Toyota introduced the Land Cruiser in 1951 as a four-wheel drive vehicle designed for export to developing countries under the moniker “Toyota Jeep.” The early Land Cruisers were rugged and could be driven on almost any terrain, making them popular with safari tour operators and adventure seekers.
Throughout the years, Toyota continued developing the Land Cruiser, adding more luxury and creature comforts while maintaining the vehicle’s off-road capability. Today, the Land Cruiser is considered a luxury SUV in many markets, but it still has the same go-anywhere attitude that made it popular in the first place.
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser reliable? It has consistently scored well in reliability ratings. The 2021 model year scored 83 or Great in the JD Power rankings. But while Toyota Land Cruisers are rugged SUVs, they’re not immune to occasional problems. Like any vehicle, the Land Cruiser will need occasional repairs and maintenance. However, with proper care, your Land Cruiser should be able to provide you with many years of trouble-free driving.
Toyota Land Cruiser Lifespan
Let’s take a look at how long the vehicle and its components are rated to last by looking at the warranties and the projected lifespans of its major components.
Warranty
Standard. The standard warranty for a Toyota Land Cruiser, which covers the powertrain, suspensions, and other major systems, is 3 years or 36,000 miles.
Rust. The rust warranty is 5 years or 60,000 miles.
Accessories. The accessories warranty, which usually covers electronics and the infotainment system, is also 3 years or 36,000 miles.
In all year-to-mileage categories, Toyota honors whichever comes first.
Major Components
The engine in a Toyota Land Cruiser is expected to last around 300,000 miles. The transmission is expected to last around 200,000 miles. And the suspension is expected to last between 10,000 and 200,000 miles.
Will a Toyota Land Cruiser Last 200,000 Miles?
The Toyota Land Cruiser is built to last for many miles and years. In fact, with proper care and maintenance, it’s not uncommon for a Land Cruiser to last 200,000 miles or more.
Will a Toyota Land Cruiser Last 300,000 Miles?
Yes. In fact, there are quite a few reports of people who have driven their Land Cruisers for 600,000 miles. However, as with any vehicle, it will ultimately come down to how well the individual Land Cruiser is maintained.
Maintenance to Extend Toyota Land Cruiser Lifespan
To keep your Land Cruiser running for as long as possible, it’s important to follow a regular maintenance schedule. Depending on how often you drive and what kind of conditions you typically encounter, you may need to adjust your schedule slightly.
Preventive Maintenance Service Intervals
The Toyota Land Cruiser is known to be a reliable SUV and is built to last. However, even the most reliable vehicle (of which the Land Cruiser has some issues) will need preventive maintenance service intervals done in order to keep it running smoothly.
Some of the most important services are oil changes, tune-ups, and fluid changes.
An oil change is one of the most important services to get done on any vehicle, and this is especially true for the Land Cruiser. In general, however, most Land Cruisers will need an oil change every 5,000 miles or so. You should also check the oil level regularly and top it off as needed.
Fluid changes are also important for the Land Cruiser. The most common fluids to change are the engine coolant, power steering fluid, and transmission fluid. Engine coolant and power steering fluid typically should be changed every 5,000 miles, while automatic transmission fluid can last 60,000 to 100,000 miles. However, it is a good idea to check the transmission fluid 30,000 miles or so and have the fluid filter changed if needed especially for manual transmissions.
A tune-up is another service that is important for the Land Cruiser. This should be done every 5,000 miles or so. During a tune-up, the spark plugs and air filter will be replaced. The ignition system will also be checked and adjusted if necessary.
Finally, make sure to keep the Land Cruiser’s interior and exterior clean. This will help to prevent rust and other damage, as corrosion is a common concern on this vehicle.
Major Components that Need Replacement
In general, most components have a lifespan of around 100,000 miles with the exception of the timing belt, which should be replaced every 60,000 miles.
You should also keep an eye on your Land Cruiser’s brakes. Inspect the pads and discs for wear and tear every 20,000 miles or so and have them replaced as needed. You should also have the brake fluid changed every two years to keep it fresh. Brake pads should last around 50,000 miles.
Another important part of maintaining your Land Cruiser is keeping the tires in good condition. Inspect the treads regularly and replace the tires when they start to show signs of wear. It’s also a good idea to keep a spare tire on hand in case of a flat.
Fuel filters should be inspected and replaced every 20,000 miles. Pumps can last around 100,000 miles. Battery replacements are typically needed every 3-5 years.
Toyota Land Cruiser Common Problems
The Land Cruiser offers a luxurious ride, with features like rear-cross traffic alert, rear seat entertainment system, third-row seating, and more. Even though the Land Cruiser has consistently been one of the most reliable SUVs in history, the iconic vehicle has had its share of issues that you may need to be aware of.
Unfortunately, the known issues have to do with more expensive fixes, as you’ll discover below. Some Land Cruiser owners have reported experiencing issues in their vehicles.
These include:
Rough Shifting: The most common transmission issue faced by Toyota Land Cruiser owners is rough shifting. This can affect fuel economy and overall highway safety. Another common transmission issue is that the eight-speed automatic transmission doesn’t shift properly. You might experience this as the car hesitating to shift gears or shifting gears too early or too late.
Smoke: Land Cruiser owners have reported blue or white smoke coming from their vehicles. This has usually something to do with the engine and exhaust systems. Leaks and faulty engine and exhaust components are possible causes. Land Cruisers that exhibit these symptoms also suffer from poor fuel economy.
Abrupt Engine Failure: One of the most serious issues that Toyota Land Cruiser owners face is abrupt engine failure. This can happen without any warning and can lead to a complete loss of power. It remains unknown what causes this problem, but it seems to be related to the engine’s electrical system.
Worthy of Its Legendary Status
The Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic vehicle, and it’s usually considered among the most reliable vehicles. The SUV and its components are expected to last more than the typical commercial passenger vehicles. So be sure to follow regular maintenance to keep your Land Cruiser’s condition worthy of its status.
