RoadVitals

2012 Toyota Fj Cruiser Problems

Owner-reported complaints filed with NHTSA, grouped by component

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
40
Latest Aug 7, 2026
Components namedHow many of our component categories appear on at least one report for this model year. One report can name several.
12
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
1

What this page shows

Everything below is an owner-reported complaint submitted to NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Fj Cruiser, grouped by the component NHTSA recorded on the report. These are not confirmed defects, and they are not recalls. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a category with more reports in it is not evidence that a part is defective.

Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.

Reports by component

Ranked by how many owner reports name each component category

  • Steering921.4%
  • Suspension511.9%
  • Seat belts511.9%
  • Other / unspecified37.1%
  • Interior & seats24.8%
  • Engine24.8%
  • Visibility12.4%
  • Brakes12.4%
  • Electrical12.4%
  • Powertrain (other)12.4%
  • Tires & wheels12.4%

Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.

Each component in detail

What the reports in each category say, in the owners' own words

Body & structure

Reports naming the vehicle structure, frame, body panels, doors, hood and trim.

11
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11755567 · filed Aug 7, 2026

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 ID 11465821 · filed May 23, 2022
All 11 reports naming body & structure

Steering

Reports naming the steering system — racks, columns, power-steering assist and steering linkage.

9
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11103415 · filed Jun 22, 2018

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 INTERNET FORUMS THAT ALSO HAVE THIS PROBLEM...BUT I DON'T THINK THEY'RE AWARE OF THIS COMPLAINT PROCESS OR HAVE THE TIME TO DO IT, OR SOMETHING. I'M USING AFTER-MARKET WHEELS AND TIRES THAT WERE PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED BY VERY COMPETENT PEOPLE, SO I'M VERY CONFIDENT IT'S NOT AN ISSUE WITH MY WHEELS OR TIRES. I WOULD LIKE TO ECHO OTHER COMPLAINTS AND SAY THAT THE VEHICLE NEEDS TO BE RECALLED AND FIXED. *TR

NHTSA ID 10578016 · filed Apr 7, 2014
All 9 reports naming steering

Suspension

Reports naming suspension components — springs, struts, shocks, control arms and related hardware.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11535465 · filed Jul 31, 2023

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 ID 11420678 · filed Jun 12, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Seat belts

Reports naming seat belts, buckles, retractors and pretensioners.

5
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11551078 · filed Oct 20, 2023

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 ID 11398292 · filed Feb 28, 2021

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Other / unspecified

Reports whose component NHTSA recorded as unknown, or that do not map to one of the categories above.

3
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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.

NHTSA ID 11103415 · filed Jun 22, 2018

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 HE SAID IT'S FACTORY-RELATED AND HAVE ENCOUNTERED SIMILAR ISSUES. I AM VERY CONCERNED WHETHER THE NEW REPLACEMENT STUDS THEY WILL PUT IN MY TRUCK WOULD BE SAFE OR AS DANGEROUS AS THE PREVIOUS. I HAVE RESEARCHED ONLINE AND HAVE SEEN NUMEROUS FACTORY STUDS THAT ARE DEFECTIVE. THEY I DON'T HAVE THE VEHICLE NOW AND HAVE BEEN DRIVING A RENTAL CAR THEY PAID FOR. I CANT GO TO WORK OUT OF STATE SINCE THEY RESTRICTED ME FROM USING THE RENTAL CAR OUTSIDE CA. *TR

NHTSA ID 10480039 · filed Oct 14, 2012

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Interior & seats

Reports naming seats, latches, locks, linkages and interior fittings.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

