2018 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 2018 Toyota Land cruiser problems
The Toyota Land Cruiser is a highly regarded full-size luxury SUV known for its off-road capabilities and reliability. However, like any vehicle, it can have certain issues. Based on owner complaints, here are some common problems with the 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser:
- Transmission Shifting to the Wrong Gear: Some Land Cruisers built between 1990-19976 and 1999 may experience issues with their transmission shifting to the wrong gear once they pass the 120,000-mile mark. This can be caused by a poorly adjusted throttle position sensor or a faulty shift solenoid, and replacing the malfunctioning part usually restores the transmission performance.
- Unexplained Engine Failure: Some 2011 Land Cruiser owners have reported unexpected engine failure, where the engine gave out while driving to their destination. This issue can strand passengers in inconvenient locations, and technicians often have difficulty identifying the exact problem that caused the failure.
- EVAP System Fault: The evaporative emissions control (EVAP) system in the Land Cruiser is designed to keep emission levels within safe and legal limits. However, faults in this system can occur, leading to potential issues.
- Power Steering Pump Leaks: Higher mileage Land Cruisers may experience leaks from the power steering pump, which can affect the vehicle's power steering system.
- Failed Electrical Junction Block: A failed electrical junction block can cause problems with power windows and mirrors, affecting the overall functionality and convenience of the vehicle.
These issues are based on owner complaints and may not represent all 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser vehicles. It's essential to thoroughly research any vehicle before purchasing and consider factors such as maintenance history, mileage, and condition.
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.
Are Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser reliable? Land Cruiser is considered a reliable SUV with a reliability score of 83 out of 100, considered a good score. Land Cruiser is primarily famous for its reliability, offering a smooth drive in urban areas and durable off-road driving.
Is it worth buying Toyota Land Cruiser?
The Toyota Land Cruiser looks like great value when you compare it to tough off-road rivals like the Land Rover Defender and Mercedes G-Class – and it is great value if you're looking for go-anywhere wheels that should never break.
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.
Are Land Cruiser engines reliable?
Legendary Engines
Throughout its history, the Land Cruiser has featured a variety of engines, but one thing has remained constant: They have a long lifespan. The inline-six and V8 motors that power most Land Cruisers are known for their life span and low upkeep costs.
What are the changes in the 2018 Land Cruiser?
This being a Land Cruiser, at least some of the changes are for purely practical reasons. So while the grille and headlights are new, they're set higher to improve the car's off-road ability, and there's now a dip in the centre of the bonnet to give the driver better visibility.
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.
2018 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:
- Air bags problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Exterior lighting problems
The graph below shows statistics for all 2018 Toyota Land cruiser vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
2018 Toyota Land cruiser complaints
The NHTSA has received 3 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2018 Toyota Land cruiser.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-04-30
- VIN: JTMCY7AJ1J4
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Driving on trail ridge road in Estes park. Fuel boiled and gas flowed out of the vehicle around the gas cap. It presents a real fire and environmental risk in addition to causing property damage to the vehicle by potentially damaging the paint with the boiling fuel. The government has not done anything to address this design flaw with Toyota despite it being known for decades. This has been present with the 80, 100, 200 series vehicles plus the Toyota Tundra, Lexus GX and Lexus LX. There are a frightening number complaints about this. Just google Landcruiser, Tundra, Lexus GX, Lexus LX and fuel boil. Post #54 on this thread gives a good explanation as to the problem and cause (design flaw). https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/gas-fuel-vapors-fumes-visible-from-gas-door.1255549/page-4
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-01-11
- Crash: 1
- VIN: JTMCY7AJ9J4
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: THE VEHICLE WAS IN A FRONT COLLISION OVER 50MPH AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.
EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2019-08-07
- VIN: JTMCY7AJ0J4
- Components: EXTERIOR LIGHTING,AIR BAGS
- Summary: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2018 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER. THE CONTACT RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE FOR NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 18V887000 (AIR BAGS). CHEROKEE COUNTY TOYOTA (301 LIBERTY BLVD, CANTON, GA 30114, 770-383-1434) WAS CONTACTED AND STATED THAT THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE. THERE WAS NO TIMEFRAME FOR WHEN THE PARTS WOULD BE AVAILABLE. THE CONTACT ALSO STATED THAT THE HEADLIGHTS DID NOT ILLUMINATE AS DESIGNED AND THE VISIBILITY RANGE WAS LIMITED TO THIRTY FEET. THE CONTACT CALLED THE MANUFACTURER AND WAS PROVIDED CASE NUMBERS: 1904090864 AND 190421-000096. THE CONTACT WAS ADVISED THAT THE CASES WOULD BE CLOSED SINCE TOYOTA DETERMINED THAT THE VEHICLE WAS WORKING AS DESIGNED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS UNKNOWN.
2018 Toyota Land cruiser recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the 2018 Toyota Land cruiser.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP
- Summary: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.
- Consequence: If the fuel pump fails, the engine can stall while driving, increasing the risk of a crash.
- Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the fuel pump assembly with an improved one, free of charge. Owners of specific models were notified that remedy parts were available starting January 21, 2021. Owners of other models will be notified as remedy parts become available. Remedy parts should be available for all affected vehicles by late March 2021. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Note: This recall is an expansion of recall 20V-012. Toyota's number for this recall is 20TA02. Lexus' number for this recall is 20LA01.
- 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.
Negative 2018 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
Positive 2018 Toyota Land cruiser car reviews
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I spent a long time searching for the perfect family vehicle that could also double as my daily driver. It needed to have 3 rows of seats, be suitable for family outings with young children, and be able to handle hunting and fishing trips as well as towing a boat or car trailer. I was looking for something a little more rugged than a minivan, and after considering most full-size SUVs, I decided to focus on body-on-frame construction for added toughness. The Land Cruiser ended up being the best fit for our needs, ticking all the right boxes. So far, it has been a fantastic truck, with a smooth and quiet ride on the road. While I haven't had the chance to test it off-road yet, I'm confident in its reputation. The interior is very nice, although not quite up to the level of a Mercedes or Range Rover. However, the money is well spent on other features in this vehicle. I love how solid and well-built it feels, and I appreciate the old-school beefy parking brake lever and mechanical shift lever. The LC's understated appearance and Toyota badge are also a welcome benefit when trying to avoid attracting attention. I've been averaging about 16-17 MPG (according to the computer) with a mix of highway, country roads, and city driving, which is better than expected. However, there are a few minor criticisms that potential buyers should be aware of. The fuel tank could be larger to accommodate for the gas mileage and give it more range. In other countries, they have auxiliary fuel tanks, so it's unclear why they don't offer them in the US. Additionally, when the fuel light comes on and the gauge reads nearly empty with a range of 0, there are actually 6-7 gallons left in the tank.I understand your frustration with the fuel gauge and the limited cargo space due to the fold to the side third row. However, these minor issues do not take away from the overall excellence of this vehicle. It truly is a remarkable choice for families who prioritize top build quality, unparalleled ruggedness, impressive off-road capabilities, and long-term reliability. There is simply no other vehicle that can compare.
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The slow acceleration took some getting used to, but the vehicle's comfort is undeniable. While it may feel more like a truck than an SUV, it still offers a smooth ride. However, the noise level is a concern, with wind sounds being particularly annoying. It may be worth inquiring at the dealership about any potential seal problems. It's possible that the seal integrity was compromised during the six months the vehicle sat on the lot before purchase.
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Pros: This SUV looks great and is reliable, comfortable, and durable. It has a rugged feel but a refined interior. However, the gas mileage is quite poor, averaging around 12 MPG, which is not unexpected for this type of vehicle. Unfortunately, the small fuel tank exacerbates this issue, requiring refueling every 3-4 days. Additionally, if you are over 6' 1
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I'm so glad I made the decision to purchase my first LC! I've always admired the LC's off-road capabilities, and my father has owned four over the last 20 years. As a land owner, driving this amazing vehicle on and off the highway is an absolute pleasure. It's the most well-designed SUV I've ever driven, and I would highly recommend it to anyone who needs to go off-road in comfort. Another great thing about it is that it appears modest compared to similar luxury SUVs, which is definitely a plus if you want to keep a low profile.
