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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-TOYOTA-FJ-CRUISER
2012 · toyota

toyota FJ Cruiser problems

1 safety recall. 39 owner complaints. We mapped every trouble spot before you sign the papers.

0 5 10
Reliability score
8.0 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate

Top trouble spots 4 categories with 3+ complaints

steering
9 reports · avg $700
moderate
body
7 reports · avg $1,500
moderate
seatbelts
5 reports · avg $500
moderate
suspension
3 reports · avg $900
moderate

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 FJ Cruiser · steering
VEHICLE SHIMMY BETWEEN 60MPH AND 70MPH. TIRE BALANCE AND ALIGNMENT WERE PERFORMED BUT THIS DID NOT CORRECT THE PROBLEM. VEHICLE HAS BEEN DOING THIS SINCE NEW (4 MILES). *KB
11/28/2011 · NHTSA ODI #10437470.0
2012 FJ Cruiser · other
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.
11/21/2022 · NHTSA ODI #11494424.0
2012 FJ Cruiser · powertrain
I HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT AT 105K MILES. IT WAS WORE OUT INTERNALLY AND MAKING A HUGE JOLT. THERE IS NO REASON A DRIVE SHAFT SHOULD WEAR OUT AT THIS MILEAGE. I HAVE NOT BEEN HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE OWNED MANYTOYOTAS. THEY USUALLY HOLD UP BETTER THAN THIS. WHEN…
11/03/2017 · NHTSA ODI #11042900.0
2012 FJ Cruiser · electrical Fire
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.
11/01/2020 · NHTSA ODI #11372541.0

Estimate your repair exposure

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Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 12E046000 17/10/2012

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

If a brake tube becomes damaged and leaks fluid, it may result in increased stopping distances, and in some cases, loss of vehicle front braking performance, which could increase the risk of a crash.

Fix: 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.

Common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 8.0 out of 10 based on 39 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is steering, with 9 complaints filed. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The steering is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $700 at an independent shop. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota FJ Cruiser has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 39 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $700, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans aren't always better value.

Related vehicles

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 10 hours ago. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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