2012 Toyota Tacoma: common problems and reliability

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has 294 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 7 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and fuel/propulsion system. Owners most often flag frame rust/rot (including on replacement frames from the rust recall): frequency: recurrent.

Safety record for the 2012 model year

294
Owner complaints
7
Recalls
16
Crash reports
0
Fire reports

Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma vehicles (US, public record).

Is 2012 a good year for the Tacoma?

Across the 7 Tacoma model years we track, complaint volume runs from 48 (2023) to 414 (2004). With 294 complaints, the 2012 Tacoma sits abovethe model's median of 138.

These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.

Where owners report problems

engine
122
fuel/propulsion system
51
power train
35
service brakes
22
vehicle speed control
22

Recalls affecting the 2012 Tacoma

structure:body:hood:hinge and attachments

Campaign 17V425000

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 we

service brakes, hydraulic:antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip:control unit/module

Campaign 14V054000

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 adju

equipment:other:labels

Campaign 14V475000

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 fi

tires:temporary/emergency spare tire

Campaign 13V494000

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 o

What owners report on the 2nd generation Tacoma

Owners of the 2nd generation Tacoma express strong affection for the truck, frequently calling it the "peak Tacoma" and praising the 4.0L V6 engine as solid and reliable. The most common criticisms center on the uncomfortable seating position and seats, which

  • Frame rust/rot (including on replacement frames from the rust recall): Frequency: recurrent
  • Uncomfortable seating position and seats, described as sitting too close to the floor: Frequency: very frequent
  • Poor fuel economy, typically 16-19 mpg: Frequency: very frequent
  • Smog pump failure on 2012 models: Frequency: isolated
  • Transmission failure shortly after 100k miles (one owner report): Frequency: isolated

Owner insights for the 2nd generation Tacoma. Read the full 2nd generation owner report.

Typical used price

Used Tacoma listings typically run $27,275–$40,236 across 2015 to 2026 model years.

Other Tacoma model years

Compare every Tacoma year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.

Compare the Tacoma against its rivals