I have driving for 49 years and never heard of a fuel tank strap breaking. In my opinion Toyota dropped the ball in this regard - has to be a crappy product. In my case I started off to work and applied the breaks hears a clank? No idea what it was. I looked and saw nothing in the dark. Continued on drive. It only knocked when breaking hard.
At work a friend looked at it with me and after a short test drive saw that the tank shifted forward and rear toward the center of vehicle. The plastic tank guard was rubbing against the drive shaft and the balancing weight caulking the knock. This is absolute BS that Toyota has NOT recalled this inferior product.
Purchased new straps and will install after I treat to protect them rusting.
So what has to happen? A fuel tank fallout on a highway and kill the driver and passengers of the FJ or the car(S) behind the FJ should it fall completely out and they hit it and it explodes or bursts into flames?
Update: Recent testimonials/photos have concluded Catastrophic Fuel Tank Failures. See the Flickr repository pictures"https://www.flickr.com/photos/186600547@N07/albums" for proof. Join FJ Cruiser Rusted Frame Owners Unite on facebook "https://www.facebook.com/groups/632711680558455/" for discussions.
.
Toyota needs to recall and inspect for excessive fuel tank strap rust for the 2007 - 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser. This is a safety problem that will most likely result in the fuel tank falling from the vehicle causing serious gasoline spilling leading to a potential explosion and/or accident.
There have been several recalls pertaining to underneath spare tire carrier holders due to rust in many other toyota models. This is potentially a much greater safety concern.
My vehicle has rust covering the outside area in several locations. The inside against the tank is not visible unless removed making this even more of a danger due to not being able to inspect them without disassembly.
In conclusion what appeared as normal surface rust can indeed be structural integrity concerns. The fuel tank straps can rust inside out causing failure and need a proper professional inspection.
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
I have driving for 49 years and never heard of a fuel tank strap breaking. In my opinion Toyota dropped the ball in this regard - has to be a crappy product. In my case I started off to work and applied the breaks hears a clank? No idea what it was. I looked and saw nothing in the dark. Continued on drive. It only knocked when breaking hard.
At work a friend looked at it with me and after a short test drive saw that the tank shifted forward and rear toward the center of vehicle. The plastic tank guard was rubbing against the drive shaft and the balancing weight caulking the knock. This is absolute BS that Toyota has NOT recalled this inferior product.
Purchased new straps and will install after I treat to protect them rusting.
So what has to happen? A fuel tank fallout on a highway and kill the driver and passengers of the FJ or the car(S) behind the FJ should it fall completely out and they hit it and it explodes or bursts into flames?
This is absolutely unacceptable.
- Laura S., Westfield, IN, US