I am a experienced Land Cruiser owner. Personally logged over 250,000 miles behind the wheel. 2008 Land Cruiser bought new, trouble free, spectacular truck, traded in with 238,000 miles for a 2017 new Land Cruiser which now has just over 15,000 of troubled driving. New truck has had issues with Performance, Engine sounded like it was breaking up on acceleration, MPG not close to MFG representation of MPG, Acceleration delay, vibration in front floors, vibration in accelerator pedal, vibration in shifter, vibration in steering wheel. Loud sound from rear end, sounded like rear end was going.

Car has been to the dealer numerous times for issues.

Performance Issue: First time I took the truck to the dealer, ( 5000 miles) I asked for a tech to take a ride with me to hear what I was describing. He agreed the car was sluggish, but maintained it was normal. Suggested " I push the ECT button every time I had the accelerate". ( YIKES ) Asked him to check the engine and adjust. Surprise he found nothing wrong! He did nothing to address issue. I left with the vehicle and poor performance. This "found nothing wrong "was echoed thru a number of service calls.

As time went by, more issue arose with the vehicle. 1. Car developed a severe vibration in the front floor. 2. Vibration in accelerator pedal. 3. Vibration in shifter 4. Vibration in Steering Column. 5. Loud noise would intermittently come from the rear end. 6. Cabin very loud. 7. MPG still very poor, they suck on gas anyway, but this was never over 12.5 MPG on the Highway. 8. Radio and Nav would cut out intermittently and could not be turned back on for 15 to 20 minutes.

I visited the Dealer, gave them all the information and left it in their hands with the order, Do not give it back to me until its repaired properly. I was called later that day with an update, that "they improved the acceleration". When I asked what about everything else? There was silence and fumbling by the advisor who said we have to get back to you. The Tech drove the vehicle and said they did not feel any vibration. Upon my urging the Advisor to fix the vehicle or face a Lemon Law claim, the Service Manager took the truck for a ride and called to say its vibrating and they have to investigate.

Two weeks later we had a New Torque Converter, New Rear wheel bearings ( Right Rear ), Rear end was low on fluid which needed to be topped off. Readjusted engine mounts, readjusted transmission mounts, readjusted engine for acceleration delay and performance. Wheels and tires checked for balance, alignment checked. And a new Radio / Nav unit. The Factory Service Tech was supposed to check out the vehicle. He apparently only provided help over the phone, being tied up at another dealership. I found this up as I picked the vehicle up, only to return it a couple days later.

Almost three weeks after initial drop off, Test drove the vehicle with the Service Manager and his lead Tech. They agreed, still vibrates but is improved. Drove a 2018 Land Cruiser that is in the Dealer Loaner fleet. Same type of vibration. I was told the dealer did everything they could do. They also agreed this type of vibration isn't right. I suggested we try having the Factory Service Tech come and take a look. I also called Toyota Customer Care who put in the request for the vehicle to be checked out. A few days later I returned the car to the dealer so the Factory Tech could take a look.

I was called two days later by the Service Manager who informed me the Factory Service Tech came and viewed my car, measured the vibration on the floor and pedal. He then went to the 2018 Land Cruised which I drove from the loaner fleet, and performed the same measurements. He then drew the conclusion that my vehicle was within factory specifications for vibration. This information was delivered to me from Toyota Customer Care, who said they have done all they can do. No further action will be taken. I asked for a Manager and after a number of back and forth calls received a call from a Ms. Penny Smith, Supervisor, Toy. Customer Care. She said the Rep used the Factory Specifications to determine the vibration is with guidelines She discounted the explanation given me by the Service Manager that the Rep created his basis by measuring another vehicle with the same issue.

I bought this car because in the past they were one of the finest quality vehicle you could buy. I have driven in these vehicles in a number of remote locations and always knew the Land Cruiser would get us back safely. The reputation was relayed to me by numerous business associates, and friends around the world.

We all loved our Land Cruisers. I don't know if I have a lemon or if Toyota is trying to cheapen the Land Cruiser and live off its past reputation. I can attest that the Customer Care Department, supervisor appears not to care about their customers as much as closing claims and ignoring problems.

My Bio: I have made my living for the past 30 years as Classic Car restorer. I have owned a successful shop where we performed ground up restoration on over 450 vintage vehicles, including some early Land Cruisers. I rebuilt my first engine and started welding at age 12. Restored my first car at age 15. Worked my way thru school restoring and repairing vintage cars. Worked in Tech thru the 1980's and eventually came back to Classic Car restoration in 1988. I am the quality control guy, who checks and performs diagnostic tests on troubled classic cars. I understand when something mechanical is wrong.

Service Protocols at Toyota do not make sense. My Land Cruiser is not right, it vibrates a great deal. If driving at 60 MPH and you shift into Neutral the vibration is eliminated. This tells me something is not balanced in the driveline. When the transmission came out for the Torque Converter to be changed, no one checked if the transmission spline {which is adjacent to the converter } was true. Likewise, no one checked if the drive shafts were balanced. Meanwhile Toyota Customer Care feels nothing is wrong! I have a $85,000 truck which rides horrible, and Toyota does nothing!

I regret having to write this about a brand I loved, but I hope someone in the company reads this, and has a ethical response. In the meantime, I will blog and share my experiences. If your thinking of buying a Land Cruiser, be very careful!