Redesigned in 2010 MY, the Toyota 4Runnercontinues to be an enticing option that is built for all-weather and all-terrain durability. It is one of the few options available in the market that manages itself with poise, both on and off the road. It comes with a potent V6 engine under its hood and though it reeks of adventurism, the 2012 4Runner upholds practicality with its capacious cabin and considerable cargo capacity. Additionally, in true Japanese style, it also promises to be a reliable proposition, which records a justifiable number of complaints. In the current iteration, Toyota’s midsize SUV has just under 100 complaints, 70% of which deal with the airbag system. Additionally, there are 8 recalls and 1 investigation listed to the vehicle’s name. A 2012 4Runner for sale is available at a starting price of $31,090 and in its segment, it competes with the likes of the Nissan Pathfinder, the Ford Explorer, and the Jeep Grand Cherokee.
2012 Toyota 4Runner User Complaints and Problems
Safety Complaints
- Issues with the airbag system: In the common 4Runner problems list, buyers of the midsize SUV have reported the failure of the airbags to deploy in case of a crash. This has resulted in injuries to the occupants and is a recurring concern made by the owners. However, the most rampant issue raised by complainants relates to the delayed remedy through recalls. The Toyota 4Runner falls under the purview of the TAKATA recall for its faltering airbag inflators, but the parts for repair are not available with the brand.
Mechanical Complaints
- Chewed engine wires: In its newer models, including the 2012 4Runner, Toyota has introduced a soy-based wiring system in the engine compartment. This new system, however, attracts rodents to chew on the wires, which can result in the engine failing to deliver its intended performance. Despite the widespread impact of the problem, currently, there is no solution available to the buyers.
- Stalling of engine: The 2012 Toyota 4Runner transmission problems alongside its wiring issues have resulted in the engine losing its power. In a couple of cases, buyers have reported the vehicle failing to accelerate, becoming devoid of its motive power, and consequently, stalling.
- Problems with the braking system: The Toyota 4Runner brake problems have been reported by a handful of owners. In almost all the cases, users have reported the brake pedal failing to bring the vehicle to a halt, despite being floored to the board. While it has resulted in a crash in some cases, there is currently no specific solution available for the problem.
Structural Complaints
- Failure of the liftgate: In the 2012 Toyota 4Runner problems listed on NHTSA and trusted unofficial forums, users have reported the liftgate falling onto the occupants. This happens due to a failure of the struts, which causes the liftgate to fall inadvertently. It has resulted in injuries to the complainants, which warrant medical attention.
2012 Toyota 4Runner Recalls
|
S. No |
Date |
NHTSA ID |
Issues Noticed |
Additional Remarks |
Remedy |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1. |
17th Oct 2019 |
19V741000 |
Explosion of frontal airbag inflators |
Due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, driver or passenger frontal airbag inflators, installed under a previous recall, may explode upon deployment. |
Upon inspection, dealers will either replace the front driver airbag inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, front airbag assembly, or front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. |
|
2. |
9th Jan 2019 |
19V005000 |
Explosion of frontal passenger airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the passenger airbag inflator may explode upon deployment. |
Dealers will either replace the frontal airbag passenger inflator or the frontal airbag assembly. |
|
3. |
3rd July 2017 |
17V425000 |
Detachment of accessory hood scoop |
Due to the weakening of the adhesive, the hood scoop may detach. |
SET will instruct dealers to mechanically tighten the hood scoop, free of cost. |
|
4. |
9th Jan 2017 |
17V006000 |
Ruptured frontal passenger airbag inflator |
In select states, due to propellant degradation caused by exposure to humidity, the passenger airbag inflator may rupture upon deployment |
Dealers will either replace the frontal airbag passenger inflator or the airbag assembly. |
|
5. |
3rd Aug 2016 |
16V577000 |
Accessory tip may cause burns |
In vehicles equipped with, the optional accessory tip may come in contact with people, causing a burn. |
SET will instruct buyers to install a smaller accessory tip, free of cost. |
|
6. |
13th Aug 2015 |
15V515000 |
Accessory tip may cause burns |
In vehicles equipped with, the optional accessory tip may come in contact with people, causing a burn. |
SET will instruct buyers to install a smaller accessory tip, free of cost. |
|
7. |
16th Jan 2013 |
13V014000 |
Faltering OCS |
In vehicles equipped with optional extras like leather seats, seat headers, or headrest DVD systems, the Occupant Classification System calibration may not have been tested. |
Dealers will test the sensitivity of the Occupant Detection sensors and recalibrate them, if necessary, free of cost. |
|
8. |
23rd Mar 2012 |
12V120000 |
Malfunctioning remote engine starter |
Due to a malfunction in the Audiovox Electronics Remote engine starter, the normal communication in the Controlled Area Network (CAN) may be disrupted. |
Dealers will replace the remote engine starters with a new one, free of cost. |
Should you buy the 2012 Toyota 4Runner?
With its recent redesign, the 2012 Toyota 4Runner continues as one of the novel choices available in the market. It comes with a jolly-good feature list that bestows both convenience and practical specifications and builds its place in the market with all-around ride quality. However, being a typical Japanese offering, even its reliability is praiseworthy. Though there are issues with the airbag system, Toyota has introduced several recalls to get rid of the problem. So, by effectively dealing with recurring concerns, the midsize vehicle effectively delivers a hassle-free ownership experience and makes for an option we find hard to veto. However, if you still want to keep your options open, the 2012 Nissan Pathfinder is also a sensible choice.
