The Toyota Fortuner might surprise you with its issues, even though UAE owners rate it an impressive 4.5 out of 5. All but one of these 23 genuine owners feel satisfied with their purchase. Yet we found several recurring concerns you should know before spending AED 127,900 to AED 172,900 on this popular SUV.
Suspension components tend to wear out early, especially when you have enthusiasts taking on UAE’s challenging off- road terrain. The 2023 model upholds its reputation for durability, though some owners report engine problems that include rough idling and power loss. The transmission hesitation and electrical issues first seen in 2017 models still show up in recent versions. UAE buyers should note that air conditioning can struggle in the region’s extreme heat. The Fortuner’s sales remain strong in UAE because of its roomy interior and exceptional off-road performance.
Suspension and Ride Quality Issues in UAE Conditions
UAE owners report suspension problems as one of their biggest concerns with the Toyota Fortuner. The SUV’s undercarriage faces unique challenges from the mix of desert heat and rough terrain.
Premature Wear of Shock Absorbers and Bushings
Toyota Fortuner’s original shock absorbers don’t last as long as expected in UAE driving conditions. These parts need replacement between 20,000-30,000 kilometers, which is nowhere near Toyota’s intended lifespan. The factory-fitted shock absorbers use mono-tube designs. Aftermarket replacements come with better twin-tube technology that’s about 15% stiffer.
The vehicle’s handling starts to feel shaky after about 20,000 kilometers. This feels just like worn-down suspension parts. The rubber bushings throughout the suspension system wear out faster too. This affects the alignment and leads to the well-known “gatswaai” (rear-end wobble) on gravel roads.
Impact of Off-Roading on Suspension
The Fortuner’s suspension setup uses a trailing arm with Panhard rod layout at the rear. This works fine for normal driving but doesn’t deal very well with UAE’s tough off-road conditions. The axle bounces too much on desert corrugations because the shock absorbers can’t control this movement properly.
UAE owners have found that air helper springs work well to fix this. These springs fit inside the coil springs and add more sideways stiffness. This stops the axle from moving side-to-side during off-road trips. The Fortuner’s transfer-case has an old-school manual shifter instead of electronic knobs. Off-road experts actually like this better for desert driving.
User Reports of Rough Ride on Fortuner 2.7
The 2.7-liter Fortuner gets a lot of complaints about its stiff ride. A UAE reviewer said: “The ride borders on being firm,
though still slightly smoother than the Trailblazer, despite its coil-sprung live rear-axle setup”. Wind noise gets louder at speeds over 100 kph, which makes long desert drives less comfortable.
Drivers notice this problem more at lower speeds. Many say the vehicle “crashes into potholes and speed breakers” rather than soaking up bumps. Toyota knows about this issue. Their website says the suspension tuning gives you “sure- footedness and stability on rough ground, yet smooth and nimble on tarmac”. Many owners think this balance leans too much toward firmness.
The good news is that UAE Toyota service centers now offer several upgrade options. These include Tough Dog, Old Man Emu, and Bilstein aftermarket systems that are made to fix these problems.
Engine and Fuel System Problems Reported by Owners
“The Fortuner boasts better fuel efficiency, averaging about 14.2 km/L compared to the Land Cruiser’s 10.8 km/L.” — iCarTea Editorial Team, Automotive comparison experts.
Toyota’s reputation for engine reliability takes a hit when you look at UAE Fortuner owners’ experiences with recurring powertrain problems. These issues tend to show up after extended use in the region’s harsh climate.
Turbocharger and Fuel Injector Failures
Turbocharger failures worry Toyota Fortuner owners, with documented cases appearing around 59,000 kilometers. The root causes stem from poor lubrication and contaminants entering the compressor housing. Oil quality plays a vital role in turbocharger longevity because these components work in high-temperature environments. Owners who skip regular oil changes often face abrasive damage and early failure.
Fuel injector problems also affect many Fortuners. Common symptoms include:
- Engine whining noises
- Gray exhaust smoke from oil leaks
- Poor throttle response and acceleration
- Trouble maintaining high speeds
UAE’s climate conditions can trigger quantity drift compensation issues in fuel injectors. These problems need specialized diagnostic testing and re-tuning.
Rough Idling and Power Loss in 2023 Models
The 2023 Toyota Fortuner line has faced power loss issues along with check engine warnings. UAE drivers report their vehicles suddenly losing power above 3500 RPM, almost stalling before normal operation resumes. Some owners describe situations where the engine cranks but won’t start—a problem linked to fuel delivery systems.
Diagnostic scans reveal fuel pump codes, which means the electronic control units detect irregular fuel supply. Service documents suggest these symptoms point to problems in the fuel pressure regulation system.
Fuel Pump Issues in Hot Weather
UAE’s summer heat creates special challenges for the Fortuner’s fuel system. Toyota has recognized these issues by recalling specific Fortuner models built between November 2017 and September 2018 with 2.7-liter gasoline engines.
The affected vehicles use plastic impellers with low molecular density that can stop working in high temperatures and cause engine stalling. Technicians confirm that UAE’s climate forces pumps to work harder until they overheat and fail. This sensitivity to temperature makes fuel pump problems common in the region, and symptoms get worse as temperatures climb.
Transmission and Drivetrain Concerns in Fortuner 2023 UAE
The Toyota Fortuner excels at off-road performance, but transmission problems worry many UAE drivers. Local owners often face drivetrain issues that show up under the region’s tough driving conditions.
Rough Gear Shifting and Hesitation
The 2023 Fortuner has a widespread issue called “torque converter shudder” that drivers notice when starting from a stop. The vehicle shakes when drivers press the gas pedal. Toyota dealerships have confirmed these shifting problems after test drives.
