2012 Toyota Tacoma Brakes Problems
NHTSA lists 34 brake complaints for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, 12% of that year's total 295 complaints, with a median failure mileage of 54,640 miles. A related recall (campaign 14V054000) covers a brake actuator software issue on the 2012-2013 Tacoma.
- Brakes complaints
- 34
- 12% of 295
- Crashes reported
- 7
- Fires reported
- 0
- Injuries reported
- 1
- Median mileage
- 54,640 mi
- Related recalls
- 1
Typical brake symptoms owners report
- Owners report the brakes locking up or engaging with abnormal force on wet or snowy pavement at low speeds, sometimes leading to loss of control.
- Some describe the ABS engaging unexpectedly on winding roads with grade changes, causing the vehicle to slide toward oncoming traffic.
- Several owners report a delay of about two seconds before the brakes actuate, followed by sudden full-force locking, which one mechanic diagnosed as a faulty brake booster.
- One owner reported a plastic foot-rest piece sliding under the brake pedal and partially blocking pedal travel, letting the truck creep forward while stopped.
- Another owner reported the brake pedal traveling to the floor with no response while braking from about 40 mph, resulting in a rear-end collision.
- One owner reported that Toyota's brake actuator recall for the 2012 Tacoma did not include their VIN despite showing the same symptoms.
When 2012 Toyota Tacoma brake complaints were filed
First complaint Aug 29, 2012, latest Sep 24, 2023.
Brakes recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma
- 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.
Brakes complaints by Tacoma model year
Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.
Frequently asked questions
- How many brake complaints does NHTSA have for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
- NHTSA lists 34 brake complaints for the 2012 Tacoma, making up 12% of the 295 total complaints filed for that model year.
- Is there a brake recall for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
- Yes. Campaign 14V054000, reported in February 2014, covers a brake actuator software issue on the 2012-2013 Tacoma and certain related Toyota and Lexus vehicles. It is not a do-not-drive or park-outside recall.
- At what mileage do Tacoma brake problems typically show up?
- The median mileage at failure for brake-related complaints on the 2012 Tacoma is 54,640 miles, based on NHTSA complaint data.
- Have the brake issues caused crashes or injuries?
- NHTSA data for this brake complaint area on the 2012 Tacoma shows 7 crashes and 1 injury reported, with no fires.
- How does the 2012 Tacoma compare to other years for brake complaints?
- The 2012 Tacoma's 12% brake complaint share is lower than 2013 (18%), 2014 (22%), 2018 (23%), and 2019 (26%), based on NHTSA data across model years.