2012 Toyota Tacoma

295 federal complaints (407 component records) · 7 recall campaigns on file · 1 federal investigation · 351 service bulletins · 3 Canadian recalls
See all 32 model years of the Toyota Tacoma →
Engine
2.7L 4-cyl
Fuel
Regular
Drive
RWD
EPA economy
19 city / 24 hwy
Federal complaints
295
Recall campaigns
7
Specifications show one example EPA configuration for this model year; other engines, drivetrains, and trims exist and the records below cover all of them.
How to read this file. Complaint records are unverified owner submissions to the federal safety agency. Counts are raw, not adjusted for sales volume or vehicle age. Recall campaigns apply to the model; only a VIN check shows whether this car is affected or repaired. Parts shown are named by an editorial note or listed as a search directory; none is a diagnosis. Full methodology.

Fault profile

Complaint-component records on this vehicle, grouped by family. A complaint naming two systems counts once in each.

Engine & cooling
124
Fuel system
53
Other
43
Power train
36
Suspension
22
Speed control
22
Brakes
22
Stability control
19
Complaints are owner-reported and not verified by the agency.

When it fails

The timing of this vehicle's reported failures, from the complaint file itself. A cluster tells you what to expect and when; it is shaped by reporting behavior as well as by the vehicle.

Vehicle age when the failure occurred

0 years old: 20 complaints01 years old: 12 complaints2 years old: 11 complaints3 years old: 14 complaints4 years old: 54 complaints5 years old: 93 complaints56 years old: 28 complaints7 years old: 23 complaints8 years old: 11 complaints9 years old: 15 complaints10 years old: 2 complaints1011 years old: 5 complaints12 years old: 0 complaints13 years old: 4 complaints14 years old: 3 complaints15 years old: 0 complaints1516 years old: 0 complaints17 years old: 0 complaints18 years old: 0 complaints19 years old: 0 complaints20+ years old: 0 complaints20+
Years between the model year and the owner's reported failure date. Based on 295 of 295 complaints with a usable failure date.

Odometer when the failure occurred

0,000 - 20,000 miles: 28 complaints020,000 - 40,000 miles: 36 complaints40,000 - 60,000 miles: 72 complaints40k60,000 - 80,000 miles: 52 complaints80,000 - 100,000 miles: 34 complaints80k100,000 - 120,000 miles: 19 complaints120,000 - 140,000 miles: 5 complaints120k140,000 - 160,000 miles: 3 complaints160,000 - 180,000 miles: 2 complaints160k180,000 - 200,000 miles: 0 complaints200,000+ miles: 2 complaints200k+
Owner-reported mileage at failure, in 20,000-mile bands. Based on 253 of 295 complaints reporting a plausible odometer (500 to 500,000 miles; unverified).

Known issues

The component families with the most complaint records against this vehicle. Counts, crash and fire figures belong to the whole family, not to any single named issue. Parts listed are related system parts, not a diagnosis.

Engine & cooling

124 complaint records1 crash report
"AIR INJECTOR PUMP CAUSING ENGINE LIGHT AND TRAC LIGHT TO COME ON AND SUDDEN LOSS OF POWER. VEHICLE IN MOTION WHEN OCCURRING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse engine & cooling parts in the directory →

Fuel system

53 complaint records1 crash report
"TRAC OFF AND CEL ON, TRUCK GOES INTO 'LIMP MODE' AND DECELERATES WHEN GAS ALLPIED. LOUD WHINING NOISE WHEN FIRST STARTING...."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse fuel system parts in the directory →

Power train

36 complaint records
"CEL CODE P2442,P2445 DEALERSHIP SAYS THE AIR SWITCHING VALVE NEEDS TO BE REPLACED. I HAVE 75K MILES ON TRUCK. DEALER IS CHARGING ME 1200$..."- one owner's federal complaint about this system; it may not describe the issue named above
Parts
No specific part is named for this issue. Browse power train parts in the directory →

Federal defect investigations

Formal investigations opened by the federal safety agency into this vehicle. An investigation is the step between a complaint pattern and a recall; not every one results in one.

InvestigationStatusComponentSubject
EA19001
opened Apr 2019
closed Sep 2024Air BagsElectrical overstress - led to recall 20V024
The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) opened this investigation to determine if the failure of airbags to deploy during severe crashes, in certain vehicles, was the result of a safety related defect.

Recall campaigns

Safety-recall remedies are normally provided at no charge. Under US federal law the mandatory free remedy applies when the vehicle was no more than 15 years old at the time the defect was determined; manufacturers often cover older vehicles voluntarily. Canadian rules differ. Confirm eligibility with the manufacturer using the VIN. Each campaign number links to the federal record.

