Toyota LandCruiser J300 Inspection Checklist

2021-2026 · 7 things to check before you buy, taken from this car's known problems.

All engines

highVehicle theft / keyless security flaw

Look for: The 300 Series is a prime target for organised theft, with reports of relay/keyfob-signal and ECU-based methods used to steal cars quickly. High value and overseas demand make it a magnet.

If you find it: Fit an aftermarket immobiliser/GPS tracker, use a steering lock and a Faraday pouch for keys; park securely.

Any · ~$300-1500 (aftermarket security)

3.3L F33A-FTV twin-turbo diesel

highMachining-debris engine recall (bearings)

Look for: A recall covered LC300 (and Tundra/LX) engines where machining debris may not have been fully cleared in production; debris adhering to bearings under sustained high load can cause knocking, rough running, no-start or engine stall, and ultimately bearing failure.

If you find it: Verify the engine recall has been actioned for the specific VIN; inspect/replace short engine where required under the campaign.

Any (affected build dates) · ~$0 (recall) / $15000+ if out of warranty and failed

highTransmission control (TCM/ECT-ECU) software recall

Look for: Safety recalls covered the 10-speed automatic: a TCM programming issue where the transmission could continue transmitting power in neutral, plus a later ECT-ECU software issue (~11,000 cars) where it could rev faster than intended causing loss of motive power and a fluid leak.

If you find it: Confirm the transmission software recalls are completed for the VIN; reflash by a Toyota dealer at no cost.

Any (2021-2025 builds) · ~$0 (safety recall - software reflash)

mediumExcessive engine oil consumption

Look for: Some F33A engines consume noticeably more oil than expected - Toyota dealer guidance has acknowledged consumption up to roughly 1.7L between standard 10,000km services, attributed in part to the thin 0W-20 spec. Not universal but worth monitoring, especially when towing.

If you find it: Check oil level regularly between services and keep records; raise consumption with Toyota under warranty as a baseline for any later claim. Severe cases investigated/rebuilt under warranty.

Any (from early ownership) · ~$0-2000 (monitoring; dealer investigation under warranty)

mediumHeat-soak / intercooler limp mode (intake air temp)

Look for: The factory water-to-air intercooler and heat exchangers can struggle to control charge-air temps under sustained load in Australian summer heat, dropping the engine into limp mode to protect itself - worse when bull bars, lights or accessories block airflow to the front heat exchangers.

If you find it: Keep the cooling stack clear; many tourers fit upgraded heat exchangers/intercooler cores. Avoid airflow-blocking accessory installs.

Any (hot climate, sustained load) · ~$1500-4000 (aftermarket heat-exchanger/intercooler upgrade)

mediumExhaust fuel-addition injector ('soft recall')

Look for: Toyota Australia ran a customer-service exercise on more than 40,000 LC300s to rectify a potential fault with the exhaust after-treatment fuel-addition injector used in the DPF/emissions system.

If you find it: Confirm the campaign has been completed by a Toyota dealer; check the VIN against the campaign/recall record before purchase.

Any (built Jul 2021 - Feb 2025) · ~$0 (Toyota customer-service campaign)

3.4L i-FORCE MAX petrol-hybrid

mediumUnproven long-term reliability (new powertrain)

Look for: The i-FORCE MAX hybrid only reaches Australian customers from mid-2026, so there is no local long-term durability data for the hybrid system, battery or the twin-turbo petrol V6 in heavy 4WD/towing use.

If you find it: Buy with full Toyota warranty; let early-build data accumulate before relying on it for remote heavy-duty touring.

Unknown (new model)

From FlamingCars' Toyota LandCruiser 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.

LandCruiser J300 (300 Series) inspection checklist

All engines

3.3L F33A-FTV twin-turbo diesel

3.4L i-FORCE MAX petrol-hybrid