This page covers 8 recalls, 96 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota 4runner.
19 mpg combined
12.4 L/100km
Sport Utility Vehicle - 4WD
Fuel economy data from fueleconomy.gov (EPA / U.S. Dept. of Energy). Annual cost based on 15,000 mi/yr at 55% city driving and current fuel prices. MPG is U.S. gallons; L/100km converted. Ranges reflect the 2 tested variants for this model year.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
The 2012 4Runner complaint picture is dominated by airbag-related reports, which make up the vast majority of what owners filed for this model year. Within that category, owners commonly describe the passenger-seat occupant sensor giving unexpected readings, flagging an adult-occupied seat as empty or a child seat, which can suppress the airbag inappropriately. Outside the airbag category, a smaller number of owners report brake concerns, including reduced stopping feel or pedal behavior that prompted dealer visits. A few owners separately describe steering wheel vibration at highway speeds, typically in the 60–65 mph range, and intermittent backup camera display failures where the screen either stays blank or shows incorrect content when shifting into reverse.
96
Total Complaints
5
Crash-Related
1
Fire-Related
5
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner has 8 recalls, the most serious being a passenger-side airbag inflator that can explode and send metal fragments into the cabin, causing serious injury or death.
This airbag defect is the subject of multiple recall filings and applies to vehicles sold or registered in high-humidity states and territories including Florida, Texas, Hawaii, and others. Prior repair attempts did not fully resolve the issue for all affected vehicles, which is why several campaigns exist. On the electrical side, certain 4Runners equipped with an Audiovox-brand aftermarket remote engine starter can develop a communication fault in the vehicle's network that disables anti-lock brakes and stability control, raising the risk of a crash, though a warning light should alert the driver when this occurs. Two accessory-related recalls round out the list: hood scoops installed by Southeast Toyota dealers may lose their adhesive bond and detach at speed, becoming a road hazard, and accessory exhaust tips installed by the same distributor can extend close enough to the bumper area to burn someone standing behind the vehicle.
At a glance
What can fail
Driver or passenger front airbag inflators previously replaced under an earlier recall may explode due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity, high temperature, and temperature changes.
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 2 tested variants; worst-case ratings shown.
Complaints are owner-reported and reflect individual experiences, not confirmed defects. They are distinct from recalls. Data sourced from the national vehicle safety complaint database. See trending complaints →
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the affected front airbag inflator, assembly, or sub-assembly depending on vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may explode due to propellant degradation from long-term exposure to high humidity, temperature, and temperature cycling.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator or air bag assembly depending on your vehicle model.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator can rupture during deployment due to degradation from humidity and temperature exposure over time.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The adhesive bonding certain aftermarket hood scoops to the hood may weaken over time, causing the scoop to detach from the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will mechanically fasten the hood scoop to the hood using mechanical fasteners instead of adhesive.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The passenger front air bag inflator may rupture during a crash due to propellant breakdown after prolonged exposure to humidity and temperature changes.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the passenger front air bag inflator or air bag assembly at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Aftermarket exhaust tips installed by the distributor may extend too far and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned smaller version that sits further back behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
Accessory exhaust tips installed on certain 4Runner vehicles may protrude and contact people standing behind the vehicle, potentially causing burns.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the exhaust tip with a redesigned, smaller-diameter version that sits more recessed behind the bumper.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The aftermarket Audiovox remote engine starter module can malfunction and disrupt the vehicle's controller area network communication.
What the fix does
Dealers will replace the remote engine starter module with a new one at no cost.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
