Toyota Land Cruiser 200 common problems: what to check before you buy
Credov's researched list of the 7 faults the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 is known for (2008–2020), 6 of them serious or costly. Each one says what to look for when you check the car, so you can spot it before you buy. Not every car has these faults: they are the ones worth checking on this model.
Known problems on the Toyota Land Cruiser 200
Fuel pump failure causing stalling
Safety risk
2013–2020 · petrol · Engine
What to look for: Drive it, restart it fully hot, and feel for rough idle, hesitation or stalling, and ask for the fuel pump recall record.
Why it matters: Both the US and Australian recall documents describe a fuel pump that may stop operating, with warning lights, rough running, stalling and a possible failure to restart. A car that stalls on a test drive with a retail customer aboard costs you the sale, and the campaign fix is free at a Toyota dealer if the VIN is covered.
What to look for: Look up along the exhaust from the back with a torch for packed dry grass, seed heads or scrub.
Why it matters: The Australian recall register records that vegetation accumulating around the underbody and exhaust may combust during the DPF's periodic regeneration, with a risk of vegetation fire and injury to bystanders or damage to property. For a rural trade-in that is a fire exposure on your own lot, and packed vegetation is worth asking the vendor about before you price the vehicle.
What to look for: Check the passenger airbag indicator changes when an adult sits there and no airbag warning comes on as the seat slides.
Why it matters: Toyota's recall states the seat belt tension sensor wire harness may break over time and deactivate the front passenger airbag, knee airbag and passenger seat-mounted side airbag. The remedy is a free modification or replacement of the front passenger seat belt assembly. The campaign spans an eleven-year build window, so it is worth a VIN check on every one you look at.
What to look for: Open the airbox: look for a red or grey dust film on the clean side of the filter, the lid.
Why it matters: Toyota issued an information notice back in 2008 calling a light dust film on the clean side normal. Many owners fit sealing shims, PowerCore-style filters or aftermarket airboxes. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Look for a cam belt sticker under the bonnet and ask for a receipt listing belt, water pump and tensioner.
Why it matters: Do it with the water pump, idlers and tensioner. If it snaps the engine stops, and valve damage is possible. Japanese-import 2UZ 200s (UZJ200W, 2007-2009) are now old enough that the time limit alone makes the belt due unless there is a receipt. These early petrol 200s use a five-speed automatic. Left unrepaired this grows into a major repair bill.
What to look for: Look at the steering wheel rim, especially where gripped, for flaking leather or a fitted cover.
Why it matters: Toyota has replaced many wheels, some out of warranty, but cover is inconsistent and second owners have been refused, so the buyer may face the cost of a new wheel or a wrap themselves.
Got a question about a Toyota Land Cruiser 200? Ask Credov: a noise, a warning light, a part or how to fix it.
Also check on every car
On top of the faults above, every Credov inspection covers the basics: fuel smell, leaks or filler rust, engine oil leaks, power steering fluid leak, drive belt cracks or squeal, rust underneath: chassis and mounts, engine mounts, engine oil level and colour, coolant level, colour and leaks, head gasket failure signs, cold start: rattle, knock or smoke, rough or hunting idle, engine running hot on gauge, gearbox or diff oil leak, swapped gearbox without lvv and more.
Researched by Credov from manufacturer recalls and service bulletins, owner reports and workshop sources. Repair prices are typical ranges, not quotes. See also fault codes and repair costs.