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2012 Toyota 4runner

Safety ratings, recalls, and consumer complaints from NHTSA

NHTSA Safety Ratings

2012 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD

Overall
★★★★☆
Front Crash
★★★★☆
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★☆☆

2012 Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD

Overall
★★★★☆
Front Crash
★★★★☆
Side Crash
★★★★★
Rollover
★★★☆☆

Recalls(8)

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 Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign: 19V005000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER 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, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.

Campaign: 19V741000

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

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.

Campaign: 17V425000

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, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Campaign: 17V006000

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 behind the vehicle.

Campaign: 16V577000

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 the vehicle.

Campaign: 15V515000

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).

Campaign: 12V120000

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

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.

Campaign: 13V014000

Consumer Complaints(96 total, showing 10)

STEERING

Consistent steering wheel shake between 60-65 mph. This is a very well known issue on the 2010-2024 4Runners and it drives me and many others crazy, and feels unsafe to drive with. Will happen almost anytime I’m on the highway. My vehicle only has 48k miles. This needs to be addressed.

ENGINE

Vehicle radiator light came on, shortly thereafter (5-10 min) vehicle overheated. Waited for vehicle to cool down, then drove home. The following day drove the vehicle to dealership. After an inspection the dealer stated the heads are cracked and needed to be replaced. When I asked how this could happen to a car that is regularly serviced with only 90k miles his response was "the original heads were made of weaker metal, the replacement ones are upgraded. We haven't had any come-backs on the ones we've replaced". I then asked, well how many vehicles has this impacted? Sounds like this should be covered under a recall? His response "We've had quite a few in the past month or so, seems to be happening when vehicles get to the 70-80k range." Sounds to me like Mazda knew the heads were made from inferior products which is why they upgraded the part on newer models.

FUEL SYSTEM, GASOLINE

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.

FUEL SYSTEM, OTHER

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.

AIR BAGS

2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARD TO TAKATA FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG INFLATOR SAFETY RECALL. *LD THE CONSUMER REQUESTED TO HAVE A RECALL NOTICE MAILED TO A CURRENT ADDRESS. *JS

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,UNKNOWN OR OTHER

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 DISPLAYING AND THEN STARTS WORKING AGAIN ANOTHER DAY.

UNKNOWN OR OTHER

MY VEHICLE FRAME AND GAS TANK PROTECTOR SHIELD IS RUSTING ABNORMALLY WAY FASTER THAN IT SHOULD BE. *TR

FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM

LEAVING THE SONIC DRIVE IN PARKING LOT MY VECHILE DIED AS I WAS TURNING ON THE STREET. IT SHOWED THAT THE GAS TANK HAD A 1/4 TANK OF GAS BUT THE TANK WAS EMPTY

AIR BAGS

I AM THE OWNER OF A 2012 TOYOTA 4RUNNER WHICH HAS A CURRENT AIR BAG RECALL. THE PARTS WERE NOT AVAILABLE BEFORE OUR MILITARY PCS TRANSFER OVERSEAS. THEY BECAME AVAILABLE AFTER MY MOVE OVERSEAS, BUT TOYOTA HAS NOT BEEN ABLE TO ASSIST IN REPLACING MY AIRBAGS. I AM NOT GETTING READY TO TRANSFER BACK TO THE U.S. AND THIS MIGHT AFFECT MY SHIPMENT OF POV. ANY ASSISTANCE IS GREATLY APPRECIATED. -LCDR [XXX], USCG (LIVING IN THE NETHERLANDS) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6). *TR

AIR BAGS

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. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AS THE EDR INFORMATION WAS RETRIEVED BY THEM AND A CASE WAS OPENED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 118,000.

Crash reported2 injuries

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