for at all, now the front seat belt does not work at all and now the fuel tank is about to fall off on the road. What a hazard.
In a sudden stop, traveling in a straight line my front seat passenger flew forward hitting the dashboard. There was no collision and the airbag did not deploy.the front passenger seat belt is defective. It won't retract into the panel of the rear door. On the internet, I note >200000 FJ's were recalled for defective lower retractors for the front seat belts, both sides. I contacted Toyota and was advised my FJ was not one of them. I would like to know why.
I have not been notified of any recalls by Toyota listed by the NHTSA for this vehicle. I have been experiencing longer, wobbly stopping for a while now. Recently replaced brake pads and it got a little better but not much. Had I been notified of the recall issues I would have taken it to the dealer.
The driver side seat belt retractor no longer retracts seatbelt. Leaving the belt loose and my cause significant danger in the event of an accident. The seat belt systems are supposed to work and outlive the life of the car.
Related recalls
Seat belts › Front › Anchorage
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2013 FJ Cruiser passenger vehicles. The retractors for the front driver and passenger seat belts are mounted in the access door (rear door) panels of the vehicle.
Remedy: The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Toyota will mail an interim letter to owners late in April 2013. Remedy notifications to the owners for the repair will begin in late May 2013.
Seat Belt complaints in other FJ Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
How common are seat belt problems on the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
NHTSA has 24 complaints about the seat belts of the 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 4% of the model year's 593 complaints.
Is there a recall for 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser seat belt problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 13V-098 (anchorage, Mar 15, 2013). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser seat belt problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 100,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.