Owners filed 295 complaints about this vehicle with federal regulators, most often about the engine. It has been recalled 7 times.
When it fails
05700057,000 milesMedian miles at failure
261 complaints record an odometer reading. Failures cluster around 50,000–60,000 miles.
What fails
Component
Reports
Crashes
Fires
Injuries
Engine
114
1
0
1
Fuel/Propulsion System
36
1
0
0
Unknown or Other
24
2
0
1
Power Train
17
0
0
0
Service Brakes
16
3
0
0
Suspension
14
0
0
0
Electrical System
14
0
0
0
Steering
10
0
0
0
Electronic Stability Control (esc)
10
1
0
0
Air Bags
9
5
0
2
7 safety recalls
Part 573 reports
Equipment17V425000
Filed Jul 3, 20173,547 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. 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.
Equipment › Other › Labels14V475000
Filed Aug 4, 201420,000 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. 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.
Electronic Stability Control (esc)14V054000
Filed Feb 12, 2014261,114 vehiclesToyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
Defect. 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.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire13V494000
Filed Oct 17, 2013979 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.
Risk. If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Remedy. SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.
Equipment › Other › Labels13V123000
Filed Apr 9, 20137,525 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. Southeast Toyota is recalling certain model year 2008 and 2010-2013 Toyota Tundra, 2010-2012 Rav4, 2012 Toyota Sequoia, 2010-2011 Toyota Corolla, 2010-2011 Toyota Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk. An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners and provide a corrected label with instructions concerning its installation. A small group of the affected vehicles will need additonal remedies which are still being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats13V014000
Filed Jan 16, 20133,235 vehiclesSoutheast Toyota Distributors, Llc
Defect. Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk. If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Remedy. Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Equipment › Other › Labels12V158000
Filed Apr 10, 2012672 vehiclesGulf States Toyota, Inc.
Defect. GULF STATES TOYOTA (GST) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TACOMA TRUCKS. THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION PLACARD ON EACH VEHICLE CONTAINS INACCURATE SPARE TIRE SIZE AND COLD INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110,TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.
Risk. AN INCORRECT PLACARD COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER SPARE TIRE USE OR REPLACEMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Remedy. GST WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND SEND EACH OWNER A CORRECTED PLACARD, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC. AT 1-713-744-3465.
What owners reported
Newest filings
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Aug 31, 2026FL
Vehicle: 2012 Toyota Tacoma VIN: [XXX] Toyota Special Service Campaign 20TC01 was performed on September 19, 2024, at approximately 103,417 miles. The campaign addressed the secondary air injection system, including the air injection pump and air switching valves. According to Toyota's repair records, the dealer installed an air switching valve kit, air pump repair kit, and air pump cover under campaign SSC 20TC01. On XXX, at approximately 111,187 miles, the same Toyota dealership diagnosed failure of the air pump and air switching valves and estimated $3,664.13 for repair. The recurrence occurred after only about 7,770 miles and less than two years after completion of Toyota's campaign repair. I am concerned that the campaign remedy did not provide a lasting correction of the condition affecting the air injection system. Toyota has declined assistance despite the failure involving the same system that was the subject of SSC 20TC01. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
SeatsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 30, 2026SC
- Driver’s seat back recliner mechanism / seatback locking mechanism. During a rear-end interstate collision while stopped in traffic, the driver’s seat suddenly reclined backward unexpectedly. After the accident, the recliner adjustment knob/handle was found detached at the tow yard. The vehicle is currently at a tow/salvage yard and may be available for inspection upon request. - Because the seat reclined unexpectedly during impact, the driver’s body position changed suddenly and the front airbag did not appear to make protective contact. The driver briefly lost consciousness and is experiencing significant neck stiffness and pain following the crash. The seat movement may have reduced the effectiveness of the airbag and seatbelt system and increased risk of head and neck injury. - No. The vehicle has not been evaluated by a dealer or independent service center at this time due to collision damage. - The vehicle has been inspected by police at the accident scene and is pending inspection by insurance. The seat mechanism has not yet been specifically evaluated by the manufacturer. - No warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms related to the seat or restraint system were observed before the accident.
