Which Years Of Used Toyota Land Cruisers Are Most Reliable?
We take a look at all of the Toyota Land Cruiser's generations to determine which years are your most reliable options. Read on to learn which ones (and which Land Cruiser years you should avoid while shopping).
As the name implies, the Toyota Land Cruiser is a true icon in the world of off-road vehicles. It has long been praised for its legendary reliability and rugged construction. With a rich history spanning generations, this versatile SUV has proven its worth in the most challenging environments. While it’s far from the most popular option in the market nowadays, the venerable Land Cruiser can still compete with the best of them.
But as with any vehicle, not all model years are built to the same standards of dependability. In this piece, we’ll dive into the Toyota Land Cruiser’s track record in reliability. Which is the most reliable Toyota Land Cruiser year for each generation? Let’s take a look.
The Most Reliable Toyota Land Cruiser Years
In general, the Land Cruiser has had a relatively reliable run during its very long history. For this roundup of the most reliable Toyota Land Cruiser year, we’re going to focus on the later generations, particularly with the 6th generation, and work our way up.
1998-2007 Toyota Land Cruiser (6th Gen)
The sixth generation is, sadly, one of the more troublesome lineups of the Land Cruiser. This is because several model years from this generation have received more complaints and known issues than the other generations.
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Avoid: 1998 Land Cruiser
For instance, the 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser has been reported to have experienced severe service brake issues, particularly related to the ABS (Anti-lock Braking System). In one report, a driver lost all braking power while descending a steep road with children in the car. The ABS alarm sounded, and the driver had to resort to downshifting and using the emergency brake, narrowly avoiding pedestrians.
Similar instances of complete brake failure have been reported by other owners, often occurring at low speeds and without prior warning signs. These issues seem to stem from failures in the ABS motor, booster motor, or accumulator, but they’re in no way widespread or cause for concern.
Avoid: 1999 Land Cruiser
The 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser is also one of the least reliable years for this model, primarily due to its significant issues with service brakes and vehicle speed control. This model has been listed on CarProblemZoo as having a high problem count, making it the second-most problematic of the three-row SUVs.
THE TOYOTA LAND CRUISER YEARS TO AVOID
We bring you the worst Toyota Land Cruiser years to avoid buying as used. Let’s take a look.
The primary concern with the 1999 Land Cruiser is also its service brakes. There have been multiple instances where the brakes failed unexpectedly, which poses a serious safety risk, especially at higher speeds. Although most incidents occurred at moderate speeds of 30-40 mph, any failure of the braking system is critical. Additionally, there are issues related to the vehicle’s speed control. Some owners experienced unintended acceleration, including one incident where the SUV accelerated on its own and collided with a pole.
Avoid: 2002 Land Cruiser
The 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser shows some improvement in reliability compared to earlier models but remains a year to avoid for used car buyers due to persistent issues. Vehicle speed control remains a troubling issue, with reports of the SUV suddenly accelerating at low speeds, described by one owner as feeling like a tire had blown, leading to loss of vehicle control.
Engine cooling problems are also significant, with instances of the SUV losing power and becoming unresponsive. In extreme cases, owners were advised to replace the engine, which could cost around $6,000.
HOW LONG DO TOYOTA LAND CRUISERS LAST?
The Land Cruiser has always been known for its practicality and endurance. But does its reliability translate to a longer lifespan? How long do Toyota Land Cruisers last?
Buy: The Rest of the 6th Generation
The 6th generation Toyota Land Cruiser (J200 series, 2008-2021) is an excellent choice for those seeking a reliable SUV, provided you don’t mind the age of the vehicle. Plus, they’re relatively trouble-free compared to the aforementioned model years. Thankfully, the Land Cruiser also boasts strong longevity.
2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser (7th Gen)
The 7th generation (200 series) Toyota Land Cruiser is widely regarded as an excellent vehicle due to its exceptional build quality, reliability, and off-road capabilities. Many people consider it one of the best vehicles ever made due to the great balance of power and durability. However, some drawbacks include poor fuel economy, with the vehicle averaging around 13-14 mpg in the city. Plus, there’s one model year that used car buyers should avoid:
Avoid: 2008 Land Cruiser
The 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser avoids some of the major mechanical problems seen in earlier models, but it still has its own set of issues that could concern potential buyers. One major problem is a faulty air conditioning system. Another serious issue involves the airbags, specifically those made by Takata. These airbags were included in a huge recall because they could potentially explode and send metal fragments flying inside the vehicle, which is extremely dangerous for passengers. Unfortunately, these faulty airbags have been connected to 24 deaths and more than 400 injuries globally.
Additionally, the 2008 model has been reported for problems with vehicle speed control, including several incidents of unexpected acceleration. Such malfunctions have led to accidents, including rear-end collisions in traffic when the vehicle accelerated unexpectedly.
If you’re going to avoid one model year from the 7th generation, make it the 2008 Land Cruiser.
Buy: The Rest of the 7th Generation
Other than the 2008 year, the rest of the 7th-gen Land Cruisers are winners in terms of reliability.
For instance, the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is an excellent choice for adventure enthusiasts due to its robust off-road capabilities and impressive towing capacity. It features a powerful 381-hp V8 engine, a responsive eight-speed transmission, and a high-tech 4x4 system. This particular model year marks the end of the current Land Cruiser design, which may increase its value as a collector’s item. Also, the special Heritage Edition offers unique styling and optional third-row removal for more versatility.
The 7th generation Toyota Land Cruiser is an excellent choice for used car shoppers because of its reliability and few owner complaints. These newer models come with the latest tech features and comfortable interiors, making them feel modern and luxurious. Known for their ability to tackle challenging terrains, they provide adventure and comfort. If you’re looking for a dependable and versatile SUV that feels up-to-date, the 7th-generation Land Cruiser has much to offer.
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