CampaignComponentSummaryRemedy
17V425000StructureSoutheast 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.Normally free
14V475000EquipmentToyota 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...Normally free
14V054000Service Brakes, HydraulicToyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles.Normally free
13V494000TiresSoutheast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels.Normally free
13V123000EquipmentSoutheast 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...Normally free
13V014000SeatsSoutheast 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...Normally free
12V158000EquipmentGULF 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.Normally free

Transport Canada recalls

Recalls issued under Canadian law for this model year, from Transport Canada's Vehicle Recalls Database. Matched by model name, so a Canadian-market variant may appear here that was sold under another name in the US. Units are Canadian vehicles affected.

RecallSystemUnits (CA)Summary
2021723
2021-11-24
Electrical55,683Issue: This recall is for certain block heater kits installed on certain vehicles or sold as accessories at Toyota or Lexus dealerships.
2014043
2014-02-12
Brakes25,557On certain vehicles, a manufacturing defect could affect the functioning of the electric brake actuator, illuminating various warning lights in the instrument panel of the vehicle and disabling the antilock braking system (ABS), traction...
2013353
2013-10-10
Accessories369On certain vehicles equipped with an optional tonneau cover where the front-most panel can be opened with the vehicle ignition key, the lock cylinder could bind.

Service bulletins and warranty extensions

Manufacturer communications to dealers on file with the federal agency: repair instructions, service campaigns, and warranty extensions. A warranty extension means the manufacturer may pay for a repair the recall table does not cover.

BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0055-24 Rev2
Jan 2026
Unknown Or OtherSome 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0061-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
Show 55 more bulletins
BulletinTypeComponentSummary
T-SB-0062-23 Rev2
Dec 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0055-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0035-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24 Rev1
Jul 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-SB-0055-24
Jun 2024
StructureSome 2005 – 2024 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-SB-0103-20 Rev1
Jun 2024
EngineThis Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
Toyota Renotification DL
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherSafety Recall and Service Campaign completion is an important part of our commitment to customer satisfaction of Toyota products.
Toyota Renotification RL
Jun 2024
Unknown Or OtherToyota plans to conduct Safety Recall and Service Campaign follow-up notifications to owners whose vehicles have not yet had the following Safety Recall and/or Service Campaign repairs completed
T-SB-0061-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureToyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination.
T-SB-0062-23 Rev1
May 2024
StructureVehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc.
T-SB-0035-24
Apr 2024
StructureAcid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere.
T-SB-0038-24
Apr 2024
StructureTo prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover.
T-SB-0039-24
Apr 2024
StructureThe condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds.
T-PANT-2024-004-
Mar 2024
Engine And Engine CoolingThis is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
K0D_TIS_Technica
Feb 2024
EquipmentTI: K0D expired on 10/31/2023. TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0D FRAME CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION CERTAIN 2011 ? 2015 MODEL YEAR TACOMA
K0D_TIS_DealerPa
Feb 2024
StructureDP: K0D expired on 10/31/2023. Toyota has received reports regarding frame corrosion perforation on 2011 ? 2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
K0D_TIS_ProgramO
Feb 2024
EquipmentK0D expired on 10/31/2023.
T-SB-0043-14
Jan 2024
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE January 22, 2024: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0057-18.
TSB003220
Aug 2023
Vehicle Speed ControlTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
QualityA
Aug 2023
Air BagsRL: SAFETY RECALL & SERVICE CAMPAIGN RENOTIFICATION OWNER RENOTIFICATION 23R002
TSB011219
Aug 2023
EquipmentTSB: Some 2005 ? 2023 model year Tacoma vehicles equipped with a manual transmission may exhibit a squeak or creak noise from the clutch pedal when it is depressed or released.
Quality
Aug 2023
Air BagsDL: SAFETY RECALL & SERVICE CAMPAIGN RENOTIFICATION OWNER RENOTIFICATION 23R002
T-SB-0057-18
May 2023
EquipmentTSB: The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master keys are lost. Once the system is reset, all previously registered keys will be erased.
Z1A Dealer Lette
May 2023
StructureDP: Toyota has received a number of reports regarding vehicle frame corrosion perforation on certain 2011-2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
ZKA Letter
May 2023
StructureDL: Toyota has received a number of reports regarding vehicle frame corrosion perforation on certain 2011-2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
20TC01 renotific
Dec 2022
Engine And Engine CoolingRenotification Postcard: There is a possibility that moisture in the air may cause a filter in the vehicle emissions system to degrade.
K0D - Dealer Pac
Dec 2022
StructureDP 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...
T-SB-0094-21 Rev
Nov 2022
Air BagsTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
K0D
Jul 2022
StructureDP: 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...
K0D Quality
Jun 2022
StructureDP: 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...
K0D
Jun 2022
StructureDP: 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...
TSB001221Rev2
Jun 2022
StructureTSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
TSB009421Rev1
May 2022
EquipmentTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
Service Campaign
May 2022
StructureDP: 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...
TTT063620
Mar 2022
Back Over PreventionTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
T-SB-0014-22
Mar 2022
Parking BrakeTSB: This Service Bulletin includes procedures to replace damaged or loose front carpet floor retainer(s) without replacing the carpet assembly. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to replace the loose or damaged carpet floor retainer(s).
T-SB-0012-21 Rev
Feb 2022
SeatsTSB: Some 2010 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
T-SB-0003-22
Jan 2022
Electrical SystemTSB This Service Bulletin includes guidelines meant to help determine whether to repair or replace a wire harness assembly based on damage type.
Toyota PRO19-02
Jan 2022
WheelsPOL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must be kept near the point of vehicle sale and be available to any customer that requests it.
T-SB-0094-21
Nov 2021
StructureTSB: Some 2005 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty smell is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition.
T-TT-0578-19 Rev
Oct 2021
EquipmentTT: Some customers may encounter Bluetooth® connectivity concerns such as: ?Difficulty to pair the phone. ?Intermittent Bluetooth® failure to connect to the vehicle when first turning on the vehicle.
T-SB-0080-19 Rev
Jul 2021
EquipmentTSB: Some 2006 ? 2022 model year Toyota vehicles in particular geographic areas may exhibit a condition where the HVAC evaporator drain hose has become obstructed with an insect nest.
ZKA Dealer Packe
May 2021
EquipmentDP: Toyota has received a number of reports regarding vehicle frame corrosion perforation on certain 2011-2017 model year Tacoma vehicles.
T-SB-0044-16 Obs
Mar 2021
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0012-21.
Toyota Safety Re
Mar 2021
Air BagsToyota Safety Recall and Service Campaign - Technician Certification Requirements
T-TT-0636-20 Rev
Mar 2021
Service BrakesTT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
T-SB-0040-08 Obs
Mar 2021
EquipmentOBSOLETE NOTICE March 08, 2021: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0044-16.
T-SB-0012-21
Mar 2021
SeatsTSB: Some 2010 ? 2021 model year Toyota vehicles may exhibit paint stains after the removal of Rapgard?. The paint stains may appear to be under the clear coat but are usually under wrinkles in the Rapgard?.
Limited Service
Mar 2021
StructureRE: 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...
K0D Region Lette
Mar 2021
StructureRL: 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...
K0D - Dealer Pac
Mar 2021
StructureDP: 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...
K0D-TI-Spray 11-
Mar 2021
EquipmentTI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0D FRAME CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION CERTAIN 2011 ? 2015 MODEL YEAR TACOMA
T-SB-0032-20 Rev
Feb 2021
EquipmentTSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for most 1979 ?
K0D-TI-Spray 11-
Dec 2020
SuspensionTI: TECHNICAL INSTRUCTIONS FOR LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN K0D FRAME CORROSION RESISTANT COMPOUND (CRC) APPLICATION CERTAIN 2011 ? 2015 MODEL YEAR TACOMA

