2012 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Power train is the leading concern among 644 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 9th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2012 reports, 95 involved a crash and 6 involved a fire. 80 people were injured.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Electrical systemOct 17, 2013
Toyota is recalling certain model year 2012-2013 Avalon, Avalon HV, Venza, Camry, and Camry HV vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the drain hose for the air conditioning condenser may become clogged causing water to accumulate at the bottom of the air conditioning condenser unit housing. The accumulated water may then leak through a seam in the housing onto the air bag control module potentially resulting in a short circuit of the module.
A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.
Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will seal the air conditioning condenser unit housing and install a protective cover on the airbag control module, free of charge. The recall began on February 5, 2014. Owners may contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 13V442000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, frontal, sensor/control module-inactiveJan 16, 2013
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.
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.
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.
Campaign 13V014000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
644 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Nov 8, 2018
AIR BAG OFF INDICATOR WHEN PASSENGER IS PRESENT, CALLED TOYOTA, THEY INFORMED ME THERE WAS A LIMITED SERVICE CAMPAIGN THAT HAD EXPIRED, AND DID NOT OFF TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM AS THERE WAS NO RECALL. I BELIEVE THIS IS A SAFETY ISSUE WITH HUNDREDS OF THOUSANDS OF CAMRY'S AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH, WHY NOT CLASSIFIED AS A RECALL
Air bags, Service brakes, Nov 7, 2018
DEFECT PART SAFETY RECALL
Power train, Oct 28, 2018
I HAVE A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. IT HAS 105000 MILES. IT HAS A BAD VIBRATION IN THE FRONT END WHEN YOU ACCELERATE. IT HAS BEEN TO THE MECHANIC, BUT NO ONE ACKNOWLEDGES THAT ANYTHING IS WRONG WITH IT. TOYOTA NEEDS TO ACKNOWLEDGE THAT THERE'S A PROBLEM.
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Service brakes, Oct 16, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 70 MPH, THE CONTACT HEARD AN ABNORMAL NOISE COMING FROM THE REAR OF THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT CHECKED THE REAR BRAKES AND FOUND THEM TO BE VERY HOT. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO BILLION AUTO- TOYOTA (4101 W 12TH ST, SIOUX FALLS, DE 57106, 605-309-0979) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE BRAKE PADS WERE STUCK. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND PROVIDED CASE NUMBER: 210160578. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 24,250. *TT CONSUMER STATED THERE IS FRICTION ON BRAKE PADS. UPDATED 12/18/18*JB
Service brakes, Hydraulic, Oct 4, 2018
2012 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO LOCKED CALIPER BREAKING BRAKE PADS AND IF A RECALL IS NECESSARY FOR THE MODEL. *AS *TR
Electrical system, Sep 25, 2018
NO SOUND IN RADIO/CD/BLUETOOTH/PHONE BUT THE INFOTAINMENT SCREEN WORKS OK
Electrical system, Latches/locks/linkages, Interior lighting, Sep 10, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE DOORS FAILED TO LOCK AND UNLOCK FROM INSIDE OR OUTSIDE THE VEHICLE. IN ADDITION, THE INTERIOR LIGHTING FAILED. THERE WERE NO WARNING INDICATORS ILLUMINATED AND THE FAILURES WERE INTERMITTENT. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO A DEALER OR INDEPENDENT MECHANIC FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURES. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 111,000.
Other or unspecified, Sep 3, 2018
I JUST PURCHASED MY 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY WITH 77,000 MILES ON THE SPEDOMETER. ABOUT A WEEK LATER AFTER DRIVING THIS VEHICLE. I NOTICE THE TRACTION CONTROL LIGHT, ABS LIGHT, AND BRAKE LIGHT ALL CAME ON AT THE SAME TIME. THE LIGHTS WILL NOT GO OUT UNTIL YOU TURN OFF THE VEHICLE. SOMETIMES WHEN YOU START THE VEHICLE, THESE LIGHTS COME ON AND IT WILL NOT ALLOW YOU TO TAKE THE VEHICLE OUT OF PARK. THIS VEHICLE ALSO FEELS LIKE YOU ABOUT TO HYDROPLANE WHILE DRIVING AROUND 25 MPH, WHICH FEELS UNSAFE. I'VE TAKEN THIS VEHICLE BAKE TO THE DEALER, AND THEY STATED THAT THEY NEEDED TO REPLACE A BRAKE ASSEMBLY SWITCH. I HAVE DONE SOME RESEARCH ON THIS SAME VEHICLE, AND FOUND OUT THAT THE BRAKE ASSEMBLY SWITCH WAS CHANGE AND THEY STILL HAD THE SAME PROBLEM. THE TRACTION CONTROL, ABS LIGHT, AND BRAKE LIGHT ONLY COMES ON WHEN YOU APPLY THE BRAKES AT LOW SPEED.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Aug 29, 2018
AS I AM ACCELERATING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH THE CAR SHUDDERS. I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $140 JUST TO SEE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. MY SON HAS A 2014 AND MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2015 AND ALL HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE 110,000 MILES ON MY CAR, MY SON 80,000 AND MY DAUGHTER 70,000 MILES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE WE ALL HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID AS WE ARE ACCELERATING TO ENTER THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR IS STALLING WE MIGHT GET HIT FROM BEHIND. ITS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE!
