Most common 2012 Toyota 4Runner problems
Share of the 96 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Toyota 4Runner complaints by model year
Best 4Runner years: 2013, 2017, 2024. Years to avoid: 2025, 2011, 2003, 2004. Compare all years →
2012 Toyota 4Runner recalls (8)
Air bags › Frontal › Driver side › Inflator module
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,…
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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019.
Equipment
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.
Remedy: 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.
Air bags › Frontal › Passenger side › Inflator module
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,…
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…
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing…
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016.
Engine and engine cooling › Exhaust system › Manifold/header/muffler/tail pipe
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind…
Remedy: SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015.
Show 2 more recalls
Seats
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…
Remedy: 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.
Equipment › Electrical
Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 4runner and sienna vehicles, equipped with non-original equipment remote engine starters. A malfunction in the audiovox electronics brand remote engine starter module can prevent normal communication of the vehicle's controller area network (can).
Remedy: Gulf states Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the remote engine starter with a new one free of charge. The safety recall is expected to begin on or about June 4, 2012.
NHTSA defect investigations
Federal safety investigators have looked into a possible defect involving the 2012 Toyota 4Runner:
Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 2004 can degrade, causing the propellant to burn too quickly when ignited.
What 2012 Toyota 4Runner owners say
Air bags all 70 →
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated that while driving at 50 MPH, while it was raining, with a vehicle driving in the oncoming lane, the contact swerved to the right of the roadway not to prevent a crash with the oncoming vehicle. The tire hit a patch of snow, the contact lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a tree at approximately 30 MPH. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy. The contact sustained left hand, shoulder, and whiplash injuries while front seat passenger sustained a dislocated shoulder. The contact also stated that the floor space underneath the dashboard shifted forward six to eight inches injuring the passenger's right leg. Both the driver and the passenger required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an independent collision center and later towed by the insurance company to a tow lot. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota 4runner. The contact stated while driving 51 MPH, the contact stated in an attempt to avoid a head on collison, he swerved, losing control of the vehicle sliding into a tree in the snow. The contact stated that the air bags failed to deploy at 18 MPH per the electronic data recorder (edr). The contact stated that the passenger dislocated his left shoulder as well as leg injuries due to hitting the dashboard. The driver and passenger sustained whiplash. The contact stated that he and the passenger sought medical attention several days later. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed to an auto body repair shop. The contact mentioned that the vehicle was serviced under an air bags recall at Toyota of portland (55 ne broadway st, portland, or 97232) in 2019. …
Brakes
Approximately 7:45 am on 9/18/19, my son while coming home from work, had an accident. I was not with him at the time. When he showed up at home after the incident, he explained how he was unable to stop the vehicle before it collided with the vehicle in front. He articulated that when he applied the brakes, it was as if he vehicle sped up. Remembering years back during a presidential campaign, this was an issue with some other Toyota's. The verdict was the place mats interfered with the pedals. When I released the vehicle from the tow lot, I checked and this was not the case as the floor mat was secure. I have driven Toyota vehicles since the early ninety's and have owned five. Checking for recalls as a result of this I found multiple incidents on record. The panic braking system surprised me the first time I experienced it. …
I purchased a 2012 Toyota tacoma from cfl Toyota. The VIN is [redacted]at the first maintenance, I reported instances of "unintended acceleration." the cfl Toyota mechanic and, later the Toyota of orlando customer representative reported that the event is related to the fact that for toyotas, the engine is used to "gear down" and assist in braking. I have experienced unintended acceleration about 6 times in the two years that I have owned the truck. On 1-May-2014, at the sandlake road entrance to lowes hardware near john young parkway in orlando fl, while stopped in line to enter a highway, my Toyota "lurched" (unintended acceleration) despite that fact that my foot was on the brake. I caused damage to my car and the car in front of me. I had previously twice reported this phenomena to two Toyota dealers. No injuries were reported at the scene. …
Fuel & propulsion system
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota 4Runner. The contact stated while driving 50 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power and stalled. There was no warning light illuminated. The Police Department called and arranged for the vehicle to be towed to an authorized dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the fuel pump had disintegrated and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the VIN was not under recall for the failure. No further assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 87,000.
I was driving on the expressway, at about 70 to 75 miles. Suddenly the vehicle just slowed down to 40 miles per hour. I almost got hit from the back by a truck. But, then it suddenly picked back up. this has happened several times but the shop nor the dealer could tell me what was wrong. I finally took it to another shop and they said it was the fuel pump. So I start researching to see if there were recalls on the fuel pump and yes their are. But not for my vehicle year. They are for 2013 to 2020. What can I do about that? This started about 3 to 4 months ago.
2012 Toyota 4Runner engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | RWD | 17 / 23 / 19 |
| 4.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 4WD | 17 / 22 / 19 |
EPA ratings. Class: SUV.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2012 Toyota 4Runner a good car?
Based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 4Runner rates average: about as many complaints as a typical year of the 4Runner at the same age. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2012 Toyota 4Runner?
The air bags — 70 complaints, 73% of all complaints for this model year. Next are the brakes (7) and fuel & propulsion system (6).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner have?
There are 8 recalls for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner, the most recent from October 17, 2019 (inflator module). Recall repairs are free at any authorized dealer — check whether yours has been done with the VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Toyota 4Runner?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2013, 2017 and 2024. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2025, 2011, 2003 and 2004. See the full Toyota 4Runner years comparison.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota 4Runner problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 45,000 miles; 58% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.