The 2012 Tacoma can last over 300,000 miles with some air pump and vibration issues. At $11,201 – 23,685 it’s expensive, but worth it for the reliable engine and transmission.
Is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma a Good Used Truck?
- Yes, 2012 is a good year. Owners really like the truck’s 4-wheel drive system, comfortable seats, and low ownership costs.
- Reliability ratings are great. Tacoma models from 2005 onward are all good, with some transmission issues in 2016–2017.
- Performance is weak from the 4-cylinder, and not much better with the V6.
- The Tacoma is not very safe, only earning 3 out of 5 stars in government crash tests.
- Fuel economy is good for a truck up to 22 MPG combined.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the Tacoma?
- Consumer Reports finds the Tacoma to be a practically bulletproof machine with good owner satisfaction scores.
- Edmunds gives the Tacoma a 4.2/5 liking the nice interior, but finds the brake pedal spongy.
- Kelley Blue Book users give the Tacoma a 4.7/5 enjoying the off-road capabilities, but it can’t tow as much as bigger trucks.
What Common Problems Does the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Have?
The problems found on the 2012 Tacoma are minor for a truck and include air pump issues, vibration while driving, and some excessive rust.
Secondary air injector pump failures show up on some trucks at around 60,000 miles. When the pump fails a check engine light will turn on, and replacing the part costs about $1,500.
Excessive vibration while driving is mentioned by owners in the first 20,000 miles. Toyota issued a service bulletin to cover the issue, which can be caused by engine mounts, leaf springs, or a steering wheel damper.
Frame rust is another complaint from owners at nearly 65,000 miles. Owners in areas with a lot of snow and salt on the road often install undercoating annually to help protect the metal, costing about $300.
There are 7 recalls with the most serious being for the brake actuator which increases the risk of a crash. The other recalls are fairly minor, covering labels and accessories.
How Long Will the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Last?
A properly maintained 2012 Tacoma will last over 300,000 miles, which is around 100,000 miles longer than top competitors like the Nissan Frontier. Regular annual maintenance costs are affordable for a truck at $513 per year, according to Repair Pal.
Most Tacomas from 2012 have over 100,000 miles, so buyers should be prepared to replace axle shaft seals for $275, transmission mounts costing $200, and stabilizer bushings which cost $100.
No mechanical problems or issues. Regular scheduled maintenance performed as recommended by manufacturer. New tires in early 2019.
I have 120,000 miles on my Tacoma and all I have done is change the oil regularly along with one brake change.
Very reliable... No issues for me in the past 8 years. Little things here or there were easy and affordable to service, best vehicle I have ever driven.
Yes, reliable. I know when I turn the key it will start. Have had no problems, and in 9 years the only thing I have had to replace were the tires and brakes.
The car is very reliable and I have not had any problems with the car considering I drive it everyday.
There’s no problem at all it’s drive smoothly and it is reliable vehicle. We drove thousands miles away and we never have a problem
How Much Is the 2012 Toyota Tacoma Worth?
Blue book prices range from $11,201 – 23,685 making the Tacoma over $5,000 more expensive than other compact trucks such as the Ridgeline or Canyon. When new, the price range was $17,125 to $28,085. Depreciation does not exist in current market conditions and has increased in value.
What are the Different Models of the Tacoma?
There are three models of the Tacoma available with a lot of options for each. Technology was just updated for 2012, with the next redesign coming for the 2016 model.
Base is the entry-level model with:
- 15-Inch Steel Wheels
- Cloth Seating
- Limited Slip Differential
- Power Locks And Windows
- 6-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With USB and Bluetooth Connectivity
PreRunner is the most popular model, adding:
- 16-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Premium Cloth Seating
- Fender Flares
- Locking Rear Differential
- Hill Start Assist
- Skid Plates
- Off-Road Suspension
- Rearview Camera
X-Runner is a sporty on-road model and has:
- 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
- Rear Wheel Drive System
- Lowered Suspension
- Redesigned Front Bumper
- Premium Stereo System
What Engines Come In the Tacoma?
- The base engine is a relatively weak 2.7L 4-cylinder with only 159 horsepower, which gets up to 21 MPG combined.
- An optional upgrade is a weak 4.0L V6 which only has 236 horsepower and gets up to 19 MPG combined. Performance is okay, taking 7.7 seconds to reach 60 MPH, and the towing capacity is up to 6,500 pounds.
What Colors Does the Tacoma Come In?
How Big Is the Tacoma?
The Tacoma is a compact truck, similar in size to the Nissan Frontier and Chevy Colorado. Passenger space is cramped throughout the cabin with limited legroom, even with the 4-door double cab configuration.
There are two bed lengths available including a 5-foot short bed, and 6-foot standard bed.
How Does the Tacoma Compare to the Competition?
The Nissan Frontier is a small truck rival costing $10,000 less. Where the Frontier stands out is with a more powerful V6, but technology and reliability are better in the Tacoma. We recommend the Tacoma, which lasts longer.
The Honda Ridgeline is another competitor costing $5,000 less. Passenger space and interior materials are nicer on the Ridgeline, but the Tacoma is much better off-road. We recommend a Tacoma since it’s a more capable truck while the Ridgeline is closer to an SUV with a bed.
Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Tacoma?
Yes. I have owned for almost 8 years. Reliable, good on gas, plenty of room, fits my everyday needs.
Yes, this is a vehicle that has just enough power to move when needed but can gear down and go wherever the driver pleases in any terrain.
Yes, reliable and a good investment... Has held it is value for 8 years now. Safe for all terrains, runs smoothly and easy to service... Pretty good gas mileage for a truck as well.
Yes, never had a problem with it, good economy, good handling, easy to maneuver, meets most of my needs both around town and on a trip.
Yes I have put almost 60k miles on the car and nothing has gone wrong at all. Very reliable car whenever.
Yes, it is nice vehicle and also have a backup camera and runs beautiful. There’s a Bluetooth and it is 4 wheel drive