2008 Toyota Land cruiser problems

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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.

2008 Toyota Land cruiser

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Common 2008 Toyota Land cruiser problems

The Toyota Land Cruiser 2008 is a well-regarded vehicle, but like any car, it has its share of common problems. These issues are not necessarily widespread, but they are worth considering if you're in the market for a used Land Cruiser.

  • Vacuum Pump Drive Seal: Early 200 Series Land Cruisers, including the 2008 model, had a problem with a seal on the vacuum pump drive that was allowing oil to leak into the pump. Toyota has not recommended a periodic replacement of the power steering fluid unless there is some contamination in the fluid. If you suspect this issue, it's advisable to consult with your dealer and ask if there's any contamination that may cause them to want to replace the fluid.
  • Air Suspension: The air suspension system in the 2008 Land Cruiser has been known to fail, leading to a loss of ride height and control. This issue is not unique to the 2008 model, but it's worth noting if you're considering a Land Cruiser with this system.
  • Brake Issues: Some owners have reported weak brakes in their 2008 Land Cruisers. This could be due to a variety of factors, including worn brake pads or a faulty brake system. It's important to have the brakes checked regularly to ensure they're in good working order.
  • Drive Shaft Clunk: There have been reports of a clunking noise from the drive shaft, particularly in earlier vehicles. This issue seems to be more common in the earlier models, but it's worth being aware of if you're considering a 2008 Land Cruiser.
  • Electrical Issues: Some owners have reported various electrical issues, including problems with the power windows, locks, and other accessories. These issues can be intermittent and difficult to diagnose, but they're worth noting if you're considering a used Land Cruiser.

In general, the Toyota Land Cruiser 2008 is a reliable vehicle, but like any car, it can have its share of problems. It's important to do your research and have any potential issues checked by a qualified mechanic before making a purchase.

2008 Toyota Land cruiser engine

How many miles will a 2008 Land Cruiser last?

How long do Toyota Land Cruisers last? With all that said, it's safe to say the Land Cruiser can give you a long lifespan of between 200,000 and 250,000 miles before it needs significant work.

Should I buy a 2008 Land Cruiser?

2008 Toyota LC better than my previous three LC's

Have previously owned 2000 LC and 2004 LC. Everything from ride, power, interior, agility, technology etc far surpasses the previous models. You have to drive one to really know what a great improvement has been made even though they are a little pricey.

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.

What year is the most sought after Land Cruiser?

2007

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

Should I buy a 2008 Land Cruiser?

2008 Toyota LC better than my previous three LC's

Have previously owned 2000 LC and 2004 LC. Everything from ride, power, interior, agility, technology etc far surpasses the previous models. You have to drive one to really know what a great improvement has been made even though they are a little pricey.

How many miles will a 2008 Land Cruiser last?

How long do Toyota Land Cruisers last? With all that said, it's safe to say the Land Cruiser can give you a long lifespan of between 200,000 and 250,000 miles before it needs significant work.

What is the mileage of Land Cruiser 2008?

Toyota Land Cruiser Prado [2004-2011] mileage ranges from 5.9 kmpl to 11.13 kmpl.

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.

2008 Toyota Land cruiser complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2008 Toyota Land cruiser.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

2008 Toyota Land cruiser recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 5 recalls for different components of the 2008 Toyota Land cruiser.

2018-12-13
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 570 vehicles. Over time, the seat belt tension sensor wire harness may break and deactivate the front passenger air bag, knee air bag, and passenger seat-mounted side airbag.
  • Consequence: In the event of a crash, deactivated air bags can increase the risk of injury .
  • Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will modify the front passenger seat belt assembly or replace it with an improved one, as necessary, free of charge. The recall began February 11, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are Lexus Interim J2L and Remedy JLL, Toyota Interim J15 and Remedy J05.
2017-08-31
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
  • Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2016 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2006 Lexus LX470, and 2008-2013 Lexus LX570 vehicles. These vehicles may be equipped with an incorrect driver or front passenger air bag. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 208, "Occupant Crash Protection."
  • Consequence: An incorrect driver or front passenger air bag may not deploy as intended in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury.
  • Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the affected air bag assemblies, free of charge. The recall began September 29, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's number for this recall is H0S. Lexus' number for this recall is HLD.
2012-06-29
  • Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
  • Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL:ACCELERATOR PEDAL
  • Summary: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles, manufactured from November 28, 2008, through September 1, 2010, and model year 2008 through 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles manufactured from September 1, 2007, through September 5, 2011. In July 2012, Toyota filed a defect report to recall certain model year 2010 Lexus RX350 and RX450h vehicles. In November 2012, Toyota informed the agency that it was including an additional 10,565 vehicles including certain model year 2008 through 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles. The total number of vehicles being recalled is now 164,601. The accelerator pedal can get stuck in the wide open position due to its being trapped by an unsecured or incompatible driver's floor mat.
  • Consequence: A stuck open accelerator pedal may result in very high vehicle speeds and make it difficult to stop the vehicle, which could cause a crash, serious injury or death.
  • Remedy: Toyota and Lexus will notify owners of affected vehicles and dealers will modify or replace the accelerator pedal and replace any driver's floor mat not specified for the vehicle. Owners of the Lexus vehicles were notified during August 2012. Toyota has not yet provided a notification schedule for the additional Land Cruiser vehicles. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or Lexus at 1-800-255-3987.
2011-03-04
  • Manufacturer: TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC.
  • Components: TIRES:PRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS
  • Summary: TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2008 THROUGH 2011 FJ CRUISER, LAND CRUISER, TACOMA, SEQUOIA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 138, "TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM (TPMS)." WHEN FACTORY-INSTALLED WHEELS AND TIRES WERE REPLACED WITH TOYOTA AUTHORIZED ACCESSORY WHEELS AND LT TIRES PRIOR TO FIRST SALE, THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEMS WERE NOT RE-CALIBRATED CORRECTLY AND THEREFORE DO NOT START ILLUMINATING THE LOW TIRE PRESSURE WARNING TELLTALE AT THE REQUIRED MINIMUM ACTIVATION PRESSURE.
  • Consequence: FAILURE TO WARN OF TIRE DEFLATIONS IS A NON-COMPLIANCE WITH FMVSS 138 AND COULD LEAD TO TIRE FAILURE INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: FOR THE LAND CRUISER, SEQUOIA, TACOMA AND TUNDRA VEHICLES, THE DEALER WILL RE-CALIBRATE THE TIRE PRESSURE MONITORING SYSTEM ON AFFECTED VEHICLES AND INSTALL AN UPDATED TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION LABEL AT NO CHARGE. FOR THE FJ CRUISER VEHICLES, THE TPMS CANNOT BE RESET SO THE ELECTRONIC CONTROL UNIT (ECU) FOR THE TPMS WILL BE REPLACED. TOYOTA IS CURRENTLY DEVELOPING THE REMEDY ECU. IF AN OWNER IS NOT CERTAIN WHETHER HIS OR HER VEHICLE IS EQUIPPED WITH THESE ACCESSORIES, PLEASE CONTACT ANY TOYOTA DEALER FOR AN INSPECTION AT NO CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MARCH 31, 2011. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
2010-02-03
  • Manufacturer: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA DISTRIBUTORS, LLC
  • Components: EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
  • Summary: SOUTHEAST TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2011 PASSENGER VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
  • Consequence: A DRIVER MAY OVERLOAD A VEHICLE WHICH MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF A CRASH.
  • Remedy: DEALERS WILL MAIL TO CONSUMERS THE CORRECTED LABEL OR THE CUSTOMER WILL HAVE THE OPTION FOR DEALERS TO INSTALL THE LABEL FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON MAY 27, 2010. OWNERS MAY CONTACT SOUTHEAST TOYOTA AT 1-800-301-6859.

Negative 2008 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews

  1. Lowell Jacobs 2024-10-01

    The current model of this vehicle does not meet our expectations in terms of personality, character, instrumentation design, and exterior styling. Additionally, its similarity to the Highlander model and its price point do not justify its purchase. We recommend waiting for the next redesign.

Positive 2008 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews

  1. Keaton Russel 2025-01-01

    This vehicle has far exceeded my expectations. It's as solid as a rock. I hope no one ever gets into an accident with it, as it's built to withstand inclement weather.

  2. Adan Sauer 2024-11-25

    I completely understand why reviewers describe this SUV as being carved out of a single slab of granite. You really have to drive one to experience it. Every handle, button, and lever feels precise, solid, and overengineered to perfection. The powertrain makes this land cruiser incredibly fun to drive. The vehicle just oozes quality and has all the latest electronic gizmos to boot. It may not be for everyone, but if you appreciate quality over quantity and know what this vehicle is made to do, then you cannot go wrong with the TLC.

  3. Melvina Bednar 2024-10-08

    My experience with this vehicle is limited (500 miles), however it's been a great ride so far! The car is powerful, solid, and comfortable, with top-notch technology and a cutting-edge design. Toyota has really outdone themselves with this one, surpassing not only the previous generation but also other leading all-wheel drive brands that I examined. Overall, I'm extremely satisfied with the vehicle and can't wait to see what else it can do!

  4. Conor Bauch 2024-07-21

    There's enough room for all of us and plenty of luxury for the kids.

  5. Marley Walker 2024-06-20

    I'm glad to hear that you've been taking such good care of your car! It's impressive that it's still running like new after all these years and so many kilometers. Your Model 4.5 V8 Twinturbo Diesel sounds like a great choice. Thanks for sharing your experience!

Leave your review of 2008 Toyota Land cruiser

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2008 Toyota Land cruiser problems:

Any known issues with 2008 landcruisers? | IH8MUD Forum
Any known issues with 2008 landcruisers? | IH8MUD Forum
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/any-known-issues-with-2008-landcruisers.783576/

As noted above, the drive shaft clunk is common on the earlier vehicles. There also tends to be a few complaints about brakes being weak. But ...

Common issues with FJs? | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
Common issues with FJs? | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
https://www.fjcruiserforums.com/threads/common-issues-with-fjs.129236/

May 18, 2011 ... Common issues: 1. Your friends and neighbors can become violently jealous. 2. Sometimes FJ's have been known to spew awesomeness from their ...

200 Series Reliability | IH8MUD Forum
200 Series Reliability | IH8MUD Forum
https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/200-series-reliability.1087505/

I know I didn't purchase a new vehicle and that others have had these issues as well but given the reputation of the LX/Land Cruiser and only ...

Common problems and what to look for buying a used fj cruiser ...
Common problems and what to look for buying a used fj cruiser ...
https://www.fjcruiserforums.com/threads/common-problems-and-what-to-look-for-buying-a-used-fj-cruiser.758033/

Mar 12, 2023 ... I've decided to make an in-depth video of common issues and know problems with the fj cruiser platform! And to help you maintain your truck ...

2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems | Kelley Blue Book
2008 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems | Kelley Blue Book
https://www.kbb.com/toyota/land-cruiser/2008/common-problems/

How reliable is the 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 ...

Other years of Toyota Land cruiser

toyota land cruiser 2009 photo
Land cruiser 2009
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Land cruiser 2010
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toyota land cruiser 2011 photo
Land cruiser 2011
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toyota land cruiser 2013 photo
Land cruiser 2013
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toyota land cruiser 2014 photo
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toyota land cruiser 2015 photo
Land cruiser 2015
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