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2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Problems and Recalls
Owners filed 41 complaints with NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser, most often about the body and structure (29% of complaints, typically around 12,000 miles). It is 4th of 9 FJ Cruiser model years by number of complaints and has 4 recalls.
Most common 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser problems
Body and structure
12 complaints · 29%Half of these problems showed up before 12,000 miles. Parts named most often: body.
The design of the ventilation system in the FJ Cruiser (and other toyotas) allows easy access for disease-carrying rodents to enter the ventilation system and the cabin. In the southwest deer mice are carriers of antivirus, a severe respiratory disease spread via the feces and urine of these mice. (nearly 30% of the…
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…
Steering
9 complaints · 22%Half of these problems showed up before 2,500 miles.
As Toyota and many, many FJ Cruiser owners are well-aware, there is a steering vibration issue that occurs somewhere in the 55-65 MPH range that causes the steering wheel to shake back and forth pretty violently. As one of the previous complaints stated, there is a very active community of FJ Cruiser owners on…
Steering wheel begins shakes at speeds of 50 to 60 MPH. Have balanced, road balanced tires and still the steering wheel shakes, at this speed I am concerned there is something with the suspension/tires that may cause a crash in the future.
Other or unspecified
9 complaints · 22%Suspension
5 complaints · 12%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.
Seat belts
5 complaints · 12%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…
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.
Wheels and tires
4 complaints · 10%Steering wheel begins shakes at speeds of 50 to 60 MPH. Have balanced, road balanced tires and still the steering wheel shakes, at this speed I am concerned there is something with the suspension/tires that may cause a crash in the future.
I have purchased an FJ Cruiser from city Toyota in daly city, ca on 7/12/2012. During my 15,000 mi maintenance check up, the service manager discovered that the lug nut studs on the wheels broke when he was torquing. He admitted that they were made in china and that he has forwarded this issue to Toyota corp because…
Complaints are owner reports to NHTSA, not verified defects. One complaint can name several components, so shares add up to more than 100%.
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser recalls
Equipment: labels
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Lights: exterior lighting
Risk: Light intensities above the maximum allowable limit could cause increased glare for oncoming traffic and increase the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Equipment: labels
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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."
Seat belts: anchorage
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.
Fix: 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.
Full defect summary
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.
Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Enter your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which recalls are still open on your car.
Questions about the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
- What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
- By NHTSA owner complaints: body and structure (12 complaints, typically around 12,000 miles); steering (9 complaints, typically around 2,500 miles); other or unspecified (9 complaints).
- How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser have?
- 4 recalls listed by NHTSA, the latest from August 4, 2014 (equipment). Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which ones are still open on your car.
- Is the 2012 a bad year for the Toyota FJ Cruiser?
- It is 4th of 9 FJ Cruiser model years by number of complaints, with 41 complaints. Complaint counts are not adjusted for how many cars were sold, so popular years collect more of them, and the newest years have had less time to.