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With well over nine iterations and a near-spotless reputation for reliability, it is hardly any surprise the Toyota Land Cruiser continues to dominate the full-size SUV segment. With the upcoming introduction of the revived FJ Cruiser, Toyota’s rugged SUV offerings will become even more plentiful. Currently, the Toyota J250 is a hot commodity, thanks to a combination of classic design and clever new features.
So far, the Land Cruiser J250 proves reliable in terms of the important components - engine, battery, drivetrain. Despite that, owners are frequently reporting new issues with their SUV. Most of these are not serious, but rather irritations that shouldn’t be present on a car that has a starting MSRP of $57,200. And don’t get me started on dealer markups. The latest reported issue has to do with the driver’s side mirror shaking noticeably. Here’s what one owner says:
“Anyone else notice the driver’s side mirror shaking at highway speeds? My local dealership said “We were able to duplicate the issue, but we drove 2 others that we have here on the lot and they do the same thing. It’s just how they’re made. Sorry, we can’t fix it.”
When I asked them if it could be suggested as a recall, they told me I could report it to Toyota, but they can’t. I think it’s strange that the dealership can’t initiate a quality/safety recall…”
Toyota and Lexus typically occupy the top spots when it comes to reliability, quality, and value retention, but lately the brand’s perception of quality has become mixed. There have been numerous complaints about newer Toyota models.
Even the bestseller, Corolla, isn’t safe, as one owner reported a check-engine light just six miles after he left the showroom. Then, there are the issues with Toyota’s 3.5-liter twin-turbo V-6 engine, which, once thought to have been resolved, continue to plague some Toyota models.
The Land Cruiser’s shaking driver’s side mirror issue isn’t an isolated case on a single vehicle. Other owners report the problem, and it is something I have only ever seen on a few budget vehicles (which the J250 isn’t).
Another Facebook commenter shared his own experience in the same group post.
“Same issue on ours. The passenger side is totally fine. The dealer said they couldn’t duplicate our issue but it’s very clear. Not sure there’s a way to get them motivated but all ears if someone has solved it.”
The issue is still new, so there may be no reports in the future. It is unknown whether certain model years are affected or if it is something all J250 Land Cruisers may experience at some point. Another commenter suggests that the issue should be taken directly to Toyota (on a national level). If there are enough reports, the company may be forced to issue a recall if there are enough reports, but so far, it seems the issue isn’t wide-spread.
While a shaky driver’s side mirror sounds like a minor irritation, it can potentially compromise safety, by obstructing rear visibility, which is important when performing lane-changing, overtaking, or parking maneuvers.
Dealerships may be showing complacency by refusing to look at the issue
A shaky mirror is something that can be remedied quickly and without costing an arm and a leg. Owners experiencing the issue believe that the dealers are making excuses, as they don’t want to bother with something that won’t result in a large sum heading their way.
While not all dealers are the same, many people have had negative experiences with Toyota dealerships. Having worked in one in the past, I can attest to some of those. Poor customer service, arrogant behavior, obscene mark-ups on models that are in high demand, and warranty issues are only some of the main complaints people have reported.
Not all is bad, though. Many clients report positive experience with their local Toyota dealership, praising the great service, loyalty perks, and smooth, no-hassle buying experience. It is important to note that the experience can vary from one dealership to another, and not all are engaged in unethical practices.
What can you do as an affected owner?
As this isn’t a widespread issue (yet), Toyota hasn't issued any technical service bulletins. If an authorized dealer refuses to take a look at the issue or is dismissive, you can try a different Toyota dealer or go with an independent mechanic. Since this isn’t an isolated case, you can try to escalate the issue to Toyota Corporate, which may result in a recall (eventually). I would also try to document the issue as proof.
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Other routes you can try
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Put pressure on dealerships by filing formal complaints to NHTSA, BBB (Better Business Bureau), the State Attorney General, or the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
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Toyota Dispute Settlement Program
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Magnusson Moss Warranty Act - resort to only if Toyota’s Dispute Settlement Program has failed to secure the desired outcome. The law prevents unfair denials.
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Lemon law - applicable if the issue persists after three or more attempts to fix it (or 30+ days out of service).
Related Toyota Land Cruiser stories by Dimitar Angelov:
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The 2026 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ Promises To Be The Compact Off-roader Everyone Needs
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The Japanese SUV That Offers Better Value For Money Than A Toyota Land Cruiser
Dimitar Angelov's automotive interests made him an expert in a wide variety of vehicles. Japanese brands like Toyota and Nissan are closest to his heart, although performance cars in general are his favorite segment, which is why he is constantly on the lookout for the best deals on the market. Dimitar Angelov's car passion and knack for the written word led him to complete a Master of Arts in Media and Communications, and classic car restoration. Dim is happy to get behind the wheel of any car and share his impressions. You can follow Dimitar on X, Linked-in, Instagram, and Facebook.
Image source: 2025 Toyota Land Cruiser press kit
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