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BrakesPart report

2012 Toyota Tacoma Brakes Problems

Complaints
22about this part
Share
7%of 295 total for the year
Median mileage
55,000miles
Trend
FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 22 complaints about the brakes of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, 7% of the 295 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 55,000 miles. 6 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“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

“Shortly after buying my Tacoma new I noticed that my anti-lock brakes were sensitive and would lock up without warning and the stopping distance can vary every time I apply the brakes. I brought this up to my dealer's service department during routine oil changes and was told that this is normal. The varied stopping distance causes problems since the truck could suddenly stop shorter than normal and catch traffic behind me off guard and cause an accident. …”

NHTSA complaint #10910895, filed 2016-10, 1,000 miles

“When coming to almost a complete stop my rear drum brakes which sounds like squeaking to me but the dealership says howling. When coming to a full stop my brakes get real spongy and make a very high pitched howling sounds. I am afraid one day that I might not be able to stop and crash into someone.”

NHTSA complaint #10472875, filed 2012-08, 4,700 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

“My Tacoma tends to surge forward when it is stopped. I do not think it has anything to do with the air conditioner being on.I had the A/C off the first time. If someone isn't on the brake firmly they may tap the vehicle in front of them.”

NHTSA complaint #10549658, filed 2013-10, 1,500 miles

Related service bulletins

Brakes: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202618%
202554%
20243321%
2023611%
2022610%
20211215%
20201314%
20195626%
20184823%
20173213%
2016196%
20151212%
20141718%
20131814%
2012227%
2011137%
2010217%
2009357%
2008307%
2007438%
2006496%
2005264%
2004246%
2003195%
2002175%
2001226%
2000105%
199952%
1998217%
199765%
1996125%
199542%

Other parts of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma

Engine
122 complaints
Fuel system
53 complaints
Other or unknown
45 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
35 complaints
Vehicle speed control
22 complaints
Suspension
21 complaints
Electrical system
19 complaints
Electronic stability control
17 complaints
Steering
12 complaints
Air bags
9 complaints
Body and structure
9 complaints
Wheels
7 complaints

← All problems reported for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 31, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology