2012 Toyota Tundra recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tundra and 156 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are engine (57), fuel/propulsion system (25), power train (21). It earned a 4-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 15–18 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 Tundra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (154). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 7.1 per model year.
Recalls 4
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Toyota Tundra. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Steering · hydraulic power assist system
Problem: 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. The power steering gear assembly may have been manufactured incorrectly, which can result in an oil leak.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Toyota's number for this recall is 21TH01.
Steering · hydraulic power assist system
Problem: 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.
Risk: An oil leak may cause a sudden loss of power steering assist, increasing the risk of a crash.
Fix: 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. Toyota's numbers for this recall are 21TB10 and 21TA10.
Equipment · other · labels
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.
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Tundra. It was discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy. The vehicle was a private sale. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 128,907. The contact discovered after the dealer provided a Carfax report that the mileage was 381,746. The contact reported the odometer fraud to the Benbrook Police Department.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Tundra. The contact discovered that there was a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 149,000. It was later discovered upon checking the vehicle history that the mileage was 378,000.
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Tundra. At the time of the purchase, the mileage was 149,000. The vehicle was a dealer sale. An independent mechanic checked the vehicle history report and discovered a mileage discrepancy. The Carfax report indicated that the mileage was 379,000 in May 2025. The contact reported the odometer fraud to Wisconsin's Department of…
Safety ratings
2012 Toyota Tundra PU/CC 4WD
2012 Toyota Tundra PU/EC 4WD
2012 Toyota Tundra PU/RC 4WD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Toyota Tundra.
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S5) · 6 cyl · 4.0 L
Regular
Tundra 2WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 4.6 L
Regular
Tundra 4WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 4.6 L
Regular
Tundra 4WD
Auto (S6) · 8 cyl · 5.7 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Tundra have?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Tundra, most recently for steering · hydraulic power assist system (12/23/2021). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Tundra?
Based on 156 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are engine (57), fuel/propulsion system (25), power train (21).
Is the 2012 Toyota Tundra safe?
The 2012 Toyota Tundra earned a 4-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Toyota Tundra?
The 2012 ranks #11 of 14 Tundra model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (154). It has 4 recalls vs. an average of 7.1 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Tundra get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Toyota Tundra range from 15 to 18 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Toyota Tundra in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: TUNDRA, Tundra.