How Long Do Toyota Land Cruisers Last? (12 Important Facts)

The Toyota Land Cruiser is an iconic SUV that was produced in the US from 1951 until 2021.

It is renowned for its wide range of standard features, off-road capabilities and almighty engines.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the Land Cruiser’s average lifespan…

Here is the short answer to how long a Toyota Land Cruiser will last:

The Toyota Land Cruiser will last on average between 250,000 – 300,000 miles if routinely serviced and properly maintained, although they can last longer. Based on driving 15,000 miles per annum, a Land Cruiser will last between 17 – 20 years before requiring expensive repairs or breaking down.

How long do Toyota Land Cruisers Last:

The Toyota Land Cruiser is well known for being built like a tank, and it should therefore come as no surprise that these things can last a very long time.

According to the automotive research site iSeeCars.com, the Land Cruiser is the longest-lasting vehicle out of a study of 15 million cars.

Their research found that it was twice as likely than the average SUV to reach 300,000 miles.

And this is backed up with real-world figures.

When searching for Land Cruisers on used car platforms, such as Car Gurus and Autotrader, you’ll find models with 300,000 miles on the odometer – and some even reaching 400,000 miles.

Here’s what one owner had to say on LandCruiserClub.net:

“348,000 miles and going good, just had injector pump and injectors overhauled, got her back up on her toes a bit. Still my daily driver and still earns her keep pulling cattle and such.”

Despite this impressive record of reliability, there are no guarantees that any vehicle can hit numbers of 300k and more.

The Toyota Land Cruiser can typically last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles and potentially longer, depending on its usage, personal care, and maintenance.

Sure, they are sturdily built and designed for serious offroading, but being too harsh with the gas and brake pedals can cause excessive wear and tear.

To ensure the longevity of your Land Cruiser:

• Change engine oil reguarly
• Perform routine maintenance
• Use smooth driving styles

The latest model year Land Cruisers were offered with 3 year / 36,000 mile limited warranty cover, 5 year / 60,000 mile powertrain warranty, and a complimentary 2 year / 25,000 miles maintenance cover.

Common Problems of the Toyota Land Cruiser

A car’s longevity can be decreased by its problems; listed below are what Land Cruiser owners have to deal with.

NOTE: the newer models have been relatively problem-free from 2017 onwards, and there have been minimal complaints since.

1. Excessive Oil Consumption

Owners of Land Cruisers complained about the engine’s excessive oil consumption.

This caused blue smoke to be released from the vehicle and is a common symptom of an oil leak and burning oil in the engine.

This led to some Land Cruiser owners having to replace the engine.

Fortunately, this problem was mostly limited to the 2004 to 2011 Land Cruiser model years, with owners of 2005 models reporting the most problems.

2. Rough Shifting

The 2016 Land Cruiser is the model year most likely to develop rough shifting problems with its eight-speed automatic transmission.

The SUV’s automatic transmission tends to vibrate excessively when shifting gears – up or down, low RPM or high RPM.

This problem was most often rectified with transmission service and an upgrade to the ECU’s transmission software.

Some owners had to replace their transmissions, but those were rarely required.

3. Engine Stopping Suddenly

The Land Cruiser has very few problems overall when compared to some other full-size SUVs on the market, but the 2011 model year Land Cruiser drew some backlash from owners for its engine suddenly stopping.

Toyota mechanics could not diagnose the cause of many of these reported problems.

However, some pinpointed and solved the problem: a faulty fuel pump and fuel sensor.

Once these parts were replaced, the problem never returned.

4. Faulty Power Steering Pump

Power steering pumps on some fifth-generation (1990 to 1997) Land Cruisers were troublesome and often prematurely failed.

Most of these were replaced by Toyota’s warranty processes.

People who bought 1990 through 1997 Land Cruisers as used vehicles years later ran into problems with the original power steering pumps, which required replacement.

This was a known weak point for Land Cruisers of that era.

5. Power Windows and Mirrors Failing

Across the many decades of Land Cruiser model years, power windows and power mirrors failing is common.

This issue is caused by a bad electrical junction block that fails due to age.