Other or unspecified, Fuel/propulsion system, Aug 27, 2018
CAR HESITATES AND LOOSES POWER WHILE MOVING FORWARD AND WHILE EXITING AND OR STARTING UP FROM AN INTERSECTION. REAR CARS AND MYSELF ARE IN DANGER. THIS PROBLEM IS FROM A DEAD STOP AS WELL AS FROM SLOW SPEED WHILE TURNING AND LEAVING AN INTERSECTION.THIS CAMERY WAS PURCHASED IN 2015, AND THE DEALERSHIP HAS REFUSED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THIS PROBLEM SINCE FIRST REPORTED, WHICH WAS IN 2015. OVER 300 TOYOTA CUSTOMERS HAVE REPORTED THIS PROBLEM OVER THE PAST 5-7 YEARS.
Power train, Aug 2, 2018
HAD THE SAME ISSUE 3 YEARS AGO THEY TOOK MY CAR FOR 3 DAYS TRYING TO FIX IT. IT'S STUTTERING A LOT. FIRST TIME TOOK IT IN THE DEALER HAD IT FOR A DAY. TOOK IT BACK RIGHT AFTER I DROVE OFF. THEN THEY KEPT IT FOR 3 DAYS AFTER THAT. NOW I'M HAVING THE SAME ISSUE SINCE LAST YEAR AND NOBODY SEEM TO BE PAYING ATTENTION TO MY COMPLAINTS. DRIVING 40 MPH AND IT DOES THE STUTTERING FOR SECONDS AT A TIME EVERY SINGLE DAY.
Service brakes, Aug 2, 2018
OUR 2012 CAMRY SE HAD APPROXIMATELY 66,000 MILES WHEN THE BRAKE PROBLEM OCCURRED. I WAS THE DRIVING VEHICLE ON THE HIGHWAY ON 7/30/18 GOING 55 MPH WHEN I HEARD AN WHISTLING SOUND FOR 2-3 MINUTES. WHEN I ARRIVED AT MY DESTINATION 10 MILES FROM MY HOME I SMELT A BURNING SMELL WHICH SEEMED TO COME FROM THE LEFT REAR WHEEL. WHEN I TOUCHED THE WHEEL IT WAS VERY HOT AND WOULD HAVE BURNED MY HAND IF I LEFT IT THERE. I DROVE HOME LATER AND THE SAME THING OCCURRED. I THREW SOME WATER ON IT AND A CLOUD OF STEAM AROSE. I CALLED MY MECHANIC WHO SAID IT WAS MOST LIKELY A STUCK DISC BRAKE CALIBER AND THAT HE HAD SEEN THE PROBLEM BEFORE ON 2012 & 2013 CAMRYS. THE MECHANIC DIAGNOSED THE PROBLEM AS A SEIZED CALIBER PISTON WHICH REQUIRED THE REPLACEMENT OF THE LEFT REAR CALIBER, PADS AND ROTOR FOR OVER $500.00. MY CONCERN IS THAT I HAVE NEVER HAD A SAFETY PROBLEM LIKE THIS OCCUR IN ANY VEHICLE NEVER MIND A FAIRLY NEW CAMRY WHICH PASSED A SAFETY INSPECTION AT TOYOTA AS PART OF AN OIL CHANGE ON 2/20/18 WHEN THE VEHICLE HAD 63,253 MILES. IN MY OPINION THERE IS A DEFECT IN THE DESIGN OR IN THE QUALITY OF THE BRAKE SYSTEM WHICH COULD LEAD TO A BRAKE SYSTEM FIRE OR BRAKE FAILURE.