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I really enjoy the ride and comfort of my TLC both on the highway and in town. However, I do have some concerns about the technology as it lacks Apple play and USB ports. To address this, I purchased a separate Bluetooth device for my phone due to the poor sound quality when talking or listening. When it comes to navigation, I prefer to use my phone's GPS over the car's navigation system. Additionally, I have noticed that the back seats are not self-locking and require the provided strap to secure them. While the third row seats are not removable, which reduces the rear cargo space, overall I have a love-hate relationship with my TLC.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2018 Toyota Land cruiser problems:
Known Issues with 200 Series (2016-21)? | IH8MUD Forum
2018 LC200 5.7 ... The only known issue is that I check on my land cruiser ... “The 200 series is the strongest Land Cruiser ever produced by Toyota ...
Toyota Land Cruiser Problems and Complaints - 31 Issues
Top Toyota Land Cruiser Problems · Power Steering Pump May Leak on Higher Mileage Vehicles · Failed Electrical Junction Block May Cause Power Windows and Mirrors ...
Q&A: Toyota Prado TRJ150 (2.7L) 2018 - Common Problems ...
Mar 22, 2023 ... I have a Toyota Landcruiser Prado TRJ150 2.7L, 2018. The problem is that even after pressing the accelerator hard the - Answered by a ...
How long should I expect an fj to last? | Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
May 2, 2018 ... Yes, the answer to this not really known, and it's highly variable. The reason I ask is because I'm looking to buy an fj, and my goal is for ...

What the common problems with the 80 series? | 4x4Earth
... Toyota Landcruiser 80 series but I would like the common problems with the old beasts. discomatt. Well-Known Member. Aug 23, 2018 · #2.
Tyrell Flatley 2025-07-07
I was considering between the Land-Cruiser and a Mercedes GL450. I have owned four Land-Cruisers before and was a bit nervous about the reliability of the Mercedes. Unfortunately, the Land-Cruiser turned out to be a disaster. The day I drove it home, I could tell there was an alignment issue and constant corrections were needed. I took it to my local shop and they confirmed that the rear axle was off almost a full degree. Toyota confirmed the issue and attempted to repair it using a 'come-a-long' strap to force the rear axle into alignment, which only created more problems. After getting the vehicle back, it had even worse alignment readings due to the excessive force that was placed on the rear suspension. I filed a complaint with Toyota and after a few weeks, they told me that no further repairs were needed. I was furious and received no support from Toyota or my dealer, Carson Toyota. However, I hired an attorney and he won my case, and I was awarded all my money back. It is important to note that this rear axle issue is a common known problem with the Land-Cruiser and Tundras. Therefore, I highly recommend getting it on an alignment rack before putting your money down on one of these.
Zane Jaskolski 2024-11-11
I bought my 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser almost four years ago and unfortunately, I have not been satisfied with my purchase. Although this car has a loyal following, it lacks many features that are standard in newer models, such as LED headlights, automatic high beams, blind-spot assist, lane-keeping assist, radar cruise control that works under 20 MPH, a power liftgate, 360 camera, soft-touch materials on the lower dash/doors, and park assist. These features are expected in a car that retails for 90 thousand dollars. Additionally, I have had some issues with the customer service at my local dealer, which is an hour away. Despite these issues, I am hopeful that Toyota will continue to improve their vehicles and customer service in the future.So to summarize, while this vehicle may have charming looks and off-road prowess, it unfortunately falls short in several areas. The standard equipment is lackluster, the infotainment system is out of date even for its 2015 model year, and it only gets 12-13 MPG. Additionally, service has been done incorrectly and there is no loaner vehicle provided. At a cost of ninety thousand dollars, it may not be the best investment for those looking to spend their money wisely. However, I am excited to replace it with a 2020 GLS.
Brock Shanahan 2024-04-14
I did not purchase the car due to poor detailing and interior damages that were not mentioned. However, the car was mechanically sound. I will continue my search for a well-cared-for vehicle. When paying 64k for a 5-year-old car, it is reasonable to expect a well-taken-care-of vehicle.