2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser recalls and problems
The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser has 4 safety recalls and 41 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser recalls
Recall 14V-475: Equipment
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 13V-163: Exterior Lighting
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 13V-123: Equipment
Problem: 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.
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.
Recall 13V-098: Seat Belts
Problem: 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.
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.
2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Structure | 12 | |
| Steering | 9 | |
| Unknown or Other | 9 | |
| Suspension | 5 | |
| Seat Belts | 5 | |
| Wheels | 3 | |
| Seats | 2 | |
| Service Brakes | 1 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 1 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 1 | |
| Tires | 1 | |
| Power Train | 1 |
Most reported parts
- Structure › Body — 11
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 7,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota FJ Cruiser years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser: 14V-475 (equipment), 13V-163 (exterior lighting), 13V-123 (equipment), 13V-098 (seat belts). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Owners report structure problems most often (12 reports), followed by steering (9). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 7,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.