1997 Toyota Land cruiser problems
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 1997 Toyota Land cruiser problems
The Toyota Land Cruiser 1997 is known for its reliability, but a common problem that owners have reported is the failure of the seal on the transfer case input shaft. This issue can lead to leaks and other complications, and it's recommended to replace the seal to fix the problem.
Another potential issue to be aware of is the engine, particularly on diesel models. A cracked cylinder head on the diesel engine can cost up to £2500 to fix, so it's important to check that this component is in good condition when purchasing a used Land Cruiser.
The Land Cruiser's electrics and suspension are also known to cause problems, although these issues are generally less common than engine-related problems. It's important to check that the costly servicing schedule has been adhered to, and to look for any signs of abuse off-road when purchasing a used Land Cruiser.
While the Land Cruiser is generally a reliable vehicle, it's important to be aware of these potential issues when purchasing a used model. By checking for these problems and addressing them as necessary, you can help ensure that your Land Cruiser remains reliable and trouble-free for years to come.
How many miles can a 1997 Land Cruiser last?
Many have reached the 300,000 miles. I have seen a Land Cruiser with 750,000 miles, original engine and transmission. Says a lot about its quality and durability.
How reliable are older Land Cruisers?
They can last between 250,000 and 300,000 miles, provided they're serviced regularly. In fact, it's very likely that you'll be able to drive a Land Cruiser for between 15 and 17 years without requiring any extensive repairs. Another reason these vehicles are coveted is that they're capable of off-road travel.
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.
Is a 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?
Owned my 1997 Land Cruiser for 12 years. Never felt me stranded, very reliable. The three factory installed lockers are great for driving in snow, ice, mud, etc. Repairs are expensive compared to a Corrola, but much less than a BMW or Mercedes.
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.
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.
1997 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:
- Service brakes problems
- Tires problems
- Hydraulic problems
- Equipment problems
- Fuel/propulsion system problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 1997 Toyota Land cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
1997 Toyota Land cruiser complaints
The NHTSA has received 17 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 1997 Toyota Land cruiser.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-10-11
- VIN: JT3HJ85J8V0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Fuel tank develops crack and leaks when filled more than 10 gallons approx 1/2 full. There is a specific point on the tank where it cracks on top. The metal is very thin at this point and possibly with newer Ethanol fuels the tank expands and contracts far more in hot weather? This problem is well documented on Toyota Land Cruiser websites, specifically IH8MUD.com. The website is telling owners to log complaints with NHTSA. I would think leaking gas is a major safety issue along with being an emissions violation. Yes the vehicle is available for inspection. Manufacturer gives no response. The FJ 60/62 Land Cruiser (model before, did have a recall on the fuel tank) No warning lamps or messages OBD2.
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2016-02-07
- VIN: JT3HJ85J8V0
- Components: FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: THE FUEL TANK LEAKS FROM A CRACK POTENTIALLY FORMED BY STRESS OF FUEL AND A PRESSURIZED SYSTEM. WHEN FULL OF FUEL, THE SYSTEM ACTIVELY DRIPS AND LEAKS FUEL OUT. EVEN WHEN NOT FULL, THERE IS A VAPOR SMELL PRESENT. HTTP://FORUM.IH8MUD.COM/THREADS/LEAKING-GAS-FROM-TOP-OF-TANK.225705/ THIS COMPLAINT HAS BEEN PRESENT AND IS DISCUSSED HERE ON THIS FORUM; INCLUDING PICTURES OF THE LOCATION, ATTEMPTED REPAIRS AND SUBSEQUENT FAILURE OF REPAIRS. THIS POSES A SIGNIFICANT FIRE HAZARD, AS ANYTHING AS MINIMAL AS A SPARK COULD LEAD TO A FIRE HAZARD. MY VEHICLE HAS ACTIVE LEAKING WITH A FULL FUEL TANK DRIPPING OF THE FUEL UNTIL A CERTAIN LEVEL, AND A FUEL ODOR PRESENT CONSTANTLY DESPITE FUEL LEVEL. THE INTERIOR OF THE VEHICLE CONSTANTLY SMELLS LIKE FUEL AS WELL. THERE HAS BEEN A RECALL ON AN OLDER MODEL 60 SERIES LAND CRUISER, AND TOYOTA APPEARS TO ACKNOWLEDGE A MANUFACTURING DEFECT IN THE PAST THAT OBVIOUSLY HAS NOT BEEN ADDRESSED EVEN 10 YEARS LATER IN MANUFACTURING.
