NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
Power Train complaints
51 reportsClear category filter41,000 miles · Jul 31, 2014
Fuel/propulsion SystemPower Train
I WAS DRIVING ON A SURFACE STREET AND FELT A STRANGE BUT AND THEN A DISTINCT THUMP, THUMP,THUMP, SOUND BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEAL BUT THEY FAILED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ANY HELPFUL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY RECALLS REGARDING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. SINCE I HAD THE VEHICLE AT A SHOP A…
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I WAS DRIVING ON A SURFACE STREET AND FELT A STRANGE BUT AND THEN A DISTINCT THUMP, THUMP,THUMP, SOUND BEGAN EMITTING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE, I CONTACTED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEAL BUT THEY FAILED TO PROVIDE ME WITH ANY HELPFUL INFORMATION REGARDING ANY RECALLS REGARDING THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. SINCE I HAD THE VEHICLE AT A SHOP ALREADY AND IT WAS OUT OF WARRANTY, I ALLOWED AN OUTSIDE SHOP TO DO THE WORK. 1EA RING AND PINION GEAR SET, 1EA BEARINGS KIT, 1EA SEALS KIT, SYNTHETIC OIL, AND LABOR FOR A TOTAL OF $2002.20 I FIND IT HARD TO BELIEVE A VEHICLE WITH 41.000 MILES ON WOULD HAVE IT REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAIL IN THE MANNER THAT THIS UNIT FAILED. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10618025
84,000 miles · May 27, 2014
Power Train
THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITH MY 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER (6 SPEED MANUAL) WITH ONLY 84K MILES. THERE IS THIS SQUEAKY NOISE COMING UNDER THE VEHICLE AND EVERY TIME I PRESSED THE CLUTCH ABOUT 1-2 INCHES THAT NOISE GOES AWAY. AFTER TAKING THIS TO THE MECHANIC WE HAVE FOUND THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE THROW OUT BEARING, AFTER MUCH…
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THIS PROBLEM STARTED WITH MY 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER (6 SPEED MANUAL) WITH ONLY 84K MILES. THERE IS THIS SQUEAKY NOISE COMING UNDER THE VEHICLE AND EVERY TIME I PRESSED THE CLUTCH ABOUT 1-2 INCHES THAT NOISE GOES AWAY. AFTER TAKING THIS TO THE MECHANIC WE HAVE FOUND THAT THE NOISE WAS COMING FROM THE THROW OUT BEARING, AFTER MUCH INVESTIGATION I ALSO FOUND THAT THIS A VERY COMMON ISSUE WITH THIS MODEL TRANSMISSION. AND MORE THAN 65% DRIVER HAVE THIS ISSUE IN THE PAST. I HAVE CONTACTED THE TOYOTA OF NORTH AMERICA HQ AND THEY BLUNTLY REFUSES TO TAKE CARE OF IT, AND ALSO INFORMED ME THAT THIS IS NOT A BIG ISSUE. TOYOTA FORUM OR EVEN A SIMPLE SEARCH FROM THE WEBSITE WILL EXPLAIN THAT HOW MUCH OF A ISSUE IS THIS WITH CONSUMER WHO OWNS THIS TYPE TRANSMISSION. I URGE NHTSA TO ADDRESS TOYOTA TO TAKE CARE OF THIS MAJOR PROBLEM AND RECALL ALL OF THIS FOR CONSUMER NEEDS. THANK YOU. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10594260
95,784 miles · May 1, 2014
EnginePower TrainVehicle Speed Control
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER WITH 95K MILES ON IT. ALL WAS FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH UNTIL I STARTED EXPERIENCING UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATING AND RPM SURGING WHEN DRIVING BELOW 30 MPH AND REGULARLY WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT'S NOT A HUGE REV, BUT RATHER THE ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY RISE FROM…
