2012 Toyota Tacoma Problems
Compared with other Toyota Tacoma years
Typical for this model
56/100 1.1× a typical year · 50 = typical
- Complaint rate is 1.1× that of a typical Toyota Tacoma year, weighted for crashes, fires, injuries, recalls and mileage, and allowing for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints.
- 36 of its 295 complaints were filed by the end of 2014.
- Most reported problem: Secondary air injection failure and limp mode (152 complaints, median 59,975 mi).
- 7 recall campaigns on record. A VIN search at nhtsa.gov/recalls shows open recalls for a specific vehicle.
Nearby years with fewer complaints than typical and no open NHTSA investigation: 2014
Based only on NHTSA complaints, recalls and investigations. Not adjusted for how many vehicles were sold, and not a reliability rating. How this is calculated
- Complaints
- 295filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 57,000miles, 261 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 7campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- 4 / 5stars overall, 2 rated versions
- EPA fuel economy
- 21 mpgcombined, 2.7L 4-cyl RWD · 19 city / 24 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 2012 Tacoma most often report a sudden loss of power when the secondary air injection system fails, typically leaving the truck in limp mode with the check engine and TRAC OFF lights on. Rear leaf spring noise and breakage, brake/ABS sensitivity, and steering and horn problems also come up repeatedly, mostly between roughly 45,000 and 100,000 miles.
- Engine
Secondary air injection failure and limp mode
- 152 complaints (52%)
- median 59,975 mi at 5.5 yrs old (144 state mileage)
- owner-quoted repair $2,000 (median of 49 quotes)
- filed 2016–2026
Owners describe the check engine and TRAC OFF lights coming on together, often right after a cold start, followed by a severe loss of power that limits the truck to roughly 20-40 mph. Many say dealers read codes P2440 and P2442 and quote repairs to the air switching valves and air pump for several hundred to a couple thousand dollars, with owners frequently stating the work was not covered under powertrain or emissions warranty. Often reported between about 24,000 and 100,000 miles, frequently on cold starts or shortly after pulling out onto a road.
What to check: Ask for the service history and whether the air injection pump and switching valves have been replaced, and scan for stored P2440/P2442 codes before purchase.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“While driving and turning onto a highway, check engine and trac off warning lights came on as I pulled into traffic. Truck went into limp mode so I couldn't accelerate. Oncoming traffic worked around me as I turned on my hazard lights. Secondary air injection system p2440 and p2442 are the error codes associated with the valves stuck open.”
NHTSA complaint #10967107, filed 2017-03, 100,000 miles“About 2 weeks ago my truck was hesitating and my check engine/off trac light was on. The car would not go above 40mph on city streets or highway. I went to a Toyota dealer in puerto rico, they said the codes were p0052, p0456, p2140, p2442 secondary air injection system is bad and would cost $2,458.08 for repairs. I don't know if it is covered by any warranty. It is a 2012 Toyota Tacoma pre-runner.”
NHTSA complaint #11235367, filed 2019-07, 77,500 miles - Brakes
Brakes and ABS engaging unexpectedly
Mentioned in 8 of 60 sampled complaints
Owners report the brake pedal pulsing, brakes feeling overly touchy after rain, or the ABS and stability system activating during ordinary cornering and low-traction driving, sometimes with the vehicle pulling or sliding. Several complaints say dealers attributed the behavior to tires or suspension modifications or did not resolve it. Reported from as little as a couple thousand miles up to around 90,000 miles, often in wet or low-traction conditions.
What to check: Have the ABS and stability system scanned for stored codes and ask whether the brake actuator recall work was completed; test braking on a wet road.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Abs goes off unexpectedly in low speeds/high speeds...dry/wet conditions...usually on winding roads with grade fluctuations causing vehicle to slide into oncoming traffic. This has been going on since my purchase in 2012. Thankfully I have not been in an accident due to this but lots of close calls. Toyota refuses to resolve this issue, and denys that it happens.”
NHTSA complaint #10850511, filed 2016-03, 48,000 miles“The ABS actuates prematurely during cornering on freeway on/off ramps and in corners resulting in suspension dive, an under steer condition, and loss of vehicle control. This occurs when the vehicle is in motion at posted speed limits on dry pavement. I have contacted Toyota/been to the dealership several times about this issue with no resolution. They claim that the leveling kit and at tires are to blame. I related that I had this issue with the truck when it was brand new with no modifications.”
