Owners have filed 50 complaints
about the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser with NHTSA between 2011 and 2026.
The largest single group is the body & structure.
Across this model's run it ranks 4 of 8 worst.
The letter says how bad. This says what kind — whether this year drew
an unusual number of complaints, unusually dangerous
ones, or failures that arrived unusually early.
The dashed ring is 50 — the national norm. Further out is worse.
Complaint volume — 16
Against the median year of the Toyota FJ Cruiser. 50 means typical for this
model; 100 means roughly double.
Severity — 31
6% of these complaints
involved a crash, fire, injury or death, against a national rate of
9.7%.
Early failure — 100
73% of failures with a mileage on record happened under
36,000 miles, against a national rate of
29%.
How 2012 compares with every other Toyota FJ Cruiser
Odometer readings owners gave when they filed. About half of all
complaints include one.
Under 1,000 miles
1033.3%
1,000 – 9,999 miles
620.0%
10,000 – 24,999 miles
620.0%
25,000 – 49,999 miles
310.0%
50,000 – 74,999 miles
13.3%
75,000 – 99,999 miles
13.3%
100,000 – 149,999 miles
310.0%
When owners complained
A spike years after the car went on sale usually means a part wearing
out on schedule across the whole fleet — the kind of pattern no single
owner can see from inside their own car.
Nov 2011peak 4Aug 2026
Recalls on the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
A complaint is one owner's allegation. A recall is the point at which
the manufacturer or a regulator agreed the defect is real and dangerous
enough to fix for free — however old the car is.
United States — NHTSA
14V475000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Risk: If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
13V163000
EXTERIOR LIGHTING
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."
Risk: Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
13V123000
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS
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."
Risk: An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
13V098000
SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE
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.
Risk: If cracks occur in the panel around the lower retractor anchor, the seat belt retractor could become detached, which could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash.
12E046000
EQUIPMENT
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.
Risk: 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.
Canada — Transport Canada
Canada runs its own recall programme, and its campaigns do not
always mirror the American ones.
Recall 202172355,683 units in Canada
Electrical
Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships. On certain vehicles, the engine block heater cable may not have enough heat protection and could be damaged by high temperatures. If this happens, the cable could short circuit while plugged in, and cause the wiring to overheat or melt. Note: This recall only affects the following block heater/cord part numbers: C014003034 PK5A408J09 PU14000904 C014003151 PK5A408J13 PU14000905 C014000885 PK5A489J11 PU14000907 C014000888 PK5A489J22 PU14000909 C014000907 PK5A410H00 PU14000911 C014100904 PU14000900 PU14000913 C014100907 PU14000901 PU14003571 C014100911 PU14000902 PK5A489J14 PK5A408J05 PU14000903 Safety Risk: Engine block heater wiring that overheats or melts could create the risk of a fire. Corrective Actions: Toyota recommends that you should stop using the engine block heater immediately. Toyota will notify owners by mail and instruct you to take your vehicle to a dealer to disable the engine block heater. For some vehicles, the corrective actions for this recall are under development. For others, a new engine block heater cannot be installed, and the owner will receive a refund of the purchase price of the engine block heater.
Recall 201308416,058 units in Canada
Seats And Restraints
On certain vehicles, due to insufficient strength of the access door (rear door) panels, cracks may develop if the access doors are repeatedly and forcefully closed over an extended period of time. As the driver and front passenger seat belt retractors are mounted in the access door panels, if cracks occur in the panel around the lower retractor anchor, the seat belt retractors could become detached. This could increase the risk of injury to an occupant in the event of a crash. Correction: Dealers will inspect the rear door panels for cracks or separation. Depending on the results of the inspection, the dealer will repair as necessary.
Recall 201235310 units in Canada
Brakes
On certain vehicles equipped with a Toyota Racing Development (TRD) High-Performance Brake Kit sold and installed by Toyota dealerships, the clearance between the front outer brake tubes and the TRD 16-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels is small. If wheel weights are installed in an incorrect location, the outer brake tubes could be damaged. This could cause a brake fluid leak which could result in a loss of front brake function. In conjunction with traffic and road condition, and the driver’s reactions, this could increase the risk of a crash causing property damage and/or personal injury. Correction: Dealers will replace both front outer brake tubes with updated versions.
