2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 2006 | 1 |
| 2007 | 593 |
| 2008 | 123 |
| 2009 | 6 |
| 2010 | 65 |
| 2011 | 23 |
| 2012 | 39 |
| 2013 | 23 |
| 2014 | 30 |
| 2015 | 0 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
23% of complaints: structure — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIREShow complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 20201101
23% of complaints: steering — 9 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
STEERING WHEEL SHIMMY BETWEEN 50-60MPH. HAVE TAKEN TO DEALER WHICH HAVE BALANCED THE WHEELS AND TIRES BUT I AM STILL EXPERIENCING THE SAME PROBLEM. VEHICLE FEEL VERY UNSAFE WITH THE STEERING WHEEL SHAKING AT HIGHWAYS SPEEDS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20120925
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120812
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20111128
13% of complaints: suspension — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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
NHTSA ODI report, 20111128
13% of complaints: seat belts — 5 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked, the contact became aware that the passengerâs side seat belt was inoperable. The seat belt was not able to stretch or lock into place.
NHTSA ODI report, 20231020
8% of complaints: wheels — 3 distinct reports on file.
Show complaint excerpts
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. *TR
NHTSA ODI report, 20120812
SAFETY TIMELINE
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 b
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 b
Campaign 12E046000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Toy
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 be
Campaign 13V123000 — check if this car was fixed
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
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 c
Campaign 13V098000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Lam
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.
Campaign 13V163000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
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.
Campaign 14V475000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for structure issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for steering issues (9 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for suspension issues (5 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 12E046000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V123000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V098000 (seat belts) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V163000 (exterior lighting) has been completed.
- Verify recall 14V475000 (equipment) has been completed.
FAQ
Is the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?
There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
The most-reported component is structure:body, accounting for 23% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser have?
5 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.