SEATS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2014-02-27
- VIN: JT3HJ85J3V0
- Components: SEATS
- Summary: AUTOMATIC FRONT SEATS HAVE STOPPED WORKING AND PARTS OF THE MECHANISM ARE FOUND ON THE FLOOR BOARD.
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2006-12-29
- VIN: JT3HJ85J6V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: TL* - THE CONTACT OWNS A 1997 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. THE VEHICLE HAS INTERCO - TRXUSM/T, SIZE 265/75/16 TIRES. THE DOT#T 4FW8T5M 20504. THE CONTACT PURCHASED 6 SNOW TIRES AND 2 OF THEM HAVE BLOWN OUT WHILE DRIVING AT 62 MPH ON AN INTERSTATE HIGHWAY. THE CONTACT'S REAR PASSENGER TIRE BLEW OUT. THE RUBBER UNWRAPPED AROUND THE BEAD, AND IT EXPLODED THERE AND RIPPED THROUGH TO THE TREAD. THE TREAD REMAINED INTACT AND EACH OCCURRENCE WASIDENTICAL. THE INCIDENT OCCURRED ON DECEMBER 29, 2006 AND THE WEATHER WAS NOT A FACTOR. THE INCIDENT HAS OCCURRED SIX TIMES. TTHE CONTACT IWASCERTAIN THAT THERE WERE NO OBSTRUCTIONS ON THE HIGHWAY. THE TIRE MILEAGE WAS 1,500. THE TIRES WERE AFTER MARKET SNOW TIRES. THE TIRE DEALER AGREED TO ACCEPT THE TIRE VIA MAIL TO INVESTIGATE THE DAMAGE AT THE CONTACT'S EXPENSE. THE CONTACTWAS UNCERTAIN OF THE RECOURSE WITH THE TIRE DEALER TO REPLACE THE TIRES. THE CONTACT WAS CONCERNED ABOUT THE SAFETY RISK INVOLVED WITH THE AUTO AFTER MARKET TIRES. *AK
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-12-01
- Components: ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
- Summary: OUR 1997 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER IS NOW INOPERABLE DUE TO MULTIPLE FAILURES IN REPAIRS BY FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA. COOLANT PROBLEMS HAVE BEEN NOTED SINCE 1999 WITH THE ABOVE REPAIR FACILITY FAILING TO CORRECT DEFECT. CURRENT PROBLEMS INVOLVE FOLSOM LAKE TOYOTA REFUSING TO CORRECT FAILED REPAIRS, COOLANT MIXING WITH ENGINE OIL CAUSING AUTO TO BE UNUSABLE. *JB
SERVICE BRAKES, AIR PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2003-02-01
- Crash: 1
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, AIR
- Summary: WHEN BRAKES WERE APPLIED, THE VEHICLE LOCKED UP AND FLIPPED INTO AN EMBANKMENT. PLEASE FILL IN ADDITIONAL INFORMATION. DEALER IS AWARE OF THE PROBLEM. PH
STEERING,POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2001-06-17
- VIN: JT3HJ85J9V0
- Components: STEERING,POWER TRAIN
- Summary: THREE OF THE FOUR BOLTS THAT SUPPORT THE STREERING KNUCKLE TO THE HUB AT THE RIGHT FRONT WHEEL WERE SHEARED AND BROKEN OFF OF THE VEHICLE. THIS ACTION RESULTED IN THE RUPTURING OF THE TRANSAXLE SEAL ON THE FOUR WHEEL DRIVE SUV. THE RELEASING OF THAT FLUID AND MY NOTICING IT ON THE GROUND AROUND THE WHEEL WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, WAS THE FIRST SIGN OF ANY PROBLEM. IT WAS ONLY AFTER I HAD THE VEHICLE TOWED TO THE REPAIR SHOP THAT THE EXTENSIVE DAMAGE TO THE STREERING KNUCKLE WAS DISCOVERED.
