Photo: IFCAR / Public domain / Wikimedia Commons
2012 Toyota Tundra: common problems and reliability
One of the better Tundra years.
155 owner complaints, most about engine. 4 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Tundra?The 2012 Toyota Tundra has 155 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 4 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are engine and fuel/propulsion system.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Toyota Tundra vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Tundra years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Tundra?
Across the 27 Tundra model years we track, complaint volume runs from 1 (1999) to 1,032 (2000). With 155 complaints, the 2012 Tundra sits about the same as the model's median of 155.
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
Recalls affecting the 2012 Tundra
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 13V014000Southeast 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; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
equipment:other:labels
Campaign 13V123000Southeast 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 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
steering:hydraulic power assist system
Campaign 21V920000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
steering:hydraulic power assist system
Campaign 21E103000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
What owners say across generations
Sentiment is sharply divided by generation.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Tundra. See the full Tundra owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Tundra listings typically run $29,104–$45,177.
Other Tundra model years
Compare every Tundra year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Tundra against its rivals
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