Is the 2012 Toyota Yaris reliable?

There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.

How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Yaris have?

5 recalls on file for this model year.

2012 Toyota Yaris

○ Not enough data

2012 Toyota Yaris
RENDERED 2026-11-01T13:57:12.701Z

Not enough comparison years on file yet for a fair verdict.

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: 35
Recalls: 5
Investigations: 1
Top problem: Air bags

Complaints per year

2012: 35 complaints

View as data table

Year	Complaints
2006	5
2007	258
2008	218
2009	92
2010	90
2011	25
2012	35
2013	9
2014	3
2015	15
2016	5
2017	15
2018	4
2019	26
2020	10

Known problem areas

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

Air bags

51% · 18 reports

Most commonly citing driver clockspring/spiral cassette.

CRASHINJURYDEATH

Show complaint excerpts

[xxx] on June 3,17 was in a fatal auto collions that costed her life.the auto was towed to hays towing in san bernadino ca. At:5486 industrial pkwy. San bernardino ca 92407.

NHTSA ODI report, 2019-06-08

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Toyota Yaris. The contact stated that while driving down the hill at 40 MPH, lost control and crashed into the tree in front. All the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed.

NHTSA ODI report, 2017-12-27

Tl* the contact owned a 2012 Toyota Yaris. While idling at a traffic light, the contact's vehicle was rear ended by another vehicle. The contact's air bag failed to deploy.

NHTSA ODI report, 2015-05-07

Structure

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing body.

CRASHINJURY

Electrical system

14% · 5 reports

Most commonly citing horn.

FIRE

Show complaint excerpts

I was driving approximately 20 MPH making a left turn when the car abruptly powered down the inside lights, outside lights, heat, etc turned off.

NHTSA ODI report, 2013-12-06

Wheels

11% · 4 reports

CRASHINJURY

Vehicle speed control

11% · 4 reports

CRASH

Show complaint excerpts

I was slowly pulling into a parking space when the car suddenly accelerated and jumped a curb and crashed in front of a restaurant.

NHTSA ODI report, 2018-03-18

Safety timeline

5 recalls · 1 investigation · oldest first

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

R

2013-07-31Steering13V292000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 21, 2011, through August 31, 2011.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering control module. The recall began on July 31, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2015-06-22Structure15V134000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 31, 2011, to February 9, 2015, and sold or registered in Puerto Rico.

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headliner, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2017-02-01Air bags17V006000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever...

Remedy: Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2018-01-29Air bags18V025000 On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware,...

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assemblies with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

Check if this car was fixed →
R

2019-11-20Air bags19V741000 Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...

Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.

Check if this car was fixed →
I
2021-09-17Engineering analysisOpen Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture

Buy-smart checklist

2012 Toyota Yaris — pre-purchase inspection

Inspect

Air bags: 18 reports on file for this year.
Structure: 5 reports on file for this year.
Electrical system: 5 reports on file for this year.

Verify these recalls were completed

Recall 13V292000 · Steering
Recall 15V134000 · Structure
Recall 17V006000 · Air bags
Recall 18V025000 · Air bags
Recall 19V741000 · Air bags

FAQ

Is the 2012 Toyota Yaris reliable?: There isn't enough NHTSA complaint data on file yet to give this model year a verdict.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?: The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 51% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Yaris have?: 5 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.