Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Toyota
  6. /
  7. Land Cruiser
Toyota · Known Issues

2013 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems: 5 Known Issues

2013 model year · 1,805+ owner reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2013 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Issue summary

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,805+ owner reports, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser has 5 documented known issues, with 2 rated critical. The most serious are AHC (Active Height Control) Suspension Failure ($800-$5,000 repair) and 1VD-FTV V8 Diesel Injector Malfunction Flagged Per Cylinder ($500-$6,000 repair). The most commonly reported issue is AHC (Active Height Control) Suspension Failure with 890 owner reports. Across all issues with published estimates, repair costs range from $50 to $6,000. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • Land Cruiser Suspension2
  • Land Cruiser Engine2
  • Land Cruiser Drivetrain1
  • Recalls3
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Suspension2
  • Engine2
  • Drivetrain1
  • Recalls3

All 5 Known Issues

Filter:
ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001200019991998199719961995199419931992199119901984198019781975197419731970196819651960
Community reported
890 owners

On the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, the 200 Series Land Cruiser's AHC hydraulic suspension system develops leaks, pump failures, and height sensor issues. Accumulators lose nitrogen charge, causing a harsh ride. The AHC pump can fail, leaving the vehicle stuck at one height. Repairs are expensive due to specialized components.

Common Symptoms

  • Vehicle sitting low on one corner or side
  • AHC warning light on dashboard
  • Harsh or bouncy ride quality
  • Suspension not adjusting height
  • Hydraulic fluid leak at shock absorbers

How to Fix

Diagnose with Toyota Techstream to identify which component has failed. Replace leaking AHC shock absorbers (Toyota 48510-69485 front, 48530-69145 rear - $800-1,200 each). Replace accumulators if ride is harsh (nitrogen recharge not available). AHC pump replacement runs $1,500-2,500. Some owners convert to conventional shocks (Bilstein 5100 or OME) for $2,000-3,000 total, eliminating the AHC system.

Typical repair cost:$800 - $5,000

Research This Issue

Based on 890 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence890 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026
Community reported
670 owners

On the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, the KDSS system uses hydraulic cylinders connected to the front and rear stabilizer bars to improve both on-road handling and off-road articulation. The hydraulic lines, cylinders, and accumulator develop leaks over time, causing KDSS warning lights and degraded handling.

Common Symptoms

  • KDSS warning light illuminated
  • Excessive body roll in corners
  • Hydraulic fluid leak under vehicle
  • Clunking noise from stabilizer bar area
  • Vehicle feels wallowy over bumps

How to Fix

Inspect KDSS hydraulic lines for leaks (most common at fittings and where lines route near heat sources). Replace leaking KDSS cylinders (Toyota 48875-60011 front, 48885-60011 rear). Accumulator replacement if pressure is lost. Some owners delete the KDSS system and install conventional sway bars for off-road simplicity, though this reduces on-road handling.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 48876-60022 genuine front KDSS stabilizer-control cylinder

    front hydraulic-cylinder replacement after the leak or internal fault is isolated Fitment/availability: 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 200-series KDSS front cylinder; replaces 48876-60020 and 48876-60021, with VIN confirmation required Fi…

    Toyota Parts Express
  • Toyota 48886-60022 genuine rear KDSS stabilizer-control cylinder

    rear hydraulic-cylinder replacement after the rear cylinder is proven faulty Fitment/availability: 2008-2011 and 2013-2021 U.S.-catalog Land Cruiser 5.7L rear KDSS cylinder; replaces 48885-60020, 48886-60020 and 48886-60021; confirm the …

    ToyotaPartsNow
  • Toyota 48006-60024 genuine KDSS control housing with accumulator

    accumulator/control housing replacement only after pressure diagnosis rules out cylinders and lines Fitment/availability: 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser KDSS control-housing/accumulator branch; replaces 48006-60020 through 48006-60023 and…

    Aubrey Alexander Toyota Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $3,500

Research This Issue

Based on 670 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence670 owner reportsLast reported by owners Feb 2026Reviewed Feb 2026

