Toyota has long had a reputation for building reliable trucks, but not every truck that the brand has built is worth buying. If you are shopping for a reliable used truck, the Tundra is not always one that you should pick to be your full-size truck of choice, especially when it comes to the 2012 model year. While the interior of this truck may be comfortable and there are certainly discounts on a truck that is over 10 years old, there are key reasons to avoid the 2012 Toyota Tundra.

What is the least reliable Tundra?

Generally speaking, the Toyota Tundra has been a favored full-size truck, but in 2012, apparently, the brand had a miss. The base V6 engine is seen as weak, and some of the engine options were prone to issues. Over time, these malfunctions can be expensive to fix. So, if you are planning to buy a 2012 Tundra, be sure to check the service history. 

According to Consumer Reports, the 2012 Tundra could feel dated when compared to other full-size trucks. But, with a vehicle of this age, that should not be much of an issue to prospective buyers. 

The 2012 Tundra has engine and exhaust issues

Three different engines were offered to this version of Toyota’s full-size truck. Two of which include eight cylinders. The 4.6-liter V8 engine had an issue with the induction pump in the exhaust, but those issues typically showed themselves around 80,000 miles. The cost to fix this problem is around $2,000.

The 5.7-liter V8 also had its share of problems. At 70,000 miles an engine knock could appear due to excessive oil consumption. This problem is more serious as it requires a full engine replacement in most cases. But, the problem was not all that common, it is just something to keep in mind if you want a truck with the 5.7 engine. 

Is the Toyota Tundra a good truck?

Depending on the model year, the Tundra seems to be a popular truck amongst owners. It is known for being able to pack on a high amount of miles, with some pickups even exceeding 300,000 miles. In order to get this mileage, it is important to stay current on proper maintenance. That way, you know your full-size truck is functioning the way it should. 

For 2022, the Tundra is all-new, and it certainly has the price tag to match. This truck has a starting cost of $35,950 before options, so it makes sense why some shoppers choose to look at the used market. 

As with buying any used truck, each vehicle has its own unique history. If you find a Tundra that does not appear well-maintained, it is probably best to avoid it, even if it is not the 2012 version. But, with the correct maintenance, trucks can have quite the longevity, and buying used could offer a good value. Just expect to face something known as the Toyota tax when purchasing your used truck. As Toyota models have a tendency to retain their value.