2012 Toyota Tundra Review: Expensive Half-Ton Truck That Outlasts All Competitors

The 2012 Tundra can last over 350,000 miles with some exhaust and rare engine issues. Prices are high at $13,813 – 26,537, but worth it for the dependable drivetrain.

Is the 2012 Toyota Tundra a Good Used Truck?

• Yes, 2012 is a good year. Owners are very happy with the comfortable seats, four-wheel drive system, and infotainment technology.
• Reliability ratings are excellent. Tundras from 2010–2017 all have a low number of complaints, making them all great choices.
• Performance is good from the two V8 engines, but the base V6 is weak.
• The 2012 Tundra is a safe truck earning 4 out of 5 stars in government crash tests and a Top Safety Pick Award. A rearview camera is available on the Limited model.
• Fuel economy is average for the size at up to 18 MPG combined.

What Do Critics Say About the Tundra?

• Consumer Reports says the Tundra is dated compared to rivals, but has outstanding owner satisfaction scores.
• Edmunds gives the Tundra a 3.9/5 and likes the strong V8 engines, but finds the interior is not as nice as the competition.
• Kelley Blue Book users give the Tundra a 4.6/5 liking the high towing capacity, but finding fuel economy to be poor.

What Common Problems Does the 2012 Toyota Tundra Have?

Problems with the 2012 Tundra are relatively minor including issues with the exhaust, broken seats, and rare engine knocks.

Problems with the induction pump in the exhaust are the most common complaint at around 80,000 miles. The part wears out prematurely on trucks with the 4.6L V8 engine, costing about $2,000 to replace.

Broken seats are reported by some owners at roughly 50,000 miles. The stitching on the seat cover wears out quickly, causing it to tear. Replacing the cover costs around $700.

Engine knock is a relatively rare problem around 70,000 miles with the 5.7L V8. Owners report the cause to be excessive oil consumption leading to engine damage. Replacing the engine can cost over $7,000 depending on local labor rates.

There are 4 recalls, two of which are serious covering power steering leaks which increase the risk of an accident. The other recalls are for air bags and a label, and are not a concern when they’ve been replaced.

How Long Will the 2012 Toyota Tundra Last?

A properly maintained 2012 Tundra should last over 350,000 miles, which is 100,000 miles longer than top competitors including the Ram 1500. Regular annual maintenance costs are more affordable than other full size trucks at $623 per year, according to Repair Pal.

As a Tundra reaches 150,000 miles owners should prepare to replace items including the coolant temperature sensor for $400, blower motor costing $200, and control arms which cost $850.

How Much Is the 2012 Toyota Tundra Worth?

Blue book prices range from $13,813 – 26,537 making the Tundra more expensive than other half-ton trucks including the F-150 and Silverado 1500. When new, prices were $25,155 to $43,595. Depreciation is better than rivals, only losing about 5% of its current value per year.

What are the Different Models of the Tundra?

The 2012 Tundra is available in two models. The infotainment technology and stereo were last updated in 2010, with the next major changes coming for the 2013 model including a standard infotainment screen.

Base is the entry-level model and comes standard with:

• 18-Inch Steel Wheels
• Cloth Eating
• Dual-Zone Climate Control
• Keyless Entry
• Power Windows And Mirrors
• 4-Speaker AM/FM/CD Stereo With AUX Input

Limited is the flagship model offering:

• 18-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Leather Seating
• Auto Dimming Mirrors
• Heated Front Seats
• Rearview Camera
• 12-Speaker JBL Premium Stereo System With USB And Bluetooth Connectivity

Optional upgrades on both models include:

• Touchscreen Navigation System
• Towing Package
• 20-Inch Alloy Wheels
• Running Boards
• TRD Off-Road Package

What Engines Come In the Tundra?

• The base engine is a weak 4.0L V6 with 270 horsepower, which can tow up to 4,900 pounds.
• A step up is the more powerful 4.6L V8 with 310 horsepower and tows up to 8,600 pounds.
• The most powerful engine is the 5.7L V8 making 381 horsepower with a maximum towing capacity of 10,400 pounds.

What Colors Does the Tundra Come In?

How Big Is the Tundra?

The 2012 Tundra is a half-ton truck similar in size to the F-150 and Ram 1500. There are three cabins offered including a 2-door regular cab, 4-door double cab, and larger 4-door CrewMax. Passenger space is excellent in the backseats of the CrewMax model, and cramped in the others.

Three bed lengths are also available including a 5-foot-6-inch short bed, a 6-foot-6-inch standard bed, and a full 8-foot long bed.

How Does the Tundra Compare to the Competition?

The Toyota Tacoma is another truck from Toyota costing $5,000 less. Where the Tacoma stands out is with better off-road capabilities, but the Tundra has significantly more room and a higher towing capacity. Both are long-lasting trucks, but if you need to haul more, the Tundra wins.

The Ford F-150 is one of its top competitors starting at nearly $12,000 cheaper for the fleet focused model. Towing capacity is better in the F-150, but the Tundra is more affordable to own. We recommend the Tundra for shoppers looking for a more reliable truck.

Do Owners Recommend the Toyota Tundra?