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Toyota · Full-Size SUV · 2002–2009

Toyota Land Cruiser J120

Weaknesses, engine ratings and buying advice

★★★★★
3.0 / 5.0 · Based on 4 engine variants
Most Fun Engine

249 PS

4.0L V6 Benzin

Strong V6 for off-road

Fun to Drive!

Generations

Engine Overview

The Toyota Land Cruiser J120 is available with 2 engine variants — from 163 to 249 hp.

3.0L D-4D · Diesel· 163 PS
2002 2009
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
4.0 V6 · Benziner· 249 PS
2002 2009
Be Careful 6 weaknesses
Show all weaknesses →

The Toyota 3.0L D-4D (Diesel, 163 PS) has the 1KD-FTV (3.0L D-4D) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

The Toyota 4.0 V6 (Benziner, 249 PS) has the 1GR-FE (4.0L V6) — rated: "Be Careful", 6 known weaknesses.

Vehicle Weaknesses

WeaknessCost
!Rust at Body Seams and Underbody

Around 28% of vehicles suffer from premature rust at body seams and underbody joints.

Symptoms: Rust bubbles at door seams, corrosion at wheel arches.
Ad Unterbodenschutz Land Cruiser J120
 Medium
NHTSA Owner Complaints
Below Average
2,708 complaints · 2002–2009
Body Structure
1069 ⚠ 15
Suspension
447 ⚠ 14
Other
421 ⚠ 10
Brakes
293 ⚠ 20
Powertrain
217 ⚠ 5

Top Reported Issues

⚠ Body Structure (1069 complaints)
⚠ Suspension (447 complaints)
⚠ Other (421 complaints)
Source: NHTSA (nhtsa.gov) · 2026-03

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Known Problems and Issues

A total of 38 weaknesses have been documented for the Toyota Land Cruiser J120 (2002–2009) — 26 engine-related and 12 vehicle-related. Typical issues affect Rust, Gearbox, Brakes, Suspension.

Land Cruiser (1HD-FTE, 1998–2007) — Be Careful: Electronic injection pump — Timing Control Valve failure, Turbo bearing wear at high mileage, Timing belt must be replaced every 150,000 km. Power: 204 PS.

Land Cruiser (1KD-FTV, 2002–2009) — Be Careful: Cracked pistons (Euro IV variants, 2004–2009), Copper injector seats corroding and leaking, Piston cracking on Euro 4 engine. Power: 163–166 PS.

Land Cruiser (2UZ-FE, 1998–2007) — Be Careful: Timing belt replacement mandatory every 145,000 km, Plastic heater connector bursting and causing overheating, Water pump wearing out together with timing belt. Power: 235–238 PS.

Land Cruiser (1GR-FE, 2002–2009) — Be Careful: Head gasket failure at high mileage, Thin cylinder liners cannot be bored out, Water pump fails prematurely at 65,000–80,000 km. Power: 249 PS.

What to watch out for with the Toyota Land Cruiser? See the detailed listing of all engine and vehicle weaknesses in the sections above.

Frequently Asked Questions

What problems and weaknesses does the Toyota Land Cruiser J120 have? +
The Toyota Land Cruiser J120 has 26 known engine weaknesses and 12 vehicle weaknesses.
What should I look for when buying a used Toyota Land Cruiser J120? +
faq.watch_a_none
Which engine is recommended? +
Be careful: 1KD-FTV (3.0L D-4D), 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8), 1HD-FTE (4.2L TD I6), 1GR-FE (4.0L V6). No engine is rated 'Good Choice'. The most fun to drive is the 1GR-FE (4.0L V6).
Which Toyota Land Cruiser J120 engine is the most fun? +
The {code} ({displacement}) offers the most driving fun in the Toyota Land Cruiser J120 — rated: "Fun to Drive!". {description} The 4.0 V6 gives the Prado serious grunt. Revvy and strong — equally enjoyable on road and off-road.
Is the Toyota Land Cruiser J120 worth buying used? +
The Toyota Land Cruiser J120 requires careful consideration — choosing the right engine variant is crucial.
What horsepower variants are available for the Toyota Land Cruiser J120? +
The Toyota Land Cruiser J120 is available with engine variants from 163 to 249 hp. Petrol: 2UZ-FE (4.7L V8), 1GR-FE (4.0L V6). Diesel: 1KD-FTV (3.0L D-4D), 1HD-FTE (4.2L TD I6).

Last updated: February 2026 · All information without guarantee