Toyota Fortuner — did it live up to the reliability hype? My honest verdict after 2 years

My name is Tariq, I've lived in Dubai for 10 years. Bought a Fortuner 4.0 V6 in 2023. Done 42,000 km now. Two years behind the wheel. Sharing honestly — what broke, what annoys me, and whether I recommend it.

Does the Fortuner live up to Toyota's "bulletproof" reputation?

Overall — yes. Nothing serious broke in two years. Engine runs like clockwork. Transmission — smooth. Suspension — still alive. But I can't call it perfect. There are small issues, more on them below.

Any unexpected breakdowns or surprises during ownership?

A few. At 35,000 km, the front stabilizer started making noise. Replaced at the garage for 600 AED. At 40,000 km — brake pad replacement, 900 AED. Minor stuff. No major repairs. Engine and transmission — like new.

Would you recommend the Fortuner to a close friend in the UAE?

Yes. If a friend is looking for a reliable SUV without extra costs — I'd say go for it. But I'd warn them about the noise and stiff suspension. They need to know what they're getting. It's an honest car, no deception. I give my recommendation.

Did the electronics ever let you down — sensors, multimedia?

Multimedia froze a couple of times. A reboot fixed it. Parking sensors sometimes activated for no reason. Minor stuff, but annoying. Overall — electronics work fine. No failures in the heat. Just small glitches.

How reliable is the factory sound insulation — any squeaks over time?

Squeaks appeared. At 30,000 km, the plastic around the dashboard started creaking. Noticeable on rough roads. Not critical, but unpleasant. Planning to add extra sound insulation. Factory one is average, not built to last.

Two years — zero major breakdowns. Engine and transmission are perfect. Minor issues are normal. I recommend it to friends. Noise and squeaks — the only real annoyances.