2012 Toyota Tundra

Introduction

The 2012 Toyota Tundra is a full-size pickup truck that offers a variety of engine and transmission options. It is known for its reliability, durability, and off-road capabilities. However, like all vehicles, it has some issues that owners have reported.

The Tundra is available with three engine options: a 4.6-liter V8, a 5.7-liter V8, and a 4.0-liter V6. The 4.6-liter V8 produces 310 horsepower and 327 lb-ft of torque, while the 5.7-liter V8 produces 381 horsepower and 401 lb-ft of torque. The 4.0-liter V6 produces 270 horsepower and 278 lb-ft of torque.

The Tundra is also available with a variety of transmission options: a 6-speed automatic, a 5-speed automatic, and a 6-speed manual. The 6-speed automatic is the most popular option, and it is paired with either the 4.6-liter V8 or the 5.7-liter V8. The 5-speed automatic is paired with the 4.0-liter V6, and the 6-speed manual is only available with the 4.6-liter V8.

Engine

4.6-liter V8

• Intake manifold gasket failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The intake manifold gasket can fail, causing a vacuum leak. This can lead to a loss of power, poor fuel economy, and a rough idle.
  • Solution: The intake manifold gasket must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $400 - $600+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Timing chain tensioner failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The timing chain tensioner can fail, causing the timing chain to skip. This can lead to catastrophic engine damage.
  • Solution: The timing chain tensioner must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $1,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

5.7-liter V8

• Valve seat recession
  • Description/Symptoms: The valve seats can recede, causing a loss of compression and power. This can also lead to premature engine failure.
  • Solution: The cylinder heads must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $4,000 - $6,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Cam phaser failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The cam phasers can fail, causing a loss of power and fuel economy. This can also lead to a rough idle and poor performance.
  • Solution: The cam phasers must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,500 - $2,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

4.0-liter V6

• No known issues

Transmission

6-speed automatic

• Transmission fluid leak
  • Description/Symptoms: The transmission fluid can leak, causing a loss of fluid and a decrease in performance. This can also lead to premature transmission failure.
  • Solution: The transmission fluid leak must be repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $400+
  • Recalls: None Found

5-speed automatic

• No known issues

6-speed manual

• No known issues

Suspension

• Front suspension creaking
  • Description/Symptoms: The front suspension can creak when driving over bumps or rough terrain.
  • Solution: The front suspension components must be lubricated.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Rear suspension sagging
  • Description/Symptoms: The rear suspension can sag, causing the rear of the vehicle to sit lower than the front. This can lead to poor handling and decreased safety.
  • Solution: The rear suspension components must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Alternator failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The alternator can fail, causing the battery to discharge. This can lead to a loss of power and a dead battery.
  • Solution: The alternator must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $700+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Battery drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery can drain prematurely, causing a dead battery. This can be caused by a variety of factors, such as a parasitic draw or a faulty battery.
  • Solution: The source of the battery drain must be diagnosed and repaired.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• No issues found

Interior

• Dashboard rattle
  • Description/Symptoms: The dashboard can rattle, causing a noise that can be annoying.
  • Solution: The dashboard must be secured.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $200+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Seat cushion wear
  • Description/Symptoms: The seat cushions can wear prematurely, causing them to become uncomfortable.
  • Solution: The seat cushions must be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $800+
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2012 Toyota Tundra is a reliable and durable truck, but it has some issues that owners should be aware of. The most severe issues are the valve seat recession and cam phaser failure in the 5.7-liter V8 engine. These issues can lead to premature engine failure and costly repairs. The other issues are less severe, but they can still be annoying and expensive to fix.