2012 Toyota Yaris Problems
Shopping for a used 2012 Toyota Yaris? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Based on 35 real NHTSA owner complaints, with Airbag Malfunctions the most reported area.
Before you buy
This 2012 Toyota Yaris has 35 NHTSA complaints — top issue: Airbag Malfunctions.
A model-year pattern isn't the car in front of you. Check this exact VIN for accidents, open recalls, odometer rollback, and salvage titles.
Free preview · Full report from $12.95.
2012 Toyota Yaris Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 2 2012 Toyota Yaris trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 2 trims analysed.
2012 Toyota Yaris Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star Program3 variants tested — showing 2012 Toyota Yaris Liftback 5 HB FWDOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
13.6% rollover risk
Frontal Crash
Side Crash
Rollover
13.6% probability
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2012 Toyota Yaris has 35 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Airbag Malfunctions. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Yaris
- Model year
- 2012
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 35
- Crash-related complaints
- 12
- Safety recall campaigns
- 5
- Top reported component
- Airbag Malfunctions
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 33
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 30 / 36
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- NHTSA overall safety rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA frontal crash rating
- 4/5 stars
- NHTSA side crash rating
- 5/5 stars
- NHTSA rollover rating
- 4/5 stars
- Electronic stability control
- Standard
Common problems
Most common 2012 Toyota Yaris problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Airbag Malfunctions
Structural Problems
Electrical Faults
Complaint patterns center on Airbag Malfunctions, Structural Problems, Electrical Faults. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Buyer verdict
Should you buy a used 2012 Toyota Yaris?
The 2012 Toyota Yaris shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
Pre-purchase
What to check before buying a used 2012 Toyota Yaris
Inspection Focus
- Check for any open recalls related to airbag systems at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to see if airbag or structural issues have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag components and structural integrity.
- Test all electrical systems and verify wheel condition.
Before You Close the Deal
- Check for any open recalls related to airbag systems at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records to see if airbag or structural issues have been addressed.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle, focusing on airbag components and structural integrity.
- Test all electrical systems and verify wheel condition.
Check the exact car
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2012 Toyota Yaris, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
AI verdict
What the complaint data suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
Based on 35 NHTSA complaints for the 2012 Toyota Yaris, the data shows a concentration of airbag-related issues, with 18 complaints. There are also reports of structural, electrical, and wheel problems, though the confidence level is low due to the limited sample size.
- Airbag Malfunctions account for the majority of complaints (18 out of 35).
- Crash-related complaints total 12, but the data does not specify which components were involved.
- Other reported issues include Structural Problems (5), Electrical Faults (4), Wheel Issues (4), and Unintended Acceleration (4).
- Airbag Malfunctions are the most frequently reported component issue.
- Structural Problems appear in 5 complaints, suggesting possible body or frame concerns.
- Electrical Faults and Wheel Issues each have 4 complaints, indicating potential areas of concern.
Full breakdown
All 2012 Toyota Yaris complaints by category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Yaris. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbag Malfunctions | 18 | 9 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 4 | — | 1 | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 4 | 2 | — | — | |
| Unintended Acceleration | 4 | 1 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Tire Issues | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
In their words
Real owner complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2012 Toyota Yaris. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Yaris The contact stated that while slowing down and coming to a stoplight, a second vehicle traveling 54 mph crashed into the rear of the vehicle. During the crash, both the driver-side and passenger-side seat belts malfunctioned and did not secur…
I was driving a 2012 yaris when I was in an accident that totaled the vehicles. I was hospitalized for 3 weeks which I believe the airbags had played a major role in the seriousness of the injuries I sustained but not sure how to prove that they failed to protect me and possible …
WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH AND HAD TO BRAKE FOR SLOWER TRAFFIC AHEAD. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED, BRAKING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, THEN THE RIGHT ALMOST SENDING ME OFF THE ROAD. AFTER THIS HAD HAPPENED, THE SPEEDOMETER HAD STARTED JUMPING …
ON MY WAY HOME, A 70'S TRUCK HIT MY LEFT SIDE, THE AIRBAG CAME OUT BLIND ME AND MADE LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICULE. IS A MIRACLE THAT IM ALIVE. HAPPENED AT PR132 KM0.4 GUAYANILLA PR 00656.
SALUDOS CUANDO ME DETENGO LAS REVOLUCIONES BAJAN MUCHOS EL CARRO EMPIEZA A TEMBLAR Y HACE COMO PARA APAGARSE
[XXX] ON JUNE 3,17 WAS IN A FATAL AUTO COLLIONS THAT COSTED HER LIFE.THE AUTO WAS TOWED TO HAYS TOWING IN SAN BERNADINO CA. AT:5486 INDUSTRIAL PKWY. SAN BERNARDINO CA 92407. POLICE REPORT [XXX]*DT INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C.…
2012 TOYOTA YARIS. CONSUMER WRITES TO RECOMMEND RECALLING VEHICLE MODEL BECAUSE OF ITS MANY MANUFACTURING DEFECTS. *AS *TR
DRIVING DOWN HWY 94....WITH 4 CHILDREN IN THE VEHICLE AND THERE WAS A MASSIVE CHUNK OF SOME TYPE OF HARD DEBRIS....THE CAR THUMPED SO HARD AND SCARED US ALL.!!!! WE CONTINUED ON TO CHURCH AT ASSUMPTION IN ST PAUL AFTERWARDS WE DROVE OFF TO LEAVE AND FELT THE CAR FLAPPING...WE HAD…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE CHECK ENGINE WARNING INDICATOR WAS CONSTANTLY ILLUMINATED FOR APPROXIMATELY ONE MONTH. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER OR AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF…
2012 TOYOTA . CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO RECALL NOTICE REPLACEMENT PARTS ISSUES. CONSUMER HAS DIFFERENT VEHICLE ISSUES IN ARTEMIS. *SMD *CN
I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT.
MY PROBLEM IS WITH THE REAR HATCH GLASS HAS BLOWN OUT TWICE WITH NO UNDERSTANDING HOW IT COULD OF HAPPENED BOTH TIMES WAS WITH THE VEHICLE IN A PARKED SITUATION NO PRESSURE ON THE GLASS THE SECOND TIME MY WIFE AND DOG WERE INSIDE THE CAR WAITING FOR ME IN THE AFTERNOON TO PICK ME…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL AT 40 MPH, LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE TREE IN FRONT. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO THE DEALER. THE MANUFACTURER WAS N…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT RECEIVED NOTIFICATION OF NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS); HOWEVER, THE PARTS TO DO THE REPAIR WERE UNAVAILABLE. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE MANUFACTURER EXCEEDED A REASONABLE AMOUNT OF TIME FOR THE RECALL REPAIR. T…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS) ON JANUARY 9, 2017, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE INTERIM RECALL NOTICE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO. MOTORWORLD TOYOTA (150 MOTORWORLD DR #4, WILKES-BARRE, …
BRAKES: LEFT SIDE REAR BRAKE SHOE ADJUSTER BAR PART REPLACEMENT DOES NOT FIT ON BRAKE. DEALER AND PEP BOYS BOTH TRIED TO REPLACE IT AND THE PARTS DO NOT MATCH, A RIGHT SIDE ADJUSTER BAR HAD TO BE USED IN ITS PLACE. REPAIRS WERE ATTEMPTED SEVERAL TIMES OVER A PERIOD OF APPROXIMAT…
MY CAR WAS IN WRECK THAT TOTALLED THE CAR OUT AND THE AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO TOYOTA OF SANTA BARBARA (5611 HOLLISTER AVE, GOLETA, CA 93117) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE SPIRAL CABLE FAILED AND NEEDED TO…
ON 7/9/2017 @ 6:45PM WHILE DRIVING ON HIGHWAY 90 THE REAR BUMPER PANEL ON MY 2012 TOYOTA YARIS CAME UNHINGED AND WAS FLAPPING CAUSING THE RIGHT SIDE TO ALSO DETACH. THE PLASTIC CLIPS THAT HOLD THE BUMPER ARE NOT HOLDING! MY CAR IS IN GRATE/EXCELLENT CONDITION. IT APPEARS TO BE…
TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 35 MPH, THE CONTACT STRUCK SOMETHING IN THE ROAD. AS A RESULT, THE VEHICLE DROVE OFF THE ROAD AND CRASHED INTO A TREE. NONE OF THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE CONTACT SUSTA…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2012 Toyota Yaris.
Safety recalls
2012 Toyota Yaris recalls
5 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2012 Toyota Yaris. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
STRUCTURE
STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
Research more
Keep researching before you buy
Compare brands and categories, then check the exact car's history by VIN.
Questions
2012 Toyota Yaris buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2012 Toyota Yaris reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 35 owner complaints, 12 crash-related complaints, and 5 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2012 Toyota Yaris shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?▾
#1: Airbag Malfunctions (18 complaints). #2: Structural Problems (5 complaints). #3: Electrical Faults (4 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2012 Toyota Yaris?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2012 Toyota Yaris?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2012 Toyota Yaris, NHTSA complaints include 12 crash-related reports and 1 fire reports out of 35 total complaints. 11 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2012 Toyota Yaris have any recalls?▾
Yes. 5 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2012 Toyota Yaris. A major recall area is AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE. 5 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2012 Toyota Yaris?▾
The 2012 Toyota Yaris shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Airbag Malfunctions during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Yaris reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2012 Toyota Yaris based on your ownership experience.
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Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Before you buy
Check the exact vehicle history before you buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.