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7.2

pretty bad
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,640
Average Mileage:
59,350 miles
Total Complaints:
8 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. secondary air injector pump/valve replaced (6 reports)
  2. not sure (1 reports)
  3. replaced air switching valve (1 reports)
2012 Toyota Tacoma engine problems

engine problem

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2012 Toyota Tacoma Owner Comments

problem #8

Jan 152020

Tacoma V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 68,381 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Two dashboard lights illuminated at the same time: the Check Engine light and the TRAC OFF light. At first I really didn't notice much of a difference, but after 2 days I experienced significant power loss. I would pull out into traffic, and would be okay until about 20mph, then have no power. It crawled while trying to get up to speed. I read on the internet that if you disconnect the battery and open the gas cap the lights would go out and the problem would go away. I did this and IT WORKED; or so I thought.

I then left for an hour trip (I know, dumb) and within 15 mins the lights came back on and I couldn't get the truck over 60mph on a major highway. I actually stopped at a rest stop and disconnected the battery and removed the gas cap. Again this shut off the lights but only for about 5 mins. Then the power loss was back.

Took to my local mechanic who I trust and he said it was a known problem that was something called a Technical Service Bulletin but not yet a recall. Apparently the Tundra and Sequoia are recalled for this problem but not the Tacoma. I don't get it. I was told to keep my receipts ($1,870.68) - right after Christmas, thank you - and hopefully one day get reimbursed if it becomes a recall. I can only hope this is a no interest investment into my future.

- geno284, Toms River, US

problem #7

Jan 152018

Tacoma Pre Runner 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 88,000 miles

This was very inconvenient. I had to rent a car while it was being repaired. The fix is relatively easy to do with a little mechanical ability but when I factored in the wait time and cost for affordable parts from the internet I would just about break even. The most frustrating thing is that this is a known issue on Tacomas & Tundras but since it is not a safety concern there is no recall. It's just guaranteed money in the Dealers pocket.

If you have a 2012 or older Tacoma or Tundra, do yourself a favor and research the problem and know where you can get the most inexpensive parts. This cost me $1600 after negotiating the price down with the Toyota service department. I found out after the fact that there aftermarket parts available at nearly 1/3 the cost and your local mechanic or a do-it-yourselfer with very few tools can do the job. There a half a dozen videos on YouTube about the fix.

- Vernon H., Weatherford, TX, US

problem #6

Jan 082018

Tacoma V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 64,000 miles

This is a well documented issue with the SAS system. Toyota should furnish a fix at their cost.

- Scott M., Port Orchard, US

problem #5

Mar 182017

Tacoma

  • Automatic transmission
  • 38,300 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

With no warning the Check Engine and Traction Control lights come on and the truck lost all ability to drive faster than about 25mph. Husband barely made it to service shop. Repair shop says this is a common situation on Tundras and now evidentially also on 2012 Toyota Tacomas. At 38,300 miles it needs a new air pump and diverter valves?! Quoted repair $2100 bucks! Sadly, this sounds exactly like what other 2012 Tacoma owners have been experiencing. Repair shop thought it should be covered under Federal Emissions Warranty but Toyota is not agreeing. Not sure car is even drivable to dealership 25 miles away even IF Toyota would warranty it.

This truck garage kept and very low mileage. We are a BIG Toyota driving family and this Tacoma mechanical/design defect is NOT up to expected Toyota Customer Experience.

- Baxter L., Austin, US

problem #4

Feb 242017

Tacoma TRD Sport 4WD V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 24,000 miles

2012 Tacoma. TRD Sport 4WD. Fourth Tacoma over 30+ years. Ran flawlessly till check engine light and Trac Off lights came on at morning start up recently. Goes to "limp" mode. Dangerous driving on any kind of highway. Dealer confirms it's throwing codes P2440, 2441 and 2442. Air injection system issues. Apparently common on the 2012's. Dealer recommends replacing "both banks of valves" for >$800. Confirms no extended warranty or special treatment from Toyota. Frustrating. Only 24,000 miles! Still chasing it. No resolution.

Update from Mar 11, 2017: Called Toyota customer service. After a confirmation of the problem with the local dealer, they "goodwilled" the repair. Thanks as a long-time Toyota customer. (My 4th Tacoma, among others.) Replaced valve assembly.

- Bob L., Forest, VA, US

problem #3

Dec 122016

Tacoma SR5 V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 108,750 miles

Check engine light plus OFF Trac light - vehicle went into Fail-Safe (Limp) mode. Vehicle towed to shop, pulled codes P1604 Startability malfunction, P2442 secondary air injection system switching valve stuck open bank 2. 2ndary air injection system pump, valve and gaskets replaced.

- biogenic, Eagle River, AK, US

problem #2

Sep 052015

Tacoma 3.2L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 27,300 miles

Waiting on Toyota to see if there going to help fix it or not. Warranty ran out in 90 days ago bout only have 27300 miles Trac light comes on too!

- Steve C., Bristol, TN, US

problem #1

Dec 212014

Tacoma TRD 4.0L V6

  • Automatic transmission
  • 55,725 miles

To Toyota Motor Co., how stupid can you get? All this valve controls is the amount of air it pumps into the catalytic converter on warm ups, why do you even need such a d--- thing? Cost me $919.44, not covered under warranty. Computer will not let the engine have any power when it fails & it seems a lot of Tundras have this problem, but they had a recall, but not the Tacoma. This might be my last Toyota if this is the crap they are going to make.

Thanks Toyota, for a fine Christmas.

- crazygraves, aiken, SC, US

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