2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser: problems, recalls and reliability
5 recalls and 40 owner complaints on record; the weakest area is structure (26% of complaints); the 2011 model year looks more trouble-free.
Data updated weekly · 1 new complaint in the last 90 days · latest recall Aug 2014
All counts are reports filed with NHTSA in the United States - US market only, not worldwide totals.
Common problems
Computed from 40 owner complaints filed with NHTSA for this exact model year.
“My frame is corroding at a rapid rate and needs to be addressed by Toyota! I truly believe that this was cheap way of selling cars without the proper undercoating affecting these trucks later on most Toyota trucks had the frames replaced buy the dealers with the same problems that these fj cruisers have, this needs to be addressed asap.”Owner report · Structure · Jul 2026
“Took vehicle to a machine shop to have frame undercoated. The machinist found that the frame had holes in it due to rust. He found that the tab gusset bracelet was cracked ( the part of the frame that holds the A-Arm in place). He said that the vehicle was not safe to drive and needs a new frame. The vehicle has 109,000 miles on it. Toyota should have a recall on all Toyota FJ.I contacted Toyota and was denied any help in this matter.”Owner report · Suspension · Jul 2023
“The contact owns a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the passenger's side seat belt was inoperable. The seat belt was not able to stretch or lock into place. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 45,000. The VIN was not available.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Jun 2023
Show 7 more owner reports
“Vehicle's frame was excessively rusted creating structure issues. Among the issues is that I can no longer tow anything with this vehicle because the rear structure is unsafe. Multiple other structural issues have been identified by a service center.”Owner report · Unknown Or Other · Nov 2022
“My problem my toyota fj cruiser burned 12 am midnight october 18 2020 was parking at front at my house it burned completely in the engine area I want to know what happened. If this electrical problems. I want to know if others vans experiences problems.”Owner report · Engine · Oct 2020
“General personal use. Frame is rusting at an alarming rate. I feel it is crucial for me to get the existing rust removed and the frame protected if I want this vehicle to last me a reasonable amount of years without any structural failures. It has a little over 100k miles on it.”Owner report · Structure · Aug 2020
“Passenger side seat belt does not retract and leaves passenger in danger in case of collision or immediate braking. This is a manufacturer liability. Seat belt hangs loosely and does not lock when brakes are used.”Owner report · Seat Belts · May 2020
“I am one of the many who are experiencing rust problems with my fj. Recently had to have all calipers replaced due to rust. Oil pan cover and components around it are starting to show significant rust. Rust is in the early stages in several areas of the frame but very early stages. I am concerned that the rust will begin to affect the safety of the vehicle.”Owner report · Structure · Feb 2019
“The passenger side seat belt retractor is malfunctioning. There was a recall of 209,000 of my exact make and model (years 2007-2013) with the exact same problem. Toyota claims my VIN is not on their list for recalls and wants $416.18 to fix the seatbelt retractor. It seems absurd that they won't take responsibility for this safety issue.”Owner report · Seat Belts · Dec 2018
“Speeds above 55 mph cause the steering wheel to constantly shake. It seems to be a consistent issue regardless of the types of tires and balancing that is used.”Owner report · Suspension · Jun 2018
Recalls - 5 campaigns
Toyota is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits, P/N PTR09-35070, and TRD High-Performance brake kits, P/N PTR09-35100, installed by Toyota vehicle processing centers and sold by Toyota dealers as an optional accessory for model year 2007 through 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vehicles. The subject TRD brake kit is specifically designed for the front wheels of 2007-2012 model year FJ Cruiser vehicles. Due to the shape of the outer brake tube of the brake kit, the clearance between the outer brake tube and a TRD 16 inch 6-spoke alloy wheel is minimal. If wheel balance weights are installed in an incorrect location, there is a possibility that the outer brake tube could be damaged due to interference with the balance weight, and brake fluid could leak from the damaged tube.
Remedy: All known owners of 2007-2012 model year FJ Cruiser vehicles will be notified by first class mail. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, the brake caliper outer brake tube will be replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. During this service, if necessary, the dealer will make wheel balance adjustments. This remedy will be performed even if the vehicle has original equipment 16 inch or 17 inch wheels or TRD 16 inch Beadlock ring type wheels, which are not affected by the condition, to assure sufficient clearance in the event wheels are changed at a later time. Notification to owners began on December 17, 2012. Owners may contact Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2007 through 2013 FJ Cruiser passenger vehicles. The retractors for the front driver and passenger seat belts are mounted in the access door (rear door) panels of the vehicle. Due to insufficient strength of the access door panel, cracks may develop in the panel if the access door is repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time.
Remedy: The safety recall began on June 6, 2013. Toyota will mail an interim letter to owners late in April 2013. Remedy notifications to the owners for the repair will begin in late May 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Remedy: For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Remedy: Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2007-2013 FJ Cruiser vehicles manufactured January 25, 2006 through February 23, 2013 and equipped with a Toyota Auxiliary Driving Lamp Kits mounted to the front bumper. These lamp assemblies include 55 watt bulbs and due to this wattage and mounting angle, the combination of the upper beam headlamps plus the auxiliary lamps are too bright and exceed the maximum light output allowed for an upper beam headlamp. Therefore, these vehicles fail to conform to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 108, "Lamps, reflective devices, and associated equipment."
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the 55 watt bulbs with 35 watt bulbs, free of charge. The recall began on June 6, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Specifications
Factory options offered for the 2012 model year, decoded from the NHTSA vPIC database. Individual vehicles have one of each.
How other years compare
Check your exact FJ Cruiser by VIN
Recalls and equipment differ between individual vehicles. Decode your VIN to see what applies to yours.
Open VIN decoderFrequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?
NHTSA has 40 owner complaints and 5 recall campaigns on record for the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The most complained-about area is structure (26% of complaints).
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser problems usually appear?
Half of the complaints that mention mileage were filed at 29,500 miles or less.
Does the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser have open recalls?
5 recall campaigns have been issued, the latest concerning equipment. Check your specific vehicle by VIN - recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.
Source: NHTSA recall campaigns and owner complaints (public domain). Counts reflect reports on file and are not a defect rate.