1987 Toyota Land cruiser problems

General information about Toyota-Land cruiser
Overview of popular issues
Analysis of common problems
Сomplaints list
Recalls list

The Toyota Land Cruiser (Japanese: トヨタ・ランドクルーザー, Hepburn: Toyota Rando-Kurūzā) (also sometimes spelled as LandCruiser) is a series of four-wheel drive vehicles produced by the Japanese automobile manufacturer Toyota. It is Toyota's longest running series of models. As of 2019, the sales of the Land Cruiser totalled more than 10 million units worldwide.

Production of the first generation of the Land Cruiser began in 1951. The Land Cruiser has been produced in convertible, hardtop, station wagon and cab chassis body styles. The Land Cruiser's reliability and longevity have led to huge popularity, especially in Australia, where it is the best-selling body-on-frame, four-wheel drive vehicle. Toyota also extensively tests the Land Cruiser in the Australian outback – considered to be one of the toughest operating environments in both temperature and terrain. In Japan, the Land Cruiser was once exclusive to Toyota Japanese dealerships called Toyota Store.

Since 1990, the smaller variation of the Land Cruiser has been marketed as the Land Cruiser Prado. Described as a 'light-duty' version of the Land Cruiser by Toyota, it features a different design compared to the full-size model and, up until 2023, it remains the only comfort-oriented Land Cruiser available with a short-wheelbase 3-door version.

As of 2023, the full-size Land Cruiser was available in many markets. Exceptions include the United States (since 2021), Canada (since 1996), Malaysia (which receives the Lexus LX instead), Hong Kong, Macau, South Korea, Brazil, and most of Europe. In Europe, the only countries where the full-size Land Cruiser is officially sold are Gibraltar, Moldova, Russia, Belarus, and Ukraine. The Land Cruiser is hugely popular in the Middle East, Russia, and Australia, and also in Africa where it is used by farmers, the construction industry, non-governmental and humanitarian organizations, the United Nations, national armies (often the pickup version), and irregular armed groups who turn them into "technicals" by mounting machine guns in the rear. In August 2019, cumulative global sales of the Land Cruiser family surpassed 10 million units.

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Common 1987 Toyota Land cruiser problems

The Toyota Land Cruiser 1987 is known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it can have its share of problems. Here are some of the most common problems with the Toyota Land Cruiser 1987 based on complaints from owners of this car:

Rough Shifting: The most reported problem with the 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser is rough shifting. Some owners have complained that their SUV's transmission tends to vibrate excessively whenever they switch between gears, both upshifting and downshifting. This problem can manifest while driving at high RPMs as well as low speeds. In some cases, the transmission may pause, causing the engine to rev while the vehicle's transmission pauses.
Transmission Shifting to the Wrong Gear: The transmission of some vehicles built during 1990-19976 and 1999 can shift to the wrong gear once they pass the 120,000-mile mark. In many cases, a badly adjusted throttle position sensor or a faulty shift solenoid is responsible for the transmission shifting incorrectly. Replacing the malfunctioning part that's causing the issue usually restores the transmission performance.
Engine Failure: Some 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser owners have reported unexpected engine failure, leaving their passengers stranded in the middle of nowhere. According to the owners of the affected Land Cruisers, the engine gave out while they were driving to their destination. Many of them brought their vehicles to the dealership, but most technicians could not identify the exact problem that caused the engine failure.
EVAP System Fault: The evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system keeps the Toyota Land Cruiser’s emission levels within safe and legal limits. However, some owners have reported issues with the EVAP system, which can cause the check engine light to come on.
Slow Windows: Some owners have reported slow windows, which can be frustrating for those who want to quickly open or close their windows.
Fraying Seat Belts: The seat belts in some 1987 Toyota Land Cruisers can fray over time, which can compromise the safety of the vehicle.
Chipping and Peeling Lower Window Belt Trim: The lower window belt trim in some 1987 Toyota Land Cruisers can chip and peel over time, which can be unsightly and affect the overall appearance of the vehicle.
Interior Rattles: Some owners have reported interior rattles, which can be distracting and annoying while driving.
Locking Seat Belt: Some 1987 Toyota Land Cruisers have a locking seat belt feature that can be frustrating for some drivers, especially if they are not familiar with the feature.
Shaky Side Mirror: Some owners have reported a shaky side mirror, which can be distracting and affect the driver's visibility.
Cracked Dash: The dash in some 1987 Toyota Land Cruisers can crack over time, which can be unsightly and affect the overall appearance of the vehicle.
Low Fuel Efficiency: The 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser is known for its low fuel efficiency, with some owners reporting only 12 miles per gallon.
Burned-Out "D" Light: Some owners have reported a burned-out "D" light, which can be frustrating for those who want to easily see which gear they are in.
Rust: Rust is a common problem with the 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser, especially in areas where road salt is used.
Dead Rear Subwoofer: Some owners have reported a dead rear subwoofer, which can affect the overall sound quality of the vehicle's audio system.

It's important to note that not all 1987 Toyota Land Cruisers will experience these problems, and many owners have reported that their vehicles have been reliable and trouble-free. However, these are some of the most common issues that have been reported by owners of this vehicle.

How reliable are old Land Cruisers?

What Are the Issues to Watch Out for With a Land Cruiser? Other than normal wear-and-tear issues, nothing really stands out as a major failing on these vehicles. Even 20-year-old models are still running strong. The Land Cruiser's engine, transmission, transfer case, and 4WD systems are all tough as nails.

How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.

What year is the most sought after Land Cruiser?

2007

The 2007 Land Cruiser is the rarest and most sought after/desirable 100-series.

What is the most reliable Land Cruiser engine?

Here are some key features and reasons why the 1HZ engine is often considered one of the most reliable Land Cruiser engines… Durability – The 1HZ engine is known for its robust construction and durability. It has a cast-iron block and cylinder head, making it capable of withstanding tough conditions and heavy use.

How reliable are old Land Cruisers?

Why do people like old Land Cruisers?

Thanks to their versatility, these cars are highly sought after by a range of users, from families looking for a reliable four-wheeler to off-road enthusiasts looking for a vehicle that can take the rigors of extreme environments. Land Cruisers are also considered a premium offering despite the Toyota badge.

Is Land Cruiser high maintenance?

The average total annual cost for repairs and maintenance on a Toyota Land Cruiser is $843, compared to an average of $784 for fullsize SUVs and $652 for all vehicle models.

How long can a Toyota Land Cruiser engine last?

The Toyota Land Cruiser and the Toyota Sequoia both offer a potential lifespan of more than 300,000 miles.

1987 Toyota Land cruiser car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Land cruiser problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

Seat belts problems
Fuel/propulsion system problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 1987 Toyota Land cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

1987 Toyota Land cruiser complaints

The NHTSA has received 4 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1987 Toyota Land cruiser.

2020-09-12

SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-09-12
VIN: JT3FJ60G9H1
Components: SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: OUTBOARD REAR SEATBELTS DO NOT EXTEND OR RETRACT. SO MY KIDS CANNOT RIDE IN IT. FUEL TANK ISSUE INVOLVES EXTREMELY HIGH VAPOR BUILDUP. WHEN I TAKE THE CAP OFF TO ADD FUEL, VAPOR PRESSURE IS SO BAD THAT IT HAS BLOWN THE CAP OUT OF MY HAND WHEN REMOVING IT. CAP HAS BEEN REPLACED WITH A OEM REPLACEMENT WITH NO CHANGE IN PRESSURE. NO DIFFERENCE IF THE VEHICLE HAS BEEN STATIONARY OR DRIVEN FOR EXTENDED PERIODS IN EITHER CASE.

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2020-08-30

SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-08-30
VIN: JT4FJ60V9H1
Components: SEAT BELTS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Summary: BACKSEAT SEATBELTS DO NOT RETRACT OR COME BACK OUT. GAS TANK STARTED LEAKING. BOTH INCIDENTS WERE NOTICED WHILE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY.

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2020-06-18

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2020-06-18
VIN: JT3FJ60G7H1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: NHTSA RECALL NUMBER: 89V155, MANUFACTURER RECALL NUMBER: K04. REAR SEAT BELT RECALL. TOYOTA DEALERSHIP (LARRY H MILLER TOYOTA, MURRAY, UTAH) NOTIFIED ME OF THE OPEN RECALL DURING A ROUTINE OIL CHANGE SERVICE. THEY CHECKED FOR THE PARTS TO SATISFY THE RECALL WORK, AND COULD NOT FIND THEM. AFTER CHECKING FOR PARTS FOR ABOUT 2 2 WEEKS, THEY TOLD ME TO CALL "TOYOTA CUSTOMER CARE". INITIAL REP I SPOKE TO SAID TOYOTA SHOULD OFFER SOME KIND OF REMEDY, IF UNABLE TO SATISFY THIS SAFETY RECALL. A "SENIOR AGENT" FROM TOYOTA NAMED [XXX] CALLED ME (10 DAYS AFTER MY INITIAL CALL TO REPORT THIS) AND SAID THE PARTS NO LONGER EXIST, AND DID NOT OFFER ANY KIND OF REMEDY. I AM VERY CONCERNED ABOUT DRIVING AN UNSAFE VEHICLE. TOYOTA DID NOT OFFER A SOLUTION. I HAVE HEARD OF OTHER SIMILAR SITUATIONS WHERE TOYOTA DID OFFER A REMEDY, BUT THEY DID NOT OFFER MY A REMEDY. EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTING, AND NOW I'M SCARED TO DRIVE MY TOYOTA. TOYOTA NOT STANDING BEHIND THIS OPEN RECALL, OR OFFERING ME ANYTHING. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

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2002-03-06

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
VIN: JT3FJ60G3H1
Components: SEAT BELTS
Summary: REAR SEAT BELTS HAVE A HARD TIME RETRACTING. THEY HAVE THE RECALL SEAT BELT GUIDES BUT THEY DON'T HELP. I HAVE TO PUT MY HAND UNDER SEAT TO GET THE SEAT BELT TO RETRACT. *AK

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1987 Toyota Land cruiser recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 1987 Toyota Land cruiser.

1991-06-26

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:STORAGE:TANK ASSEMBLY
Consequence: FUEL LEAKAGE CAN LEAD TO FIRE WHEN NEAR AN IGNITIONSOURCE.
Remedy: REPLACE THE FUEL TANK WITH AN IMPROVED TANK.

1989-09-14

Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR CO., LTD.
Components: SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER
Summary: REAR SEAT LAP BELT MAY NOT RETURN TO FULLY RETRACTED POSITION AFTER USE.
Consequence: CONSEQUENTLY, BELT COULD NOT BE RELEASED, DUE TOLOCKING CHARACTERISTICS OF AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR SYSTEM.
Remedy: INSTALL BELT GUIDE, OR SHEATH, TO DECREASE RETRACTING RESISTANCE AND ALLOW FREE BELT MOVEMENT.

Additional sources

More sources of information about 1987 Toyota Land cruiser problems:

FJ60 common problems | IH8MUD Forum

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/fj60-common-problems.496634/

... Cruiser GX460 | GX470 Stout | Hilux ... Land Cruisers CA.QC- Club ... Most of the parts are still available from Toyota, but can get expensive.

My 1987 Landcruiser Troopcarrier.. 'The Camel' : r/Toyota

https://www.reddit.com/r/Toyota/comments/7g0plj/my_1987_landcruiser_troopcarrier_the_camel/

Nov 28, 2017 ... r/Toyota - My 1987 Landcruiser ... Are there any common problems with these? ... It's a 70 series land cruiser, like most Toyota land cruisers, very ...

6 Common Problems with the Toyota Land Cruiser FJ60 (Buyers ...

https://www.corsetticruisers.com/post/6-common-problems-with-the-toyota-land-cruiser-fj60-buyers-guide

Jul 10, 2023 ... THE MOST FREQUENT PROBLEM is simply a loose or broken vacuum hose or wiring connection. Always check the hose and wiring connections first. With ...