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Buying guide

Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (2007 to 2021): buying guide, problems and NZ numbers

The Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series was built from 2007 to 2021 as an SUV, with an automatic gearbox, four wheel drive and petrol or diesel power. Chassis codes: UZJ200, URJ200, URJ202 and VDJ200. Redline has a curated guide to its 6 most reported weak points, from owner club and specialist sources.

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Key facts

Years
2007 to 2021
Chassis codes
UZJ200, URJ200, URJ202, VDJ200
Body types
SUV
Gearboxes
Automatic
Drive
4WD (four wheel drive)
Fuel
Petrol, Diesel

On NZ roads

Counting every one on the NZ register. The first look can take up to 15 seconds.

Known weak points

Curated by Redline from owner club and specialist sources Commonly reported by owners and specialists for the Toyota Land Cruiser 200 Series (2007 to 2021). Not every car has these; check this one.

  1. DPF and EGR (2015 on diesels)

    The DPF fitted from the 2015 facelift can block, giving rough idle, power loss and heavy smoke; Toyota recalled 2015 and 2016 models. Short trips make it worse.

    Where to look
    The DPF warning light, the tailpipe, and the recall record
    How to test
    Wipe a light coloured rag inside the tailpipe; heavy black soot suggests a problem. Ask a Toyota dealer whether the recall was done.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a DPF is not cheap

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  2. Piezo injector washers (2015 on diesels)

    The piezo injectors fitted from 2015 can leak fuel past their seating washers, causing rough idle, smoke and intake sludge, and in bad cases engine damage.

    Where to look
    The injectors under the intake on the V8, and injector invoices
    How to test
    Listen for rough idle and check for fuel system fault codes. Ask whether all 8 injectors were replaced with updated washers.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a full set of injectors and labour

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  3. Airbox dust ingress

    Dust can get past the airbox seal, setting airflow sensor codes and limp mode, and in bad cases killing the right side turbo.

    Where to look
    The clean side of the air filter box, the airflow sensor and the right hand turbo
    How to test
    Unclip the airbox lid and look for dust on the clean side under the filter. Ask about limp mode.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    High cost a turbo if dust got through

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  4. Oil filter housing

    The horizontal oil filter housing low on the engine can leak, and a tube on the lid can detach and squash the filter, starving the bearings of oil.

    Where to look
    The oil filter housing at the base of the engine
    How to test
    Look for oil weeping round the housing and ask who did the last oil change.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Medium cost bearing damage if the filter collapses

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  5. Driveshaft uni joints

    A jolt when stopping and a clunk pulling away usually means dry uni joints that were not greased often enough.

    Where to look
    The front and rear tailshaft uni joints
    How to test
    Pull away gently from a stop and listen for a clunk. Look for grease on the nipples.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost greasing is cheap

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

  6. Intercooler hoses and heat soak

    A split intercooler hose can cause power loss in hot weather, especially towing.

    Where to look
    The intercooler hoses in the valley of the V8
    How to test
    Look for oily or split hoses and ask about power loss when towing in heat.
    Cost if it needs fixing
    Low cost hoses

    Sources: unsealed4x4.com.au (opens in a new tab)

General guidance from owner and specialist sources. Check the specific car with an independent inspection. Researched 1 November 2026.

What the cost bands mean
  • Low: a small job. Typically a few hundred dollars or less at an NZ workshop, often a DIY fix.
  • Medium: a proper workshop job. Typically several hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.
  • High: a major job. Typically several thousand dollars or more, enough to change what the car is worth.

Service items

Questions to ask the seller

  • Is it a pre 2015 or a 2015 on diesel with the DPF?
  • Have the injectors been replaced, all 8 or just one?
  • Has the DPF recall been done?
  • Has it gone into limp mode, and has the airbox been checked for dust?
  • Has it been used mainly for short trips or long drives?

New Zealand notes

  • NZ has NZ new and Japanese import 200s, petrol and diesel. Check which engine it has and the Toyota recall record for the VIN.

A 200 suits a buyer who wants a powerful, comfortable tow wagon and will check the injector and DPF history.

US recalls

Looking up US recall data.

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