Makes›Toyota›Yaris›2012

2012 Toyota Yaris

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

Toyota Yaris
Pictured: 2020 Toyota Yaris Design HEV CVT 1.5 Front. Photo: Vauxford, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Class
Compact Cars
Body styles
3dr Hatchback Ce, 4dr Sedan FWD Ce/Le/RS, 5dr Hatchback Le, 5dr Hatchback Se
Engines
1.5L 4-cyl
Horsepower
106 hp
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive
Fuel
Regular Gasoline
MPG (best)
33 combined · 30 city / 36 hwy
Length
153.5–169.3 in
Curb weight
2,249–2,315 lb
NHTSA rating
Not rated
Recalls
5 campaigns

Pros & cons

What's good

  • Excellent fuel economyUp to 33 MPG combined — 29% better than the average 2012 compact car (25.6 MPG).

Watch out for

  • Modest powerUp to 106 hp, versus about 170 hp for similar 2012 models.
  • 5 recallsMore than similar models (about 0). Confirm repairs with the VIN.

Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 13 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →

Overview

The 2012 Toyota Yaris is a compact car offered with a 1.5L 4-cyl engine and front-wheel drive.

It measures about 154 inches long and 67 inches wide on a 99-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 2,249 lb (3dr Hatchback Ce).

EPA rates its most efficient version at 33 MPG combined (30 city / 36 highway), 29% better than the 2012 compact car average of 25.6 MPG, for an estimated $2,050 a year in fuel.

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

It has 5 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 31 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the air bags.

What changed for 2012

  • New body dimensions: 2.7 in longer, wheelbase +1.9 in — most likely a redesign or new generation
  • Best combined MPG up from 31 to 33

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

Trims, performance & features

Engine106 hp1.5L 4-cyl

Trims

NCP91L / NCP93LNCP131LNCP91L/NCP93L

Built in: Ohira, Miyagi · Obu, Aichi · Kanegasaki, Iwate

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

Dimensions & weight

BodyLengthWidthHeightWheelbaseTrack F / RCurb weightWeight F/R
3dr Hatchback Ce153.5 in66.9 in59.4 in98.8 in58.7 / 57.9 in2,249 lb62/38
4dr Sedan FWD Ce/Le/RS169.3 in66.5 in56.7 in100.4 in58.3 / 57.9 in2,315 lb60/40
5dr Hatchback Le153.5 in66.9 in59.4 in98.8 in58.7 / 57.9 in2,249 lb62/38
5dr Hatchback Se154.7 in66.9 in59.4 in98.8 in57.5 / 57.1 in2,293 lb62/38

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
Yaris1.5L 4-cylManual 5-spdFront-Wheel Drive30 / 36 / 33+29%$2,050269
Yaris1.5L 4-cylAutomatic 4-spdFront-Wheel Drive29 / 34 / 31+21%$2,150287
Save $1,750Fuel over 5 years vs. average new car
25.6 MPG2012 Compact Cars 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 Yaris.

Similar 2012 compact cars

ModelBest MPG / rangeNHTSA overallRecalls
2012 Toyota Yaris (this car)33 MPGNot rated5
2012 Mazda 332 MPGNot rated0
2012 Volkswagen Golf/GTI32 MPGNot rated6
2012 Subaru Impreza/Outback Sport30 MPGNot rated0
2012 Ford Fiesta32 MPGNot rated3
2012 Mazda 231 MPGNot rated0
2012 Hyundai Accent32 MPGNot rated2

Recalls (5)

Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Oct 17, 2019

NHTSA campaign 19V741000 · 928,220 vehicles

Problem
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, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2018

NHTSA campaign 18V025000 · 116,126 vehicles

Problem
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, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. As of January 30, 2018, Toyota is additionally recalling 3,347 model year 2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles located in states listed above. Also included in this recall filing is 98,194 model year 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles, located throughout the U.S., that previously received a “like-for-like” interim air bag inflator replacement. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0R (Zone B), and H0A (Zone C), J0A (Matrix Zone A), J0A (Matrix Zone A), J0A (Matrix Zone A).
Air Bags › Frontal › Passenger Side › Inflator Module · Jan 9, 2017

NHTSA campaign 17V006000 · 577,875 vehicles

Problem
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 registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Risk
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Fix
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. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
Structure · Mar 9, 2015

NHTSA campaign 15V134000 · 16,582 vehicles

Problem
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. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a roof headliner that does not provide the proper occupant protection in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 201, " Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."
Risk
If the vehicles are equipped with a headliner that does not meet the impact requirements, there is an increased risk of occupantl injury in the event of a crash.
Fix
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.
Steering › Electric Power Assist System · Jul 3, 2013

NHTSA campaign 13V292000 · 74 vehicles

Problem
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 21, 2011, through August 31, 2011. A relay in the Power Steering Control Module of the electronic power steering system could experience a short circuit due to insufficient distance between terminals in the relay and moisture contamination of relay coil windings. A short circuit in the relay could disable power steering assistance.
Risk
If the power steering assistance shuts off, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix
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 your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗

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

Owner-reported problems

31Complaints to NHTSA since 2015
11Involved a crash
0Involved a fire
10Injuries reported
80,000 miTypical mileage at failure
Air Bags16
Structure › Body4
Vehicle Speed Control4
Wheels3
Electrical System3
Unknown Or Other2
Service Brakes2
Seats1
Complaints received per month (last 24 months with reports)
15/01: 115/05: 215/12: 116/07: 117/02: 117/03: 117/04: 217/06: 217/07: 317/10: 217/11: 217/12: 118/03: 218/04: 118/09: 118/12: 119/02: 119/06: 120/03: 120/07: 120/12: 122/05: 215/0116/0717/0417/1018/0318/1220/0322/05max 3

Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.

Used 2012 Toyota Yaris buyer's checklist

  1. Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 5 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
  2. Air Bags — 16 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
  3. Structure › Body — 4 owner reports. Open and close every door, the hood and tailgate; look for rust or misaligned panels.
  4. Vehicle Speed Control — 4 owner reports. Ask the seller and mechanic specifically about this system.
  5. Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 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 Yaris. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.

Other Yaris years

Compare all years →
YearMPG (best)LengthOverallRecallsComplaints
2020 Yaris35161.8 in★★★★★110
2019 Yaris35155.5 inNot rated326
2018 Yaris35155.5 inNot rated112
2017 Yaris35155.5 inNot rated331
2016 Yaris33155.5 inNot rated25
2015 Yaris33155.5 inNot rated415
2014 Yaris33153.5 inNot rated12
2013 Yaris33153.5 inNot rated17
2011 Yaris31150.8 inNot rated322
2010 Yaris32150.8 inNot rated954
2009 Yaris32150.8 inNot rated954
2008 Yaris32150.8 inNot rated9118

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