NHTSA complaint #11021214, filed 2017-09, 77,000 miles - Suspension
Leaf springs squeak, sag or break
- 10 complaints (3%)
- median 86,400 mi at 6.7 yrs old (7 state mileage, few)
- filed 2012–2025
Complaints describe a squeak or creak over the rear axle that gets louder at low speed, and in some cases the driver-side leaf spring later breaks or loses a section. Some owners say the truck bottoms out with only a few hundred pounds in the bed, and that replacement springs did not resolve the noise for long. Reported from a few thousand miles up through about 150,000 miles, often noticed on bumps or when loading the bed.
What to check: Look at the leaf spring packs for cracked or missing leaves and listen for creaking over bumps on a test drive.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“When the vehicle is in motion the back end creaks loudly over the rear tires. This is especially noticeable at low speeds as the truck bounces over the road. When the vehicle is stationary and I am in the bed or on the tailgate, the truck bounces easily and creaks loudly over the rear tires. I had new leaf springs installed in july 2018 because that is what my mechanic diagnosed the problem to be. Now, less than a year later the same issue persists. …”
NHTSA complaint #11222217, filed 2019-06, 90,000 miles“My 2012 Toyota Tacoma trd off road does not meet its payload capacity. It has a limit of 1240 lbs and routinely bottoms out with 300-500 lbs in the bed of the truck. Toyota knows about the issue has issued tsbs on the leaf springs but refuses to solve the issue on the new 2012 trucks.”
NHTSA complaint #10468883, filed 2012-08, 5,000 miles
Buying note. Have a pre-purchase scan done for air injection codes and check the service history for previous valve or pump work, then inspect the rear leaf springs and test the brakes, steering return and horn on a drive.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 295 consumer complaints for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. 261 of the complaints include a mileage, and 39% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 57,000 miles. Of all complaints, 16 involved a crash, 6 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns and 464 technical service bulletins for this model year. Compared with the other 15 Toyota Tacoma model years that have at least 25 complaints and are old enough to compare, this one scores 56 out of 100, where 50 is a typical year for the model (typical for this model). The comparison allows for the era and for how long each year has had to collect complaints, but not for how many vehicles were sold.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Engine122 41%
- Fuel system53 18%
- Other or unknown45 15%
- Brakes22 7.5%
- Vehicle speed control22 7.5%
- Suspension21 7.1%
- Electrical system19 6.4%
- Electronic stability control17 5.8%
- Steering12 4.1%
Also reported: Air bags (9), Body and structure (9), Wheels (7), Exterior lighting (3), Engine cooling (2), Seat belts (2), Seats (2), Tires (2), Equipment (1).
Example complaints
Engine: “The check engine light and the trac off light came on as I was merging onto the interstate. I immediately stopped the vehicle, pulled over, and took my 2012 Toyota Tacoma with 78,000 miles to the mechanic where I left it overnight for them to look at it in the morning. Running a diagnostic they found code p2443 - secondary air injection switching valve stuck. …”
NHTSA complaint #11060748, filed 2018-01, 78,000 milesFuel system: “Secondary air injection system truck would not accelerate and lost power. I've noticed it has done this since new. I now have 37,000 miles on it and have received messages check engine light and trac off messages. This is very dangerous as you have no engine power when entering into traffic. The truck will not go over 35 miles an hour and takes for ever to gain speed.”
NHTSA complaint #10940024, filed 2017-01, 37,000 milesOther or unknown: “I brought truck to Toyota dealership as part of rusted frame recall to be verified. They stated truck was not rusted enough underneath for Toyota to approve recall. That was a couple of months ago. I have recently brought it to a few mechanics to do some work on A/C as the A/C stopped working and that refuse to work on it as the truck is so rusted underneath!! They said it would crumble. Not even worth it.”
NHTSA complaint #11350058, filed 2020-08, 137,000 milesTransmission and drivetrain: “While commuting to work the engine light and traction control light came on, causing my truck to slow down, very slow. It would not let me accelerate and disabled my progress to around 2000 rpms. This could have been a very serious or a dangerous situation especially if I was towing a load or in a major traffic situation. Codes - 2440 and 2442 were the causes of this scary account.”
