Reliable, but check the Takata air bag recall
The 2012 4Runner has few mechanical complaints. Most of its reports are about Takata air bag recalls, so make sure that work has been done.
Updated November 2026 · based on 96 owner complaints and 8 recalls
197 2.9x the 4Runner average
8 free to fix at a dealer
Every 4Runner year compared
Owner complaints per 100,000 cars sold. Lower is better. The newest years have had less time to collect complaints, so they are marked too new to judge.
Known problems on the 2012 4Runner
Top problems and what they cost
Takata air bag recall
Air bag inflators covered by the Takata recall.
Fix: Free under recall
Air bags
Stalling from fuel pump
Rare loss of power from fuel pump failure.
Fix: Fuel pump $600 to $1,000
Fuel system
Recalls
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Show all 8 recalls
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, ANTILOCK BRAKING AND STABILITY CONTROL MAY BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for ...
Complaints by part
Before you buy a 2012 Toyota 4Runner
- Check the VIN for open Takata air bag recalls.Takata air bag inflators can rupture and throw metal pieces in a crash. The recall replaces them for free, so make sure it was done.Owners filed 52 complaints about air bag recalls and warning lights on the 2012 4Runner, one of the worst years for it.
- Look underneath for frame rust and off-road damage.Rust on the frame or underbody weakens the structure and can be expensive or impossible to repair. Surface rust is normal; flaking or holes are not.
Questions
Is the 2012 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Reliable, but check the Takata air bag recall. The 2012 4Runner has few mechanical complaints. Most of its reports are about Takata air bag recalls, so make sure that work has been done.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner have?
8 recalls. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer, even for later owners. Enter the VIN on the free government recall lookup to see which are still open on a specific car.
What are the most common 2012 Toyota 4Runner problems?
Takata air bag recall; Stalling from fuel pump.
Crash rating shown for the 2012 Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD. Repair costs are typical U.S. ranges for parts and labor, not quotes. How we score.