AI Damage2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser: common problems
Owners of the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser filed 41 complaints with NHTSA, most often about structure and steering. Details by component below, with sources.
Key figures
- Owner complaints
- 41
What fails most often
- 1 Structure 29% of all complaints
- 2 Steering 22% of all complaints
- 3 Seat belts 12% of all complaints
- 4 Suspension 12% of all complaints
- 5 Wheels 7% of all complaints
- 6 Seats 5% of all complaints
- 7 Electrical system 2% of all complaints
- 8 Engine 2% of all complaints
- Structure: 12 complaints (29% of all).
- Steering: 9 complaints (22% of all).
- Seat belts: 5 complaints (12% of all).
- Suspension: 5 complaints (12% of all).
- Wheels: 3 complaints (7% of all).
Engines and transmissions
US-market versions per EPA. On the right: how many NHTSA complaints name this engine or transmission type.
- 4 L · petrol · 6 cyl
- automatic, 5-speed
- manual, 6-speed
Drive: 4WD, RWD
Symptoms owners describe
How many of the 41 NHTSA complaints mention each symptom (automatic count from complaint text; one complaint can mention several).
Components owners complain about
| Component | Owner complaints | involving a crash | Technical service bulletins (TSB) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Structure | 12 | 0 | 0 |
| Steering | 9 | 0 | 0 |
| Seat belts | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Suspension | 5 | 0 | 0 |
| Wheels | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| Seats | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Electrical system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Engine and cooling | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Powertrain | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Service brakes | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Tires | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Visibility | 1 | 0 | 0 |
What owners report
Short excerpts of NHTSA complaints in the original wording. These are owner statements not verified by NHTSA; personal data removed.
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.
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. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle had not been diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or dealer.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
When owners complained
NHTSA complaints by filing year. The peak shows at what age the problems show up most.
Comparison
By complaint count this model year ranks 5,891 of 36,656 model years in the NHTSA data (top 16% most complained about).
On average one model year of the FJ Cruiser has 91 complaints (10 years in the data). This year has 41, below average.
What to check before buying
- Structure. Rails, pillars, panel gaps, signs of pulling or welding.
- Steering. Steering play, power assist, rack and tie rods after a wheel impact.
- Seat belts. Belt pretensioners after airbag deployment, SRS codes.
- Suspension. Wheel alignment, control arms, subframe, even tire wear.
Other years of this model
Questions and answers
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
Owner complaints to NHTSA most often mention: structure, steering, seat belts. Total complaints: 41. The most frequent symptoms in complaint texts: rust, corrosion (32%), vibration (22%), seat belts (15%).
How many service bulletins (TSB) were issued for the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser?
NHTSA lists 0 manufacturer service bulletins for this year. A bulletin tells dealers how to diagnose or fix a known issue; it is not a recall.
Should I buy a 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser from a US auction?
Owner complaints describe defects, not crash damage. Before bidding, check the components listed above and review the lot photos: VinWind builds a report of visible and hidden damage by VIN.
Other 2012 models
Read also
Sources: public NHTSA data (USA): service bulletins and owner complaints; YouTube: links to videos credited to their authors. Complaints are owner statements not verified by NHTSA, and describe defects rather than crash damage. Data updated 2026-11-05.