The Lemon Index2012 Toyota 4Runner.
The 2012 Toyota 4Runner is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 14 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 26, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about brakes, it has 8 recalls, and it gets 19 mpg combined. The best Toyota 4Runner year is 2013.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
Fixes owners look up most.
From 100 YouTube videos about the 2010–2024 Toyota 4Runner, 23.2M views. The 2012 is the same generation.
- Timing chain & engine659K views
2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner buying guideThe Car Care Nut · 659K views - Brakes & ABS562K views
How to Replace Brake Pads and Rotors on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerFun With VDubs Wanderlost Overland · 207K views · 4 videos - Spark plugs & ignition coils284K views
How to replace Spark Plugs on 2010-2021 4Runner and 10-14 FJ CruiserThe Car Care Nut · 161K views · 2 videos - Oil changes & service239K views
How to change the engine oil on a TOYOTA 4Runner - 2010-2023 (5th Gen)Pie Top Hiking · 140K views · 2 videos
Show 4 more
- Driveshaft, axles & 4x4210K views
Differential Fluid Service - 5th Gen Toyota 4RunnerT4R Garage · 134K views · 2 videos - No-start: theft light, key & ignition123K views
NEW For 2024 Model Year - First Look At Toyota 4Runner In Underground ColorTRD JON · 123K views - Gauges, lights & wiring117K views
Adjust Your Headlights - 2010 - 2024 5th Gen Toyota 4Runner5 Minute Fix it · 117K views - Fuel pump, filter & tank107K views
Replace the Fuel Pump on a 2010-2018 Toyota 4RunnerHow to Automotive · 107K views
Before you buy, watch
2010-2024 Toyota 4Runner Buyer’s Guide - Reliability & Common ProblemsDiscerning Cars · 261K views
Name A More Reliable Off-Roader // 2023 4Runner TRD ProSarah -n- Tuned · 221K views
2024 VS 2025 Toyota 4Runner Comparison Review || Still The Best Reliable SUV?Car Help Corner · 111K viewsViews show how many people looked up each fix, not how often it breaks. Videos belong to their creators; we link to them.
How serious. Out of 96 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota 4Runner year. 2012 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 16K to 80K miles on the car (31 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
Recalls 8
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2019
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- body structure 2017
The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Show all 8 recalls
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- engine 2016
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.
- engine 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.
- airbags 2013
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 the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk…
- equipment 2012
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 4RUNNER AND SIENNA VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT REMOTE ENGINE STARTERS.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 356 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- "tt: some customers may encounter bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: difficulty pairing…
- Some customers may encounter Bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: * Difficulty to pair the…
- Some customers may encounter Bluetooth connectivity concerns such as: *Difficulty to pair the…
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Government investigations
- OpenDesiccated air bag inflator rupture2021
NHTSA looks into a problem when enough owners report it. Many end in a recall.
Safety
Crash test details
| Version | Overall | Front | Side | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Toyota 4Runner SUV 2WD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
| Toyota 4Runner SUV AWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★☆☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $3400 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 4.0L 6-cyl.
In owners' words
After oil change the eco light is not on, keep off the oil used was 5w30.
2012 Toyota 4Runner owner · NHTSA complaint 10670291
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Toyota 4Runner reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 3.8× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 26; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota 4Runner year by this measure is 2013.
What are the most common 2012 Toyota 4Runner problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are brakes (43%), steering (21%) and electrical (21%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner have?
8 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner get?
19 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Toyota 4Runner safe?
NHTSA gave it 4 out of 5 stars overall in its best tested version. Ratings differ by body style, and the full table is on the advanced page.
At what mileage do 2012 Toyota 4Runner problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 16,400 and 80,000 miles. The middle report was at 45,100 miles, from 31 complaints.
Does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner cost in fuel a year?
About $3400 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Toyota 4Runner have?
4.0L 6-cyl.
What Toyota 4Runner year is better than the 2012?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2013, 2017 and 2021.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works