Severe Issues

2012 TOYOTA TACOMA Problems

Real NHTSA owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. This model year has 294 NHTSA complaints β€” top issue: Engine Problems.

294
Complaints
16
Crashes
β€”
Fires
6
Injuries
β€”
Deaths
7
Recalls

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This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about the specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer rollbacks, and open recalls.

Worst 2012 Toyota Tacoma Problems

Top 3 most-reported issues with average mileage at failure.

#1
124
complaints

Engine Problems

Crash-related:1
Injuries:1
#2
51
complaints

Fuel/Propulsion System

Crash-related:1
#3
43
complaints

Uncategorized Issues

Crash-related:3
Injuries:1

Considering a 2012 Toyota Tacoma?

This page shows the model year's reputation. The VIN tells you about this specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99 (vs. Carfax $44.99).

All Problems by Category

Every NHTSA complaint category for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. A single complaint may appear in multiple categories.

ComponentComplaintsCrashesFiresAvg MileageVolume
Engine Problems1241β€”β€”
Fuel/Propulsion System511β€”β€”
Uncategorized Issues433β€”β€”
Transmission / Drivetrain35β€”β€”β€”
Brake System226β€”β€”
Unintended Acceleration222β€”β€”
Suspension Failures21β€”β€”β€”
Electrical Faults191β€”β€”
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)172β€”β€”
Steering Defects12β€”β€”β€”
Airbag Malfunctions95β€”β€”
Structural Problems92β€”β€”
Wheel Issues71β€”β€”
Headlight/Taillight Failures3β€”β€”β€”
Seat-Related Issues21β€”β€”
Tire Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Traction Control System2β€”β€”β€”
Seat Belt Issues2β€”β€”β€”
Hydraulic1β€”β€”β€”
Equipment1β€”β€”β€”
Fuel System1β€”β€”β€”
Gasoline1β€”β€”β€”

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.

Search Owner Complaints

Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Type a keyword (e.g. β€œtransmission”, β€œstalling”, β€œbrakes”) to filter.

πŸ”

Showing 294 most recent complaints

Seat-Related IssuesπŸ’₯ CrashJan 30, 2026

- 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 …

Electrical FaultsJan 22, 2026

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,…

Airbag MalfunctionsπŸ’₯ CrashJan 14, 2026

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…

Transmission / DrivetrainJul 30, 2025

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. Th…

Suspension FailuresJun 2, 2025

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 understa…

Steering DefectsMay 22, 2025

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

Wheel IssuesπŸ’₯ CrashMay 15, 2025

The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while his son was driving 40 MPH, the rear driver-sideΒ wheel rim detached. The traction control and ABS warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle veered to the right, accelerated independently, and went up the emb…

Transmission / DrivetrainDec 28, 2024

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 …

Structural ProblemsDec 18, 2023

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 …

Structural ProblemsπŸ’₯ CrashSep 24, 2023

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.…

Fuel/Propulsion SystemSep 15, 2023

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…

Steering DefectsAug 8, 2023

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 …

Uncategorized IssuesπŸ’₯ CrashDec 20, 2022

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 liabi…

Transmission / DrivetrainNov 11, 2022

Drivetrain vibration and cricket chripping noise; likly coming from propeller shaft

Engine ProblemsAug 30, 2022

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 abou…

Uncategorized IssuesSep 23, 2021

The frame has rusted through in several spots.

Suspension FailuresSep 8, 2021

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 …

Brake SystemSep 2, 2021

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…

Uncategorized IssuesπŸ’₯ CrashJul 4, 2021

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…

Suspension FailuresJun 19, 2021

Is there a recall on leaf springs

Page 1 of 15

Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

Recalls for 2012 Toyota Tacoma

7 campaigns

NHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Recalls are free to fix at any authorized dealer. Run a VIN check below to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

17V425000Mar 7, 2017
STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

14V054000Dec 2, 2014
SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

14V475000Apr 8, 2014
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

13V494000Invalid Date
TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

13V014000Invalid Date
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

12V158000Oct 4, 2012
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

13V123000Sep 4, 2013
EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

2012 Toyota Tacoma β€” FAQ

Answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this specific model year.

Is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma reliable?β–Ύ

Severe Issues. The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has 294 NHTSA owner complaints, 16 crash-related, and 7 recall campaigns. The most reported issue is Engine Problems (124 complaints). Source: NHTSA via VinSpector AI.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

#1: Engine Problems (124 complaints). #2: Fuel/Propulsion System (51 complaints). #3: Uncategorized Issues (43 complaints)

At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.

How safe is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has 16 crash-related complaints and 0 fire reports out of 294 total NHTSA complaints. 6 injuries were reported. For NCAP lab crash test star ratings, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.

Does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?β–Ύ

Yes β€” 7 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The largest issue: STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS. Check nhtsa.gov/recalls or run a VIN check to see if your specific vehicle has open recalls.

Should I buy a 2012 Toyota Tacoma?β–Ύ

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has severe issues β€” review the top problems before buying. Pay particular attention to Engine Problems issues. Always run a VIN check on the specific car you're considering to check for accident history, open recalls, and title brands.

Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.

Wider context: See the full Toyota Tacoma reliability report with year-by-year comparison.

Check Your Specific 2012 Toyota Tacoma

Real owner complaints tell you about the model. The VIN tells you about your specific car β€” accidents, title issues, odometer fraud. Full report just $4.99.