NHTSA (USA)Medium Risk
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
This page covers 3 recalls, 294 owner complaints, NHTSA crash-test ratings and EPA fuel economy for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.
17–19 mpg combined
12.4–13.8 L/100km
Small Pickup Trucks 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 4 tested variants for this model year.
The 2011 to 2012 Toyota Tacoma received a four-star overall rating from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program for US-market vehicles. In frontal crash testing, the Tacoma earned three stars. Side crash protection was rated at five stars, while rollover resistance received four stars. The side pole test also resulted in a four-star rating. NHTSA applies these ratings across model years until a significant redesign occurs, so this assessment covers the entire 2011 to 2012 range.
4/5 Overall
NHTSA 5-Star Safety Rating
Complaints for the 2012 Tacoma center heavily on the engine and fuel/propulsion system. Owners frequently report excessive oil consumption, with many describing the need to add oil between regular intervals, often a quart or more every few hundred to few thousand miles. Related engine concerns include rough running, stalling, and loss of power. On the fuel and propulsion side, owners describe hesitation on acceleration, stumbling at low speeds, and inconsistent throttle response. Powertrain complaints, the third most-reported category, tend to involve the automatic transmission slipping or hunting between gears, and some owners report clunking or shuddering during shifts. A smaller but recurring thread involves undercarriage rust, with owners noting significant corrosion on frame components and associated issues including tire pressure monitoring faults tied to corroded sensors.
294
Total Complaints
16
Crash-Related
6
With Injuries
By System
The 2012 Toyota Tacoma has 3 recalls, the most serious affecting trucks with 18-inch Maverick Alloy Wheels, where the spare tire requires a different style of lug nut than the ones included with the vehicle.
If a driver mounts the spare using the standard lug nuts from another wheel, those nuts can damage the spare wheel and gradually work loose while driving, raising the risk of a crash. On certain trucks with dealer-installed accessory hood scoops, the adhesive bonding the scoop to the hood can weaken over time, allowing the scoop to tear free at highway speed and become a hazard for vehicles behind. There is also a compliance recall affecting the tire and loading information placard, which on some trucks lists incorrect spare tire size and inflation pressure. A driver following that label when inflating or selecting a spare could end up running a tire that is underinflated or mismatched, both of which can lead to tire failure while underway. Note that the first two recalls apply to vehicles distributed by Southeast Toyota, while the placard recall covers trucks distributed by Gulf States Toyota.
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
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Ratings from NHTSA's New Car Assessment Program (NCAP). Based on 6 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 →
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 spare tire uses a different lug nut style than the other wheels, and the correct lug nuts were not included with the vehicle.
What the fix does
Dealers will install a warning label on the spare tire, provide the correct lug nuts, and add documentation to the glove box.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.
At a glance
What can fail
The tire and loading information placard lists incorrect spare tire size and cold inflation pressure specifications.
What the fix does
Gulf States Toyota will mail owners a corrected placard at no charge.
Summarized — see the official notice for exact wording, dates, and contacts.