Technicians have identified “shift shock” – a jarring feeling that happens when drivers slow down in Sport mode. This problem affects UAE models with both 2.7L four-cylinder and 4.0L V6 engines. Toyota’s original response suggested an ECU update would fix this electronic glitch without mechanical repairs.
Transmission Overheating During Off-Road Use
The automatic transmission tends to overheat once fluid temperatures go above 200°F (93°C). This happens most often during challenging off-road trips in UAE’s sandy terrain.
These preventative steps help curb overheating:
- Installing special Toyota Fortuner auxiliary transmission coolers Using lower gears (2nd or low range) on tough terrain
- Checking the ATF cooler in the radiator system regularly
- UAE off-road enthusiasts who added aftermarket cooling systems saw transmission temperatures drop by 15-20°C during heavy use.
4WD System Reliability in Desert Terrain
The Fortuner’s 4WD system shows laudable toughness in desert conditions. Drivers can switch between two-wheel drive for highways and four-wheel drive for off-road adventures.
The 2.7L models come with Auto Disconnect Differential, while 4.0L versions have mechanical differential locking systems. These features improve traction control in loose sand by a lot. Experienced UAE drivers suggest using low- range gearing on dunes to protect the transmission from strain and overheating.
Electrical and Visibility Complaints from Real Users
Toyota Fortuner owners in the UAE often face electrical problems that pop up without warning, despite the vehicle’s reliable mechanical parts. These problems range from minor inconveniences to serious safety issues that affect daily driving.
Infotainment and Dashboard Glitches
Toyota’s infotainment system in the Fortuner used to lack smartphone connectivity, but now includes Apple CarPlay and Android Auto. However, owners still deal with dashboard electronics issues. The display screens sometimes black out completely, and drivers must restart their ignition to fix it. Touch-sensitive controls freeze up too, which forces multiple restarts.
Dashboard instrument clusters can act strangely, with some gages working while others don’t. UAE service centers have found that failing capacitors on the circuit board cause these problems more often than software issues.
Backup Camera and Sensor Limitations
The base model Fortuner in the UAE doesn’t come with reverse cameras standard, unlike its competitors in the same price range. Buyers must pay an extra 1,000 AED to get this safety feature. The installed cameras have several drawbacks:
- Poor image quality when it’s dark
- Limited field of view compared to other SUVs Not enough guidance lines for precise parking
The parking sensors also give owners headaches because they need constant cleaning in the UAE’s dusty conditions. Sand buildup makes the sensors either beep constantly or fail to warn about actual obstacles.
Power Window and Lighting Issues
Power windows often fail suddenly in the Fortuner, either working intermittently or stopping completely. The UAE’s hot weather can overheat the motors, and window regulators break with a distinctive crunching noise during operation.
Headlights give UAE Fortuner drivers trouble too, especially with projector headlights that flicker on rough roads. Toyota’s service centers say this is “normal,” but owners disagree because high beams work fine while only projector lamps have this issue. Some owners have fixed this by upgrading to aftermarket lights.
Conclusion
Final Thoughts on Toyota Fortuner Reliability in UAE
The Toyota Fortuner remains a favorite SUV in the UAE market, even with its documented problems. Smart buyers should weigh these common issues against the vehicle’s clear strengths. The suspension problems lead the list of ownership challenges, especially when you have frequent off-road adventures. Aftermarket fixes do exist, but they add costs beyond the high purchase price.
Engine and fuel system issues in extreme heat need serious thought before buying. The transmission quirks and electrical problems might disappoint owners who expect Toyota’s famous reliability. Most Fortuner owners learn to live with these quirks instead of selling their vehicles.
The Fortuner’s toughness and off-road skills still make up for these shortcomings for many UAE drivers. The SUV’s roomy interior, strong presence on roads, and skill at handling rough terrain make it an attractive choice whatever its faults. On top of that, it helps that service centers are available throughout the Emirates when problems show up.
A well-managed Fortuner can serve you reliably for years, but new buyers should set realistic expectations rather than
trust the brand blindly. Take long test drives and talk to current owners before you decide. Many UAE families will find the Fortuner an excellent choice – just know what you’re getting into.
FAQs
Q1. What are the most common suspension issues with the Toyota Fortuner in UAE?
Owners frequently report premature wear of shock absorbers and bushings, especially when off-roading. This can lead to a rougher ride and handling problems, with some drivers noticing a “nervousness” in the vehicle’s handling after about 20,000 kilometers.
Q2. How does the UAE climate affect the Fortuner’s fuel system?
The extreme heat in UAE summers can cause fuel pump failures in some Fortuner models. This is due to plastic impellers with low molecular density that can halt fuel pump operation in high temperatures, potentially leading to engine stalling.
Q3. Are there any transmission problems reported by Fortuner owners in the UAE?
Yes, some owners report “torque converter shudder” when accelerating from a stop, and “shift shock” when slowing down in Sport mode.
Additionally, transmission overheating can occur during demanding off-road excursions in sandy terrain.
Q4. What electrical issues do Fortuner owners commonly face?
Owners have reported infotainment system glitches, dashboard electronics problems, and power window failures. Some experience complete blackouts of display screens or unresponsive touch controls. Headlight flickering when driving over rough terrain has also been noted.
Q5. How reliable is the Toyota Fortuner overall for UAE conditions?
Despite the reported issues, many UAE drivers find the Fortuner reliable for its durability and off-road capability. While it does have some common problems, particularly with suspension and in extreme heat, a well-maintained Fortuner can provide years of dependable service, especially with its extensive dealer network in the UAE.
