The Lemon Index2012 Toyota Corolla.
The 2012 Toyota Corolla is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 62 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 20, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about airbags, it has 5 recalls, and it gets 29 mpg combined. The best Toyota Corolla year is 2002.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 446 owner complaints, owners reported:
Every Toyota Corolla 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 9K to 60K miles on the car (115 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- airbags complaints mostly came at 25K–80K miles
Recalls 5
- airbags 2020
During certain crashes, the air bag electronic control unit (ECU) may malfunction, possibly disabling the deployment of the air bags and/or seat belt pretensioners.
- 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.
Show all 5 recalls
- airbags 2017
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- 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…
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 350 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- Some customers have experienced amber colored oil like substance found on floor mats
- "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…
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
- ClosedElectrical overstress2019–2024
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 Corolla 4 DR FWD | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★★ | ★★★★☆ |
Fuel cost and engines
About $2200 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 1.8L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
The airbag light is transit and doing even when the car is not in motion I just got this car and don't understand what's going on but I believe that it is very defective, and puts myself and my family in grave danger.
2012 Toyota Corolla owner · NHTSA complaint 10593506
Quick answers
Is the 2012 Toyota Corolla reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 5× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 20; 100 is average, lower is better).
What are the most common 2012 Toyota Corolla problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are airbags (27%), steering (23%) and speed control (23%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Corolla have?
5 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 Corolla get?
29 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
Is the 2012 Toyota Corolla 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 Corolla problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 9,400 and 60,000 miles. The middle report was at 36,500 miles, from 115 complaints.
Does the 2012 Toyota Corolla have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2012 Toyota Corolla cost in fuel a year?
About $2200 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2012 Toyota Corolla have?
1.8L 4-cyl.
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