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I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER WITH 95K MILES ON IT. ALL WAS FINE FOR ABOUT A MONTH UNTIL I STARTED EXPERIENCING UNEXPLAINED ACCELERATING AND RPM SURGING WHEN DRIVING BELOW 30 MPH AND REGULARLY WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE. IT'S NOT A HUGE REV, BUT RATHER THE ENGINE WILL SUDDENLY RISE FROM NORMAL IDLE RPM TO ABOUT 1300 RPM, THEN BACK DOWN AGAIN. I CAN FEEL THE TRANSMISSION GRABBING AND I HAVE TO KEEP THE BRAKE DEPRESSED TO KEEP FROM TAKING OFF. THE SURGE GENERALLY LASTS FOR LESS THAN 10 SECONDS AND THEN GOES AWAY FOR A SHORT TIME. I CAN GET IT TO DUPLICATE THE PROBLEM (AT A STOP, IN GEAR) ALMOST ANYTIME. IF YOU ARE NOT PAYING CLOSE ATTENTION AND HAPPEN TO LIFT YOUR FOOT OFF THE BRAKE, THE VEHICLE WILL LURCH FORWARD START TO ACCELERATE UNTIL THE TRANSMISSION DOWNSHIFTS. I FEAR THAT THIS WILL CAUSE A SERIOUS ACCIDENT SOMEDAY, AND SOMEONE COULD GET HURT OR KILLED. I HAVE TAKEN IT TO MY LOCAL MECHANIC WHO SAYS THAT HE CAN'T QUITE FIGURE IT OUT. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10585815
166,405 miles · Sep 12, 2013
Electrical SystemPower Train
WHEN TRYING TO PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE I COULD NOT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER. IT WAS FROZEN. THE ABS, ALL THE TRAC ANNUNCIATOR LIGHTS STAYED ON. I HAD TO BYPASS THE GEAR SHIFT TO BE ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. I WENT ON LINE TO LOOK UP POSSIBLE CAUSES AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT SOME OF THE AUTO PARTS COMPANIES LIKE AUTO ZONE ETC. AND HA…
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WHEN TRYING TO PUT MY CAR IN REVERSE I COULD NOT MOVE THE GEAR SHIFT LEVER. IT WAS FROZEN. THE ABS, ALL THE TRAC ANNUNCIATOR LIGHTS STAYED ON. I HAD TO BYPASS THE GEAR SHIFT TO BE ABLE TO MOVE THE CAR. I WENT ON LINE TO LOOK UP POSSIBLE CAUSES AND WAS TOLD TO CONTACT SOME OF THE AUTO PARTS COMPANIES LIKE AUTO ZONE ETC. AND HAVE THEM HOOK UP THEIR COMPUTER TESTER TO TROUBLESHOOT THIS PROBLEM. I HAVEN'T HAD A CHANCE TO TAKE IT BY YET. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10543353
55,566 miles · Sep 8, 2013
Power Train
HEAD A SLIGHT GRINDING SOUND SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR(2007 FJ CRUISER WITH 56K MILES) TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. BEARINGS IN THE REAR DIFF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE JOB WOULD COST ESTIMATED 1700 DOLLARS TO FIX. REALLY BUMMED TO HEAR THAT AS I DONT DRIVE AGGRESSIVE…
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HEAD A SLIGHT GRINDING SOUND SOUND COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE CAR(2007 FJ CRUISER WITH 56K MILES) TOOK IT IN TO HAVE IT INSPECTED AND WAS TOLD IT WAS THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. BEARINGS IN THE REAR DIFF NEEDED TO BE REPLACED AND THE JOB WOULD COST ESTIMATED 1700 DOLLARS TO FIX. REALLY BUMMED TO HEAR THAT AS I DONT DRIVE AGGRESSIVE WITH THIS CAR OR DRIVE IT OFF ROAD AT ALL. KEEP READING OTHER PEOPLE HAVE THE SAME ISSUE WITH THIS CAR YEAR AND TOYOTA HAS NOT DONE A RECALL? I ALWAYS TELL PEOPLE TO BUY TOYOTAS BECAUSE THEY ARE RELIABLE, NOT A HAPPY CAMPER AT ALL. THE COMPANY NEED TO DO THE RIGHT THING AND RECALL SOMETHING KNOWN TO BE BAD!
