Vehicle Guide

2021 Toyota Land Cruiser Problems, Reliability & Owner's Guide

Common problems with the 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser, reliability ratings, maintenance tips, and owner reviews. Get your complete owner's guide.

Overview

The 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser is a full-size, body-on-frame luxury SUV built for long-distance comfort and serious off-road capability. It’s ideal for families, overlanders, and buyers who want a durable 3-row SUV with proven mechanicals and strong resale value. For 2021, it represents the final model year of the Land Cruiser 200 Series in the U.S., making it especially appealing to enthusiasts and collectors. Positioned above most mainstream SUVs, it prioritizes durability, capability, and refinement over fuel economy and flashy tech.

Key Features

- 5.7L V8 powertrain: The 2021 Land Cruiser comes with a 5.7-liter i-FORCE V8 (381 hp, 401 lb-ft) paired to an 8-speed automatic transmission for smooth, confident towing and highway passing. - Full-time 4WD with off-road hardware: Standard full-time 4WD includes a 2-speed transfer case with low range, a Torsen limited-slip center differential, and terrain-focused systems like Crawl Control and Multi-Terrain Select. - Strong towing and payload capability: Rated to tow up to approximately 8,100 lbs when properly equipped, with a robust frame and suspension designed for heavy-duty use. - Seating and comfort: Standard 3-row seating with high-quality materials, a quiet cabin, and long-haul comfort that matches the Land Cruiser’s premium mission. - Advanced driver assistance: Toyota Safety Sense and key safety tech are standard, supporting everyday driving with features like adaptive cruise control and lane assistance (equipment may vary by trim/packaging).

Common Issues & Reliability

Shoppers researching 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser reliability will generally find this model year to be one of the more dependable full-size SUVs, but no vehicle is perfect. Here are several 2021 Toyota Land Cruiser common issues and complaints reported by some owners: - Suspension and steering wear over time: On higher-mileage examples (often 60,000–100,000+ miles), components like control arm bushings, sway bar links, and shocks can start to wear, causing clunks over bumps, vague steering feel, or uneven tire wear—especially if the vehicle has seen off-road use. - Brake pulsation or premature wear: Some owners report warped rotors or brake vibration under moderate braking, sometimes showing up around 25,000–50,000 miles depending on driving conditions and towing. Heavy vehicle weight and stop-and-go driving can accelerate brake wear. - Battery drain or electrical gremlins: A small number of owners experience weak batteries, slow cranking, or intermittent warning lights—often tied to an aging battery, corroded terminals, or accessories/draw from aftermarket add-ons. This can show up as early as 3–5 years depending on climate. - Interior wear and minor cabin issues: While overall build quality is high, some drivers mention rattles, squeaks, or faster-than-expected wear on commonly touched surfaces. These are typically annoyances rather than major failures.

Frequently Asked Questions

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