THE DRIVERS SEAT SINKS/FALLS WHILE DRIVING. THE MALFUNCTION OCCURS INTERMITTENTLY BASED UPON DRIVERS WEIGHT, VEHICLE SPEED AND LOAD, DRIVING CONDITIONS AND ROAD CONDITIONS. AS THE SEAT FALLS, THE SEAT BELT TIGHTENS. THE SEAT FALLS AT AN ANGLE DOWN AND AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND THE FOOT CONTROLS MAKING DRIVING UNSAFE. I HAVE TAKEN THE VEHICLE TO HAMER TOYOTA IN NORTH HILLS, CALIFORNIA, AND TO FRONTIER TOYOTA IN VALENCIA, CALIFORNIA. I HAVE MET WITH SERVICE MANAGERS AND CUSTOMERS RELATIONS MANAGER. AT BOTH LOCATIONS, THE SERVICE PERSONNEL AND THE SERVICE MANAGER HAS STATED THAT THE PROBLEM IS COMMON TO TOYOTA FJ CRUISERS FROM 2007 TO CURRENT, BUT THAT TOYOTA HAS NOT DEVELOPED A REPAIR FOR THE PROBLEM. ON THE FJ CRUISER FORUMS/BLOGS, FJ CRUISER OWNERS REFER TO IT AS THE "SINKING SEAT SYNDROME." I MET WITH TOYOTA MANAGEMENT STAFF, KAYLA SULLIVAN, WHO SAID TOYOTA WAS AWARE OF THE SEAT MALFUNCTION PROBLEM WITH FJ CRUISERS BUT THAT THERE WAS NO REPAIR FOR THE PROBLEM. [XXX] ADMITTED THAT TOYOTA HAS RECEIVED NUMEROUS COMPLAINTS. SHE SAID TOYOTA HAD REPLACED ENTIRE SEAT ASSEMBLIES IN THE PAST BUT THAT THE PROBLEM RECURRED, SO THAT SHE WOULD NOT AUTHORIZE THE SEAT IN MY VEHICLE TO BE REPLACED WITH AN EXACT PART THAT IS KNOWN TO MALFUNCTION. I WAS KISSED OFF. I ENTERED INTO THE PROCESS WITH CALIFORNIA DISPUTE SETTLEMENT PROGRAM WHO DENIED MY REQUEST TO HAVE TOYOTA TAKE MY VEHICLE BACK UNDER THE LEMON LAW. CDSP STATED THAT THE SEAT MALFUNCTION COULD NOT BE DUPLICATED AND EXAMINED AT THE SERVICE DEPARTMENT AND THUS COULD NOT BE EVALUATED. I WAS KISSED OFF. MY VEHICLE WAS PAID OFF, WAS UNDER WARRANTY, AND TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS AND TOYOTA MOTORS BOTH ADMITTED KNOWLEDGE THAT THE SEAT MALFUNCTION WAS COMMON TO TOYOTA FJ CRUISERS FROM 2007 TO PRESENT. THE MALFUNCTION IS A SAFETY ISSUE FOR DRIVERS. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

NHTSA ID 10574293 · filed Mar 23, 2014

THE DRIVER'S SEAT OF MY FJ CRUISER SINKS AND FALLS WHILE DRIVING. THE SEAT FALLS DOWNWARD AND TILTS BACK AND AWAY FROM THE STEERING WHEEL AND FOOT CONTROLS CREATING A SERIOUS TRAFFIC HAZARD TO THE DRIVER, OCCUPANTS AND OTHER PERSONS. I HAVE WORKED WITH TWO TOYOTA DEALERSHIPS INCLUDING SERVICE MANAGERS AND CUSTOMER SERVICE MANAGERS, EACH OF WHICH HAVE SAID THAT THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM TO FJ CRUISERS FROM THE INITIAL 2007 YEAR THROUGH THE CURRENT MODEL. I HAVE ALSO WORKED WITH THE TOYOTA MANUFACTURER'S REPRESENTATIVE WHO REAFFIRMED THAT IT IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH THIS MODEL VEHICLE FROM 2007 THROUGH THE CURRENT MODEL, BUT THAT TOYOTA DOES NOT HAVE A REPAIR FOR THE PROBLEM. TOYOTA DEVELOPED AN INITIAL TECHNICAL SERVICE BULLETIN IN 2008, BUT THE NOTED REPAIR FAILED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND THE BULLETIN WAS RECALLED. TOYOTA HAS DETERMINED THE PROBLEM IS AN "ANNOYANCE" AND CAN BE RESOLVED BY RE-ADJUSTING THE SEAT AS NECESSARY WHEN IT DROPS, NECESSITATING THE RELEASE OF THE SEAT BELT WHICH TIGHTENS AS THE SEAT DROPS. TO DATE, TOYOTA HAS REFUSED TO REPAIR THE PROBLEM AND I AM FOLLOWING THE CALIFORNIA LEMON LAW FOR ADJUDICATION OF THE MATTER. I HAVE ADVISED TOYOTA THAT IF I AM IN A TRAFFIC ACCIDENT AS A RESULT OF THE SEAT MALFUNCTION, THAT I WILL ADVISE ALL PARTIES AND INSURANCE COMPANIES AND PROVIDE ALL MY VEHICLE DOCUMENTATION. *TR