On the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 4.5L V8 Turbo Diesel 1VD-FTV, on the 4.5-litre 1VD-FTV V8 diesel used in the 200-series and 70-series Land Cruiser, P1238 is Toyota's Injector Malfunction code and it is reported per cylinder — owners commonly see it stored against a specific bank position, for example cylinders 7 and 8, or cylinder 2. The ECM infers the fault from crankshaft speed fluctuation between firing events rather than from any electrical measurement, so the code says "this cylinder is not contributing properly" and nothing more precise than that. That ambiguity is the entire diagnostic story on this engine. The common cause is a worn or sticking Denso common-rail injector: eight injectors, very high rail pressure, multiple injections per stroke, and in many markets fuel quality and a lack of secondary filtration that shorten their life considerably. Injector failures on the shared 70/200-series fuel system have been common enough in Australia to strain warranty supply. But the identical code is set by genuinely low compression in the flagged cylinder, and Land Cruiser owners have traced a P1238 on cylinder 2 to worn piston rings rather than to any injector. Toyota's own troubleshooting for the code includes compression checks for exactly this reason. What drivers notice is often mild at first, which is why the code gets deferred: the check engine light with a normal cold start, no unusual injector rattle, a slight shake at idle, still-reasonable throttle response, and a puff of black smoke under hard acceleration. On the IH8MUD forum a VDJ79 at around 200,000 km presented in precisely that way with P1238 on cylinders 7 and 8, and the consensus was that genuinely low compression on two cylinders would have produced far worse symptoms — heavy shake and blue smoke — pointing instead at injectors that had never been serviced. Complicating matters, Techstream's injector readings are only indicative on this engine: injectors that report as acceptable have still turned out to need replacement, so the scan tool alone cannot close the diagnosis.

This issue also affects: Toyota Avensis, Toyota Hilux

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light with an injector code on a specific cylinder
  • Slight shake or roughness at idle
  • Black smoke under hard acceleration
  • Reduced power or hesitation
  • Increased fuel consumption
  • Code returns as pending after being cleared

How to Fix

Treat P1238 on the 1VD-FTV as a cylinder-contribution complaint and prove the cause mechanically. Record the cylinder(s) named by the code, then read injector correction and compensation values with Techstream while noting that these figures are indicative only. Perform a leak-off (return flow) test on the flagged bank with the engine at idle and at raised rpm — an injector returning far more fuel than its neighbours is internally worn. Then run a compression test on the flagged cylinders before ordering parts. If compression is low but the symptoms are mild, retest carefully; if compression is genuinely down on multiple cylinders with heavy shake and blue smoke, the fault is rings or valves and injectors will not fix it. Send suspect injectors to a diesel injection specialist for bench testing, which is the only conclusive result. If the code is intermittent and only just appeared on a high-kilometre truck with no injector service history, it is reasonable to start with the cheap step: fresh good-quality diesel, a proper fuel filter service, an injector cleaning treatment and a hundred kilometres of moderate driving, then re-scan. Owners have had the code drop back to pending or disappear after this on trucks whose real problem was fuel contamination and deposit build-up. Fit a secondary fuel filter/water separator if the vehicle does not have one — on this engine, in poor-fuel markets, that is genuine injector-life insurance rather than an accessory. Do not defer the code indefinitely: a leaking injector can wash the bore and cause severe engine damage. When replacement is required, fit genuine Denso injectors, renew the seat washers and high-pressure pipes, torque to specification and program every injector's compensation code into the ECM; skipping the coding step reproduces the fault immediately. Because the engine has eight injectors and they wear together, most specialists advise doing all eight if several are marginal rather than chasing one cylinder at a time. This is not a cheap job: a single injector supplied, fitted and coded typically runs $500-$900, while a full set of eight with washers, pipes and labour commonly lands between $3,500 and $6,000. If compression turns out to be the cause, the repair becomes a top-end or bottom-end rebuild costing considerably more, which is exactly why the compression test belongs before the parts order, not after it.

Typical repair cost:$500 - $6,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Sep 2026
Community reported
245 owners

On the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 3UR-FE, the secondary air injection system on the 200 Series Land Cruiser (3UR-FE and later engines) fails due to moisture intrusion and corrosion of the air switching valves and pump motor. The system pumps air into the exhaust manifold during cold starts to reduce emissions. When it fails, it triggers check engine lights and can prevent the vehicle from passing emissions testing.

This issue also affects: Toyota 4Runner, Toyota Tacoma, Lexus GX

Common Symptoms

  • Check engine light on cold starts
  • Rough idle for first 30-60 seconds
  • Whirring noise from engine bay on startup
  • Failed emissions inspection
  • Multiple air injection fault codes

How to Fix

Replace the air injection pump, air switching valves, and check valves. Clean or replace corroded wiring connectors. Some owners delete the system entirely with aftermarket tune, though this prevents passing emissions in tested states. Toyota TSB-0111-10 addresses the updated valve design.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 17610-0S010 genuine secondary-air pump assembly

    early pump branch, replacing only the unit proven failed by command and electrical/flow testing Fitment/availability: VIN- and production-date-confirmed 2008 through early-2013/2014 Land Cruiser 3UR-FE branch; catalog requires quantity t…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 17610-0S030 genuine secondary-air pump assembly

    later pump branch after component-specific diagnosis Fitment/availability: VIN- and production-date-confirmed late-2013 through 2021 Land Cruiser 3UR-FE branch; catalog requires quantity two Fitment/availability: Live direct product page…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 25701-38064 genuine electric air-control valve assembly

    replace only after active testing proves the electric valve is stuck, leaking or electrically failed Fitment/availability: VIN-confirmed 2008-2021 Land Cruiser 3UR-FE catalog branch; exact production supersession and associated gaskets m…

    Capistrano Valley Toyota Parts

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipRequest the updated air switching valve design per TSB-0111-10 when replacing - the revised valves have better moisture sealing.
  • WarningDeleting the air injection system will cause a permanent CEL and emissions test failure. Only viable in non-emissions states.
Typical repair cost:$300 - $1,800

Research This Issue

Based on 245 owner reports

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
High Confidence245 owner reportsLast reported by owners Mar 2026Reviewed Mar 2026

On the 1998-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, the center differential lock on the Land Cruiser uses an electric vacuum actuator to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. The actuator motor fails, the vacuum lines crack and leak, or the shift fork inside the transfer case wears, preventing the center diff lock from engaging or disengaging properly. A stuck center diff lock can leave the vehicle in permanently locked mode (causing binding and tire wear on pavement) or unable to lock (reducing off-road capability). The dashboard indicator light may flash or show incorrect lock status.

This issue also affects: Lexus GX, Lexus LX

Common Symptoms

  • Center diff lock will not engage when button is pressed
  • Center diff lock indicator light flashing or not illuminating
  • Diff lock engaged but will not disengage
  • Clicking noise from transfer case area when pressing lock button
  • Binding or hopping sensation in turns (stuck in locked mode)
  • Reduced off-road traction (unable to lock)

How to Fix

Diagnose by checking the vacuum lines to the actuator for cracks and leaks (replace cracked lines with silicone vacuum hose, $10-$20). If vacuum is reaching the actuator but the diff does not lock, the actuator motor has failed ($200-$500 for parts, $300-$500 labor). In some cases, the transfer case shift fork is worn and requires transfer case disassembly ($800-$1,500 labor). Test the center diff lock regularly (monthly) to keep the mechanism exercised — Land Cruisers that never use the diff lock are more prone to actuator seizure.

What you need to fix it

Only diagnosis- and fitment-reviewed repair parts are linked here.

  • Toyota 36410-60060 genuine transfer-shift actuator

    early 100-series electric transfer actuator after circuit and mechanical diagnosis Fitment/availability: VIN-confirmed early 1998 through March 2001 Land Cruiser 100-series branch; seller summary spans 1998-2002, so production date contr…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 36410-60061 genuine transfer-shift actuator

    later 100-series actuator only when the existing label/catalog matches Fitment/availability: VIN- and production-date-confirmed March 2001-2007 Land Cruiser 100-series branch Fitment/availability: Live direct product page showing Add to …

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 36410-60112 genuine transfer-shift actuator

    green-mark/associated early 200-series branch after diagnosis Fitment/availability: VIN-, market-, color-mark- and production-date-confirmed 2008-2011 Land Cruiser 200-series branch; replaces 36410-60111 Fitment/availability: Live direct…

    ToyotaPartsDeal
  • Toyota 36410-60113 genuine transfer-shift actuator

    later 200-series actuator branch after exact label and market confirmation Fitment/availability: VIN- and market-confirmed late-2010 through 2021 Land Cruiser 200-series standard branch; 36410-60120 covers several regional specifications…

    ToyotaPartsDeal

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases; other part links may also earn au7o a commission. Confirm fitment by VIN before buying.

Owner tips & cautions

  • TipExercise the center diff lock monthly — engage it on dirt or gravel at low speed, drive 50 feet, then disengage. Actuators that sit unused for years are far more likely to seize. Use it or lose it.
Typical repair cost:$50 - $2,000

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Community Reported
Medium Confidence
NHTSA Recalls3 recalls

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2019 Toyota Land Cruiser and Lexus LX 570 vehicles. Over time, the seat belt tension sensor wire harness may break and deactivate the front passenger air bag, knee air bag, and passenger seat-mounted side airbag.

Campaign #18V88700013/12/2018

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE:DELIVERY:FUEL PUMP

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2018-2019 4Runner, 2019-2020 Avalon, 2019 Corolla Hatchback, 2017-2019 Highlander, 2018-2020 Camry, 2020 Corolla, 2018-2019 Land Cruiser, 2017-2020 Tacoma, 2019-2020 RAV4, 2019-2020 Sequoia, 2017-2020 Sienna, 2019-2020 Tundra, 2018-2020 Lexus ES350, 2017 Lexus GS200t, 2017-2019 Lexus GS350, 2019 Lexus GS300, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500h, 2019-2020 Lexus LS500, 2018-2019 Lexus GX460, 2017 Lexus IS200t, 2019 Lexus IS300, 2019 Lexus IS350, 2018-2020 Lexus LC500, 2018 Lexus LS500, 2019 Lexus LS500h, 2018-2019 Lexus LX570, 2017 Lexus RC200t, 2019 Lexus RC300, RC350, 2017 and 2019-2020 Lexus RX350, 2018-2020 RX350L, 2019 Lexus UX200, 2018-2019 Lexus NX300 vehicles. The low-pressure fuel pump inside the fuel tank may fail.

Campaign #20V68200004/11/2020
🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Toyota Land Cruiser problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Toyota Land Cruiser. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Toyota Models

Toyota RAV460Toyota Corolla54Toyota Camry54Toyota Highlander51Toyota 4Runner47Toyota Tacoma46

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota Land Cruiser problems?

According to Au7o's analysis of 1,805+ owner reports, the 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser has 5 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: AHC (Active Height Control) Suspension Failure, 1VD-FTV V8 Diesel Injector Malfunction Flagged Per Cylinder, KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) Hydraulic Leaks. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.

Is the Toyota Land Cruiser reliable?

The 2013 Toyota Land Cruiser has 5 known issues documented across 1,805+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: AHC (Active Height Control) Suspension Failure and 1VD-FTV V8 Diesel Injector Malfunction Flagged Per Cylinder. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

How much does it cost to fix common Toyota Land Cruiser problems?

Repair costs for known Toyota Land Cruiser issues range from $50 to $6,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, AHC (Active Height Control) Suspension Failure, typically costs $800-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.

What is the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser AHC (Active Height Control) Suspension Failure?

The 200 Series Land Cruiser's AHC hydraulic suspension system develops leaks, pump failures, and height sensor issues. Accumulators lose nitrogen charge, causing a harsh ride. The AHC pump can fail, leaving the vehicle stuck at one height. Repairs are expensive due to specialized… Repairs typically run $800-$5,000. Severity: high.

What is the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser 1VD-FTV V8 Diesel Injector Malfunction Flagged Per Cylinder?

On the 4.5-litre 1VD-FTV V8 diesel used in the 200-series and 70-series Land Cruiser, P1238 is Toyota's Injector Malfunction code and it is reported per cylinder — owners commonly see it stored against a specific bank position, for example cylinders 7 and 8, or cylinder 2. The EC… Repairs typically run $500-$6,000. Severity: high.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data sourced from 1,805+ owner reports, NHTSA recalls, TSBs, and automotive forums.

FAQ

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

Gulf States Toyota (GST) is recalling certain 2019 C-HR, 4Runner, Avalon, Avalon Hybrid, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, Land Cruiser, Prius, RAV4, Sequoia, Tacoma, Sienna, Tundra and Yaris vehicles. The text on the load capacity label may become illegible. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."

Campaign #19V24400027/03/2019

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.

What is the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser KDSS (Kinetic Dynamic Suspension System) Hydraulic Leaks?

The KDSS system uses hydraulic cylinders connected to the front and rear stabilizer bars to improve both on-road handling and off-road articulation. The hydraulic lines, cylinders, and accumulator develop leaks over time, causing KDSS warning lights and degraded handling. Repairs typically run $500-$3,500. Severity: medium.

What is the 2008-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Secondary Air Injection Pump Failure (200 Series)?

The secondary air injection system on the 200 Series Land Cruiser (3UR-FE and later engines) fails due to moisture intrusion and corrosion of the air switching valves and pump motor. The system pumps air into the exhaust manifold during cold starts to reduce emissions. When it fa… Repairs typically run $300-$1,800. Severity: medium.

What is the 1998-2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Center Differential Lock Actuator Failure?

The center differential lock on the Land Cruiser uses an electric vacuum actuator to engage and disengage the locking mechanism. The actuator motor fails, the vacuum lines crack and leak, or the shift fork inside the transfer case wears, preventing the center diff lock from engag… Repairs typically run $50-$2,000. Severity: medium.