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85J2V0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC,WHEELS
- Summary: FRONT DRIVER SIDE WHEEL FELL OFF. ALSO, LOSS OF BRAKES WHILE SLOWING DOWN TO MAKE A CURVE AT APPROXIMATELY 25MPH THERE WAS INDICATION OR PRIOR WARNING.*AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- VIN: JT3HJ85J1V0
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: PURCHASED TIRES SEPTEMBER 27, 1999, VEHICLE HAD 52,400 MILES. HAD SIDEWALL BLOWOUT ON 1 TIRE ON DECEMBER 8, 2000 AT 71,500 MILES (ABOUT 19,000 MILES ON TIRE). HAD SECOND BLOWOUT ON DECEMBER 20, 2000 AT 72,000 MILES (19,500 MILES ON TIRE). BOTH INCIDENTS OCCURING AT HIGH SPEEDS - 50+MPH. DOT #B73R 171X 349 (DOT NUMBER: B73R171X34 TIRESIZE: 275/70 R16)
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2000-04-02
- VIN: JT3HJ85J8VO
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
- Summary: VEHICLE STALLS AND SHUTS OFF UNEXPECTEDLY. WHEN CONSUMER LIFTS FOOT FROM ACCELERATOR PEDAL VEHICLE JUST CUTS OFF. IDLE CONTROL VALVE FAULTY, CAUSES ENGINE TO SHUT DOWN OR RACE. *AK *ML
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-11-01
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JT3HJ85JXV0
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 35-40MPH ANOTHER VEHICLE FAILED TO YIELD THE RIGHT OF WAY, CONSUMER 'S VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE OTHER VEHICLE. UPON IMPACT, NEITHER AIRBAG DEPLOYED. CONTACTED DEALER AND MANUFACTURER. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1997-06-01
- VIN: PLEASE FILL
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: DEFECTIVE BRAKE PADS WOR EOUTEVERY 2,000 MILE AND CAUSED EXTENDED STOPPING DISTANCE WHICH ALMOST RESULTED IN A CRASH. DEALER COULD NO T DETERMINE THE CAUSE OF THE PROBLEM. PLEASE PROVIDE FURTHER INFORMATION. *AK
TIRES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1999-04-24
- VIN: FILL IN
- Components: TIRES
- Summary: WHILE DRIVING AT 45MPH TIRE BLEW AT 33,000 MILES. TOOK THE TIRE TO NTB & WAS INFORMED THAT ALL THE TIRES WERE PREMATURELY DRY ROTTED & WERE SEPARATING. MICHELIN LTX 27570R/16. *AK
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-01-01
- VIN: JT3HJ85J0V0
- Components: SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC
- Summary: BRAKE ROTORS DAMAGE. YH
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 1
- VIN: JT3HJ85JOVO
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: I WAS PULLING OUT FROM A STOP WHEN I GOT BLASTED IN THE FACE OUT OF AIR CONDITIONER VENTILATION WITH SOMETHING THAT MADE ME GO BLIND HYPERVENTILATE HAVE SEVER MUSCLE CRAMPS ARMS AND LEGS WENT NUMB. THE AIR IN THE TRUCK WAS TESTED AND IT WAS ISOBUTANE, BUTANE, 2-METHYL BUTANE,PENTANE,TOLUENE, ETHYLBENZENE AND XYLENES BLOWING THROUGHOUT MY TRUCK!!!!