NHTSA ODI #10542534
69,000 miles · Jun 25, 2013
Power TrainSuspension
I BOUGHT THIS CAR WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS 36000. I STILL OWN THIS TRUCK, THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH THIS VEHICLE IS TOO MUCH NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR SIDE. I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE BEARING IS BAD ON ONE SIDE OF THE WHEEL. I GOT BOTH REAR BEARING REPLACED BUT THE NOISE REMAIN THE SAME.I TALK TO TOYOTA BUT NO FIX AT…
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I BOUGHT THIS CAR WHEN THE MILEAGE WAS 36000. I STILL OWN THIS TRUCK, THE PROBLEM I HAVE WITH THIS VEHICLE IS TOO MUCH NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR SIDE. I TOOK IT TO TOYOTA DEALER AND WAS TOLD THE BEARING IS BAD ON ONE SIDE OF THE WHEEL. I GOT BOTH REAR BEARING REPLACED BUT THE NOISE REMAIN THE SAME.I TALK TO TOYOTA BUT NO FIX AT ALL. STILL DRIVING IT WITH EAR PLUG. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10521601
78,800 miles · May 27, 2013
Power TrainSuspension
LOUD GRINDING SOUND COMING FROM THE BACK OF THE CAR. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10513678
74,863 miles · Mar 18, 2013
Power Train
THIS VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM PURCHASE FROM GREATBRIDGE AUTO SALES ON 2/28/13. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD A COMPLEMENTARY 3000MILE/90 WARRANTY. WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, IT SHUDDERED AND HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS.. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VERY NEXT MORNING IT WAS INSPECTED BY A KNOWN MECHANIC AND IT …
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THIS VEHICLE WAS PICKED UP FROM PURCHASE FROM GREATBRIDGE AUTO SALES ON 2/28/13. AT THE TIME OF PURCHASE IT HAD A COMPLEMENTARY 3000MILE/90 WARRANTY. WHEN I DROVE IT OFF THE LOT, IT SHUDDERED AND HAD DIFFICULTY SHIFTING GEARS.. IT IS AN AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE VERY NEXT MORNING IT WAS INSPECTED BY A KNOWN MECHANIC AND IT WAS DEEMED THE TORQUE CONVERTER. WE CONTACTED THE GM WHO ADVISED US TO CALL THE INSURANCE THAT THEY USE. UPON FILING A CLAIM, THEY ONLY COVER 1000.00 OF WORK IN THAT 3000MILE WARRANTY. BUT THE CAR REPAIR WAS 1700.00. ON TOP OF THAT I CALLED TOYOTA, DID MY RESEARCH FOUND OUT THAT THEY HAVE HAD COMPLAINTS ALL OVER THE INTERNET, FJ FORUMS, EDMUNDS ETC... DESCRIBING THIS ISSUE WHICH CONVENIENTLY OCCURS RIGHT AFTER THE MANUFACTURER WARRANTY ENDS. MY PROBLEM IS THAT TOYOTA, HAS KNOWN ABOUT THESE PROBLEMS AND REFUSES TO ACKNOWLEDGE IT BECAUSE IT IS OUTSIDE OF WARRANTY AND THAT IS ALL THEY WILL SAY..CONSUMER REPORTS HAS STOPPED RECOMMENDING THIS VEHICLE FOR THIS PROBLEM AND NO ONE SEEMS TO MAKE TOYOTA ACCOUNTABLE.IT IS A VERY COSTLY REPAIR FOR A VEHICLE THAT BARELY HAS THE ENGINE BROKEN IN WHEN THE TRANSMISSION IS DISABLED..IT ALSO INTERFERES WITH THE GAS MILEAGE WHICH IS NOT ACCURATE BECAUSE THE ENGINE HAS TO DO SO MUCH MORE WORK WITH THE BAD TORQUE CONVERTER. WE HAVE TAKEN ALL THE STEPS POSSIBLE AND ALL TOYOTA CORPORATE SAYS IS THAT THEY HAVE NO RECORD OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE HELP *TR
NHTSA ODI #10503418
72,000 miles · Mar 18, 2013
Power Train
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY BUT THE NOISE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WA…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2007 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER WHO REPLACED THE REAR DIFFERENTIAL ASSEMBLY BUT THE NOISE RECURRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED AND A COMPLAINT WAS FILED. THE VIN WAS UNKNOWN. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 72,000.
