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2012 Toyota Tundra engine problems

60 complaints (38% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 81,120. 1 crash reported.

owner complaints
60
of this car's complaints
38%
typical mileage
81,120
crashes
1
recalls
0

Which part fails

  • Exhaust system
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota Tundra engine problems in other years

200020052010201520202026

Specific symptoms reported on the 2012 Toyota Tundra engine

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Check engine light 37Loss of power 15

Related recalls

No recalls on record for this model year.

What 2012 Toyota Tundra owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Aug 8, 2024 · Engine, Fuel system · NJ

Wife was driving truck and immediately went into limp mode on the highway. Check engine light came on, no accelerating then died. Had to get it towed. This is the 3rd incident with this issue.

Filed May 18, 2023 · Engine, Transmission · 175,000 miles · VT

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated that while plowing his driveway, there was an abnormal burning odor detected. The vehicle suddenly lost power. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that oil was needed. The mechanic became aware that oil was dripping through a small crack on the cam shaft on the right cylinder bank onto the exhaust manifold. The contact was informed that the engine wiring harness was burned. The mechanic recommended that the engine and transfer case be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and the contact was informed after an investigation, that there was no evidence of a defect. The claim was denied. There was no additional assistance provided. The approximate failure mileage 175,000.

Filed Jan 5, 2023 · Engine · 98,000 miles · CA

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Tundra. The contact stated while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact stated that the light stayed illuminated while driving. The contact had taken the vehicle to an independent certified mechanic where it was diagnosed and determined that the secondary air injectors needed to be replaced. The mechanic informed the contact that the manufacturer had offered an Extended Warranty Program to cover the failure under "Warranty Enhancement Program ZG6" for "Air Injection Pumps and Air Switching Valves" and that the warranty had expired several months prior. The vehicle had not been repaired. The manufacturer had been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 98,000.

Filed Dec 3, 2022 · Electrical, Engine · IL

Computer software issues. Flex full engine.

Filed Oct 4, 2022 · Engine, Transmission · OH · fire

The engine leaks oil in front of the faulty designed cam tower seal and leaks on the manifold. This caused smoke to come from the oil burning off.

Filed Sep 29, 2022 · Acceleration, Electrical · PA

Secondary air injection pump has high rate of failure, recalls in older models. Has caused truck to go into limp mode. Could cause serious accident/fatality if vehicle suddenly goes into limp mode on highway. This has happened on multiple occasions in forums I’ve read. Known problem by Toyota that isn’t being addressed.

Filed Mar 20, 2022 · Engine · IL

Secondary air injection system failed May 2019. ALL dash warning lights came on. Researched on-line and found truck would not have accelerated past “limp mode” (25-30 mph). Had to have vehicle towed to local Toyota dealer as I was over 40 miles from home (all highway). Toyota dealer diagnosed secondary air injection system failure. Cost to repair OVER $3000. Toyota has acknowledged this is a KNOWN design problem on the Tundra “big” V8s but refuses to recognize this is a design problem on the 2012 4.6L V8 models. Local dealer stated “we have lots of these lying around the shop so no problem getting the part.” Indicating this is a common problem/repair. Spoke directly with Toyota Corporate office who refused to acknowledge design fault or reimburse for repair. This is a HUGE safety issue caused by a known Toyota design problem that needs to be investigated by the federal safety agency. Toyota MUST be help accountable for this problem and made to correct the problem with a "recall".

Filed Feb 21, 2022 · Engine · TX

Secondary air injection system failed June 2018. Vehicle went into limp mode on highway, a dangerous situation as you go from 70 to 30 MPH rather suddenly. Alamo Toyota dealership in San Antonio stated code PO418 and needs to have air pumps and valves replaced. Cost estimate of $3362.57. Toyota has acknowledged this is a design problem on certain Toyota Tundras but fails to recognize this is an issue on the 2012 4.6L V8 models. Toyota needs to take responsibility that this is still an issue with the 2012 4.6L V8 models.

Filed Sep 28, 2021 · Engine · GA

Check engine light which when checked revealed Air pump and air control valve failures. This is a known problem with 2006-2011 Tundras that Toyota issued an extended warranty for 10 years or 150,000 to replace these parts. There was additional extended warranty for 2012 with 5.7 Liter engine but not the 4.6 liter engine. Safety issue is when total failure occurs vehicle goes into limp mode with max speed of 25MPH which would be bad at highway speeds. Code was run by repair facility and copy is enclosed. Email was sent to Toyota corporate and upon phone call follow up, Toyota refused to do anything towards the defect.

Filed Jul 13, 2021 · Engine · NM

2012 toyota tundra cam carrier seal/cam tower leak on passenger side. The consumer stated once the oil pressure becomes higher than the bond holding the seal element, it begins to leak. The manufacturer was notified, but did not offer any assistance.

Questions about the 2012 Toyota Tundra engine

Does the 2012 Toyota Tundra have engine problems?

Owners have filed 60 complaints about the engine of the 2012 Toyota Tundra, 38% of all its complaints, more than any other problem.

At what mileage do 2012 Toyota Tundra engine problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 81,120 miles.

Was there a recall on the 2012 Toyota Tundra engine?

There is no recall for this problem on this model year.

What year does the Toyota Tundra have bad engine?

The Toyota Tundra model years with the most engine complaints are 2023 (219 complaints), 2022 (205 complaints) and 2024 (183 complaints).

Other 2012 Toyota Tundra problems

Fuel system 27Transmission 21Electrical 19Steering 12Body 11Airbags 9Acceleration 7Brakes 7Driver assistance 7Wheels 6Seats 4Suspension 4Seat belts 2Tires 2Locks 1

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