VehicleVerdict

2012 Triumph Tiger problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

Limited data — recalls on file

NHTSA has just 3 complaints on file for the 2012 Triumph Tiger — too few to judge reliability from owner reports alone — but one recall campaign applies to this year, so any used example should have its VIN checked for completed recall work.

3

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

0

Investigations

0

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

0

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Tiger years?

Tiger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted3 complaints1999: 1 complaints2000: 0 complaints2001: 0 complaints2002: 1 complaints2003: 0 complaints2004: 1 complaints2006: 1 complaints2012: 3 complaints2013: 3 complaints2014: 2 complaints
Tiger NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Tiger years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Triumph Tiger problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Lighting267%
Brakes133%

Does the 2012 Triumph Tiger have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

14V009000Electrical SystemJanuary 15, 2014 · 2,800 units

Defect

Triumph Motorcycles America, LTD (Triumph) is recalling certain model year 2012-2014 Tiger Explorer ABS A1 and 2013-2014 Tiger Explorer Spoke ABS XC A1 and Trophy SE A1 motorcycles manufactured November 17, 2011, through December 16, 2013. In the affected motorcycles, the electronic control unit (ECU) hardware and software may improperly detect the motorcyle's throttle position resulting in the motorcycle shutting down.

Consequence

An unexpected shutdown increases the risk of a crash.

Remedy

Triumph will notify owners, and dealers will update and install new ECU hardware and software, free of charge. The recall began on January 24, 2014. Customers may contact Triumph at 1-678-854-2010.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“REAR BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNLESS FIRM PRESSURE IS USED ON THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER (REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS OK). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Lighting · June 13, 2012

“REAR BRAKE LIGHT WILL NOT ILLUMINATE UNLESS FIRM PRESSURE IS USED ON THE FRONT BRAKE LEVER (REAR BRAKE LIGHT SWITCH IS OK). *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · June 13, 2012

2012 Triumph Tiger — common questions

Is the 2012 Triumph Tiger reliable?

The record is thin — 3 NHTSA complaints — so owner-report data can't strongly confirm reliability either way, though 1 recall should be verified as completed.

Does the 2012 Triumph Tiger have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Triumph Tiger. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.