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2012 TOYOTA 4Runner

8 recalls Risk Grade: A- Most severe issue: Critical

All recalls are free to repair at your local dealership. Contact your dealer to schedule service.

Known Safety Recalls

Critical #16V577000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Manufacturer
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
What Happened
The exhaust system in your 4Runner has a part called the exhaust tip, which is attached to the back of the vehicle and can be seen from behind. Some of these tips were installed by Toyota dealers or accessory shops, and they can be sharp and hot when the engine is running.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're standing behind your 4Runner when the exhaust tip is hot, you could get burned, possibly seriously. This is a serious safety risk.
Free Fix
Your Toyota dealer will replace the old exhaust tip with a new, safer design that's smaller and recessed behind the bumper – at no cost to you. This repair is free, so schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured September 3, 2009, to December 1, 2014. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Original — Remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began September 15, 2016. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for this recall is SET16D.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Critical #15V515000 Plain English
Component

ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING:EXHAUST SYSTEM:MANIFOLD/HEADER/MUFFLER/TAIL PIPE

Manufacturer
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
What Happened
Your 4Runner has an exhaust system that helps get rid of exhaust gases. In some 2010-2015 models, the exhaust tip that's visible from the back of the vehicle might be installed in a way that could cause an accident.
Risk if Unfixed
If you're standing behind your vehicle, the exhaust tip could potentially touch you, causing burns. This is a serious risk to your safety.
Free Fix
Your Toyota dealer will replace the exhaust tip with a new, safer design that's recessed behind the bumper - and this repair is completely free for you.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain model year 2010-2015 Toyota 4Runner vehicles manufactured March 29, 2010, to July 30, 2015. The affected vehicles may be equipped with accessory exhaust tips installed by SET or SET dealers that may contact people and possibly burn them while they are standing behind the vehicle.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
Contact with an exhaust tip may result in personal injury.
Original — Remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will install a re-designed exhaust tip that is smaller in diameter and is more recessed behind the bumper, free of charge. The recall began on September 22, 2015. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-866-405-4226. SET's number for the recall is SET15D.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V741000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
What Happened
The airbag inflator in your vehicle is a critical safety component that helps restrain you in the event of a crash. In some Toyota and Lexus models, these inflators may have been replaced previously, but they could still explode due to long-term exposure to humid and hot conditions.
Risk if Unfixed
If the inflator explodes, it could send sharp metal fragments flying towards you and other occupants, resulting in serious injury or even death.
Free Fix
Your dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator or assembly for free, and you'll be notified when the repair is ready. This is a critical repair that you should prioritize as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-888-270-9371 or Lexus customer service at 1-800-255-3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #19V005000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
What Happened
The airbag in your passenger seat is designed to deploy in the event of a crash to protect you. However, the part that inflates the airbag in certain Toyota and Lexus vehicles could fail and rupture, releasing sharp metal fragments.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the metal fragments could hit you or someone else in the vehicle, causing serious injury or even death. This is a very real and potentially deadly risk.
Free Fix
Your Toyota or Lexus dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator or the entire airbag assembly with a safe and reliable one, all at no cost to you. You'll receive a notification and should schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2014-2016 Toyota 4Runner, 2014-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, and 2014-2017 Lexus GX460 vehicles sold, or ever registered in the states of Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands or "Zone A." Toyota is also recalling certain 2011-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS250, IS350, 2011-2016 4Runner, 2011-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2011-2014 Toyota Sienna, Lexus IS-F, 2011-2017 Lexus GX460, and 2011-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia or "Zone B." Toyota is also recalling certain 2010-2013 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Lexus IS350, 2010-2016 4Runner, 2010-2013 Lexus IS250, 2010-2015 Scion xB, Lexus IS350C, IS250C, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2010-2014 Lexus IS-F, and 2010-2012 Lexus ES350 vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming or "Zone C." These vehicles are equipped with air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules, used as original equipment or replacement equipment (such as after a vehicle crash necessitating replacement of the original air bags), that may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front passenger air bag inflator, or replace the air bag assembly. The recall began February 15, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are "Zone A" Toyota: G0P, Lexus: GLG; "Zone B" Toyota: G0R, Lexus GLH; "Zone C" Toyota: H0A, and Lexus: HLA.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #17V006000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Manufacturer
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
What Happened
Your vehicle's passenger side airbag is designed to inflate in case of a crash. In some Toyota and Lexus models, the inflator that makes the airbag work could fail and break apart, releasing metal shards that could injure you or someone in the passenger seat.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, the metal fragments could hit you or your passenger, causing serious injury or even death. This is a life-threatening situation that requires immediate attention.
Free Fix
Your Toyota or Lexus dealer will replace the faulty airbag inflator or the entire airbag assembly with a safe one, at no cost to you. The repair is free, and you should schedule it as soon as you get the recall notice.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2012 Toyota 4Runner, Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Sienna, Yaris, Scion xB, Lexus ES350, GX460, IS-F, IS250, IS350, IS250C, IS350C, and Lexus LFA vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Texas, Puerto Rico, American Samoa, Guam, the Northern Mariana Islands (Saipan), and the U.S. Virgin Islands, or "Zone A." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2009 Toyota Corolla, Corolla Matrix, Yaris, Yaris HB, Scion xB, Pontiac Vibe, Lexus, ES350, IS250, IS350, and IS-F vehicles originally sold, or ever registered, in Arizona, Arkansas, Delaware, District of Columbia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and West Virginia, or "Zone B." Additionally, unless included in "Zone A" or "Zone B" above, Toyota is recalling certain 2006-2008 Lexus IS250 and IS350, 2007-2008 Lexus ES350, Toyota Yaris, Yaris HB, and 2008 Lexus IS-F and Scion xB vehicles originally sold, or ever registered in Alaska, Colorado, Connecticut, Idaho, Iowa, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin and Wyoming. These vehicles are equipped with certain air bag inflators assembled as part of the passenger frontal air bag modules used as original equipment or replacement equipment. In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the passenger frontal air bag, these inflators may rupture due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
Original — Remedy
Toyota will notify the Toyota, Scion and Lexus owners. General Motors will contact the Pontiac owners. Depending on the model, dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag inflator or the air bag assembly, free of charge. The recall began on February 1, 2017. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331, or Pontiac customer service at 1-800-762-2737. Toyota's numbers for final remedy for this campaign are G0P (Toyota Zone A), G0R (Toyota Zone B), H0A (Toyota Zone C), GLG (Lexus Zone A), GLH (Lexus Zone B) and HLA (Lexus Zone C).
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
High Priority #13V014000 Plain English
Component

