The Recall Desk
SevereNHTSA·12E046000·Announced 2012-10-17

Toyota Recalls FJ Cruiser Brake Kits Due to Fluid Leak Risk

Toyota is recalling specific TRD brake kits for 2007-2012 FJ Cruisers because the brake tube may be damaged by wheel weights, causing fluid leaks and increased stopping distances.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural vehicle defect (brake system) that can lead to loss of braking performance and increased crash risk, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating.

Plain-English summary

Toyota is recalling certain Toyota Racing Development (TRD) brake kits and TRD High-Performance brake kits installed on 2007 through 2012 model year Toyota FJ Cruiser vehicles. These kits were installed by Toyota vehicle processing centers and sold by Toyota dealers as optional accessories. The recall involves approximately 200,000 vehicles.

The defect involves the shape of the outer brake tube in the subject TRD brake kits, which provides minimal clearance with TRD 16-inch 6-spoke alloy wheels. If wheel balance weights are installed in an incorrect location, the outer brake tube could be damaged by interference with the balance weight. This damage can cause brake fluid to leak from the tube.

If the brake tube is damaged and leaks fluid, it may result in increased stopping distances and, in some cases, a loss of vehicle front braking performance, which could increase the risk of a crash. Owners of affected vehicles will be notified by first-class mail. If the vehicle is equipped with one of the TRD brake kits, the brake caliper outer brake tube will be replaced with a newly designed one at no charge. During this service, the dealer will make wheel balance adjustments if necessary. This remedy will be performed even if the vehicle has original equipment 16-inch or 17-inch wheels or TRD 16-inch Beadlock ring type wheels to assure sufficient clearance in the event wheels are changed at a later time. Notification to owners began on December 17, 2012. Owners may contact the Toyota Customer Experience Center at 1-800-331-4331 or the NHTSA Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236.

The recalled product

Product
TOYOTA FJ CRUISER
Brand
TOYOTA
Manufacturer
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Category
Vehicle — Brake System
Hazard
Affected units
200,000

Is your product affected?

Check your packaging against the codes below. If any of them match, the product is part of this recall.

Model numbers (1)

  • FJ CRUISER

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same brand · TOYOTA

Same manufacturer · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing

See all →

Same hazard · brake failure

See all →