Recall 15V081 affects 116 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser vehicles for an inadequate intermediate steering shaft weld. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
Toyota is recalling 116 2014 Fj Cruiser vehicles because the intermediate steering shaft weld was not made adequately. If that weld fails, the driver can lose steering control and face a higher crash risk, and Toyota dealers will complete the recall repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The intermediate steering shaft in the 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is part of the steering column link between the steering wheel and the steering gear box. When you turn the wheel, this shaft carries that movement down to the gear box, which then moves the steering linkage that points the front wheels. The weld on the shaft has to stay solid because it is part of that mechanical path.
On affected vehicles, the shaft was built with an inadequate weld. Toyota traced the problem to welding equipment at the supplier that was not maintained properly on the production day involved. A weak weld leaves the shaft connection less secure than designed, so the steering wheel's movement is not carried through the steering system as intended if that joint fails.
There is no warning sign before failure. Do not rely on a noise, warning light, or change in steering feel to confirm whether this recall applies.
Who's affected?
| 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser | steering system |
|---|---|
| Units affected | 116 |
A matching year and model does not confirm inclusion. Check your VIN to confirm whether this recall applies to your specific SUV.
What's the safety risk?
If the intermediate steering shaft weld fails, the driver loses steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. If your VIN is included, schedule the repair soon and avoid delaying the steering-shaft replacement. Repair is free at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule the free intermediate steering shaft replacement that fixes the inadequate weld risk.
- Bring the recall notice if Toyota sent one. Reference recall number 15V081 when you call.
- Drive only as needed until the repair is complete, and leave extra space around the vehicle.
- Call Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331 with questions about the repair.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Toyota technician replaces the intermediate steering shaft that connects the steering wheel to the steering gear box. The recall repair is available at Toyota dealers, and the replacement parts and labor are free. The service desk can confirm the VIN, open the recall work order, and complete the shaft replacement under the campaign. Because the reimbursement plan is not specified in the recall record, ask Toyota customer service or the dealer only if you already paid for a steering shaft repair.
Timeline
| February 5, 2015 | Dealer notification began |
|---|---|
| February 10, 2015 | NHTSA published the recall |
| March 6, 2015 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 15V081?
Recall 15V081 covers 116 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser vehicles with an intermediate steering shaft weld that does not meet specification. If the weld fails, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk. Toyota dealers replace the intermediate steering shaft for free.
What should I do if my 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is included in recall 15V081. If it is, contact a franchised Toyota dealer to schedule replacement of the intermediate steering shaft. Reference recall number 15V081 when you call.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires manufacturers to repair safety defects at no cost. Toyota's remedy states that dealers replace the intermediate steering shaft free of charge at any franchised Toyota dealer.
What is the safety risk in recall 15V081?
The safety risk is loss of steering control. Toyota reported that an inadequate weld in the intermediate steering shaft can fail. If that happens, the driver can lose steering control, increasing crash risk.
What if I bought my Toyota Fj Cruiser used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the vehicle, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2014 Toyota Fj Cruiser is included, then call a franchised Toyota dealer with recall number 15V081.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/15V081000 |
|---|---|
| Toyota customer service | 1-800-331-4331 |
| NHTSA recall # | 15V081 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 15V081000 |
Source documents
-
Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on June 1, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →