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ProblemsByVinFile / 2013-TOYOTA-FJ-CRUISERNHTSA data synced 4 days ago
Toyota
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser problems
Light NHTSA footprint — 23 owner complaints and 2 active recall campaigns. Either a clean record or thin data; we'll show what's there.
The 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser has 23 NHTSA owner complaints and 2 recalls on file (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). The most-reported system is body at 7 complaints, typically surfacing around 48,667 miles (~$1,500 to repair). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.
Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.
0
Critical
2
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2013 FJ Cruiser?
Generally reliable
Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.
No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record
Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average
2 recall campaigns on file
Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model —
not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.
NHTSA crash-test safety ratings
Rollover★★★★★3/5
Driver-assist features on the tested model:
Electronic stability control: Standard · Forward collision warning: No · Lane departure warning: No
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program — tested configuration: 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser SUV 4WD. Stars rate crash protection in NHTSA's tests, not overall reliability — see the owner-complaint data below for what actually goes wrong.
Buying a used 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser? Check these first
Here's what this model is known to do — so you can inspect for it, price it in, or
make the seller fix it before you sign.
What to inspect on this specific car
body — 7 owner reports
· tends to show around 48,667 mi · ~$1,500 to fix
suspension — 4 owner reports
· ~$900 to fix
steering — 3 owner reports
· tends to show around 16,000 mi · ~$700 to fix
Recalls to confirm are done
Run the VIN from the listing — 2 active recalls on this model. Recall repairs are always free.
Verdict for buyers: 8.0/10 model. The priciest documented failure is
body (~$1,500) — get the
seller's service records for it or inspect closely. Otherwise an average-risk used buy at a fair price.
We tell you what this model is known for and what to inspect — a vehicle-history report
tells you what this exact car has been through. Smart buyers get both.
A noise, a warning light, a repair quote, "should I buy this?" — get an answer grounded in
this vehicle's actual NHTSA record, not generic advice.
Dash light, leak, worn part — snap it and we'll read it against this car's record.
Photo attached — type a question or just hit Ask.
Answers use this vehicle's NHTSA complaint & recall record — owner-reported and unverified, not a diagnosis. Verify anything safety-critical with a mechanic.
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What owners are saying
recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim
2013 FJ Cruiser· electrical
Brought car into dealer last month for new horn as it was a weak volume and would not pass inspection in massachusetts. Was replaced. Worked for a week or two then ceased to completely function. Brought back in today and was told by dealer clock spring/spiral cable was…
Tl* the contact owns a 2013 Toyota fj cruiser. The contact stated that while driving approximately 60 MPH, she noticed there was a blind spot on the rear passenger's side of the vehicle as she attempted to enter another lane. The vehicle was not taken to the dealer. The…
December 17, 2014 I was enroute to work between 9:00-9:30 am. And as I am driving along hughey road approaching robinson street a cross road the light turned yellow, so I applied my brakes while going over the rail road tracks and I loss my brakes ending up in the intersection…
The frame and gas tank straps and rear bumper are rusting to an unsafe condition. Vehicle is 2013 with only 66000miles. I am spending countless dollars yearly to prevent the rust and it isn't getting any better. Other vehicles that share the same frame have had recalls on the…
Had a problem with your 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.
Estimate your repair exposure
Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured January 25, 2006 through February 23, 2013 and equipped with a Toyota Auxiliary Driving Lamp Kits mounted to the front bumper
Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 55 watt bulbs with 35 watt bulbs, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2013 FJ Cruiser passenger vehicles
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 occupant in the event of a crash.
Fix: 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. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Common questions
Is the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?
Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 23 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.
Should you avoid the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
On the NHTSA data, the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 8.0/10 — above the segment average; 2 recall campaigns on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.
What should I check before buying a used 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Inspect the body first — it's the most-reported issue on this model, with 7 owner complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 48,667 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Also confirm any open recalls have been completed by running the VIN, and ask for service records covering the problem areas listed above.
Is the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser a good used car to buy?
It scores 8.0 out of 10 on our NHTSA-based read of 23 owner complaints. The main thing to watch is body. Typical failure occurs around 48,667 miles. Priced fairly and clean on inspection, it's a reasonable used buy. Our data covers what this model is known for — pair it with a vehicle-history report on the VIN to see what that specific car has been through.
What's the most common problem on the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is body, with 7 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 48,667 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop.
What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?
The body is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,500 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 48,667 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.
How do I check if my Toyota FJ Cruiser has open recalls?
Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.
Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 23 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,500, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.
Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/FJ Cruiser.
Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics.
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