It is easy to diagnose and repair the fault for a Toyota mechanic.

The part is reasonably cheap and quick to replace – even for DIY mechanics.

What is High Mileage for a Toyota Land Cruiser?

High mileage for a Toyota Land Cruiser is around 150,000 miles, even though it could well last more than double that. From 150,000 miles, it is more likely to need repairs and extra maintenance due to wear and tear.

Of course, newer and lower mileage Land Cruiser models generally offer higher levels of safety, technology, reliability, and better warranty coverage.

However, when you’re shopping for a used Land Cruiser, it is more important to inspect the vehicle’s overall condition than worry about its odometer reading.

Lower mileage doesn’t necessarily equate to better.

When buying a second-hand Land Cruiser, consider the following factors:

1. Service history. Check that the vehicle was adequately serviced and that the owner has documented evidence.
2. Take it for a test drive. Ask the seller to leave the car cold; this way, you’ll see how easily it starts up, and you can listen for any strange engine, transmission or exhaust noises.
3. Check for rust. Rust is a common problem for all vehicles – even Land Cruisers – and this is a problem that will spread if left untreated. Have a thorough look under the vehicle too.
4. Examine the interior. The condition of the interior tells the story of how well the vehicle was maintained and cared for.

Toyota Land Cruiser Longevity Compared to Similar SUVs

In this section, we’ll compare the Land Cruiser to some of its rivals in the full-size SUV class.

Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Nissan Armada

The Nissan Armada is a three-row, full-size SUV that has been availble in North America since 2003.

Nissan’s largest SUV is its most capable off-roader, boasting spacious cabins and refined engines.

The Nissan Armada can usually last between 250,000 – 300,000 miles, which is the same as the Toyota Land Cruiser’s expected lifespan.

The Armada is rated as one of the most reliable vehicles in its class, with one of the lowest annual average repair costs.

However, the Land Cruiser’s off-road prowess cannot be rivaled in this match-up.

Related: How Long Do Nissan Armadas Last?

Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Ford Expedition

The Ford Expedition was the world’s first three-row, full-size SUV when it was launched in North America in 1996.

As it is based on Ford’s incredible F-150 pickup truck, the Expedition is well-known for its toughness and heavy-duty capabilities.

This home-grown hero is one of the bestselling models in Ford’s line-up – and many first-generation models are still on the roads today.

The Ford Expedition can typically last between 200,000 – 250,000 miles, which is slightly less than the Toyota Land Cruiser’s perceived lifespan of 250,000 – 300,000 miles.

On paper, the Ford Expedition has the Land Cruiser beat in terms of reliability and a lower average maintenance cost.

Both vehicles offer seating for up to eight passenger although the Expedition is more fuel efficient signifcantly cheaper.

Related: How Long Do Ford Expeditions Last?

Toyota Land Cruiser vs. Dodge Durango

The Dodge Durango is a three-row, full-size SUV based on Dodge’s Ram pickup truck line.

It is one of the segment’s most popular models thanks to its comfort-oriented cabins, powerful engines, and advanced tech features.

Dodge’s Durango is a firm favorite for heavy-duty applications with families, businesses, and police forces.

The Dodge Durango can usually last between 200,000 – 250,000 miles, which is less than the Toyota Land Cruiser’s longevity.

The Dodge Durango is a decently reliable full-size SUV when compared to the Toyota Land Cruiser’s reliability rankings and ratings.

It has some off-road capability although not on the same level as the Land Cruiser.

Related: How Long Do Dodge Durangos Last?

Comparison Chart

Toyota Land Cruiser Reliability

The Toyota Land Cruiser has received mixed scores for reliability, although in general they are very reliable vehicles, especially the more recent models. However, its reliability is dependent on regular servicing.

Any vehicle can break, although the Land Cruiser seems to do it alot less.

Across online forums, you’ll often hear owners express that they’ve had hardly any problems and some even pointing out that they are much more reliable than a Land Rover.

Here’s how some owners on edmunds.com described its reliability:

“It was everything you’d expect from an LC. Smooth, easy to drive, spacious with unmatched reliability. When we finally sold it the vehicle had around 150,000 miles on it, and it felt like it was just breaking in.”

