The Used Car Index

2012 Toyota Tacoma problems

NHTSA lists 295 complaints for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, 16 of them mention a crash and 0 mention a fire. 6 complaints mention an injury, with 6 injuries and 0 deaths reported.

Data build 2026-10-09.

NHTSA lists this vehicle as TOYOTA TACOMA.

At a glance

Complaints
295
With crash
16
With fire
0
With injury (complaints)
6
Injuries
6
Deaths
0
Recalls
7
Do not drive recalls
0
Park outside recalls
0
Recall potential units (maximum)
261,114
Investigations
1
Open investigations
0
Manufacturer communications
464

Complaints per 100k sold unavailable. The available sales group does not match this vehicle variant.

Where the complaints are

Top systems
SystemComplaintsShare of this vehicle's complaints
ENGINE12241.4%
FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM5217.6%
UNKNOWN OR OTHER4314.6%
POWER TRAIN3511.9%
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL227.5%
SERVICE BRAKES217.1%
SUSPENSION217.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM196.4%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)175.8%
STEERING124.1%
Top subsystems
SystemSubsystemComplaints
STRUCTUREBODY8
POWER TRAINAUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION2
ELECTRICAL SYSTEMINSTRUMENT PANEL1
EQUIPMENTOTHER1
STRUCTUREFRAME AND MEMBERS1
SUSPENSIONREAR1
TIRESPRESSURE MONITORING AND REGULATING SYSTEMS1
WHEELSRIM1

One complaint can name several systems, so shares can add to more than 100 percent.

Model-generated complaint tags

These labels are model-generated, not NHTSA data.

Failure modes
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
mechanical failure14151.6%0.81
electrical electronic5219.0%0.73
loss of control4215.4%0.74
noise or comfort165.9%0.89
restraint or airbag93.3%0.87
unclear82.9%0.65
structural or corrosion31.1%0.94
fire or overheating10.4%0.72
visibility or lighting10.4%1.00
Severities
LabelCountShare of taggedMean confidence
moderate15556.8%0.83
low10137.0%0.72
high134.8%0.91
none41.5%0.80

Model: typesafe/jev-1.13-20260917; schema version: tag-v1. 273 tagged complaints of 295 complaints (92.5%).

Confidence is the model's own probability for the label it chose (0 to 1), not accuracy.

Model-generated labels on tagged complaints only. Model years 2013 and newer are tagged in full; 2012 in part (see tagged_share); earlier model years have no tags. NHTSA's own flags remain separate in the complaints block.

Recalls

See new recalls and investigations this week.

7 recalls.

17V425000

Date: 2017-07-03. Systems: EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V475000

Date: 2014-08-04. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

14V054000

Date: 2014-02-12. Systems: ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC), SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC.

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 (excerpt)

Consequence: If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V494000

Date: 2013-10-17. Systems: TIRES.

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.

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V123000

Date: 2013-04-09. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

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 To (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

13V014000

Date: 2013-01-16. Systems: AIR BAGS, SEATS.

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; (excerpt)

Consequence: 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. (excerpt)

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. (excerpt)

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

12V158000

Date: 2012-04-10. Systems: EQUIPMENT.

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,A TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.A

Consequence: 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.

Do not drive: No. Park outside: No.

Investigations

1 investigations; 0 open.

EA19001

Opened: 2019-04-19. Closed: 2024-09-19.

Electrical overstress

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.A During the investigation a complex failure was studied that can result in non-deployment of subject vehicle air bags and other restraint system devices in severe crash events. The subject vehicl

Systems: AIR BAGS.

Linked campaign numbers: 20V024.

Manufacturer communications

464 manufacturer communications.

Communications by system
SystemCount
EQUIPMENT178
STRUCTURE119
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM57
POWER TRAIN47
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING32
ENGINE29
AIR BAGS14
BACK OVER PREVENTION9

11028712

Date: 2026-01-07. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: UNKNOWN OR OTHER.

Some 2005 a 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedur

11012742

Date: 2024-12-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfa

11012743

Date: 2024-12-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.

11012744

Date: 2024-12-06. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,

11012735

Date: 2024-12-05. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film wi

11012727

Date: 2024-12-03. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surfa

11006161

Date: 2024-07-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Some 2005 a 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedur

11007455

Date: 2024-07-29. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

Some 2005 a 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedur

11007444

Date: 2024-07-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer.

11007445

Date: 2024-07-12. Type: Service Bulletin/Repair Instructions. Systems: STRUCTURE.

The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof,

Notes on this record

  • Complaints from the API and bulk file are merged and deduplicated by ODI number; the API alone misses records.
  • System and subsystem counts are numbers of distinct complaints, recalls or communications that name them. One record can name several systems, so shares across systems can add to more than 100 percent; a single share never exceeds 100 percent.
  • Recalls are counted once per campaign, investigations once per action and manufacturer communications once per NHTSA id, even when NHTSA lists several model names for the same record.
  • A sales denominator is a calendar-year proxy, not the population of vehicles still in use. Rates are copied from verified pipeline output.

Other names NHTSA uses

None listed.

Matched NHTSA models

Matched labels and complaints
NHTSA model labelComplaints
TACOMA295

Same model, other years

All model years | All Toyota models

Other Toyota models, 2012

Sources

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