NHTSA ID 10531505 · filed Jul 23, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Engine

Reports naming the engine itself — including stalling, misfires, oil consumption, cooling and internal engine components.

2
reports

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11372541 · filed Nov 1, 2020

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 DEER MICE IN NEW MEXICO ARE INFECTED AND EVERY YEAR PEOPLE CONTRACT THE VIRUS USUALLY VIA SWEEPING MOUSE DROPPINGS WHILE CLEANING ENCLOSED AREAS. CHECK THE CDC WEBSITE.) BECAUSE THE MICE CAN EASILY ACCESS THE CABIN FILTER AND BLOWER THEY COULD SPREAD THIS VIRUS TO OCCUPANTS OF THE VEHICLE THROUGH THE VENTS AND DIRECTLY BY INFESTING THE INTERIOR. MY LOCAL DEALER HAS DEALT WITH MANY RODENT NESTS INFESTING TOYOTAS--SOONER OR LATER SOMEONE WILL BE INFECTED WITH THIS DEADLY VIRUS. THECENTERS FOR DISEASE CONTROL DOCUMENTS THE SERIOUS THREAT OF ANTIVIRUS. I PARK A HONDA ACCORD AND A CIVIC NEXT TO MY FJ AND HAVE NEVER HAD THIS INFESTATION PROBLEM. THE AIR VENT UNDER THE WINDSHIELD COWL AND ALL OPEN VENTS NEED TO BE SCREENED TO KEEP RODENTS OUT OF THE VEHICLE. UNDER WARRANTY TOYOTA SHOULD RETROFIT WITH SCREENING ALL ACCESS POINTS THAT ALLOW RODENTS TO ENTER THE CABIN. *TR

NHTSA ID 10622116 · filed Aug 13, 2014

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Visibility

Reports naming windshields, glass, wipers, defrosters and mirrors.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

THE WINDSHIELD OF THE FJ CRUISER SEEMS TO BE UNUSUALLY SUSCEPTIBLE TO PITTING UNDER NORMAL DRIVING CONDITIONS. WHEN THE SUN OR ONCOMING HEADLIGHTS SHINE ON THE WINDSHIELD IT BECOMES EXTREMELY DIFFICULT TO SEE THE ROAD. THE WINDSHIELD SUDDENLY APPEARS TO BE DIRTY AND TRANSLUCENT. REFERENCE VEHICLE IS A TOYOTA CERTIFIED USED VEHICLE. IN OVERCAST CONDITIONS THE WINDSHIELD IS FINE AND APPEARS FINE FROM A DISTANCE. HOWEVER, CLOSER INSPECTION REVEALS MASSIVE PITTING THAT APPEARS AT FIRST LIKE DIRT. INSPECTION OF THE HOOD PAINT, ROOF, WIPER ARMS, PLASTIC HEADLIGHT LENSES AND TRIM REVEAL NO SIMILAR DAMAGE. ONLINE FORUMS SEEM TO CONFIRM THIS AND OWNERS PREVIOUSLY DRIVING THE SAME ROUTES AND USING VEHICLES WITH VERY FLAT WINDSHIELDS SUCH AS JEEPS SEEM TO BE REPORTING THAT THIS PROBLEM IS NEW TO THEM AFTER PURCHASING THE FJ CRUISER. MANY REPORT THEY HAVE HAD TO REPLACE THE WINDSHIELD NUMEROUS TIMES FOR PITTING. I HAVE VEHICLES WITH OVER 200K MILES ON THEM WITH NO SUCH APPARENT PITTING. THIS SEEMS TO BE A WEAKNESS WITH THE GLASS AND IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN LIGHT HITS IT AND THE ROAD AHEAD IS NEAR IMPOSSIBLE TO SEE. HERE IS ONE ONLINE THREAD: HTTP://WWW.FJCRUISERFORUMS.COM/FORUMS/GENERAL-DISCUSSION/38932-WINDSHIELD-PITTED.HTML. *TR