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE

Manufacturer
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
What Happened
The airbag sensor in your vehicle is designed to detect if someone is sitting in the passenger seat and deploy the airbag if needed. However, if this sensor wasn't properly tested, it might not work correctly.
Risk if Unfixed
If the airbag sensor is out of calibration, the airbag might not deploy when it's supposed to, or it might deploy too late or too early. If this happens in a crash, you could be injured more seriously.
Free Fix
Your Toyota dealer will check the airbag sensor to make sure it's working correctly, and adjust it if necessary. This service is free, and you'll be contacted when it's time to schedule the repair.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain models interspersed through model years 2009 through 2013 as follows: model year 2009-2012 Tacoma, 4Runner, Camry, Camry Hybrid, Prius, and RAV4; model year 2009-2010 Avalon, FJ Cruiser, and Highlander Hybrid; model year 2010-2013 model year Corolla, Sienna and Tundra; model year 2009-2013 Highlander and Venza; model year 2012 Prius V; and model year 2010-2012 Sequoia. During modification by SET to include accessories such as leather seat covers, seat heaters or headrest DVD systems, these vehicles may not have had the passenger seat occupant sensing system calibration tested. Without passing the calibration test, the occupant sensing system may not operate as designed.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the front passenger seat occupant sensing system is out of calibration, the front passenger airbags may not deploy or they may deploy inappropriately for the passenger's size and position. This could increase the risk of personal injury during the event of a vehicle crash necessitating airbag deployment.
Original — Remedy
Southeast Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will test the sensitivity of the occupant detection sensors, and recalibrate them as necessary. The recall began on March 21, 2013. Owners may contact Southeast Toyota at 1-800-301-6859.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Moderate #12V120000 Plain English
Component

