2012 Toyota Tundra
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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.
COMPLAINTS PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1999 | 1 |
| 2000 | 1011 |
| 2001 | 414 |
| 2002 | 481 |
| 2003 | 399 |
| 2004 | 465 |
| 2005 | 374 |
| 2006 | 545 |
| 2007 | 389 |
| 2008 | 326 |
| 2009 | 38 |
| 2010 | 163 |
| 2011 | 134 |
| 2012 | 154 |
| 2013 | 84 |
| 2014 | 92 |
| 2015 | 47 |
| 2016 | 118 |
| 2017 | 78 |
| 2018 | 99 |
| 2019 | 71 |
| 2020 | 45 |
| 2021 | 23 |
| 2022 | 413 |
| 2023 | 369 |
| 2024 | 304 |
| 2025 | 126 |
| 2026 | 18 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
37% of complaints: engine — 57 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20221004
16% of complaints: fuel/propulsion system — 25 distinct reports on file.
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, 20240214
ECM safety recall air injection pump failure
NHTSA ODI report, 20231214
13% of complaints: power train — 20 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIREShow 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, 20121219
9% of complaints: electrical system — 14 distinct reports on file.
8% of complaints: steering — 12 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow 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, 20190108
SAFETY TIMELINE
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, an
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 contac
Campaign 13V014000 — check if this car was fixed
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 Toy
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 be
Campaign 13V123000 — check if this car was fixed
Electrical overstress
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.
Campaign 21V920000 — check if this car was fixed
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.
Campaign 21E103000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2012 Toyota Tundra — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for engine issues (57 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for fuel/propulsion system issues (25 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (20 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 13V014000 (air bags, seats) has been completed.
- Verify recall 13V123000 (equipment) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21V920000 (steering) has been completed.
- Verify recall 21E103000 (steering) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST 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 "better than 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 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.