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 frame and this vehicle should also be included
2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser body problems
moderate 7 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $1,500 · see body across all vehicles →
Complaints
7
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$1,500
When does it fail?
Of the 7 body complaints filed for the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Body accounts for 30% of every owner complaint on file for this vehicle — the dominant problem area across 3 categories tracked.
No new NHTSA body complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 6 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
What owners are reporting 7 most recent
Severely rusted & rotting frame. Diagnosed by Mike’s Automotive, Sturgeon Bay, Wi.
Excessive rust on frame, chassis, tie rod ends and all other metal parts, although car is maintened properly, only 40k miles, garage parking, no off-road usage and no salt exposed.
Frame rust, rear bumper rush, under carriage rust, front lower a-arm rust, differential rust.
The contact owns a 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Upon having the vehicle inspected by a State Inspector, the contact was informed that there was significant corrosion on the undercarriage of the vehicle. The contact took the vehicle to a dealer and was informed that the corrosion failure was a result of normal wear and tear. The contact was referred to an independent mechanic who specialized in vehicle…
The frame on my vehicle is incredibly rusty. Upon further research, I've found that this is a chronic problem FJ Cruisers. Many frames have rusted to the point where there is structural damage thereby rendering the vehicle unsafe to drive. I know that Toyota issued a recall for Tacoma trucks for this very issue, and I would like to have a recall issued for the FJ as I'm incredibly concerned for…
When driving in snow conditions the windshield wipers build up amazing amounts of ice. I spoke with dealership and they claim it does that because of the angle of the windshield. I was having to pull over and stop to break the ice off my wipers because they stopped clearing the windshield and I would loose visibility. Also, the underside of the fj cruiser builds up and collects ice like nothing I…
Had body trouble with your 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the body problem on the 2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 7 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $1,500 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the body typically fail?
Based on the 7 complaints filed, body issues most often appear around 48,667 miles. Some report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 with no symptoms. Maintenance habits matter — vehicles that received timely fluid services and were not regularly overworked tend to last longer.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $1,500 for body repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to body?
No active recalls currently cover body issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2013/Toyota/FJ Cruiser.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.