How common are engine problems on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?

NHTSA lists 135 engine complaints for the 2012 Tacoma, which is 46% of all 295 complaints filed for that model year, the highest engine share of any Tacoma year in the data.

Is there a recall for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma engine issue?

No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area, though owners reference a Special Service Campaign in one complaint.

At what mileage do 2012 Tacoma engine problems usually appear?

The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 59,707 miles.

What is the main engine complaint on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?

Most complaints describe the secondary air injection system failing, triggering codes P2440 and P2442 and putting the truck into limp mode with reduced power.

Were there any crashes linked to 2012 Tacoma engine complaints?

NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries associated with the 135 engine complaints for the 2012 Tacoma, with no fires reported.

2012 Toyota Tacoma Engine Problems

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has 135 engine complaints, 46% of its 295 total complaints for the year, far above other model years. Most describe the secondary air injection system failing and putting the truck into limp mode. Median mileage at failure is 59,707, and no related recall is listed.

Engine complaints: 135; 46% of 295
Crashes reported: 2
Fires reported: 0
Injuries reported: 2
Median mileage: 59,707 mi
Related recalls: 0

Typical engine symptoms owners report

Check engine and traction control lights come on together, followed by the truck entering limp mode with power capped near 2,500 RPM.
Secondary air injection switching valve throws codes P2440 and P2442 and gets stuck open, cutting engine power.
Loss of power happens at highway speed, sometimes forcing the vehicle to slow well below the speed of surrounding traffic.
Some owners report sudden unintended acceleration events leading to loss of control and crashes.
Failures are reported across a range of mileages, with owners noting the issue shows up repeatedly around similar mileage levels on other 2012 Tacomas.

When 2012 Toyota Tacoma engine complaints were filed

First complaint Aug 1, 2012, latest Aug 30, 2022.

135 complaints filed with NHTSA from 2012 Q3 to 2022 Q3; peak 2017 Q2 (24).

Engine recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma

No safety recalls on record for this model year.

Engine complaints by Tacoma model year

Raw complaint counts per model year; newer years have had less time to accumulate complaints.

201038 (13%)
201114 (8%)
2012135 (46%)
201315 (12%)
201411 (12%)
201519 (19%)
201653 (16%)
201746 (19%)
201840 (19%)
201938 (17%)
202022 (25%)
202115 (19%)
20228 (14%)
202311 (20%)
20248 (5%)
20254 (4%)

Frequently asked questions

How common are engine problems on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?: NHTSA lists 135 engine complaints for the 2012 Tacoma, which is 46% of all 295 complaints filed for that model year, the highest engine share of any Tacoma year in the data.
Is there a recall for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma engine issue?: No related recall is listed in NHTSA data for this engine problem area, though owners reference a Special Service Campaign in one complaint.
At what mileage do 2012 Tacoma engine problems usually appear?: The median mileage at failure reported to NHTSA is 59,707 miles.
What is the main engine complaint on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?: Most complaints describe the secondary air injection system failing, triggering codes P2440 and P2442 and putting the truck into limp mode with reduced power.
Were there any crashes linked to 2012 Tacoma engine complaints?: NHTSA data shows 2 crashes and 2 injuries associated with the 135 engine complaints for the 2012 Tacoma, with no fires reported.