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 1998-08-13
- VIN: JT3HJ85J0V0
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: CONSUMER EXPERIENCED ODOR COMING FROM A/C UNIT. DEALER NOTIFIED AND REFUSED TO PICK UP THE VEHICLE. *AK
EQUIPMENT PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-11-24
- Number Of Injuries: 2
- Components: EQUIPMENT
- Summary: A/C ON REC. AIR FULL BLAST HAS GIVEN OFF TOXIC FUMES THAT MADE ME GO BLIND, HAVE SEVER HEAD ACHES, SEVER MUSCLE CRAMPS ALL OVER BODY, SEVER BURNING EYES, MOUTH AND LUNGS, TOTAL NUMBERS OF MY BILATERAL UPPER AND LOWER EXTREMITYS. PLEASE LET ME KNOW WHAT I CAN DO WITH MY TRUCK TO HAVE IT PROPERLY TESTED NO ONE CAN DRIVE IT WITH OUT GETTING SICK.
Negative 1997 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
Positive 1997 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
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I've been wanting one for years and finally bought a low mileage (56,000) one year ago. I'm happy to report that I haven't had any problems with it so far. I did give it a tune-up just to be safe, and I also switched to full synthetic fluids throughout. It's the most versatile vehicle I've ever had, with great traction on and off the road. I never have to worry about my wife and kids in rainy weather because it's built like a tank. The gas mileage is consistent at 14 city/17.5 highway, regardless of how I drive it. The build quality is truly amazing. The only flaw I've found is that the power antenna mast seems to be fragile and needs replacement every few years, which costs around $50.
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Mine is a Turbo Diesel version with a 4.2L displacement and a manual transmission. I purchased it in 2014 with 200,000 KMs and it is still running strong 7 years later with almost 400K KMs. It is one of the last vehicles built with durable materials and designed to last forever.
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I've had my 97LC since February of this year. I bought it as a ski car, looking for outstanding safety and ability in a large size. Although I've only put about 2000 miles on this car, I'm very impressed with it. The build quality is the best I've ever seen. Compared to all the other premium brands I've driven, this car is simply amazing. It's perhaps the best car ever built for what it's designed for - amazing off-road and snow capability in a large, safe, and comfortable car.
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I have owned seven different types of cars, but this one surpasses them all in terms of quality. As a mechanic in DFW, I have noticed that Toyota is the least worked on car brand in my shop. The reliability, fit, finish, and driveability of this car are outstanding, and the list goes on! Toyota owners tend to maintain their cars rather than repairing them, and I commend them for that. Over the years, I have met many mechanics who agree that Land Cruisers are the most overbuilt vehicles in the world, and this is no offense to Hummers or the Department of Defense!
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If you're in the market for an excellent SUV, look no further! We owned our Land Cruiser for 12 wonderful years and put an impressive 234,000 miles on it before our daughter recently had an accident. Thankfully, she and her passenger were unharmed despite hitting a utility pole that was completely destroyed. Although the vehicle was totaled, we are grateful for its safety features. The Land Cruiser has been dubbed a 'bank vault on wheels' for good reason. While it may be pricey, it is worth every penny. We are now upgrading to a used Lexus 470LX version and expect to be just as satisfied, if not more so, since the Land Cruiser and the 470 are essentially the same vehicle. The Lexus just has more bells and whistles.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 1997 Toyota Land cruiser problems:
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Are you having problems with your 1997 Toyota Land cruiser?
Morton Gaylord 2024-08-16
I am the 2nd owner and have almost134,000 miles. I drive it pretty hardoff road and I have never needed to berescued. The build quality is awesome. I am anal about regular maintenance andthe only thing I have had to replace isthe brake fluid resevoir sensor. Ohyeah, the original battery went outaround 100,000 miles. The engine isdesigned to last 300,000 before arebuild. Fuel economy sucks but it is atank that will last.