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U.S. public vehicle records

2012 Toyota TACOMA: complaints, problems and recalls

Explore the records behind recurring owner reports.

Key facts

295 owner complaints analyzed

7 distinct recall campaigns

57,000 mi median reported failure mileage

Scope: 2012 model year. Data snapshot: . 261 complaints include usable failure mileage.

Owner-reported patterns

Most common problems

Engine is the most frequently named component, appearing in 122 of 295 complaints (41.4%). A complaint can name multiple components.

Recurring terms in complaint narratives
TopicMatching reportsShare of complaints
Braking behavior3010.2%
Steering behavior175.8%
Fuel system concerns155.1%
Engine operation103.4%
Transmission and shifting82.7%
Electrical and battery issues62.0%

Topic matches use published keyword rules. They describe mentions, including negations or comparisons, and do not confirm a diagnosis. Read the matching rules.

Component breakdown

Number of unique complaints naming each component. Top eight shown.

Engine
122
Fuel/Propulsion System
52
Unknown Or Other
43
Power Train
34
Vehicle Speed Control
22
Service Brakes
21
Suspension
21
Electrical System
18
Component breakdown data
CategoryCount
Engine122
Fuel/Propulsion System52
Unknown Or Other43
Power Train34
Vehicle Speed Control22
Service Brakes21
Suspension21
Electrical System18

Engine: 122; Fuel/Propulsion System: 52; Unknown Or Other: 43; Power Train: 34; Vehicle Speed Control: 22; Service Brakes: 21; Suspension: 21; Electrical System: 18

Reported problems by failure mileage

Complaint counts in mileage bands. These are not failure rates per vehicle or mile.

Under 25,000
46
25,000 to 49,999
57
50,000 to 74,999
79
75,000 to 99,999
48
100,000 to 149,999
25
150,000 and above
6
Reported problems by failure mileage data
CategoryCount
Under 25,00046
25,000 to 49,99957
50,000 to 74,99979
75,000 to 99,99948
100,000 to 149,99925
150,000 and above6

Under 25,000: 46; 25,000 to 49,999: 57; 50,000 to 74,999: 79; 75,000 to 99,999: 48; 100,000 to 149,999: 25; 150,000 and above: 6

50,000 to 74,999 miles has the most reports with usable mileage (79). 34 complaints have missing, zero or invalid mileage.

Complaints over time

Year the complaint was filed, not the vehicle model year or incident year. The snapshot year is partial.

2011
1
2012
12
2013
9
2014
14
2015
16
2016
47
2017
98
2018
30
2019
26
2020
13
2021
13
2022
3
2023
4
2024
1
2025
4
2026
4
Complaints over time data
CategoryCount
20111
201212
20139
201414
201516
201647
201798
201830
201926
202013
202113
20223
20234
20241
20254
20264

2011: 1; 2012: 12; 2013: 9; 2014: 14; 2015: 16; 2016: 47; 2017: 98; 2018: 30; 2019: 26; 2020: 13; 2021: 13; 2022: 3; 2023: 4; 2024: 1; 2025: 4; 2026: 4

Pattern summary

Engine leads the component reports. Braking behavior appears in 30 complaint narratives. Steering behavior appears in 17 complaint narratives. Fuel system concerns appears in 15 complaint narratives. Use these patterns to inspect individual reports and prepare questions for a mechanic.

Calculated from recorded counts. An AI narrative has not been published for this selection.

Examples from the source records

Examples provide context, not a representative sample or a verified diagnosis.

Owner report 10434747 · 2011-11-07 (November 7, 2011)

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE VEHICLE BEGAN TO VIOLENTLY SHAKE AND PULL TOWARDS THE LEFT WHILE DRIVING 57 MPH. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO AN AUTHORIZED DEALER WHERE IT WAS REPAIRED, BUT THE FAILURES CONTINUED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE AND OFFERED NO ASSISTANCE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 3 AND THE CURRENT MILEAGE WAS 1,100.

Owner-reported narrative. 3 miles reported. Look up ODI 10434747 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10450425 · 2012-03-06 (March 6, 2012)

AT 300 MILES I NOTICED UPON DOWNSHIFTING ( I BELIEVE 3-2 OR 2-1) A RUMBLESTRIP VIBRATION FEELING. I TOOK THE TRUCK TO THE DEALER AND THEY SAID IT WAS NORMAL. IT STILL OCCURS EVERYTIME I DOWNSHIFT (SOMETIMES STRONGER FEELING THEN OTHER TIMES) I RESEARCHED PREVIOUS YEARS WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT.. IT CANT BE HEALTHY FOR THE TRANSMISSION CLUTCHES. I NOW HAVE 1300 MILES...STILL HAPPENING...ANY THOUGHTS? *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 323 miles reported. Look up ODI 10450425 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10451669 · 2012-03-14 (March 14, 2012)

THE CENTER SEAT BELT AUTOMATIC LOCKING RETRACTOR (ALR) WILL NOT RELEASE IF THE SHOULDER SEAT BELT IS COMPLETELY EXTENDED. THE OWNERS MANUAL SAYS THAT THIS IS NORMAL AND THAT WHEN THE SEATBELT IS FULLY RETRACTED IT WILL FREE IT UP. THIS DOES NOT WORK UNLESS THE SEAT IS ADJUSTED AT LEAST HALF WAY BACK. I AM 5'-9" TALL, AND HAVE THIS PROBLEM ABOUT 1/2 THE TIME. MY DAUGHTER WHO IS MUCH SHORTER, HAS THIS PROBLEM ALL THE TIME. I TOOK THIS TO THE DEALER, AND THEY CALLED TOYOTA TECHNICAL SUPPORT AND THEY SAID THAT THE SEAT BELT IS FUNCTIONING AS…

Owner-reported narrative. 250 miles reported. Look up ODI 10451669 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10468882 · 2012-08-01 (August 1, 2012)

MY TACOMA TENDS TO SURGE FORWARD WHEN IT IS STOPPED. I THINK IT HAS SOMETHING TO DO WITH THE AIR CONDITIONER BEING ON. IF SOMEONE ISN'T ON THE BRAKE FIRMLY THEY MAY TAP THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF THEM. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10468882 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10468883 · 2012-08-01 (August 1, 2012)

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. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 5,000 miles reported. Look up ODI 10468883 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10472875 · 2012-08-29 (August 29, 2012)

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. *TR

Owner-reported narrative. 4,700 miles reported. Look up ODI 10472875 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10476424 · 2012-09-20 (September 20, 2012)

2012 TOYOTA TACOMA. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOOSE FRONT SEAT ON THE PASSENGER SIDE *TGW THE DEALER INFORMED THE CONSUMER IT WAS NORMAL, FOR HIS MODEL VEHICLE.

Owner-reported narrative. Look up ODI 10476424 at NHTSA ↗

Owner report 10476617 · 2012-09-21 (September 21, 2012)

TACOMA 2012 TRD 4X4 6SPD SINCE NEW @ 3 MILES, TRUCK SHAKES UPON ACCELERATION IN 1ST THROUGH 2ND GEAR FROM 3 TO ABOUT 25MPH (MOSTLY UPHILL) AND TRANSMISSION GRINDS AND WON'T ENGAGE ALL GEARS ALWAYS. SUSPECT DRIVE TRAIN WILL FAIL. 1. AT 90 MILES BROUGHT TO DEALER. DEALER FOUND DRIVESHAFT CENTER SUPPORT BEARING INSTALLED INCORRECTLY (NOT ALIGNED, CROOKED) AND DRIVE SHAFT CONTAINED NO GREASE. TOYOTA USA ACKNOWLEDGED PROBLEM, TOYOTA USA INSTRUCTED DEALER HOW TO ATTEMPT TO REMEDY PROBLEM. DEALER INSPECTED, REMOVED & ROAD TESTED WITH VEHICLE IN 4X4 …

Owner-reported narrative. 90 miles reported. Look up ODI 10476617 at NHTSA ↗

Recall history

7 distinct campaigns affect this selection. Announcement dates below are different from vehicle model years. A campaign may cover multiple years.

12V158000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 2012-04-10 (April 10, 2012)

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,”TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V014000 · Seats | Air Bags:Frontal:Sensor/Control Module-Inactive

Reported: 2013-01-16 (January 16, 2013)

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; 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.

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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V123000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 2013-04-09 (April 9, 2013)

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 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."

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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
13V494000 · Tires:Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire

Reported: 2013-10-17 (October 17, 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 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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V054000 · Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | Service Brakes, Hydraulic:Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip:Control Unit/Module

Reported: 2014-02-12 (February 12, 2014)

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 lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.

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

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
14V475000 · Equipment:Other:Labels

Reported: 2014-08-04 (August 4, 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 list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."

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.

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗
17V425000 · Equipment | Structure:Body:Hood:Hinge And Attachments

Reported: 2017-07-03 (July 3, 2017)

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.

NHTSA campaign record ↗