Is electrical system malfunction affecting safety functions a known issue with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about electrical system malfunction affecting safety functions on the 2012 Toyota Yaris (2013-12 → 2020-12). Reported component: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #10555063): "I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY POWERED DOWN THE INSIDE LIGHTS, OUTSIDE LIGHTS, HEAT, ETC TURNED OFF" Source: NHTSA.

Is air bags failed to deploy in crash a known issue with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

9 NHTSA complaints have been filed about air bags failed to deploy in crash on the 2012 Toyota Yaris (2014-05 → 2022-05). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11056740): "TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL AT 40 MPH, LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE TREE IN FRONT. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY" Source: NHTSA.

Is takata air bag recall replacement parts delay a known issue with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

8 NHTSA complaints have been filed about takata air bag recall replacement parts delay on the 2012 Toyota Yaris (2015-01 → 2017-11). Reported component: AIR BAGS. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11048210): "TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS) ON JANUARY 9, 2017, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE INTERIM RECALL NOTICE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO" Source: NHTSA.

Is vehicle speed control malfunction while driving a known issue with the 2012 Toyota Yaris?

3 NHTSA complaints have been filed about vehicle speed control malfunction while driving on the 2012 Toyota Yaris (2017-10 → 2020-03). Reported component: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL. From an owner report (NHTSA ODI #11080007): "I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT" Source: NHTSA.

2012 Toyota Yaris Recalls, Issues & Maintenance

The 2012 Toyota Yaris carries 5 open NHTSA recalls — most recently covering inflator module. Owners report 4 recurring issue clusters, led by “Electrical system malfunction affecting safety functions.” Toyota's owner's manual splits service into Schedule 1 (severe) and Schedule 2 (normal). Most US drivers fall under Schedule 1 because it covers short trips, extreme temperatures, dusty roads, or heavy idling. The intervals below reflect Schedule 1 — the schedule Toyota recommends for typical real-world use.

5 Open Recalls

Source: NHTSA

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #19V741000 · Oct 17, 2019

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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.

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #18V025000 · Sep 1, 2018

Issue: On January 9, 2018, Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) notified NHTSA that they are recalling 14,585 model year 2010-2012 Yaris vehicles ever registered in the states of Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. As of January 30, 2018, Toyota is additionally recalling 3,347 model year 2010 Pontiac Vibe vehicles located in states listed above. Also included in this recall filing is 98,194 model year 2003-2008 Toyota Corolla Matrix vehicles, located throughout the U.S., that previously received a like-for-like interim air bag inflator replacement. 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 explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to absolute humidity and temperature cycling.

Risk: An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the passenger frontal air bag assemblies with an alternate inflator, free of charge. The recall began on January 29, 2018. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331. Toyota's numbers for this recall are G0R (Zone B), and H0A (Zone C), J0A (Matrix Zone A), J0A (Matrix Zone A), J0A (Matrix Zone A).

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Campaign #17V006000 · Sep 1, 2017

Issue: 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.

Risk: An inflator rupture may result in metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants resulting in serious injury or death.

Fix: 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).

STRUCTURE

Campaign #15V134000 · Sep 3, 2015

Issue: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2012-2015 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 31, 2011, to February 9, 2015, and sold or registered in Puerto Rico. The affected vehicles may have been manufactured with a roof headliner that does not provide the proper occupant protection in the event of a crash. As such, these vehicles fail to comply with the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 201, " Occupant Protection in Interior Impact."

Risk: If the vehicles are equipped with a headliner that does not meet the impact requirements, there is an increased risk of occupantl injury in the event of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the headliner, free of charge. The recall began on June 22, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1-800-331-4331.

STEERING:ELECTRIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM

Campaign #13V292000 · Mar 7, 2013

Issue: Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012 Yaris vehicles manufactured August 21, 2011, through August 31, 2011. A relay in the Power Steering Control Module of the electronic power steering system could experience a short circuit due to insufficient distance between terminals in the relay and moisture contamination of relay coil windings. A short circuit in the relay could disable power steering assistance.

Risk: If the power steering assistance shuts off, the driver may have difficulty steering the vehicle at low speeds, increasing the risk of a crash.

Fix: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the power steering control module. The recall began on July 31, 2013. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.

Recall data refreshed Sep 6, 2026.

Known issues for this vehicle

What drivers and federal regulators have officially reported about the 2012 Toyota Yaris.

1 active NHTSA investigation

Source: NHTSA

Desiccated Air Bag Inflator Rupture
Action #EA21002 · opened Sep 17, 2021
From 2000 through 2017, Takata produced millions of air bag inflators using two types of phase-stabilized ammonium nitrate ("PSAN") propellant -- propellant 2004 and propellant 2004L. After prolonged exposure to high temperature cycles and humidity, inflators using propellant 200…
View on NHTSA →

Reported to NHTSA

Electrical system malfunction affecting safety functions

ELECTRICAL SYSTEM

3 NHTSA complaints · 2013-12 → 2020-12

“I WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 20 MPH MAKING A LEFT TURN WHEN THE CAR ABRUPTLY POWERED DOWN THE INSIDE LIGHTS, OUTSIDE LIGHTS, HEAT, ETC TURNED OFF”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10555063

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. WHILE DRIVING 65 MPH, THE HORN FAILED TO SOUND. THE FAILURE RECURRED MULTIPLE TIMES”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11004071

“WAS DRIVING ON THE FREEWAY AT 70 MPH AND HAD TO BRAKE FOR SLOWER TRAFFIC AHEAD. WHEN I DEPRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL, THE ABS SYSTEM ENGAGED, BRAKING THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, THEN THE RIGHT ALMOST SENDING ME OFF THE ROAD”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11383549

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Air bags failed to deploy in crash

AIR BAGS

9 NHTSA complaints · 2014-05 → 2022-05

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HILL AT 40 MPH, LOST CONTROL AND CRASHED INTO THE TREE IN FRONT. ALL THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11056740

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 25 MPH, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE FRONT DRIVERS SIDE FENDER OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS FAILED TO DEPLOY”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10816441

“THE CAR WAS HIT IN THE FRONT PASSENGER CORNER BY A CAR DOING APPROXIMATELY 45 MPH. THE 2012 4 DOOR YARIS WAS MAKING A LEFT TURN ONTO A SIDE STREET WHEN STRUCK. THE YARIS AIRBAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. NONE OF THEM”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10586651

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Takata air bag recall replacement parts delay

AIR BAGS

8 NHTSA complaints · 2015-01 → 2017-11

“TL* TAKATA RECALL. THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA YARIS. THE VEHICLE WAS INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 17V006000 (AIR BAGS) ON JANUARY 9, 2017, BUT THE CONTACT RECEIVED THE INTERIM RECALL NOTICE LESS THAN TWO WEEKS AGO”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11048210

“TAKATA RECALL - CALLED MY TOYOTA DEALER WALNUT CREEK CALIFORNIA. THEY SAID NO REPLACEMENT PARTS AVAILABLE UNTIL JUNE OR JULY, IN 2 OR 3 MONTHS. TOLD ME NOT TO LET ANYONE SIT IN PASSENGER SEAT UNTIL THEN”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10970594

“I RECEIVED A RECALL NOTICE ON MY AIRBAG. UPON SCHEDULING AN APPOINTMENT TO HAVE IT REPLACED I WAS TOLD NOT PARTS ARE AVAILABLE AT ANY TOYOTA SERVICE DEPARTMENT IN GA AND THERE IS KNOW NONE TIME FRAME IN WHICH THE PART WILL BE AVAILABLE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #10671643

Read all complaints on NHTSA →

Vehicle speed control malfunction while driving

VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL

3 NHTSA complaints · 2017-10 → 2020-03

“I WAS SLOWLY PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE WHEN THE CAR SUDDENLY ACCELERATED AND JUMPED A CURB AND CRASHED IN FRONT OF A RESTAURANT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11080007

“I WAS DRIVING 65 MPH ON THE INTERSTATE IN THE MIDDLE LANE WHEN THE SPEED SENSOR STOPPED WORKING, THE CAR ACTED LIKE IT WAS IN NEUTRAL AND I COULD NOT GET OVER OR CONTINUE DRIVING IT”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11040648

“SALUDOS CUANDO ME DETENGO LAS REVOLUCIONES BAJAN MUCHOS EL CARRO EMPIEZA A TEMBLAR Y HACE COMO PARA APAGARSE”
— Owner report, NHTSA ODI #11316908

Extends the life of your vehicle and improves comfort

Cabin Air Filter

Every 30,000 mi

Replace the cabin air filter every 30,000 miles, sooner in dusty climates. Located behind the glove box on most Toyota and Lexus models.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$60–$95

Shop

~$45–$70

DIY

~$15–$40

Usually behind the glovebox. Shops charge labor for a 10-minute job — easy DIY win.

Serpentine / Drive Belt Inspection

Every 60,000 mi

Inspect the serpentine belt and tensioner every 60,000 miles. Toyota uses long-life EPDM belts that rarely fail before 100,000 miles.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$195–$235

Shop

~$135–$165

DIY

~$20–$50

DIY-friendly if you can reach the tensioner. Inspect for cracks rather than swap on a strict mileage interval.

Timing Chain — No Replacement

On condition / lifetime

Toyota's 2AR-FE, 2GR-FKS, A25A-FKS, and most Toyota engines built since 2010 use a timing chain rated for the life of the engine. No scheduled replacement.

Estimated cost — typical U.S. ranges

Dealer

~$85

Shop

~$60

DIY

Pro only

Timing chains are normally lifetime. Listen for rattle on cold start — that's the actionable signal. Replacement is major work, quote separately.

Fatal crash history & reported problems

Occupant deaths in fatal crashes (FARS)

54 crashes 2010–2024

FARS counts every occupant death in a fatal crash, whatever the cause — it does not mean the vehicle was at fault or defective. Counts are not adjusted for how many of each vehicle are on the road. How to read this number

Owner-reported problem signals

Separate from the federal fatality data above: complaints owners filed with NHTSA about this year and model. These are reports of problems, unverified, and are counted here only as signals.

complaints mentioning a crash

complaints mentioning a fire

Reviewed known issues for this vehicle·Open recalls for this vehicle

Typical U.S. ranges. Actual quotes vary by shop, parts choice, and vehicle condition.

How we estimate: Dealer = OEM parts × 1.4 + labor × $165/hr. Shop = parts + labor × $115/hr. DIY = parts only.

This maintenance schedule for the 2012 Toyota Yaris reflects Toyota's published service intervals and the Maintenance Required Light system. Your actual service needs may vary based on driving conditions, climate, and vehicle usage. Always consult your owner's manual for model-specific recommendations.

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