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ProblemsByVin File / 2012-TOYOTA-4RUNNER NHTSA data synced 4 days ago
2012 · Toyota

Toyota 4Runner problems

96 owner complaints and 1 active recall campaign on file. Here's the breakdown — what's serious, what's noise, what a working mechanic would actually do about it.

0 5 10
Reliability score
7.6 / 10

Solid reliability overall. Common issues are concentrated in a few systems.

0
Critical
1
Severe
0
Moderate
Should you avoid this 2012 4Runner?
Generally reliable

Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally.

Our read of the federal NHTSA complaint and recall record for this exact year and model — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection. How we score.

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Top trouble spots 5 categories with 3+ complaints

airbags
70 reports · fails ~65,340 mi · avg $1,100
severe
brakes
5 reports · fails ~32,888 mi · avg $450
severe
steering
5 reports · fails ~21,000 mi · avg $700
moderate
electrical
3 reports · fails ~61,667 mi · avg $850
moderate
fuel system
3 reports · fails ~49,225 mi · avg $1,200
moderate
Buyer's checklist
Going to look at one? Use the pre-purchase inspection list.
Generated from this 2012 4Runner's actual NHTSA complaint history — every item points at a documented failure pattern on this exact vehicle, not generic walkaround filler.
See the checklist ->
Honest Calculator
Should you buy an extended warranty on this 2012 4Runner?
We pulled the math: risk-weighted exposure, typical contract cost, and our verdict on whether coverage pencils out for this specific vehicle.
See the calculator ->

What owners are saying recent NHTSA-filed complaints · verbatim

2012 4Runner · brakes
The brakes of the vehicle slip. When you are on the freeway and you need to stop for accidents and you brake the vehicle slips and almost wants to role over. When the vehicle comes to complete stop after a few seconds it moves forward almost 6 inches. There could be several…
2012 4Runner · electrical
The backup camera does not work consistently. While not moving and then shifiting into reverse, the screen does not change or changes to something other than the camera. It usually stops working after several stops and shifts into reverse. Sometimes it goes 2 or 3 days without…
12/15/2020 · at 85,000 mi · NHTSA ODI #11383575.0 · see electrical pattern →
2012 4Runner · airbags
"takata recall" I contacted the auto dealer who sold the vehicle, in order to address the air bag issue. That was a couple of months ago. As of todat (dec 15, 2017) the dealer takes no action to fix it.
2012 4Runner · steering
The wiring in my steering column connected to the horn in the clock spring has caused my horn to not work . I got my car diagnosed and they said that the clock spring needs to be replaced. It cost $1020.31 to get fixed. They told me it was nothing I caused or could have…
View all 96 owner complaints →
Had a problem with your 2012 Toyota 4Runner? File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free and official — owner filings are what build the federal safety record behind this page.

Estimate your repair exposure

Drag to your current mileage. Numbers are derived from this vehicle's complaint history.

0 mi 200k mi
At 80,000 miles
Likely repair cost in next 24 months
$0

Active recalls showing 1 of 1

severe NHTSA 12V120000 March 23, 2012

Gulf states Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 4runner and sienna vehicles, equipped with non-original equipment remote engine starters

If this condition occurs, antilock braking and stability control may be lost, increasing the risk of a crash. Drivers should receive dashboard warning lights warning them of a malfunction.

Fix: 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. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-444-1074.

Under investigation 1 open at NHTSA

EA Air Bags › Frontal · opened September 2021

NHTSA has an open defect investigation covering this vehicle — the step that can precede a recall, not a finding of fault. EA21002 on NHTSA →

How NHTSA investigations work, and what's open now →

Common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota 4Runner reliable?

Mostly yes. With a reliability score of 7.6 out of 10 based on 96 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner is generally a sound vehicle. The areas to watch are listed in the top problem section above — most are budget items, not deal-breakers.

Should you avoid the 2012 Toyota 4Runner?

On the NHTSA data, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner does not need avoiding. Buyable on the data — keep up the usual maintenance and inspect normally. The record behind that call: No systemic severe-failure pattern in the complaint record; Reliability score 7.6/10 — above the segment average; 1 recall campaign on file. This is our read of the federal complaint and recall data — not a substitute for a pre-purchase inspection.

What's the most common problem on the 2012 Toyota 4Runner?

Based on NHTSA records, the most-reported issue is airbags, with 70 complaints filed. Typical failure occurs around 65,340 miles. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop.

What's the most expensive thing that goes wrong?

The airbags is one of the costlier repair items. Average repair cost runs about $1,100 at an independent shop. Typical failure occurs around 65,340 miles. Catching early warning signs can sometimes extend life by 20–30,000 miles.

How do I check if my Toyota 4Runner has open recalls?

Paste your VIN into the decoder at the top of this page. We pull live from NHTSA, so you'll see exactly which campaigns apply to your vehicle and whether the dealer has logged the fix. Recall repairs are always free regardless of mileage or warranty status.

Is an extended warranty worth it on a 2012 Toyota 4Runner?

Math is straightforward: a quality service contract runs $1,800–3,500 over 3 years. With 96 complaints on file and the costliest repair averaging $1,100, one major failure more than pays for it. The catch is reading the contract — many providers exclude wear items and require pre-authorization, so cheaper plans are not always better value.

Related

Recall and complaint data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) public records database, last synced 4 days ago. Verify the raw federal record at nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Toyota/4Runner. Editorial commentary written by ProblemsByVin contributors and reviewed by ASE-certified mechanics. We are not affiliated with Toyota. Some links on this page are affiliate links and we may earn a commission if you complete a quote or purchase.
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