Recall 14V539 affects 2,501 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser vehicles with Trail Teams package for loose front-suspension bolts. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 2,501 2014 Fj Cruiser vehicles equipped with the optional Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package because bolts securing front suspension and steering components were tightened with insufficient torque. If the bolts loosen and fall out, the lower ball joint or suspension arm can detach, causing loss of steering control and increasing crash risk; the Toyota dealer repair is free.
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What's wrong?
The front lower ball joint on the 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser helps connect the front suspension to the steering knuckle, the part that turns the wheel when you steer. The lower control arm also holds the front suspension in position against the front cross member, so the wheel stays aligned as the suspension moves over the road.
On Trail Teams Ultimate Edition vehicles, Toyota replaced the front shock absorbers and springs during processing. During that installation, bolts securing the lower ball joint and lower arm were tightened with too little torque, which means they were not clamped down firmly enough. As the vehicle is driven, one or more bolts can loosen and fall out. If the bolts fall out from either attachment point, the suspension part can detach and cause a loss of steering control.
There is no warning sign before failure. A driver has no reliable sound, light, or handling change to confirm the bolts are loosening before the suspension connection comes apart.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser | lower control arm |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 2,501 |
Not every 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is on the list. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific SUV is included.
What's the safety risk?
Loose front suspension bolts can fall out while driving. If the front lower ball joint or lower arm detaches from the steering knuckle or cross member, the driver can lose steering control and crash risk increases. There is no warning sign before failure, so schedule the inspection soon. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is included in this recall.
- Contact your nearest franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free bolt-torque inspection and repair for the front lower ball joint and front suspension lower arm.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota mailed one. If not, reference recall number 14V539 when you call.
- Drive cautiously until the dealer confirms the front suspension bolts are properly torqued.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician inspects the torque of the bolts that secure the front lower ball joint to the steering knuckle and the front suspension lower arm to the front cross member assemblies. Loose bolts are tightened to the proper torque, and missing bolts are replaced. Parts and labor are free under the recall. Prior out-of-pocket repairs are handled through Toyota's New Vehicle Limited Warranty, not through a separate reimbursement program.
| Reimbursement | Warranty coverage applies |
|---|
Timeline
| September 8, 2014 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| November 7, 2014 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 14V539?
Recall 14V539 covers 2,501 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser vehicles with the optional Trail Teams Ultimate Edition package. Bolts for the front lower ball joint or lower arm were not torqued correctly during package installation. Toyota dealers inspect the bolts and tighten or replace them for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific vehicle is included in recall 14V539. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer and ask for the front suspension bolt inspection. Reference recall number 14V539 when you call. The dealer repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires Toyota to complete the recall repair at no cost. A franchised Toyota dealer will inspect the front suspension bolt torque, tighten any loose bolts to the proper torque, and install replacement bolts if any are missing.
What is the safety risk?
Loose or missing front suspension bolts can let the front lower ball joint or lower arm detach from its mounting point. That can cause a loss of steering control and increase crash risk. If your VIN is included, arrange the free Toyota dealer inspection.
What if I bought my Toyota Fj Cruiser used?
The free recall repair still applies. Recall eligibility follows the VIN, not the first owner. If you never received Toyota's owner letter, check your VIN and call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall number 14V539 to schedule the inspection.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/14V539000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 14V539 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 14V539000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Defect / Noncompliance Notice (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →