2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Steering Problems

Which parts fail

• Linkages › Tie rod assembly
  1

Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).

Mileage when the problem started

• Under 25k
  213%
• 25k–50k
  531%
• 50k–75k
  319%
• 75k–100k
  213%
• 100k–150k
  319%
• 150k+
  16%

Owner reports

Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).

Due to rust on my 2007 FJ Cruiser, I've had many unexpected expenses. I first was losing brake pressure and my brake lines had to be replaced after breaking when in a mechanic's shop. I've also replaced all four calipers, all the rusted pulleys on the engine, lower control arms that were so rusted that they had to be cut out, and hub assemblies for both front wheels. The hub assembly lead to a failed vehicle inspection for safety concerns. The exhaust pipe literally broke apart near the rear frame crossmember and was sitting on it, so had to be replaced. The exhaust manifold rusted apart and separated from the engine block, leading to dangerous fumes in the engine bay and horrible gas mileage. The O2 sensors were rusted in place and giving poor readings and had to be replaced. …

Whenever the vehicle is in 4 wheel drive it is unsafe on slippery weather conditions. Difficult to control 3 times I've used this car on icy conditions going no more than 35 or 40 miles an hour and I have slipped the most recent time was easter and the car literally rolled out of control.

Severe suspension bracket rust on multiple rear and front components. I luckily was able to avoid an accident when braking but my entire car swayed when the rear lateral support bar bracket broke right off the mount that is welded to the rear due to rust. I then inspected and found multiple rust areas on frame and other suspension brackets. Making this vehicle unsafe to drive. I am aware of Toyota's ongoing dilemma with using this horrible untreated steel and hope the NHTSA addresses this issue. This is not normal corrosion this is an absolute neglect in safety by not having this steel treated on such critical components of a vehicles frame. Had this incident happen on the highway at speeds of 55 MPH or greater. Serious injury and/or death can occur. If I am not the only consumer having this issue on Toyota FJ crusier vehicles. …

2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser. There is widespread and significant rusting on the frame and drivetrain components. Well-maintained, and not located in a salty environment, nor an environment where the roads are ever salted. This vehicle is utilizes the same frame as another Toyota vehicle (4runner), and that vehicle was involved with the frame-rusting recall during the same time period this vehicle was manufactured.

The frame has rusted beyond expectations, wrong kind of metal or lack of treatment on metal causing oxidation, causing a safety issue of the power steering braking loose and causing potentially injuries or death to passengers. Vehicule is at home

My vehicles frame/ suspension has deteriorated to the point the Toyota dealer wont pass it for safety inspection. The frame and suspension have disintegrated. This truck has been garage kept since new and is in otherwise perfect condition.

I was driving the vehicle to work and was unable to stop. I had to use the emergency brake system.

Frame and suspension components are very rusty to the point of a safety concern. I replaced the rear bumper with an aftermarket one to discover the rear bumper support was so rusted it wouldn't be of any help in the event of being rear ended by another car. Also, the rear bumper comes stock with 2 sensors so when backing up will let you know when you get close to something. Both sensors were non-transferable to the new bumper because they were so rusted on the inside when you tried to remove them they crumbled into bits, a combination of metal and plastic. The rust worked its way up the wires as well. Numerous brackets underneath the truck which hold what appears to be electrical components the vehicle would need to operate. …

2007 Toyota Cruiser trd - tie rod broke. I was backing out of my driveway and turning the steering wheel was difficult. I got out and looked at the vehicle. One tire was pointed one way and one the other. There weren't any events leading up to the failure. Shortly before the tie rod broke, steering felt as if I was on ice for a few short moments. Fortunately, I wasn't driving the vehicle when the tie rod broke. Vehicle was undriveable and towed to a Toyota dealership in edmonds, wa. The tie rod was replaced by Toyota. Dealership had no information as to how it could have happened. No reason was given. Car was 2 weeks out of warranty and dealership wasn't going to cover this safety issue. After applying some pressure, they did handle the problem.

I was driving on a divided highway with dirt shoulders at the posted speed (65 MPH) and as an 18 wheeler past me at a high rate of speed, it forced me off of the right hand shoulder. The drop of the asphalt to the shoulder caused the steering to shake violently and I found myself into the shoulder and forced into a 180 degree spin. The steering on the FJ has been horrible since 95,000 to 100,000 miles and started at around 75,000. I have spoke to many FJ and tacoma owners with the same problem and read in multiple forums and blogs regarding this issue. There are home brewed remedies for it but I believe it is an issue that Toyota should address.

Steering complaints in other FJ Cruiser years