The vehicle within less than 15 years had structural creams rust that had compromised the safety of my vehicle and it is rotting out with holes, the fuel tank is rusted and lose, and may fall, repairs are expensive and it is my only car. They’re all also rust holes right through the body and floor in multiple locations.
The worst 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
- Body12
- Steering9
- Seat belts5
- Suspension5
- Wheels3
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body12
- Steering9
- Seat belts5
- Suspension5
- Wheels3
- Engine2
- Seats2
- Brakes1
- Electrical1
- Fuel system1
- Tires1
- Transmission1
- Visibility1
Recalls 4
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 14V475000 · Recall details
Exterior lighting
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 13V163000 · Recall details
Equipment: other: labels
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 13V123000 · Recall details
Seat belts: front: anchorage
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 13V098000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser 203
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- Condition in which a musty odor is present
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life...
- Obsolete notice
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | RWD | 17 | 20 | 19 |
| 4.0L 6‑cyl | 4WD | 15-17 | 18-20 | 16-18 |
What 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
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.
Rust damage to frame
Frame rust through.
No dealer is willing to fix recalls.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Noticed rust on suv/frame confirmed by Faulkner Toyota Dealership, mechanic informed too address this problem soon.
Compare the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Other model years
Questions about the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Is the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?
Owners have filed 41 complaints about the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 1.3 times a typical FJ Cruiser model year.
What is the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser year score?
The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser scores 63 out of 100 (average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota FJ Cruiser: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Body and structure, with 12 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles. Next is steering (9).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser have?
4 recalls, covering equipment, exterior lighting and seat belts.
What year does the Toyota FJ Cruiser have the most body problems?
The Toyota FJ Cruiser model years with the most body complaints are 2007 (238 complaints), 2008 (42 complaints) and 2010 (14 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser get?
Official estimates for the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser range from 16 to 19 mpg combined. The most efficient version (4.0L 6-cyl, RWD) gets 17 city and 20 highway.
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