Reports where the owner recorded a crash, a fire, an injury or a death.
at 130 milesDover Plains, NYFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11372541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130 milesDover Plains, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11372541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130 milesDover Plains, NYFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11372541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
The most recent complaints
In the owners' own words, exactly as filed with NHTSA.
Piscataway, NJ
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11755567 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Atlanta Atlant, GA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Rust damage to frame
NHTSA complaint #11697771 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Toivola, MI
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rust through.
NHTSA complaint #11587784 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Oxnard, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
No dealer is willing to fix recalls.
NHTSA complaint #11573718 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 45,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11551078 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duffield, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
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.
NHTSA complaint #11535465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Duffield, VA
SUSPENSION
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.
NHTSA complaint #11535465 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Fiskdale, MA
UNKNOWN OR 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.
NHTSA complaint #11494424 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hibbing, MN
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame and undercarriage compromised by excessive rust on 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Substandard materials/process used in manufacturing by Toyota on the FJ cruiser undercarriage and frame, causing excessive rust damage. Widespread problem in the United States with excessive rust compromising the stability and safety of the vehicles. Toyota authorized Dealerships are no help. Expect consumers to pay out of pocket to repair frame.
NHTSA complaint #11465821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hibbing, MN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Frame and undercarriage compromised by excessive rust on 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. Substandard materials/process used in manufacturing by Toyota on the FJ cruiser undercarriage and frame, causing excessive rust damage. Widespread problem in the United States with excessive rust compromising the stability and safety of the vehicles. Toyota authorized Dealerships are no help. Expect consumers to pay out of pocket to repair frame.
NHTSA complaint #11465821 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Harrisburg, PA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Noticed rust on suv/frame confirmed by Faulkner Toyota Dealership, mechanic informed too address this problem soon.
NHTSA complaint #11460087 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Spokane, WA
STRUCTURE:BODY
Excessive underbody and frame rust.
NHTSA complaint #11447983 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Henrico, VA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
Frame rusted
NHTSA complaint #11429577 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Palmdale, CA
UNKNOWN OR OTHER
The windshield makes a very loud defining noise while driving. This happens most often when it is windy. It often sounds like the windshield will be ripped off. The noise has gotten progressively worse over the years.
NHTSA complaint #11424993 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwood, IN
SUSPENSION
Too much frame rust on vehicle. Rust seems to be most prevalent around welds where cross members meet the frame. This frame is the same frame used for a number of other Toyota vehicles. In some places the rust is nearly bad enough for crucial body members to separate which would cause a severe accident. The frame on the Toyota FJ Cruiser is the same frame used in the vehicles outlined in the successful class action lawsuit, "Brian Warner et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc." in the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA Case No. 2:15-cv-02171-FMO-FFM. That lawsuit only specified Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia vehicles though the frames are the exact same. My Frame is still under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11420678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Greenwood, IN
STRUCTURE:BODY
Too much frame rust on vehicle. Rust seems to be most prevalent around welds where cross members meet the frame. This frame is the same frame used for a number of other Toyota vehicles. In some places the rust is nearly bad enough for crucial body members to separate which would cause a severe accident. The frame on the Toyota FJ Cruiser is the same frame used in the vehicles outlined in the successful class action lawsuit, "Brian Warner et al. v. Toyota Motor Sales, U.S.A., Inc." in the UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE CENTRAL DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA Case No. 2:15-cv-02171-FMO-FFM. That lawsuit only specified Toyota Tacoma, Tundra, and Sequoia vehicles though the frames are the exact same. My Frame is still under warranty.
NHTSA complaint #11420678 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 milesCorpus Christi, TX
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11398292 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,000 milesSpotsylvania, VA
SEAT BELTS
PASSENGER SEATBELT RECOLL DOES NOT WORK.
NHTSA complaint #11375944 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130 milesDover Plains, NYFire
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11372541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130 milesDover Plains, NYFire
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #11372541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 130 milesDover Plains, NYFire
ENGINE
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.
NHTSA complaint #11372541 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pasadena, CA
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11351925 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 80,000 milesDurham, NC
STRUCTURE:BODY
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.
NHTSA complaint #11301602 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 100,000 milesDES Moines, IA
STRUCTURE:BODY
EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE UNDERSIDE OF CAR - ALL OVER THE FRAME AND AXELS
NHTSA complaint #11287895 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 69,000 milesCharleston, SC
SEAT BELTS
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.
NHTSA complaint #11189960 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.