CarModelProblems.com

2012 Toyota Tacoma Problems & Recalls

Built from official NHTSA complaint and recall data · data through 07/14/2026

High complaint levelIts most-reported problem — Engine — runs 3.3× the fleet median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.
294Complaints
7Recalls
16Crashes
0Fires
6Injured
0Deaths

Source: U.S. NHTSA complaint & recall data. Complaints are unverified reports from vehicle owners — a complaint is not a confirmed defect.

Is this problem acknowledged?

The most-reported problem — Engine (41.5% of complaints) — has no NHTSA recall or open investigation on file.

Engine complaints here are 3.3× the median for that category across the 2583 model-years tracked on this site.

1 of the 6 most-reported categories on this page are backed by a recall or open investigation; the other 5 rest on owner reports alone.

Complaint categoryReportsOfficial statusReference
Engine122 · 41.5%No official action
Fuel/propulsion System51 · 17.3%No official action
Power Train34 · 11.6%No official action
Vehicle Speed Control22 · 7.5%No official action
Suspension21 · 7.1%No official action
Service Brakes21 · 7.1%RecalledRecall 14V054000

Recalled = an NHTSA safety recall covers this category, so a free repair exists. Under investigation = NHTSA has an open probe but no recall yet. Investigation closed = NHTSA examined it and closed the probe — this is not a defect finding; where a closed probe led to a recall we name the campaign. Not available = recall or investigation data could not be confirmed for this vehicle — it is not a “no”. Categories are matched by NHTSA's top-level component. Check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Complaints by component

ENGINE122 · 41.5%
Unspecified / other43 · 14.6%
POWER TRAIN34 · 11.6%
SUSPENSION21 · 7.1%
SERVICE BRAKES21 · 7.1%
ELECTRICAL SYSTEM18 · 6.1%
ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC)17 · 5.8%
STEERING12 · 4.1%

Percentages are the share of the 294 complaints citing each component; one complaint can cite several components. “Unspecified / other” is NHTSA’s own catch-all category — we show it rather than hide it.

Recalls — 7 campaigns

Structure:body:hood:hinge And Attachments

NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 2017 · reported 07/03/2017

If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Service Brakes, Hydraulic:antilock/traction Control/electronic Limited Slip:control Unit/module

NHTSA campaign 14V054000 · 2014 · reported 02/12/2014

If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 14V475000 · 2014 · reported 08/04/2014

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Tires:temporary/emergency Spare Tire

NHTSA campaign 13V494000 · 2013 · reported 10/17/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 2013 · reported 01/16/2013

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.… Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 12V158000 · 2012 · reported 04/10/2012

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Equipment:other:labels

NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 2013 · reported 04/09/2013

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. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.

PARK-IT: NO  · PARK-OUTSIDE: NO  ·  OVER-THE-AIR FIX: NO

Park it Park outside Specimen badges — shown on a recall card only when NHTSA sets the flag. None of the campaigns above carries either flag. Always check your own vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

What owners report

“MY 2012 TOYOTA TACOMA CHECK ENGINE AND TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT CAME ON. TRUCK WENT IN LIMP MODE, WHICH WAS VERY UNSAFE. TOOK MY TRUCK TO…”NHTSA complaint 10937804 — filed 12/28/2016 · ENGINE
“ENGINE CODE P2442 & P2440: SECONDARY AIR INJECTION SYSTEM SWITCHING VALVE BANK 2. TRUCK ONLY HAS 40,000 MILES ON IT. DEALER WHAT $1800.00 TO MAKE…”NHTSA complaint 10937441 — filed 12/26/2016 · ENGINE
“2012 TACOMA WITH 37,00 MILES: WHILE LEAVING A PARKING LOT AND TRYING TO ACCELERATE ON TO A BUSY HIGHWAY, (60MPH SPEEDS), TRUCK WOULD NOT ACCELERATE…”NHTSA complaint 10937233 — filed 12/23/2016 · ENGINE

Excerpts are shortened and scrubbed of personal details; they are individual, unverified reports.

Complaint trend by year filed

1420121418201422722016129372018372120202052022612024632026

Frequently asked questions

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?

Engine issues are the most-reported category, cited in 122 of 294 NHTSA complaints (41.5%), followed by fuel/propulsion system (51), unspecified/other issues (43), power train (34). Complaints are unverified owner reports.

How many complaints does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have?

294 complaints were on file with NHTSA as of 07/14/2026. Of those, 16 involved a crash, 0 involved a fire, and 6 reported injuries. No deaths were reported.

Does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma have any recalls?

Yes — 7 NHTSA safety recall campaigns, including campaign 17V425000. Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.

Has NHTSA acted on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma's reported problems?

1 of the 6 most-reported complaint categories on this page is backed by an NHTSA safety recall or open investigation; the rest are unverified owner reports. A recall means a free repair is available at authorized dealers.

Is a complaint proof of a defect?

No. Complaints are reports submitted by consumers to NHTSA. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints, and a complaint is not proof that a defect exists.

About this data — Complaint figures on this page are consumer reports submitted to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), a U.S. government agency. NHTSA does not verify individual complaints; a complaint is not proof that a defect exists, and counts reflect what owners chose to report, not confirmed failure rates. Recall information comes from official NHTSA safety recall campaigns; recall repairs are free at authorized dealers. Always check your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. CarModelProblems.com is an independent site and is not affiliated with NHTSA or any vehicle manufacturer. Data through 07/14/2026.