Other or unspecified, Aug 1, 2018
I WAS DRIVING ON A BUSY 3 LANE ROAD AT ABOUT 35 MPH AND THE CAR JUST CUT OFF. NO WARNING LIGHTS CAME UP ON THE DASHBOARD. I DO NOT KNOW WHAT COMPONENTS OF THE CAR CAUSED IT TO CUT OFF. I PUT THE CAR IN PARK AND TRIED TO RESTART IT BUT NOTHING HAPPENED. I PUT ON THE EMERGENCY LIGHTS, GOT OUT OF THE CAR AND WAVED TO ONCOMING TRAFFIC TO ALERT THEM THAT THE CAR WAS STOPPED IN THE MIDDLE OF THE ROAD. I WAS ALMOST KILLED, AND WORST YET, OTHERS COULD HAVE BEEN SERIOUSLY KILLED OR INJURED AS WELL. A YOUNG MAN STOPPED AND PUSHED THE CAR OUT OF TRAFFIC. AFTER A FEW MINUTES I TRIED TO START THE CAR AGAIN. IT STARTED AND I WAS ABLE TO GET TO WORK BUT NEEDLESS TO SAY MY NERVES ARE RATTLED. I HAVE CALLED THE DEALERSHIP TO HAVE IT LOOKED AT.
Electrical system, Jul 24, 2018
TAKATA RECALL - PURCHASED CAR IN 2015. TOOK TO TOYOTA DEALERSHIP TO HAVE THE PERFORM DOT RECALL COMPLETED. AND CHECK TO SEE WHY CAR DOES NOT HAVE AC OR THE OUTSIDE TEMP DISPLAY DOES NOT REGISTER. ONE DAY SUMMER OF 2017 CAR TURNED ON BUT THE CLIMATE CONTROL WOULD NOT ILLUMINATE. AND COULD NOT ADJUST THE TEMP OF FAN SPEED. TURNED CAR OFF, THEN BACK ON 2 TIMES. THEN THE CLIMATE CONTROL ILLUMINATED, BUT I NO LONGER HAD AC. AND CANNOT CHANGE THE FAN SPEED. CAR WAS PARKED IN RESIDENCE PARKING LOT WHEN ISSUE OCCURRED. QUOTED $10,487 PLUS TAX TO BEGIN REPAIRS. NEED 2 ELECTRICAL HARNESSES AND A/AC AMPLIFIER TO BEGIN REPAIRS. NEEDING PARTS # 82115 -06F30, 82121-06C80, & 88650 - 06501. TOTAL COST TO BEGIN REPAIRS $ 10.487 PLUS TAX. THIS IS NOT A GUARANTEED FIX BUT IS A MUST STARTING POINT. DUE TO BOTH HARNESSES HAVING TOO MUST RESISTANCE FOUND 15 CODES STORED IN 8 DIFFERENT SYSTEMS. 6 CODES CURRENT AND 9 ARE HISTORY. MANY CAN BE RELATED BUT FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC IS REQUIRED. FOUND SHORT TO GROUND ON ONE CIRCUIT BUT NEED FURTHER DIAGNOSTIC TO DETERMINE EXACT LOCATION. AMBIENT TEMP SENSOR SHORT TO GROUND I77 PIN 13
Electrical system, Jul 19, 2018
POWER CAR LOCKS WON'T OPEN OR CLOSE WHEN USING THE SWITCHES OR THE REMOTE KEY. CAR ALARM WON'T ACTIVATE BECAUSE THE DOORS WON'T LOCK. ALSO, THE DRIVER SWITCH DOES NOT UNLOCK THE REAR DOOR ANYMORE. THIS COULD BE A REAL DANGER IF YOU HAVE A SMALL CHILD IN THE REAR SEAT AND NEED TO GET THEM OUT IN A HURRY.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jul 18, 2018
PLEASE DETERMINE IF THE FUELRAIL END CAPS THAT ARE MADE BY ARSEN ARE DEFECTIVE. PRE. REQUISITES OF ONE REPORTED MAY BE ENOUGH TO START A INVESTIGATION ADVISING TOYOTA TO RECALL THE 2012 FUEL RAILS ON THE 6 CYLINDER TOYOTA CAMERY.THESE FUELRAILS ARE PROBABLY DEFECTIVE IN THE KIA AND HYUNDAI IF MADE BY THE SAME COMPANY USING THE SAME MATERIAL. PLEASE CROSS CHECK THE INFO TO DETERMINE A CAUSE. IF OVER 400 VEHICLES B4 A NOTICE WAS PUT OUT AND NO SPECIFIC CAUSE WAS NOTED . I WANT TO BELIEVE TOYOTA DOES WHATS CORRECT TO RESOLVE THE ISSUE AS DID KIA AND HYUNDAI ONLY AFTER 400 PLUS ISSUES AROSE. THAT IS STRAIGHT NEGLIGENCE UPON THE NHTSA WHY SO MANY FIRES BEFORE SOMETHING WAS DONE UNREAL.
Fuel/propulsion system, Jun 25, 2018
FUEL RAIL WITH ENDCAPS HAVE BECOME DEFECTIVE AND NOT SEALING PROPERLY. CONSEQUENTLY, GASOLINE AND FUEL VAPORS ARE LEAKING FROM THE FUEL RAIL ONTO THE ENGINE. THE VEHICLE WILL EMISSIONS AND DEALERS IS EQUESTING $762.00 TO FIX.
