MYRModel Year Report

2012 Toyota Tundra

● Typical for this model
2012 Toyota Tundra
RENDERED 2026-11-01T12:55:46.570Z

This year's complaint volume is within 30% of this model's typical year.

This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.

How is this computed?

Complaints
154
Recalls
4

Campaigns on file for 2012

Investigations
1

Opened by NHTSA

Top problem
Engine

37% of complaints

Complaints per year

1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1,011 complaints 2001: 415 complaints 2002: 482 complaints 2003: 399 complaints 2003 2004: 465 complaints 2005: 377 complaints 2006: 545 complaints 2007: 390 complaints 2007 2008: 327 complaints 2009: 38 complaints 2010: 163 complaints 2011: 134 complaints 2012: 154 complaints 2012 154 2013: 85 complaints 2014: 93 complaints 2015: 50 complaints 2016: 119 complaints 2017: 78 complaints 2018: 100 complaints 2019: 74 complaints 2019 2020: 47 complaints 2021: 24 complaints 2022: 426 complaints 2023: 408 complaints 2023 2024: 343 complaints 2025: 140 complaints 2026: 34 complaints
1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1,011 complaints 2001: 415 complaints 2001 2002: 482 complaints 2003: 399 complaints 2003 2004: 465 complaints 2005: 377 complaints 2005 2006: 545 complaints 2007: 390 complaints 2007 2008: 327 complaints 2009: 38 complaints 2009 2010: 163 complaints 2011: 134 complaints 2012: 154 complaints 2012 154 2013: 85 complaints 2014: 93 complaints 2015: 50 complaints 2015 2016: 119 complaints 2017: 78 complaints 2017 2018: 100 complaints 2019: 74 complaints 2019 2020: 47 complaints 2021: 24 complaints 2021 2022: 426 complaints 2023: 408 complaints 2023 2024: 343 complaints 2025: 140 complaints 2025 2026: 34 complaints
1999: 1 complaint 1999 2000: 1,011 complaints 2001: 415 complaints 2001 2002: 482 complaints 2003: 399 complaints 2003 2004: 465 complaints 2005: 377 complaints 2005 2006: 545 complaints 2007: 390 complaints 2007 2008: 327 complaints 2009: 38 complaints 2009 2010: 163 complaints 2011: 134 complaints 2012: 154 complaints 2012 154 2013: 85 complaints 2014: 93 complaints 2015: 50 complaints 2015 2016: 119 complaints 2017: 78 complaints 2017 2018: 100 complaints 2019: 74 complaints 2019 2020: 47 complaints 2021: 24 complaints 2021 2022: 426 complaints 2023: 408 complaints 2023 2024: 343 complaints 2025: 140 complaints 2025 2026: 34 complaints

2012: 154 complaints

View as data table
YearComplaints
19991
20001,011
2001415
2002482
2003399
2004465
2005377
2006545
2007390
2008327
200938
2010163
2011134
2012154
201385
201493
201550
2016119
201778
2018100
201974
202047
202124
2022426
2023408
2024343
2025140
202634

Known problem areas

Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.

Engine

37% · 57 reports
CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

The engine leaks oil in front of the faulty designed cam tower seal and leaks on the manifold. This caused smoke to come from the oil burning off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2022-10-04

Fuel/propulsion system

16% · 25 reports
Show complaint excerpts

The fuel pump failed on my Tundra. Several dashboard check engine lights suddenly lit up to warn me of the issue.

NHTSA ODI report, 2024-02-14

ECM safety recall air injection pump failure

NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-14

Power train

14% · 21 reports

Most commonly citing transfer case (4-wheel drive).

CRASHFIRE
Show complaint excerpts

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while driving 35 MPH and towing a trailer, the vehicle started to vibrate as the front passenger side tire exhibited an abnormal grinding noise.

NHTSA ODI report, 2012-12-19

Electrical system

12% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing speedometer/odometer and horn.

Steering

8% · 12 reports
CRASHINJURY
Show complaint excerpts

I had an accident due to the breaks and steering not working. I was with my 3 children in the truck.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-01-08

Also filed under Service brakes

Safety timeline

4 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →

  1. R
    2013-03-21Air bags, seats13V014000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  2. R
    2013-05-28Equipment13V123000 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…

    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…

    Check if this car was fixed →

  3. I
    2019-04-19Engineering analysisClosed 2024-09-19 Electrical overstress
  4. R
    2022-01-21Steering21V920000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2008-2022 Sequoia and 2007-2021 Tundra vehicles. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly as necessary, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on January 21, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

    Check if this car was fixed →

  5. R
    2022-02-17Steering21E103000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain JTEKT power steering gear assembly service parts for 2007-2021 Tundra and 2008-2022 Sequoia, part numbers 44250-0C160, 44250-0C131, 44250-0C170, and 11250-0C121.

    Remedy: Dealers will inspect and replace the power steering gear assembly, free of charge. Owner notification letters were mailed on February 17, 2022. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

    Check if this car was fixed →

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Toyota Tundra — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

  • Engine: 57 reports on file for this year.
  • Fuel/propulsion system: 25 reports on file for this year.
  • Power train: 21 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

  • Recall 13V014000 · Air bags, seats
  • Recall 13V123000 · Equipment
  • Recall 21V920000 · Steering
  • Recall 21E103000 · Steering
Inspected by ______________ Date ______________

Other years of this model

See all years ranked →

Best years3 years

Worst years3 years

FAQ

Is the 2012 Toyota Tundra reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2012 Toyota Tundra is rated "typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Tundra?
The most-reported component is engine, accounting for 37% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Tundra have?
4 recalls on file for this model year.

Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.