Is the 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER reliable?

The 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER has 49 complaints filed with NHTSA (1.3x the segment average). Our reliability verdict: below-average. Most common issue: BODY/STRUCTURE problems.

What are common problems with the 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER?

Top problems: BODY/STRUCTURE (10 complaints, avg repair $500); STEERING (9 complaints, avg repair $500); OTHER (8 complaints, avg repair $500). Issues typically appear around 50K miles.

Are there any recalls on the 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER?

Yes, there are 5 recall(s): EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS, EXTERIOR LIGHTING, SEAT BELTS:FRONT:ANCHORAGE, EQUIPMENT, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. Contact any Toyota dealer to verify if recalls have been completed on your specific vehicle.

How much does it cost to fuel a 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER?

The 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER gets 19 MPG combined. At current US average gas prices, driving 12,000 miles per year costs roughly $2526. See the interactive fuel cost calculator on this page for state-specific pricing.

How much does it cost to insure a 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER?

Estimated US average full-coverage insurance for the 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER is approximately $1,617/year (suv-midsize class). Actual quotes vary heavily by state, driver age, driving record, and credit — see the interactive insurance estimator on this page for state-specific pricing.

2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER

Problems, Recalls & Reliability Report

Below Average

Quick Summary

The 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER has 49 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — that's 1.3x the segment average of 38. The most common issue is body/structure problems (20% of all complaints), specifically: tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota fj cruiser. the contact stated that there was a wheel chair lift installed in the vehicle and when it was being utilized, the rear bumper would sink two inches. the front end of the vehicle would rise by two inches. the total weight for the wheel chair lift and th. There are 5 recalls issued for this model year. ⚠️ 2 fire reports filed.

2 fire reports

Total Complaints

Recalls Issued

—/5

Safety Stars

1.3x

vs Segment Avg

Known Problems(top 5 of 8)

BODY/STRUCTURE

10 complaints

20%

• TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WHEEL CHAIR LIFT INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE AND WHEN IT WAS BEING UTILIZED, THE REAR BUMPER WOULD SINK TWO INCHES. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RISE BY TWO INCHES. THE TOTAL WEIGHT FOR THE WHEEL CHAIR LIFT AND TH
• 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.
• EXCESSIVE RUST ON THE UNDERSIDE OF CAR - ALL OVER THE FRAME AND AXELS

Typical onset: 50K miles Est. repair: $500🔥 1 fire reports

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WHEEL CHAIR LIFT INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE AND WHEN IT WAS BEING UTILIZED, THE REAR BUMPER WOULD SINK TWO INCHES. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RISE BY TWO INCHES. THE TOTAL WEIGHT FOR THE WHEEL CHAIR LIFT AND TH”

— NHTSA complaint filing

When Problems Appear on the 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER

Based on 30 owner complaints that included an odometer reading. Median mileage at time of complaint: 7K miles. Most complaints cluster in the 0-30K miles range.

Overall complaint distribution by mileage

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

STEERING

In line with typicalmedian 2K mi · 8 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

SEATS/RESTRAINTS

In line with typicalmedian 43K mi · 6 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

BODY/STRUCTURE

In line with typicalmedian 12K mi · 5 reports

0-30K

30-60K

60-100K

100-150K

150-200K

200K+

Mileage figures are self-reported by owners in NHTSA complaint filings. Peak bucket = the mileage range with the most complaints for that component; it reflects when owners noticed and reported problems, not necessarily when the fault first occurred.

Recalls (5)

EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS04/08/2014

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.

Fuel Cost Calculator for 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER

Live EIA prices

Annual miles driven: 12,000

Your state (affects local gasoline price)

Per year

$2,527

Per month

$211

Per mile

21.1¢

MPG

City driving (worst-case MPG)

$2,824/yr

Highway driving (best-case MPG)

$2,401/yr

Based on EPA fuel-economy ratings and EIA weekly retail prices (2026-07-20). Real-world cost varies with driving style, trim/engine, terrain, and traffic.