NHTSA ODI #10503410
92,000 miles · Jan 18, 2013
Power Train
REAR DIFFERENTIAL FAILURE. THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM IN THE EARLY YEAR MODELS OF THIS VEHICLE. STARTS WITH LOUD WHINING FROM REAR OF CAR FOLLOWED BY COMPLETE FAILURE OF GEARS INSIDE REAR DIFFERENTIAL. *TR
NHTSA ODI #10493424
Official recalls
8Jun 2, 2016
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: If damaged, the copper strand heating element may short circuit, increasing the risk of a fire.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the seat heaters, free of charge, and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory. The recall began on July 14, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET number for this recall is SET16B.
Nov 19, 2014
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2011 Prius and Corolla, 2009-2011 Venza, 2006-2010 Avalon, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2005-2011 Sienna and Sequoia, 2006-2011 Tacoma 4x2 and 4x4, Camry, Highlander, Tundra 4x2 and 4x4, and 2007-2011 Rav4 and 4Runner. The affected vehicles may experience compression of the seat cushion which may damage the seat heater wiring.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will disconnect the heaters with copper strand heating elements and refund the purchase price of the seat heater accessory, free of charge. The recall is expected to began in January 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226.
Apr 25, 2013
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. These lamp assemblies include 55 watt bulbs and due to this wattage and mounting angle, the combination of the upper beam headlamps plus the auxiliary lamps are too bright and exceed the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
Remedy: 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.
Mar 15, 2013
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. Due to insufficient strength of the access door panel, cracks may develop in the panel if the access door is repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
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. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Feb 3, 2010
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: THIS DOES NOT MEET THE STANDARD REQUIREMENTS.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. DEALERS WILL ALSO CORRECT THE OWNER'S MANUAL. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA AT 713-580-3300.
Feb 3, 2010
SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.
Jun 15, 2009
TOYOTA IS RECALLING 27,080 MODEL YEAR 2005 THROUGH 2010 PASSENGER CARS BUILT FROM SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 TO MAY 4, 2009. THESE VEHICLES WERE NOT EQUIPPED WITH LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS WHICH FAILS TO CONFORM WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS."
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: INCORRECT LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS COULD RESULT IN THE VEHICLE BEING OVERLOADED, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy: TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS AND PROVIDE THEM WITH A NEW, ACCURATE LABEL TO BE INSTALLED OVER THE INACCURATE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON AUGUST 18, 2009. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-888-270-9371.
Jun 26, 2006
ON CERTAIN PASSENGER VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH EITHER BRIDGESTONE DUELER OR DUNLOP GRANDTREK TIRES, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE INNER BEAD OF THE TIRE MAY HAVE BEEN DAMAGED. IF THE BEAD IS DAMAGED, A BULGE MAY DEVELOP ON THE SIDEWALL OF THE TIRE AND AIR MAY LEAK FROM THE AREA OF THE DAMAGED BEAD.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: IF THE TIRE LOSES AIR PRESSURE IT MAY LEAD TO A LOSS OF VEHICLE CONTROL AND INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF A CRASH.
Remedy: DEALERS WILL INSPECT ALL FIVE TIRES, INCLUDING THE SPARE TIRE, TO DETERMINE IF THEY ARE WITHIN THE AFFECTED TIRE-TO-WHEEL ASSEMBLY RANGE AND REPLACE ALL INVOLVED TIRES WITH NEW TIRES FREE OF CHARGE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON JULY 5, 2006. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331. NOTE: DUE TO AN ERROR IN THE DOT SERIAL NUMBER SECTION OF THE TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS, A NUMBER OF VEHICLES WERE NOT INSPECTED CORRECTLY. TOYOTA RELAUNCHED THIS CAMPAIGN IN MID-AUGUST 2006.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