2012 TOYOTA TACOMA — Problems, Recalls & Safety Data

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N/A

Safety Rating

406

Owner Complaints

25 Crashes

7

Recalls

ACTIVE RECALL

47

Service Bulletins

0

Investigations

Overview of the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA

The 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA has received a total of 406 safety complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). There have been 10 recall campaigns affecting this vehicle, covering issues with EQUIPMENT, STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS, EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS. 47 technical service bulletins have been issued by Toyota Motor Corporation for this model year. The most commonly reported problems involve the Engine (122 complaints), Fuelpropulsion System (51 complaints), and Unknown Or Other (43 complaints).

Recalls for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA

NHTSA has recorded 10 recalls for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA, potentially affecting up to 564,968 vehicles.

Recall 17V425000 — EQUIPMENT

| 3,547 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 17V425000 — STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

| 3,547 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Recall 14V475000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 20,000 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 14V054000 — ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)

| 261,114 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 14V054000 — SERVICE BRAKES, HYDRAULIC:ANTILOCK/TRACTION CONTROL/ELECTRONIC LIMITED SLIP:CONTROL UNIT/MODULE

| 261,114 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 13V494000 — TIRES:TEMPORARY/EMERGENCY SPARE TIRE

| 979 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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Recall 13V123000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 7,525 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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...

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Recall 13V014000 — SEATS

| 3,235 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 13V014000 — AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

| 3,235 vehicles affected

Defect: 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...

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.

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Recall 12V158000 — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:LABELS

| 672 vehicles affected

Defect: 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.

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Owner Complaints for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA

406 complaints have been filed with NHTSA for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA. Below is a breakdown by vehicle component.

Most Recent Complaints

#11714538 | SEATS | | N/A miles Crash 1 Injury
- Driver’s seat back recliner mechanism / seatback locking mechanism. During a rear-end interstate collision while stopped in traffic, the driver’s seat suddenly reclined backward unexpectedly. After the accident, the recliner adjustment knob/handle was found detached at the tow yard. The vehicle is currently at a tow/salvage yard and may be available for inspection upon request. - Because the seat reclined unexpectedly during impact, the driver’s body position changed suddenly and the front airbag did not appear to make protective contact. The driver briefly lost consciousness and is experiencing significant neck stiffness and pain following the crash. The seat movement may have reduced the effectiveness of the airbag and seatbelt system and increased risk of head and neck injury. - No. The vehicle has not been evaluated by a dealer or independent service center at this time due to collision damage. - The vehicle has been inspected by police at the accident scene and is pending inspection by insurance. The seat mechanism has not yet been specifically evaluated by the manufacturer. - No warning lights, messages, or prior symptoms related to the seat or restraint system were observed before the accident.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 51,350 and at the time of registration, it was discovered that the mileage was 212,400. The VIN was not available
#11710917 | AIR BAGS | | 240,000 miles Crash 1 Injury
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that while driving at 35-40 MPH, coming up on fog, the driver, attempting to slow down, traveled over a slush patch in the roadway, and an approaching vehicle was in view. She lost control of the vehicle, spun around, and went face-first into a ditch, and the vehicle flipped and rolled over onto the hood. There were no warning lights illuminated. The contact stated that she sustained a concussion, hematoma, and pain on the left side of her neck and head, and the next day, there was pain on the right side of her neck and shoulder. She was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where medical attention was provided. The side curtain on the driver's and passenger's sides deployed. The front airbags failed to deploy. The vehicle was towed to an independent auto center. There was no reported fire. A police report was filed. Previously, while turning around in a parking lot, the contact crashed into a cement barrier. The airbags did not deploy. The local dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not notified. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle was significantly rusted. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under the warranty; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the rear bumper and brackets were rusted, and there was no recall or warranty coverage. The contact stated upon pulling into the driveway of the residence, the contact noticed a trail of fluid leak on the street. The contact stated that the transmission lines were fractured due to rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was significantly rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.
#11677221 | STRUCTURE:FRAME AND MEMBERS:UNDERBODY SHIELDS | | 71,000 miles
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. The contact stated that the undercarriage of the vehicle was significantly rusted. The TPMS warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer, where it was repaired under the warranty; however, the failure recurred. The dealer informed the contact that the rear bumper and brackets were rusted, and there was no recall or warranty coverage. The contact stated upon pulling into the driveway of the residence, the contact noticed a trail of fluid leak on the street. The contact stated that the transmission lines were fractured due to rust. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where the contact was informed that the vehicle was significantly rusted. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 71,000.

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Safety Rating for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA

NHTSA has not yet tested the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA in its New Car Assessment Program.

Technical Service Bulletins for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA

Toyota Motor Corporation has issued 47 technical service bulletins (TSBs) for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA. TSBs are notices sent by manufacturers to their dealers describing a known issue and the recommended repair procedure.

K0D_TIS_ProgramO — EQUIPMENT:OTHER:OWNERS/SERVICE/OTHER MANUAL

K0D expired on 10/31/2023.

Quality — AIR BAGS

DL: SAFETY RECALL & SERVICE CAMPAIGN RENOTIFICATION OWNER RENOTIFICATION 23R002

20TC01 renotific — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

Renotification Postcard: There is a possibility that moisture in the air may cause a filter in the vehicle emissions system to degrade. This degradation could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle emission system and illuminate the check engine light (Malfunction Indicator Light).

Special Service — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

RL: There is a possibility that moisture in the air may cause a filter in the vehicle emissions system to degrade. This degradation could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle emission system and illuminate the check engine light (Malfunction Indicator Light).

20TC01 - Dealer — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

DL: There is a possibility that moisture in the air may cause a filter in the vehicle emissions system to degrade. This degradation could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle emission system and illuminate the check engine light (Malfunction Indicator Light).

20TC01 - Region — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:EMISSION CONTROL

RL: There is a possibility that moisture in the air may cause a filter in the vehicle emissions system to degrade. This degradation could cause damage to other parts of the vehicle emission system and illuminate the check engine light (Malfunction Indicator Light).

TACOMA AIR PUMP — ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 20TC01 AIR INJECTION PUMPS AND AIR SWITCHING VALVES CERTAIN 2012 TACOMA

TACOMA AIR PUMP — EQUIPMENT ADAPTIVE/MOBILITY

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 20TC01 AIR INJECTION PUMPS AND AIR SWITCHING VALVES CERTAIN 2012 TACOMA

TACOMA AIR PUMP — EQUIPMENT

TI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR SPECIAL SERVICE CAMPAIGN 20TC01 AIR INJECTION PUMPS AND AIR SWITCHING VALVES CERTAIN 2012 TACOMA

K0D - Dealer Pac — STRUCTURE

DL: Toyota has received reports regarding frame corrosion perforation on 2011 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles. In these reports, customers have indicated that vehicles operated in specific cold climate areas with high road salt usage may exhibit more-than-normal corrosion to the vehicle?s frame. This condition is unrelated to and...

Showing 10 of 47 technical service bulletins.

NHTSA Investigations for the 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA

There are no NHTSA defect investigations on record for this vehicle.

Other Model Years of the TOYOTA TACOMA

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Other TOYOTA Models

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