NHTSA ID 10681337 · filed Feb 4, 2015

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Brakes

Reports naming service brakes, the antilock braking system, brake hoses, master cylinders or the parking brake.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

A VEHICLE PULLED OUT IN FRONT OF ME. I APPLIED BRAKES TO AVOID AN ACCIDENT. APPLICATION OF BRAKES LED TO RIGHT FRONT TIRE LOCK UP AND SKID, WITH STRONG VEER TO LEFT. NO ANTILOCK BRAKE ACTIVITY OCCURRED. WITHIN A WEEK OF THE PANIC STOP ABOVE, THE BRAKES NOW ACTING ODDLY; SMALL BUMPS IN PAVEMENT (FREEWAY EXPANSION JOINTS) WILL CAUSE ABS TO ENGAGE. BRAKE PEDAL BECOMES NON-RESPONSIVE. I CALLED THE DEALER WHO SAID THIS WAS NORMAL BRAKE BEHAVIOR. I PLAN ON SCHEDULING A SERVICE CALL TO DOCUMENT THE ISSUE. I'VE OWNED MANY CARS AND SUV'S - ALL PURCHASED NEW WITH ANTILOCK BRAKES. THIS IS PLAIN SCARY BEHAVIOR; I NO LONGER TRUST THE VEHICLE'S BRAKES AND FULLY EXPECT BRAKE FAILURE AND CRASH IS IMMINENT. *TR

NHTSA ID 10499350 · filed Feb 19, 2013

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Electrical

Reports naming the electrical system — wiring, battery, charging, control modules, infotainment and electrical accessories.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

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 ID 11372541 · filed Nov 1, 2020

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Powertrain (other)

Powertrain reports that are not specifically the engine or transmission — driveshafts, axles, transfer cases and differentials.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I HAD TO REPLACE THE DRIVE SHAFT AT 105K MILES. IT WAS WORE OUT INTERNALLY AND MAKING A HUGE JOLT. THERE IS NO REASON A DRIVE SHAFT SHOULD WEAR OUT AT THIS MILEAGE. I HAVE NOT BEEN HAPPY WITH THIS VEHICLE AND HAVE OWNED MANYTOYOTAS. THEY USUALLY HOLD UP BETTER THAN THIS. WHEN BRAKING OR HITTING THE GAS AFTER BEING STOPPED IT WAS A JOLT LIKE YOU HAD BEEN REAR ENDED. I HAVE READ ONLINE THAT A LOT OF DIS ARE HAVING THIS ISSUE. IT SHOULD BE RECALLED

NHTSA ID 11042900 · filed Nov 3, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Tires & wheels

Reports naming tires, wheels, hubs, or the tire-pressure monitoring system.

1
report

From owner reports, verbatim

I DROVE ON I-10 LA GRANGE WHEN THE BRAKE LIGHT CAME ON. THE CAR VIBRATED AND TILTED TO THE RIGHT. THE FRONT RIGHT TIRE TREAD PEELED OFF AND THE TIRE BLEW. WE REPORTED THIS INCIDENT TO BRIDGESTONE WITH CASE NUMBER 748575. THE COMPANY SENT ME A LETTER AND SAID IT WAS PRESSURE PROBLEM. BUT JUST BEFORE THE TIRE BLEW, THE PRESSURE LIGHT WAS NOT ON. SO I BELIEVE THE QUALITY AND SAFETY IS AT ISSUE. PLEASE INVESTIGATE IT AND RECALL THE PRODUCT, DUELER H/T 684 II P265/70R17. I BOUGHT THE FOUR TIRES ABOUT A YEAR AGO.

NHTSA ID 10993507 · filed Jun 6, 2017

Too few reports in this category for a page of its own — they appear in the full complaint list.

Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers.

Elsewhere on this vehicle

Data sources

Data on this page last refreshed .