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2012 Toyota Tacoma

Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

Toyota Tacoma
Pictured: Toyota Tacoma (N300) TRD 1X7A2438. Photo: Alexander-93, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Small Pickup Trucks 2WD
Body styles
Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto), Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual), P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD, P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6
Engines
2.7L 4-cyl, 4.0L 6-cyl
Horsepower
236 hp
Drivetrain
Rear-Wheel Drive, Part-time 4-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
22 combined · 21 city / 25 hwy
Length
208.3–221.3 in
Curb weight
3,558–4,189 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
7 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 22 MPG combined — 15% better than the average 2012 small pickup truck (19.1 MPG).
  • AWD / 4WD available

Watch out for

No weak spots against similar models in the data.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 4 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Toyota Tacoma is a small pickup truck offered with 2 engines (2.7L 4-cyl and 4.0L 6-cyl) and rear-wheel drive and part-time 4-wheel drive.

It measures about 221 inches long and 75 inches wide on a 141-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 4,189 lb (Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 22 MPG combined (21 city / 25 highway), 15% better than the 2012 small pickup truck average of 19.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,050 a year in fuel.

NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.

It has 7 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 259 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the engine.

What changed for 2012

No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2011 Tacoma — a carry-over year in the data.

Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Tacoma →

Trims, performance & features

Engine236 hp4.0L 6-cyl
DriveAWD/4WD

Trims

TRN240L/TRN245L/GRN245LGRN250LTRN265L/GRN265L

Built in: San Antonio, Texas

NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Tacoma configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
Double P/U Ext Cab L/Box 4WD (Auto)221.3 in74.8 in70.1 in140.6 in63 / 63.4 in4,189 lb58/42
Double P/U Ext Cab S/Box 4WD (Manual)208.7 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63 / 63.4 in4,129 lb58/42
P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63 / 63.4 in3,955 lb58/42
P/U Access Cab L/Box 4WD V-6208.3 in74.8 in70.1 in128 in63 / 63.4 in4,043 lb58/42
P/U Access Cab L/Box RWD208.3 in72.4 in65.7 in128 in61 / 61 in3,558 lb58/42

Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.

Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →

Engines, MPG & running costs

VersionEngineTransmissionDriveCity / Hwy / Combvs. classFuel / yrCO₂ g/mi
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive21 / 25 / 22+15%$3,050404
Tacoma 2WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdRear-Wheel Drive19 / 24 / 21+10%$3,200423
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdRear-Wheel Drive17 / 21 / 19-1%$3,550468
Tacoma 4WD2.7L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 21 / 19+6%$3,550468
Tacoma 4WD2.7L 4-cylManual 5-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive18 / 20 / 19+6%$3,550468
Tacoma 2WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdRear-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18-6%$3,700494
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylAutomatic 5-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive16 / 21 / 18+1%$3,700494
Tacoma 4WD4.0L 6-cylManual 6-spdPart-time 4-Wheel Drive15 / 19 / 17-5%$3,950523
Spend $3,250Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
19.1 MPG2012 Small Pickup Trucks 2WD average

EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →

Safety ratings & technology

NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma.

Similar 2012 small pickup trucks

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Toyota Tacoma (this car)22 MPGNot rated7
2012 Chevrolet Silverado21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Toyota Tundra18 MPGNot rated3
2012 GMC Sierra21 MPGNot rated6
2012 Suzuki Equator21 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (7)

Equipment · Jul 3, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V425000 · 3,547 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Risk
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Aug 4, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V475000 · 20,000 vehicles

Problem
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2008-2014 FJ Cruiser and Tacoma vehicles equipped with accessory wheels and tires installed by Toyota or dealers prior to the vehicle's first sale. The affected vehicles may list incorrect spare tire size and/or cold tire inflation information on the tire placard. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 110, "Tire Selection and Rims for Passenger Cars."
Risk
If the spare tire is inflated to the incorrect pressure provided on the placard, tire failure may occur while it is being driven on, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
For the involved vehicles, overlay stickers to correct the tire placard will either be mailed to owners or provided to dealers for placement over the incorrect information on the placard. The recall is expected to begin in September 2014. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.
Electronic Stability Control (Esc) · Feb 12, 2014

