Recalls
7campaigns
3 equipment · 1 structure · 1 brake
Source: NHTSA
Complaints
295filed
Owner reports, 2008–2017 shown
Source: NHTSA ODI
Crash tests
4★overall
★★★★☆ Frontal 3★ · Side 5★ · Rollover 4★
Source: NHTSA NCAP
Fuel economy
22mpg combined
$2,969/yr at this week's prices
Source: EPA · EIA
Specs
2.7 L 4-cyl· 5-speed manual
8 engine and transmission configurations
Source: NHTSA vPIC
Recalls (7)
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Check whether yours was repaired with NHTSA's free VIN lookup ↗
Only NHTSA and your automaker know whether your specific car was repaired. PlainVIN shows every recall campaign listed for a model year, with the official text and how many cars have been fixed so far.
Check on NHTSA ↗Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
Accessory Hood Scoop may Detach
Equipment
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
55.6% repairedof 3,547 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 17V425000
Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
Incorrect Tire Placard Information/FMVSS 110
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
32.7% repairedof 20,000 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V475000
Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
Brake Actuator Assembly may Disable ESC and ABS
Electronic stability control (esc)
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
84.2% repairedof 261,114 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 14V054000
Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
Spare Wheel Lug Nuts
Tires · temporary/emergency spare tire
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
63.9% repairedof 979 vehicles
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V494000
Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
Inaccurate Load Carrying Capacity Labels
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported7,525 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V123000
Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
Occupant Sensing System Calibration
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported3,235 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 13V014000
Listed for 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not checked against your VIN.
TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION PLACARD/FMVSS 110
Equipment · other · labels
Official NHTSA text
- Summary
- 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.
Repair progress not yet reported672 vehicles potentially affected
Manufacturer report to NHTSA · Source: US DOT recall completion data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026
Check your VIN on NHTSA
or ask a dealer to check campaign 12V158000
PlainVIN shows public government records for education. It isn't a vehicle inspection or legal advice. Check your own VIN with NHTSA or your dealer.
Owner complaints (295)
295 complaints filed with NHTSA (owner reports, not verified findings). The engine is mentioned most often.
16involved a crash
0involved a fire
6injuries reported
0deaths reported
As reported by owners in their complaints. These are reports, not NHTSA findings.
Most-reported components
| Component | Complaints | % of 295 |
|---|---|---|
| Engine | 122 | 41.4% |
| Fuel/propulsion system | 52 | 17.6% |
| Unknown or other | 43 | 14.6% |
| Power train | 35 | 11.9% |
| Service brakes | 22 | 7.5% |
| Vehicle speed control | 22 | 7.5% |
| Suspension | 21 | 7.1% |
| Electrical system | 19 | 6.4% |
| Electronic stability control | 17 | 5.8% |
| Steering | 12 | 4.1% |
How 2012 compares with other Tacoma years
Best and worst Tacoma years →2008446
2009519
2010294
2011186
2012295
2013125
201493
2015101
2016323
2017239
| Model year | Complaints | Recall campaigns |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 446 | 11 |
| 2009 | 519 | 13 |
| 2010 | 294 | 13 |
| 2011 | 186 | 9 |
| 2012 | 295 | 7 |
| 2013 | 125 | 6 |
| 2014 | 93 | 4 |
| 2015 | 101 | 4 |
| 2016 | 323 | 4 |
| 2017 | 239 | 5 |
This year (2012)Other yearsStill collecting reports
Counts are owner reports, not failure rates. Higher sales years tend to draw more reports. Owners are still filing reports for recent model years, so these counts will grow. Source: NHTSA ODI, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Crash tests: 4 stars overall
Overall★★★★☆
Frontal crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 3★★★★☆☆
Side crashDriver 4★ · Passenger 5★★★★★★
Side pole★★★★☆
RolloverRollover risk 14.7%★★★★☆
Compare fairly. Compare stars only between vehicles of similar size and weight. Ratings apply to the tested configuration.
Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), 2012 Toyota Tacoma pu/cc 2wd, retrieved Oct 6, 2026.
Fuel economy: up to 22 mpg combined
22
mpg combined
21
city
25
highway
- EPA annual fuel cost
- $3,050
- CO₂ tailpipe
- 404 g/mi
- EPA class
- Small Pickup Trucks
What it costs you to run
$2,969per year
$247per month
682gallons a year
Miles ÷ 22 mpg × $4.354 (EIA US average regular, week of Oct 5, 2026, all taxes included). Source: EPA · EIA.
EPA label estimates from lab tests; your mileage will vary.
Specs by configuration
| Engine · transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | EPA $/yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.7 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 21 / 25 / 22 | $3,050 | 404 |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 19 / 24 / 21 | $3,200 | 423 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Rear-Wheel Drive | 17 / 21 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl · 4-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 21 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
| 2.7 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 18 / 20 / 19 | $3,550 | 468 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Rear-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 5-speed automatic | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 16 / 21 / 18 | $3,700 | 494 |
| 4 L 6-cyl · 6-speed manual | Part-time 4-Wheel Drive | 15 / 19 / 17 | $3,950 | 523 |
Source: EPA fuel economy data, retrieved Oct 6, 2026. Configurations are listed when EPA and NHTSA records match.
Looking at a 2012 Tacoma for sale?
Print a one-page buyer's checklist: each recall campaign with a box to tick when the seller shows proof of repair, the top complaint areas to inspect, crash stars, MPG, and a link back to this page.
Where to next
2012 Toyota Tacoma FAQ
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have?
NHTSA lists 7 recall campaigns: 17V425000 (structure), 14V475000 (equipment), 14V054000 (brake), 13V494000 (tire), 13V123000 (equipment), 13V014000 (air bag), 12V158000 (equipment). Use NHTSA's VIN lookup to see whether a specific car was repaired.
What are the most common 2012 Toyota Tacoma problems?
Owners filed 295 complaints with NHTSA. Engine (122), Fuel/propulsion system (52), Unknown or other (43) are mentioned most. These are owner reports, not verified findings.
What mpg does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma get?
EPA rates the 2.7 L 4-cyl · 5-speed manual version at 21 city, 25 highway and 22 combined mpg. Other configurations are listed in the fuel economy section.
What safety rating did the 2012 Toyota Tacoma get?
NHTSA rated the 2012 Toyota Tacoma pu/cc 2wd 4 stars overall, with 3 stars frontal, 5 stars side and 4 stars rollover (14.7% rollover risk).
How does the 2012 Tacoma compare with other years?
Among the 2008–2017 Toyota Tacoma model years at least five years old, the 2014 drew the fewest complaints (93) and the 2009 the most (519). The 2012 drew 295. Counts are owner reports, not failure rates.
How this page was madeSources, processing, limits, review and changes
Data sources
- NHTSA recalls by vehicle
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - US DOT recall completion rates (data.transportation.gov)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA ODI owner complaints
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - NHTSA NCAP 5-Star Safety Ratings
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EPA fuel economy data (licence confirmation pending)
Retrieved Oct 6, 2026 - EIA weekly retail gasoline prices
Weekly, all taxes included
Processing
- Complaints are counted per component. One complaint can list several, so component totals add up to more than the total.
- Fuel cost = miles per year ÷ EPA combined mpg × EIA weekly price for your region.
Limitations
- Complaint counts are owner reports, not verified findings or failure rates. There is no sales denominator.
- Recall campaigns are listed for the model year. Only NHTSA and the automaker know whether a specific car was repaired.
- Recent model years are still collecting reports.
Review
Data compiled automatically from the official files listed here.
Changelog
- 2026-10-06 Data refreshed from the official files.
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