What are the most common Toyota FJ Cruiser problems?
According to Au7o's analysis of 5,630+ owner reports, the 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser has 10 documented issues. The most frequently reported are: Frame Rust and Corrosion, Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal, A/C Compressor and Evaporator Failure. Of these, 2 are rated critical and should be addressed promptly.
Is the Toyota FJ Cruiser reliable?
The 2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser has 10 known issues documented across 5,630+ owner reports. 2 issues are rated critical: Frame Rust and Corrosion and Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal. Prospective buyers should inspect for these issues and factor potential repair costs into their purchase decision. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.
How much does it cost to fix common Toyota FJ Cruiser problems?
Repair costs for known Toyota FJ Cruiser issues range from $30 to $5,000, depending on the specific problem and whether you choose DIY or professional repair. The most critical issue, Frame Rust and Corrosion, typically costs $200-$5,000 to repair. Au7o provides step-by-step DIY maintenance guides that can help reduce repair costs.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Frame Rust and Corrosion?
FJ Cruisers develop significant frame rust in salt-belt states, especially at the rear crossmember, trailing arm mounts, and spare tire carrier. The frame design has areas where water and debris collect, accelerating corrosion. Rising FJ Cruiser values make frame preservation cri… Repairs typically run $200-$5,000. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser Driver Dead Pedal (Foot Rest) Detaches and Can Jam Brake Pedal?
The plastic driver footrest / dead pedal breaks away from its mounting clips and becomes a loose object in the driver footwell. In documented complaints the detached footrest slid under the pedals; in at least one NHTSA-reported case it lodged under the brake pedal and prevented… Repairs typically run $30-$150. Severity: high.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser A/C Compressor and Evaporator Failure?
The FJ Cruiser's A/C system is prone to compressor clutch failure and evaporator core leaks. The evaporator is located behind the dashboard, making replacement extremely labor-intensive. The A/C system struggles in hot climates, especially when off-roading at low speeds. Repairs typically run $400-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear Differential Breather Clog and Water Intrusion?
The rear differential breather on the FJ Cruiser is located low on the axle housing and is prone to clogging with mud and debris. When clogged, pressure builds during heating cycles and forces gear oil past the pinion seal. During water crossings, the breather can suck water into… Repairs typically run $50-$400. Severity: medium.
What is the 2010-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Secondary Air Injection (SAIS) Pump and Switching Valve Failure?
The 1GR-FE's secondary air injection system, used to reduce cold-start emissions, is prone to failure. Water/condensation intrusion corrodes the air pump and air switching valves, or a broken plastic impeller sheds debris into the system, triggering the check engine light and oft… Repairs typically run $200-$2,200. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Torque Converter Clutch (TCC) Shudder During Lockup?
The A750F 5-speed automatic behind the 4.0L V6 develops a distinct shudder/judder felt as a vibration typically between roughly 35-50 mph under light throttle when the torque converter clutch engages during 'Flex Lockup.' It is caused by aged/degraded Toyota WS fluid losing its f… Repairs typically run $150-$2,500. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Starter Solenoid Contact Erosion Causing No-Crank / Single Click?
A common age/mileage failure on the 1GR-FE Denso starter: the high-current contacts inside the starter solenoid erode or corrode, so turning the key produces a single click with no crank, often intermittently and worse when hot or after moisture/salt exposure. Repeated key cyclin… Repairs typically run $100-$650. Severity: medium.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Windshield Cracking Due to Flat Design?
The FJ Cruiser's nearly flat windshield design makes it highly susceptible to cracking from small impacts that would be deflected by more curved windshields. Owners report going through multiple windshields over the life of the vehicle. The flat angle also causes more direct ston… Repairs typically run $50-$600. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Front Inner Fender Apron Bulging, Cracking, and Tearing?
The thin sheet-steel inner fender aprons in the engine bay develop bulges that eventually crack and tear, typically a 3-4 inch tear in the upper inner fender roughly 6-8 inches from the firewall on both sides. It is attributed to metal fatigue from frame/body flex combined with a… Repairs typically run $100-$900. Severity: low.
What is the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear Door Spot-Weld Cracking and Hinge Sag from Spare Tire Weight?
The side-hinged rear cargo door carries the full-size spare (and often aftermarket tire carriers, gas cans, or heavier wheels). Over time the pinch-seam spot welds on the door crack and the door sags roughly half an inch, so it no longer aligns and must be lifted to latch. Rust d… Repairs typically run $150-$1,500. Severity: low.