“It’s reliability is truly unmatched in the industry as the car is so over engineered (hence the $$$), and it was done so deliberately.”

Reliability scores:

• RepairPal ranked the Land Cruiser 16^th out of 16 full-size SUVs for reliability, with a score of 2.5 / 5.
• Kelley Blue Book gave the Land Cruiser a Reliability score of 4.7 / 5.
• Consumer Reports ranks Toyota as the #1 most reliable vehicle brand in North America.
• JD Power gave the Land Cruiser a Quality and Reliability score of 83 / 100.

The most commonly reported problems of the Land Cruiser are:

• Excessive engine oil consumption
• Rough shifting
• Engine stopping suddenly
• Faulty power steering pump
• Power windows and mirrors failing

How Reliable is the Toyota Land Cruiser Compared to Other SUVs?

Source: Repair Pal

Best and Worst Years of the Toyota Land Cruiser

In this section, we’ll look at the best and worst model years of the Toyota Land Cruiser.

Worst Model Years

The 2005 model year Toyota Land Cruiser is rated as the worst, according to the number of complaints reported on CarComplaints and CarProblemZoo. However, we’d also recommend steering clear of 2000 and 2016 models too.

This is because of the nature of the reported problems as having a high repair cost or more problems at lower mileage.

The 2005 model year Land Cruiser’s most reported complaint was engine problems.

Best Model Years

The best Toyota Land Cruiser model years are the newer ones from 2017 to 2021 (final years in the North American market).

The newer models have a considerably lower number of reported complaints and faults, with none reported for 2019 through 2021 and it would appear Toyota worked out any production issues.

The latest model Land Cruisers are also equipped with the latest in safety, tech, and luxury features.

Related: 25 Best & Worst Toyota Land Cruiser Years (Pictures & Stats)

Toyota Land Cruiser Recalls

The Toyota Land Cruiser has had a total of 34 recalls since 1968.

You can check if your Toyota Land Cruiser has been subjected to a recall campaign by entering your car’s VIN (Vehicle Identification Number) on the NHTSA website.

Recalls are safety-impacting, manufacturing faults repaired at no charge to the consumer.

Toyota Land Cruiser recalls, according to the NHTSA’s records:

• 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1969 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1975 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1979 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser: 4
• 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser: 3
• 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser: 1
• 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser: 2
• 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0
• 2022 Toyota Land Cruiser: 0

Toyota Land Cruiser Generations and Model Years

First Generation (1955 – 1959)

• 1955 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1956 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1957 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1958 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1959 Toyota Land Cruiser

Second Generation (1960 – 1966)

• 1960 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1961 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1962 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1963 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1964 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1965 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1966 Toyota Land Cruiser

Third Generation (1967 – 1979)

• 1967 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1968 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1969 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1970 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1971 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1972 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1973 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1974 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1975 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1977 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1978 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1979 Toyota Land Cruiser

Fourth Generation (1980 – 1989)

• 1980 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1981 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1982 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1983 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1984 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1985 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1986 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1987 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1988 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1989 Toyota Land Cruiser

Fifth Generation (1990 – 1997)

• 1990 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1991 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1992 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1993 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1994 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1995 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1996 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1997 Toyota Land Cruiser

Sixth Generation (1998 – 2005)

• 1998 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 1999 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2000 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2001 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2002 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2003 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2004 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2005 Toyota Land Cruiser

Sixth Generation Facelift (2006 – 2007)

• 2006 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2007 Toyota Land Cruiser

Seventh Generation (2008 – 2012)

• 2008 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2009 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2010 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2012 Toyota Land Cruiser

Seventh Generation Facelift (2013 – 2015)

• 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2014 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2015 Toyota Land Cruiser

Seventh Generation Facelift II (2016 – 2021)

• 2016 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2017 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2018 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2019 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2020 Toyota Land Cruiser
• 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser

Maintenance Costs

The Toyota Land Cruiser is a relatively expensive full-size SUV to maintain, with an above-average annual repair cost. RepairPal estimates the Land Cruiser’s average yearly repair cost to be $843, while the average for full-size SUVs is $784.