Seat belts, Jun 19, 2018
THE MOLDING AT WINDSHIELD HOLDING SIDE AIR BAGS IS DETACHING FROM WINDSHIELD ON PASSANGER SIDE. THERE HAS BEEN NO DAMAGE TO VEHICLE THAT WOULD CAUSE THIS.
Power train, Other or unspecified, Jun 11, 2018
AS I CRUISE ON HIGHWAY AT 70 MILES PER HOUR, THE HYBRID TRACTION BATTERY STARTS TO MAKE MINI RAPID PROGRESSIVELY LOUD EXPLOSIONS LIKE THE BACK OF MY REAR SEAT IS ABOUT TO EXPLODE. TO ALLEVIATE THIS I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN TO ABOUT 65 MILES PER HOUR. I HAVE CONTACTED TOYOTA AND THE DEALERSHIPS BUT ARE UNWILLING TO INVESTIGATE THE CAUSE. THIS CAR IS STILL UNDER WARRANTY.
Engine, Jun 6, 2018
ABOUT A DOZEN TIMES IN THE LAST YEAR, THE CAR WAS PUT IN PARK AND THE ENGINE WAS TURNED OFF USING THE ON/OFF BUTTON, BUT THEN LATER IN THE NIGHT, IT WAS NOTICED THAT THE ENGINE WAS RUNNING! THE CAR WAS IN THE GARAGE AND THE KEY WAS IN THE HOUSE AT THE TIME.
Other or unspecified, Jun 4, 2018
AT NIGHT ON HILLS AND CURVY ROADS THE TOP THIRD OF THE WINDSHIELD BECOMES VERY DARK AND IT IS HARD TO SEE ANYTHING IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE TRIED USING MY BRIGHTS WHICH HELPS A LITTLE,BUT WHEN ONCOMING CARS ARE NEAR I HAVE TO SWITCH BACK TO THE REGULAR HEADLIGHTS. THIS HAS BEEN A PROBLEM SINCE I PURCHASED THE CAR IN AUGUST 2012.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, May 28, 2018, crash
ON 5/24/18 AT 1435 IN CHICAGO IL, MY 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY FULLY ACCELERATED THROUGH ONGOING TRAFFIC AFTER LIGHTLY DEPRESSING THE PEDAL TO MOVE FORWARD THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND I HAD TO MANEUVER THROUGH ONCOMING TRAFFIC INTO A GRASS AREA ACROSS THE STREET TO SLOW DOWN BUT COMING DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. CHICAGO POLICE DEPT REPORT #JB-282363
Visibility, May 25, 2018
THE MOON ROOF ON MY XSL CONSTANTLY RATTLES WHILE DRIVING WHENEVER THE AUTO GOES OVER A BUMP; ESPECIALLY AN UNEVEN BUMP THAT TORQUE OR TWISTS THE CHASSIS
Power train, Engine, May 23, 2018
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT NOTICED ABNORMAL SPUTTERING AND A STRONG VIBRATION COMING FROM THE VEHICLE WHILE DRIVING 20 TO 50 MPH. THE DEALER (ADVANTAGE TOYOTA VALLEY STREAM, 400 W SUNRISE HIGHWAY, VALLEY STREAM, NEW YORK 11581, 516-887-3200) DETERMINED THAT THE INTAKE VALVE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE PART WAS REPLACED BUT, WITHIN A MONTH, THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK FOR A SECOND DIAGNOSTIC TESTING WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE TRANSMISSION ASSEMBLY NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. AN INDEPENDENT MECHANIC INSPECTED THE VEHICLE AND RECOMMENDED THAT THE CONTACT CHECK WITH THE MANUFACTURER FOR A SERVICE CAMPAIGN CONCERNING SPUTTERING AND THE TORQUE CONVERTER. THE MANUFACTURER AND THE DEALER (HILLSIDE TOYOTA, 139-65 QUEENS BLVD, JAMAICA, NY 11435, (718) 571-8211) WERE CONTACTED AND AN APPOINTMENT WAS MADE FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING AND REPAIRS. THE CONTACT WAS WAITING FOR A RESPONSE FROM THE MANUFACTURER TO DETERMINE IF THEY WOULD APPROVE THE RECALL REPAIR. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS NOT AVAILABLE. *TT *TR
Air bags, May 12, 2018
TAKATA RECALL. THE AIRBAGS ON MY CAR HAD PREVIOUSLY DEPLOYED BEFORE I PURCHASED THE VEHICLE. THERE DOESN'T SEEM TO BE A WAY TO CHECK IF REPLACEMENT AIRBAGS ARE AFFECTED BY THIS ISSUE. DATE OF AIRBAG DEPLOYMENT IS UNKNOWN.