5-Year Gas Price History

EIA weekly retail data · 2021 → today

Show:

Current

$4.00

5-year low

$2.78

5-year high

$5.01

Since 2021

+27%

Source: US Energy Information Administration weekly retail gasoline prices.

Estimated Insurance Cost for 2012 Toyota FJ CRUISER

Estimate only, not a quote. Modeled from NAIC + HLDI averages for a hypothetical 35-year-old driver with clean record + full coverage. Your actual quote depends heavily on your age, driving history, credit, ZIP code, and insurer.

Your state (affects local premium average)

Full coverage / year

$1,617

Full coverage / month

$135

Liability only / year

$639

vs US avg

-3%

How this estimate is calculated

US base full-coverage premium$1674

× state (US)1.00x

× vehicle class (suv-midsize)1.05x

× theft risk1.00x

× safety rating1.00x

× vehicle age0.92x

= Full coverage estimate$1617

Coverage assumed: 100/300/100 liability + comprehensive/collision, $500 deductibles. Data sources: NAIC 2024 + HLDI loss studies.

Maintenance & Warranty

Recommended Toyota FJ CRUISER Service Intervals

Oil change

10K mi / 12 mo

Tire rotation

5K mi

Brake fluid

30 months

Transmission fluid

60K mi

Engine coolant

100K mi

Spark plugs

120K mi

Cabin air filter

30K mi

Engine air filter

30K mi

Differential (AWD/4WD)

60K mi

0W-20 synthetic oil recommended. ToyotaCare covers first 2 years / 25K miles of scheduled maintenance for new vehicles. Hybrid battery: 10 yr / 150K miles warranty.

"Severe service" conditions (heavy towing, extreme temps, city stop-and-go) typically halve these intervals. Always consult your vehicle's owner's manual for the authoritative schedule.

Toyota New-Vehicle Warranty Coverage

Bumper-to-bumper (basic)

3 yr / 36K mi

Powertrain

5 yr / 60K mi

Hybrid/EV battery

10 yr / 150K mi

Corrosion (rust perforation)

5 yr / unlimited mi

Roadside assistance

2 yr / 25K mi

Hybrid battery is 10yr/150K miles for 2020+ hybrids. ToyotaCare (2yr/25K miles complimentary maintenance) is included.

These are the terms for a new Toyota. If you're buying a used 2012 FJ CRUISER, remaining coverage is usually pro-rated from the vehicle's original in-service date. Not all coverage transfers between owners — check with a Toyota dealer for VIN-specific remaining warranty.

Estimated Repair Costs

BODY/STRUCTURE(~50K mi)

$500

STEERING(~50K mi)

$500

OTHER(~50K mi)

$500

SEATS/RESTRAINTS(~50K mi)

$500

SUSPENSION(~50K mi)

$500

Estimates based on average reported repair costs. Actual costs vary by location, shop, and severity.

🔍 Pre-Purchase Inspection Checklist

Based on 49 owner complaints for this specific year, here's what to check or ask about:

☐
BODY/STRUCTURE: TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA FJ CRUISER. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THERE WAS A WHEEL CHAIR LIFT INSTALLED IN THE VEHICLE AND WHEN IT WAS BEING UTILIZED, THE REAR BUMPER WOULD SINK TWO INCHES. THE FRONT END OF THE VEHICLE WOULD RISE BY TWO INCHES. THE TOTAL WEIGHT FOR THE WHEEL CHAIR LIFT AND TH
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
STEERING: 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
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
OTHER: The windshield makes a very loud defining noise while driving. This happens most often when it is windy. It often sounds like the windshield will be ripped off. The noise has gotten progressively worse over the years.
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
SEATS/RESTRAINTS: 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 MANA
Typically appears around 50K miles. Repair cost ~$500
☐
RECALLS: Verify all 5 recalls have been completed — free at any Toyota dealer
☐
General: Get a pre-purchase inspection from an independent mechanic ($100-$200)