Toyota FJ Cruiser XJ10 Inspection Checklist

2011-2016 · 5 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

This car

highSeat belt retractor recall (2007-2013 build)

Look for: Toyota recalled FJ Cruisers globally over front seat-belt retractors that could be damaged over time, affecting Australian-delivered cars from the 2011 launch. A safety issue if not rectified.

If you find it: Verify the seat-belt recall has been completed by a Toyota dealer (free); check VIN against Toyota's recall records pre-purchase.

Any · ~$0 (recall - free fix)

highHead gasket (uncommon, cooling-dependent)

Look for: Blown head gaskets have been reported on the 1GR-FE but are NOT common - typically tied to neglected coolant or overheating events. Maintain the correct coolant and cooling system.

If you find it: Pressure-test cooling and check for combustion gases pre-purchase; keep coolant fresh on the correct change interval.

Any (if cooling neglected) · ~$2500-5000

mediumPoor rearward visibility / blind spots

Look for: Thick A and C pillars, a near-vertical windscreen, small rear glass and the spare-on-tailgate make rearward and over-shoulder vision genuinely poor - a real safety/parking concern rather than a mechanical fault.

If you find it: Use the reversing camera (where fitted); blind-spot mirrors and parking sensors help. Drive one before buying to be sure you can live with it.

Any · ~$0-500

mediumB-pillar / body cracking and rear half-door hinge sag

Look for: Cracks can form at the base of the B-pillar and the rear-hinged 'suicide' half doors can develop sagging or rattling hinges, especially on hard-worked off-road examples.

If you find it: Inspect the B-pillar base and rear door alignment/hinges pre-purchase; reinforce/repair as needed.

Hard off-road / high km · ~$300-1500

mediumVVT-i oil supply line leak

Look for: The same Toyota 1GR-FE V6 issue seen on Prado/Hilux - the oil feed line and banjo connections (notably the lower passenger-side VVT-i pipe and its crush washer) can weep, leaving oily residue down the side of the block.

If you find it: Replace the line/seals; the upgraded braided steel line is a common preventive fix.

From 120k+ km · ~$300-800

From FlamingCars' Toyota FJ Cruiser guide. It's a checklist of known problems, not a replacement for a professional pre-purchase inspection. Your ticks are kept in this browser only.

FJ Cruiser XJ10 inspection checklist

This car