2012 Toyota Tacoma Problems, Recalls & Reliability
Verdict
AvoidComplaint Index
80/100
#4 most-complained of 16 Tacoma years
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has a Complaint Index of 80 with 295 complaints, 7 recalls, and ranks 4th worst out of 16 model years, earning an Avoid verdict relative to other Tacoma years. Engine problems dominate at 46% of complaints.
- Complaints
- 295
- Recalls
- 7
- Crashes / fires
- 16 / 0
- Injuries / deaths
- 6 / 0
- NHTSA overall rating
- 4 / 5 ★
- EPA combined MPG
- 19
- 17.5 city / 21 hwy
Top 2012 Toyota Tacoma problems
NHTSA owner 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%)
What owners report
- Owners report the truck unexpectedly accelerating out of control without driver input, sometimes crashing into obstacles.
- Brakes are described as overly sensitive or prone to locking up unexpectedly at low speeds, including on wet or snowy pavement.
- A plastic foot-rest piece near the parking brake pedal has been reported to slide loose and physically block brake pedal operation.
- Airbags reportedly failed to deploy in multiple front-end and side-impact crashes at speeds around 35-40 mph.
- Some owners report loss of vehicle control on snowy or slushy roads leading to spinouts or rollovers.
- Rust and frame corrosion have been reported alongside fuel system codes affecting drivability.
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?
- Compared to other Tacoma model years, the 2012 ranks 4th worst out of 16 years tracked, with a Complaint Index of 80 and 295 NHTSA complaints, giving it an Avoid verdict relative to other years.
- What is the biggest problem with the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
- Engine problems are the top complaint area, accounting for 46% of all complaints (135 of 295), with a median failure mileage of 59,707 miles.
- Does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?
- NHTSA lists 7 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, covering areas including brakes, suspension/wheels, and structure/body, none of which are do-not-drive recalls.
- How does the 2012 Tacoma compare to the 2013 and 2014 models?
- The 2012 Tacoma has a Complaint Index of 80, much higher than the 2013 (20) and 2014 (0) model years, both of which carry a Best verdict among Tacoma years.
- What is the fuel economy of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
- The EPA rates the 2012 Tacoma at 19 mpg combined (17.5 city / 21 highway), with an annual fuel cost of $3,400.