EQUIPMENT:ELECTRICAL

Manufacturer
GULF STATES TOYOTA, INC.
What Happened
The remote engine starter in your vehicle is a system that lets you start your engine from a distance. In some 2012 4Runner and Sienna models, this system can malfunction and disrupt communication between your car's computer and other critical systems.
Risk if Unfixed
If this happens, your anti-lock braking system and stability control could shut down while you're driving, which could cause a crash. You'll also see warning lights on your dashboard alerting you to the problem.
Free Fix
Your Gulf States Toyota dealer will replace the faulty remote engine starter with a new one at no cost to you. You'll receive a notification when it's time for the repair, and you should schedule it as soon as possible to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2012 4RUNNER AND SIENNA VEHICLES, EQUIPPED WITH NON-ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT REMOTE ENGINE STARTERS. A MALFUNCTION IN THE AUDIOVOX ELECTRONICS BRAND REMOTE ENGINE STARTER MODULE CAN PREVENT NORMAL COMMUNICATION OF THE VEHICLE’S CONTROLLER AREA NETWORK (CAN).
Original — Risk if Unfixed
IF THIS CONDITION OCCURS, ANTILOCK BRAKING AND STABILITY CONTROL MAY BE LOST, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH. DRIVERS SHOULD RECEIVE DASHBOARD WARNING LIGHTS WARNING THEM OF A MALFUNCTION.
Original — Remedy
GULF STATES TOYOTA WILL NOTIFY OWNERS, AND DEALERS WILL REPLACE THE REMOTE ENGINE STARTER WITH A NEW ONE FREE OF CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN ON OR ABOUT JUNE 4, 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-444-1074.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →
Under Review #17V425000 Plain English
Component

STRUCTURE:BODY:HOOD:HINGE AND ATTACHMENTS

Manufacturer
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
What Happened
Your vehicle's hood scoop is a removable piece that provides airflow to your engine. In certain 2011-2016 Tacomas and 4Runners, the adhesive that holds it to the hood can weaken over time.
Risk if Unfixed
If the adhesive fails, the hood scoop could come loose while you're driving and become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Free Fix
Your dealer will reattach the hood scoop securely to your vehicle's hood, free of charge. This repair is a precautionary measure to ensure your safety on the road.
Show original NHTSA language
Original — What Happened
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2011-2016 Toyota Tacoma and 4Runner vehicles equipped with accessory hood scoops installed by SET or SET dealers. The adhesive attaching the hood scoop may weaken, allowing the hood scoop to detach from the vehicle.
Original — Risk if Unfixed
If the hood scoop detaches, it may become a road hazard, increasing the risk of a crash.
Original — Remedy
SET will notify owners, and dealers will mechanically fasten the scoop to the hood, free of charge. The recall began on September 1, 2017. Owners may contact SET customer service at 1-954-429-2000. SET's number for this recall is SET17B.
View full recall details → Repairs are free at any authorized dealer. Find a dealer →

Browse by Component

AIR BAGS
4 recalls
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
2 recalls
EQUIPMENT
1 recall
STRUCTURE
1 recall

Other TOYOTA 4Runner Years

2013
6 recalls
2011
10 recalls
2010
12 recalls
2009
6 recalls
2008
5 recalls
2007
5 recalls
2006
5 recalls
2005
5 recalls
2004
2 recalls
2003
3 recalls
2002
3 recalls
2001
3 recalls
2000
2 recalls

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