The annual average repair cost across all makes and models of vehicles in the United States is $652.

How Long Do Land Cruiser Brakes Last?

The Land Cruiser’s brake pads typically last between 30,000 – 70,000 miles. This depends on several factors, such as driving style, traffic conditions, towing loads and frequency.

A conservative driving style and smoother use of the brake pedal will help to maximize the lifespan of a Land Cruiser’s brake pads.

Ways to prolong your Land Cruiser’s brake pads:

• Avoid acceleration while braking
• Use engine braking
• Allow adequate stopping distance
• Avoid overloading your Land Cruiser
• Regularly inspect the brake pads

How Long Do Land Cruiser Tires Last?

The Land Cruiser’s tires can usually last between 30,000 to 50,000 miles or 3 to 5 years. However, tires can wear out much sooner than that, depending on your driving habits, climate, and road conditions.

1. Rotate tires every 5,000 miles to ensure even wear.
2. Check tire pressures regularly every two weeks to ensure they’re at the optimum tire pressure.
3. Have a mechanic or tire shop check your wheel alignment every 6 months.

How Long do Land Cruiser Transmissions Last?

The Land Cruiser’s transmission should last at least 250,000 miles.

Signs your Land Cruiser’s transmission needs repair or replacement:

• Slow to shift gears
• Leaking transmission fluid
• Burning smell when the SUV has been driven
• Grinding or shaking
• Gears slipping
• Refusing to shift from Park or Neutral
• No reverse

How Long Do Land Cruiser Spark Plugs Last?

The Land Cruiser’s spark plugs usually last 30,000 miles.

It is recommended that the Toyota Land Cruiser’s spark plugs are inspected every time you take the SUV in for a tune-up at our local workshop.

Signs of a fouled spark plug include:

• Reduced gas mileage
• Lack of acceleration
• Rough idling
• Hard starts
• Engine misfires

How Long Do Land Cruiser Engines Last?

A Toyota Land Cruiser’s engine can usually last between 250,000 to 300,000 miles or more before it likely needs TLC and extra care to keep running smoothly. With routine care and preventative maintenance, Toyota Land Cruiser engines can last a very long time.

There are many Toyota Land Cruisers with more than 300,000 miles on used car marketplaces – further highlighting the Land Cruiser’s robust and reliable engines.

How Long Do Land Cruiser 12V Batteries Last?

A Toyota Land Cruiser’s 12V battery can typically last for 3 – 5 years, depending on several factors, such as battery size, weather conditions, driving habits, the condition of the battery, and more.

• Keep your battery tightly fastened: The vibrations of the Land Cruiser can loosen the connections, potentially resulting in short circuits and internal damage.
• Limit short rides: Quick car rides prevent the battery from fully charging.
• Storage: Keep your Land Cruiser in a garage, away from extreme temperature changes.
• Control corrosion: Clean the terminals (toothbrush dipped in baking soda and water mixture) and keep them free from build-up.

What Are the Insurance Costs?

The average cost of full insurance coverage for a Land Cruiser is $1,902 per year or approximately $159 per month.

The average annual cost across full-size SUVs is $1,720.

The Land Cruiser ranks 4^th out of 11 full-size SUVs in this segment to insure.

Insurance costs can vary greatly, so be sure to shop around to find the best possible deal for yourself.

How to Get the Most Life From Your Toyota Land Cruiser

• Follow the maintenance schedule outlined in the owner’s manual
• Have recalls and repairs addressed ASAP
• Use original parts and quality fluids
• If possible, keep the vehicle stored in a garage, out of the elements
• Invest in ceramic paint protection to keep the car looking new
• Drive smoothly and conservatively
• Check your tire pressure regularly and rotate your tires

Sources:

https://www.cargurus.com/Cars/l-Used-Toyota-Land-Cruiser-d299

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for-sale/toyota/land-cruiser

https://www.carcomplaints.com/Toyota/Land_Cruiser/

https://www.carproblemzoo.com/toyota/landcruiser/

https://insuraviz.com/vehicles/toyota/toyota-land-cruiser-insurance/

https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls