Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2012 Toyota Tacoma owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
My leaf spring(s) is noisy/loosened and to the best of my limited knowledge is at risk for breaking off and puncturing the fuel tank per repair shops. This issue is not covered under Safety Recall E02 (E12) by Toyota for the model year 2012 Tacoma. As a consumer, I don't understand the determination of when the recall is cut off for specific model years. I would like for NHTSA and Toyota to analyze this issue as the model year 2012 Tacoma could be at risk. I have case with Toyota Customer Resolutions that has been closed. Thanks for your attention into this matter.
The passenger leaf spring or right leaf spring has broken and the truck has not hauled any kind of weight, there is a previous recall on similar trucks but they end with 2011 models but looking at the 2012 model it's build is similar and seems to have a chance of having the same effect as mine already has.
I bought a used 2012 Toyota Tacoma with 75,000 miles on it from a dealership with the "Toyota certification." at 86,400 miles, the truck bed started sagging, and everytime I accelerated, the suspension would make a loud thumping noise, & the back end would wiggle & vibrate. I took it into the dealership, and they said both leafsprings (under the truck bed) cracked (at the same time), but unfortunately my 2012 was not covered under the suspension recall, which covered only until the 2011 model year. Otherwise the recall would've paid for the fix. It appears faulty steel was still used in the leafsprings manufacture well into the 2012 model years. In the meantime, I had to get my truck fixed, and spent roughly $1,100 at a non-dealership mechanic. Please investigate this as there are other trucks in this same predicament.
When the vehicle is in motion the back end creaks loudly over the rear tires. This is especially noticeable at low speeds as the truck bounces over the road. When the vehicle is stationary and I am in the bed or on the tailgate, the truck bounces easily and creaks loudly over the rear tires. I had new leaf springs installed in July 2018 because that is what my mechanic diagnosed the problem to be. Now, less than a year later the same issue persists. The sound is metal is rubbing on metal, and I suspect another part of this vehicle's suspension is bad.
My vehicle has the same problem as the recall in the 2005-2011 Tacoma recall from Toyota. The subject vehicles rear suspension system contains leaf springs that are constructed of either 3 or 4 leaf springs. There is a possibility that a leaf could fracture due to stress and corrosion. This could cause damage to the fuel tank or other components. My vehicle has the damaged leaf as described in their recall although it is a 2012, and I discovered it recently hearing a noise in the rear of the vehicle.
Tl* the contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tacoma. While driving 5 MPH, the contact heard an abnormal noise coming from the rear passenger side of the vehicle. The vehicle was taken to prime Toyota rt 2 (located at 700 old union turnpike, lancaster, ma 01523, [phone]) where it was diagnosed that the leaf spring needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notififed. The failure mileage was 50,000. Contact was told by Toyota dealer not to drive it.
When I'm driving the truck between 30 and 40 miles an hour the truck feel like wants to stop and saunds wuird I think is the torque converter is not doing his job properly also that suspension is getting restless so bad and so quickly and the chats are so hard so I don't know if it is something wrong with it or it's just normal in the car and saw the things I've been checking on it 2012 Toyota and I had it for three years also it takes too long to heat up in winter time
Failure of drivers side leaf spring with large section(4-6in) missing. Gave no notice of failure prior to failing. Found when changing tires. Do not use vehicle for towing beyond specs or off roading. Toyota recalled previously for this issue under safety recall e02(e12) for 2005-2011 m.y. Stating broken leaf springs could puncture fuel tank propagating in a fire. Toyota dealership was unwilling to assist in repair or admit fault despite safety related issue.
I brought truck to Toyota dealership as part of rusted frame recall to be verified. They stated truck was not rusted enough underneath for Toyota to approve recall. That was a couple of months ago. I have recently brought it to a few mechanics to do some work on A/C as the A/C stopped working and that refuse to work on it as the truck is so rusted underneath!! They said it would crumble. Not even worth it.
Having the same issue as the 2011 Tacoma's with faulty leaf springs started as a squeak sprayed wd-40 and fluid film didn't help then few months later heard a clunk and now driver side leaf spring is broke this should be covered under the recall!!
Suspension complaints in other Tacoma years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 2012 Toyota Tacoma?
NHTSA has 21 complaints about the suspension of the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, 7% of the model year's 295 complaints. The component named most often is rear (1 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2012 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension recall for the 2012 Toyota Tacoma, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Tacoma suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 55,000 miles, and 29% before 25,000 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.