NHTSA campaign 14V054000 · 261,114 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 and 2013 Toyota Tacoma and Lexus RX350 vehicles and certain model year 2012 Toyota Rav4 vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the brake system contains a brake actuator that adjusts the fluid pressure of each wheel cylinder. An electrical component within the actuator may experience an increased resistance resulting in the illumination of various warning lights, including those for the Vehicle Stability Control (VSC) system, Antilock Brake System (ABS), and Traction Control system.
Risk
If this occurs, these systems could become inoperative, reducing the directional control assistance, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
Toyota will notify owners, and Toyota and Lexus dealers will update the software for the Skid Control electronic control unit, free of charge. The recall began on March 28, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Tires › Temporary/Emergency Spare Tire · Oct 17, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V494000 · 979 vehicles

Problem
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Tacoma vehicles equipped with 18" Maverick Alloy Wheels. In the affected vehicles, the spare tire requires the use of a different style of lug nut to attach it to the vehicle than the other wheels use. These lug nuts were not provided with the vehicle.
Risk
If the spare tire/wheel is installed on the vehicle using the lug nuts from another wheel, damage to the wheel could result and may eventually lead to a loose wheel, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
SET will notify owners, and dealers will: (a) Install a Warning Label on the spare tire/wheel, (b) supply a bag containing proper spare wheel lug nuts, and (c) place an Owner's Manual Addendum in the vehicle's glove box. The recall began on January 23, 2014. Owners may contact SET at 1-954-429-2000.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 9, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V123000 · 7,525 vehicles

Problem
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 Toyota Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2010-2013 Toyota FJ Cruiser, 2011 Toyota Land Cruiser, 2010-2013 Toyota Venza, 2010-2011 Toyota 4Runner, 2010-2013 Toyota Tacoma, 2011-2012 Toyota Sienna, 2012 Toyota Prius, 2013 Scion FR-S, 2011 Scion XD, 2011 Scion XB, and 2012 Scion TC vehicles. These vehicles were sold with labels that were outside the allowable one percent of accuracy of actual weight added. Thus, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) Number 110, "Tire Selection and Rims."
Risk
An inaccurate label could lead to owners overloading their vehicles and tires. An overloaded vehicle can result in a tire failure which may result in a vehicle crash, personal injury, or property damage.
Fix
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 being developed. The recall began on May 28, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles

Problem
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, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Risk
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Fix
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 contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
Equipment › Other › Labels · Apr 10, 2012

NHTSA campaign 12V158000 · 672 vehicles

Problem
GULF STATES TOYOTA (GST) IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 TACOMA TRUCKS. THE TIRE AND LOADING INFORMATION PLACARD ON EACH VEHICLE CONTAINS INACCURATE SPARE TIRE SIZE AND COLD INFLATION PRESSURE INFORMATION. THUS, THESE VEHICLES FAIL TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110,”TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS.”
Risk
AN INCORRECT PLACARD COULD LEAD TO IMPROPER SPARE TIRE USE OR REPLACEMENT WHICH COULD RESULT IN A TIRE FAILURE, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
Fix
GST WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND SEND EACH OWNER A CORRECTED PLACARD, FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL BEGAN ON JUNE 5, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC. AT 1-713-744-3465.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

Not every 2012 Toyota Tacoma is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.

Owner-reported problems

259Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
10Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
4Injuries reported
61,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Engine120
Fuel/Propulsion System50
Unknown Or Other43
Power Train27
Electrical System18
Vehicle Speed Control16
Electronic Stability Control (Esc)16
Suspension16
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
20/04: 220/05: 120/08: 120/09: 320/10: 120/11: 221/01: 321/03: 121/04: 221/06: 321/07: 121/09: 322/08: 122/11: 122/12: 123/08: 123/09: 223/12: 124/12: 125/05: 225/06: 125/07: 126/01: 326/08: 120/0420/0921/0121/0622/0823/0824/1225/07max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Toyota Tacoma buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 7 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Engine — 120 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
  3. Fuel/Propulsion System — 50 owner reports. Smell for fuel around the car and in the cabin, check that it starts easily when warm, and look at the oil dipstick for a fuel smell or rising level.
  4. Power Train — 27 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 61,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
  6. Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.

Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Tacoma years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2026 Tacoma23213 inNot rated012
2025 Tacoma23213 in★★★★★5114
2024 Tacoma24226.4 inNot rated6154
2023 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★454
2022 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★359
2021 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★081
2020 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★190
2019 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★4219
2018 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★3209
2017 Tacoma21212.2 in★★★★★5243
2016 Tacoma21212.2 inNot rated4324
2015 Tacoma22208.3 inNot rated4100

Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →