2012 Toyota Tacoma Reliability Data: Problems & Recalls
Caution The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has 295 NHTSA complaints, a complaint index of 55, and ranks 10th worst out of 21 model years, earning a Caution verdict. Engine problems are the top complaint area at 46% of reports, with 7 recall campaigns filed.
Based on NHTSA complaints per model-year, not a reliability rating. Methodology
YearToAvoid Scorecard
- Complaint Index
- 55/100
- #10 of 21 Tacoma years
- Verdict
- Caution
- vs. other years of this model
- Complaints
- 295
- unique NHTSA reports
- Recalls
- 7
- distinct NHTSA campaigns
- Crashes
- 16
- reported in complaints
- Fires
- 0
- Injuries
- 6
- Top issue
- Engine
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17.5 city / 21 hwy
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
Top 2012 Toyota Tacoma problems
Share of this year’s NHTSA complaints by component group. Groups with 15+ complaints have their own page.
- Engine135 (46%)
- Fuel System53 (18%)
- Other44 (15%)
- Transmission & Powertrain35 (12%)
- Brakes34 (12%)
- Suspension, Wheels & Tires29 (10%)
- Electrical System22 (7%)
- Steering12 (4%)
- Structure & Body11 (4%)
- Airbags9 (3%)
A complaint can list more than one component, so shares add up to more than 100%. Shares are % of complaints.
What owners report
- Owners report brakes failing to respond or the pedal traveling to the floor before hitting another vehicle.
- Some describe unexpected acceleration or violent surging forward that led to a crash.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy during moderate-speed collisions around 20,000 to 51,000 miles.
- Several drivers report ABS engaging and locking the brakes with only light pedal pressure on wet or snowy roads, causing loss of control.
- One owner reported losing drivability at highway speed tied to fuel system codes and frame corrosion.
2012 Toyota Tacoma recalls
7 NHTSA recall campaigns list this model year.
- NHTSA 17V425000Jul 3, 2017Other3,547 vehicles
Equipment
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk: If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
- NHTSA 14V475000Aug 4, 2014Other20,000 vehicles
Equipment:other:labels
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.
Remedy: 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.
- NHTSA 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Brakes261,114 vehicles
Electronic stability control (esc)
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
2012 Toyota Tacoma fuel economy and fuel cost
- City
- 17.5 MPG
- Highway
- 21 MPG
- Combined
- 19 MPG
- Annual fuel cost (EPA)
- $3,400
- 15,000 mi/yr
- Fuel
- Regular
- Current regular gas
- $4.32/gal
- national avg.
EPA figures; median across configurations of this model year. Estimate your own cost with the fuel cost calculator.
2012 compared with other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
- Is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma reliable?
- NHTSA data gives the 2012 Tacoma a complaint index of 55 and a Caution verdict, ranking 10th worst among 21 model years. Engine complaints make up 46% of the 295 reports filed.
- What is the top problem area for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
- Engine issues lead with 135 complaints, or 46% of the total, followed by fuel system problems at 18% and transmission/powertrain issues at 12%.
- Does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 Tacoma, covering brakes, suspension/wheels, structure and body, and other components. None are do-not-drive recalls.
- Should I avoid the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
- The 2012 model carries a Caution verdict, worse than years like 2013-2015 and 2020-2023 which are rated Best, but better than 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2024, and 2025, which are rated Avoid.