NHTSA complaint #11021153, filed 2017-09, 105,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
39% of the 261 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 37,000 and 79,100 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma · crew cab 2WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 14.7% risk |
| Tacoma · crew cab 4WD | ★★★★☆ | 4 / 3 | 5 | 4 | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Tacoma · extended cab 2WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 14.7% risk |
| Tacoma · regular cab 2WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 14.7% risk |
| Tacoma · extended cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
| Tacoma · regular cab 4WD | not rated | — | — | — | 4 · 19.1% risk |
Neighbouring years: 2011: same overall rating; 2013: same overall rating. A redesign between years can change both the car and the test.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2012 Toyota Tacoma version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 25 | 22 | $3,050 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 19 | 24 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 17 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Tacoma 2WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 18 | 21 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 2.7L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 18 | 20 | 19 | $3,550 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 16 | 21 | 18 | $3,700 |
| Tacoma 4WD | 4.0L 6-cyl | 6-speed manual | 15 | 19 | 17 | $3,950 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 17V425000Jul 3, 2017EquipmentCovers: Toyota Tacoma 2011–2016, 4RUNNER 2011–2016
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…
- 14V475000Aug 4, 2014Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Toyota Tacoma 2008–2014, FJ Cruiser 2008–2014
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…
- 14V054000Feb 12, 2014Electronic stability control (esc)Covers: Toyota Tacoma 2012–2013, Lexus RX350 2012–2013, Toyota RAV4 2012
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…
- 13V494000Oct 17, 2013Tires › Temporary/emergency spare tireCovers: Toyota Tacoma 2012–2013
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…
- 13V123000Apr 9, 2013Equipment › Other › LabelsCovers: Toyota Tacoma 2010–2013, Tundra 2008, 2010–2013, Highlander 2010–2013 +16 more
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…
- 13V014000Jan 16, 2013SeatsCovers: Toyota Tacoma 2009–2012, Highlander 2009–2013, Venza 2009–2013 +13 more
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…
See all 7 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 464 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11028712Jan 7, 2026Other or unknown. Some 2005 – 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…
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and 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…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and 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…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and 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…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and 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…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and 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…
- 11007455Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 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…
- 11006161Jul 29, 2024Body and structure. Some 2005 – 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…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024Body and 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…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024Body and 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…
Other model years of the Toyota Tacoma
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 13 | 6,800 | 0 | 4 | 23 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 114 | 6,000 | 5 | 4 | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 154 | 15,826 | 6 | — | 23 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 54 | 19,140 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 37 · Typical | Too new |
| 2022 | 59 | 24,000 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 31 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 81 | 9,700 | 0 | 4 | 21 | 14 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2020 | 90 | 5,000 | 1 | 4 | 21 | 29 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2019 | 219 | 5,500 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 80 · More | Falling |
| 2018 | 209 | 13,478 | 3 | 4 | 21 | 63 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 243 | 15,501 | 5 | 4 | 21 | 80 · More | Stable |
| 2016 | 324 | 15,000 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 91 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 101 | 10,000 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 43 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 93 | 28,000 | 4 | 4 | 21 | 24 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2013 | 125 | 40,160 | 6 | 4 | 21 | 43 · Typical | Falling |
| 2012 | 295 | 57,000 | 7 | 4 | 21 | 56 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 186 | 65,141 | 9 | 4 | 21 | 42 · Typical | Falling |
| 2010 | 294 | 40,000 | 13 | — | 21 | 76 · More | Rising |
| 2009 | 519 | 35,974 | 13 | — | 21 | 100 · More | Stable |
| 2008 | 449 | 57,000 | 11 | — | 21 | 88 · More | Stable |
| 2007 | 541 | 62,000 | 10 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 782 | 71,428 | 11 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 707 | 82,000 | 10 | — | 20 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 415 | 108,000 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 360 | 108,094 | 3 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 333 | 120,000 | 3 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 396 | 144,000 | 4 | — | 18 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 211 | 130,300 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 249 | 120,316 | 0 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 300 | 136,000 | 1 | — | 19 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 131 | 149,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1996 | 253 | 139,000 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 177 | 160,000 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
All Toyota Tacoma model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
Owners of the 2012 Tacoma most often report a sudden loss of power when the secondary air injection system fails, typically leaving the truck in limp mode with the check engine and TRAC OFF lights on. The issues reported most often: Secondary air injection failure and limp mode; Brakes and ABS engaging unexpectedly; Leaf springs squeak, sag or break.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA recorded 295 consumer complaints for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma is reported most often?
Engine is named most often, in 122 complaints (41% of the total), followed by fuel system with 53.
Has the 2012 Toyota Tacoma been recalled?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
How did the 2012 Toyota Tacoma do in NHTSA crash tests?
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings give the 2012 Toyota Tacoma 4 out of 5 stars overall, across 2 rated versions (body style and drive). Ratings from different model years are only comparable when the vehicle was not redesigned in between.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma get?
The EPA rates the 2012 Toyota Tacoma (Tacoma 2WD, 2.7L 4-cyl) at 21 mpg combined, 19 city and 24 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $3,200 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2012 Toyota Tacoma reported?
Among the 261 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 57,000 miles and the middle half falls between 37,000 and 79,100 miles; 39% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.