Showing 60 of 351 distinct bulletins on file for this vehicle.

Before you buy this vehicle

A test-drive checklist generated from this vehicle's own complaint and recall record.

  1. Cold-start it yourself and listen for the first thirty seconds.Knocking, ticking that fades as it warms, or blue or white smoke on startup are the sounds of this vehicle's engine cluster. Check the oil level and the coolant color, and ask whether the engine or its head gaskets have ever been out.
  2. Smell for fuel and watch the first restart when hot.Hard starting when warm, hesitation under load, or any fuel odor near the tank or engine bay match this vehicle's fuel-system cluster. Check the recall table for fuel pump campaigns.
  3. Drive it from a dead stop, twice, on a hill if you can.Shudder, hesitation, or a lurch under light throttle is how this vehicle's largest complaint cluster shows itself. Then ask for the transmission service history in writing; repeat repairs are a pattern, not a fluke.
  4. Run the VIN against open recalls before you negotiate.This vehicle has 7 recall campaigns on file. An open recall needs VIN-specific confirmation. Many are quick, no-charge fixes and worth negotiating over; an unresolved do-not-drive advisory, or a remedy the manufacturer has not yet made available, should stop the purchase until it is resolved.
  5. Ask for the service history in writing, then read it against this page.The complaint families above are where owners of this vehicle report trouble. Repairs in exactly those systems are evidence the car had the problem; no such repairs could mean it never developed it, or that it was never fixed. The test-drive items above are how you tell those apart.

Parts search directory

The generic parts list for this vehicle has its own page: a search launcher for every system, filtered by fuel type and era but not by engine, trim, or brake type. It is not a diagnosis and not a fitment guarantee.

Open the parts directory for this Toyota Tacoma →