Electrical System › Instrument Panel › Speedometer/Odometer
Filed Jan 22, 2026212,400 milesCA
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 51,350 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 212,400. The VIN was not available
Air BagsCrash1 injured
Filed Jan 14, 2026240,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH, coming up on fog, the driver, attempting to slow down, traveled over a slush patch in the roadway, and an approaching vehicle was in view. She lost control of the vehicle, spun around, and went face-first into a ditch, and the vehicle flipped and rolled over onto the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she sustained a concussion, hematoma, and pain on the left side of her neck and head, and the next day, there was pain on the right side of her neck and shoulder. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The side curtain on the driver's and passenger's sides deployed. The front airbags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent auto center. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. Previously, while turning around in a parking lot, the contact crashed into a cement barrier. The airbags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
Power Train › Automatic Transmission › Cooling Unit and Lines
Filed Jul 30, 202571,000 milesPA
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle was significantly rusted. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under the warranty; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the rear bumper and brackets were rusted, and there was no recall or warranty coverage. The contact stated upon pulling into the driveway of the residence, the contact noticed a trail of fluid leak on the street. The contact stated that the transmission lines were fractured due to rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was significantly rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
Suspension
Filed Jun 2, 2025OH
My leaf spring(s) is noisy/loosened and to the best of my limited knowledge is at risk for breaking off and puncturing the fuel tank per repair shops. This issue is not covered under Safety Recall E02 (E12) by Toyota for the model year 2012 Tacoma. As a consumer, I don't understand the determination of when the recall is cut off for specific model years. I would like for NHTSA and Toyota to analyze this issue as the model year 2012 Tacoma could be at risk. I have case with Toyota Customer Resolutions that has been closed. Thanks for your attention into this matter.
Steering
Filed May 22, 2025NC
While driving on the road truck locks up occassionally in a curve. i know of mulitple trucks its happening to and only in curves- will end up hurting someone if a fix for it isnt found - no one seems to know what is going on
Wheels › RimCrash
Filed May 15, 2025MS
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the rear driver-side wheel rim detached. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle veered to the right, accelerated independently, and went up the embankment, hit a tree, and accelerated independently down the embankment when the vehicle flipped on the passenger side, where it came to a stop. The driver-side and passenger-side air bags deployed, and the side curtain air bags deployed. A police report was not filed. There were no injuries sustained. The vehicle was towed to an independent mechanic but was not diagnosed or repaired. The insurance company was contacted, and pending results. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown. The VIN was not available.
Power Train
Filed Dec 28, 2024TN
My truck started having a vibration when driving around 45-55 mph. This problem first became noticeable when it had about 115,000 miles on it. Over time the speed that the vibration became noticeable at gradually increased. By 125,000 miles on the truck, it was vibrating hard between 60 and 70 mph. The dealership determined that the problem was that the drive shaft was out of balance and that it had to be replaced. They replaced the drive shaft, but this doesn't seem like a problem that should creep up with that relatively few miles on the vehicle, and I have read that if the drive shaft actually fails, it can severely damage the vehicle and potentially cause injury.
Structure › Body
Filed Dec 18, 2023TN
Under the bottom of my truck, there is tons of rust. I know a lot of the trucks my year, make, and model has been recalled for rust on the body and other parts of the truck. I was told that a Toyota dealership should replace it with the amount it has, and now a hole has appeared but they only told me a price to fix everything that is rusted. Just puts my vehicle at risk driving it back and forth to work.
Unknown or OtherCrash
Filed Sep 24, 2023TX
Will not fix the frame. my husband has a 2005 and it looks new compared to my 2012. The last mechanic I used told me not to bring it back to him to much rust. Toyota said it passed their inspection. There is no way. They’ve had my truck almost a yr. I thought they was fixing it. No they just been chilling. They never called me to tell me it was they wouldn’t honor the recall. Nothing. I keep reading on here cold climate states are the only complaints. Someone is lying on here because I know at least 20 Toyota Tacoma owners from Texas who have filed incident reports.
Fuel/Propulsion System
Filed Sep 15, 2023HI
The check engine light on the dashboard of my 2012 Tacoma turned on and will no longer accelerate appropriately and especially while driving uphill, posing a danger to myself and other drivers. I was on a two-lane highway with a cliffside drop on one side and a wall of steep rock on the other and absolutely no where to go as there was only one lane going in each direction and my truck would not accelerate over 20mph in an area where you’re expected to keep a pace above 40mph and as such ended up with a long row of impatient and increasingly frustrated drivers behind me, only more incited by my having to turn on my hazard lights as a result of a crawling speed I was forced to deal with and with nowhere to pull over and get out of the way. How can I possibly rely on this vehicle to be safe for me or anyone else, especially on a fast-moving highway in this condition? I have taken the vehicle to an auto shop and I as told the air injection system is bad and that this is a typical problem for Toyota Tacomas and the cost would be just shy of $3,000! I was recommended by a mechanic to reach out to Toyota directly because this is obviously an issue the manufacturer should readily respond to and repair. Please advise.
Steering
Filed Aug 8, 2023MA
Sudden and total loss of power steering while backing up to park. There were/are no warning lights or messages displayed on the dashboard. With great difficulty, I was able to drive the car to my local mechanic. Steering was extremely difficult. The power steering unit has been ordered by my mechanic.
Fuel/Propulsion SystemCrash
Filed Dec 20, 2022TX
My truck lost drivability while I was going 60 I ran into a ditch to stop. It hads two codes . I took it in they replaced my rack n pinion. Check engine light came on . Mechanic said he could not work on it anymore because of the rust. To much corrosion he would be risking liability for other parts getting damaged because of all the rust. Took it to mike Shaw to have frame tested. It passed they said. But I can’t find a mechanic to work on it but mike Shaw and they’ll just keep charging for each item they don’t care.
Power Train
Filed Nov 11, 2022AZ
Drivetrain vibration and cricket chripping noise; likly coming from propeller shaft
Engine and Engine Cooling
Filed Aug 30, 202285,000 milesLA
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to exceed 45 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who informed him about a Special Service Campaign: 20TC01. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the air injection pump needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and informed him that the Special Service Campaign: 20TC01 had expired. No additional assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.
Unknown or Other
Filed Sep 23, 2021CA
The frame has rusted through in several spots.
Suspension
Filed Sep 8, 2021WV
The passenger leaf spring or right leaf spring has broken and the truck has not hauled any kind of weight, there is a previous recall on similar trucks but they end with 2011 models but looking at the 2012 model it’s build is similar and seems to have a chance of having the same effect as mine already has.
Service Brakes, Hydraulic
Filed Sep 2, 202185,500 milesCA
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at various speeds in areas with low traction, several unknown warning lights would illuminate on the instrument panel and the vehicle would begin to drift independently. Once the contact regained control of the vehicle, the warning lights would disappear, and the vehicle would resume normal operation. The contact had taken the vehicle to a dealer for repair. Upon investigation, the contact discovered NHTSA Campaign Number: 14V054000 (Service Brakes, Hydraulic, Electronic Stability Control) which he linked to the failure. Upon speaking with the dealer, the contact was informed that the vehicle was not included in the recall. The manufacturer was also notified of the failure and the contact was directed to the website for assistance. The vehicle remained in the possession of the dealer and had yet to be repaired. The failure mileage was approximately 85,500.
Unknown or OtherCrash1 injured
Filed Jul 4, 2021NH
I was attempting to park in a parking space to return items at a department store at a mall. All of a sudden my truck accelerator on its own. The truck traveled over two cements curbs crossed a road before traveling through a chain-link fence down the front of retaining wall into a wooded area swamp. It took three tow trucks to remove the truck. Police report 21-374-AC. Truck wasn't repairable so my insurance company totalled the truck. I filed a complaint with Toyota in Case number 210602000065 but no outcome. This is the second time this truck has had accelerator issues. My first complaint was Aug 2019 with Toyota case number 1908060035. Toyota pulled the black box and came back stating they couldn't find anything.
Complaint volume is well above typical for a single model year.
Complaint counts track how many cars were sold and how long they have been on the road as much as they track quality. A common model from 2013 has had a decade to accumulate reports; a rare one from last year has not. The signal worth weighing is in the severity columns, in whether the same component keeps appearing, and in whether the manufacturer eventually opened a recall for it.
Recall repairs are free for as long as the recall stands. Check whether a specific car still has open work at NHTSA's VIN lookup.
Most recent recall on file: Jul 3, 2017. Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation.