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.
Power train, Apr 20, 2023
Car gears are sluggish when accelerating in between 15 to 25 mph. It does not accelerate and there is lag when accelerating stop to go.
Power train, Apr 19, 2023
THE CAR SHUDDERS WHEN SHIFTING GEARS , THIS IS DUE TO THE TORQUE CONVERTER. TOYOTA KNOWS ABOUT THIS ISSUE . I CALLED AND THEY SAID THE RECALL WAS SENT TO THE PREVIOUS OWNER BUT THEY DIDN'T GET IT FIXED. TOYOTA NEEDS TO RECALL ALL OF THESE 2012 THRU 2014 CAMRYS AND FIX THESE CARS WHEN PEOPLE CALL.
Engine and engine cooling, Apr 13, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the accelerator pedal was depressed, the vehicle hesitated. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the engine control module (ECM) software needed to be updated. The dealer was notified of the failure and the contact was informed that the VIN was not included in a recall. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 157,033.
Other or unspecified, Mar 19, 2023
Gear shift from park to reverse is hard. Also, my wife has always complained about a smell coming from the engine, that when she’s inside my vehicle she gets a headache.
Power train, Mar 19, 2023
As a background, we bought the car in 2012 brand new. My background is Mechanical engineering, and hence maintained the car very well. Apart from this issue on Torque convertor rest is all good. The car has about 94,000 miles on it. Around few weeks back, the car started to hesitate when it is shifting between 20-25 mph. Sometimes this can be dangerous as you are expecting the car to pick up the speed esp. when joining the freeway etc. and always worried about being rammed in the rear by the traffic. Anyway, I took it to the dealer who said there was a “Warranty Enhancement” program that expired after 10 years. I am not sure why Toyota is permitted to have this Warranty Enhancement program when they full well know this should be a recall. This is widely discussed on all the Toyota forums. The repair is expensive about $2200 (the work is detailed in the Warranty Enhancement program ZE5) and requires software update to be done which the dealers control. With the cost of new cars and also lack of supply I had no good choice but to pay for this repair. I tried to get Toyota Headquarters to see if they honor the “Warranty Enhancement”, but they refused to even though some of this period coincides with pandemic. We have bought several of the Toyota products including Camry, Sienna & Tacoma and never been more disappointed in them than this handling of the issue. I am still at a loss on why NHTSA would let Toyota do this warranty enhancement, and not a full recall. This is putting lives of drivers at risk where one day where it might either lock up or hesitate to pick up full speed when needed. More importantly, the warranty enhancement clearly states that it will only be fixed during that period if the transmission shudder shows. It is bound to show some time, so if they know this is a mechanical and software issue why not do a recall to fix this instead of putting people’s lives in danger? NHTSA please help investigate this safety issue. UPDATE 06/16/2023: This is a brand new design introduced by Toyota in its transmission in MY 2012. So with this defect, what investigation has NHTSA conducted and what was its outcome on this issue? If no investigation is done even with over 1.5 million vehicles impacted, then why not? Please help provide some insight into your department's analysis of this safety issue.
Steering, Suspension, Wheels, Mar 15, 2023
When I first purchased the car I unlocked the lever to adjust my steering wheel and from that moment further my car never drove the same. If I do not play with the lever for the tilt steering and move steering wheel up and down while driving my car does not drive normal. The tires either feel like they were laying down flat when making a turn either way to the left or the right and the car seemed to be at a different position than my steering wheel was. I changed my lower control arms, inner tire rods(Front), outer tire rods(front),This is all since January of 2022. I contacted the dealership immediately when I began noticing the problem and they told me nothing was wrong with the car and they couldn't not help me. Now when I am driving it sounds like a belt shifted on a tire but hasn't or something is rubbing. My steering wheel shakes when braking, and my steering wheel is really tight. If I put my traction control on off and drive it somewhat drives better but the rubbing sounds from the front still appears. If I play with the tilt lever and move steering wheel in and out or up and down I can feel the transmission almost like releasing from straining but never feels as if it is straining if that makes since. The lever for tilt steering is sometimes really loose like it is about to fall off but other times it is so tight that I am afraid it will snap if I lock it back. No one seems to understand what is the issue at the mechanic shops I brought it too. And I am so scared of driving it that I have parked it since august because I am afraid for my safety and my childrens safety. I have heard and read about other camrys this year model having similar issues. One time my abs light and traction lights came on during my drive and then went off moments later. If I dont play with the lever and tilt steering during a drive, the steering wheel while shake, car wobbles and sounds like mud tires are on it, and the car glides all over the road and turns make as if tires flat.
Power train, Vehicle speed control, Feb 23, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a lane change, the vehicle started vibrating while depressing the accelerator pedal, but failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the hesitation lasted for approximately 10 to 15 seconds, before the vehicle jerked forward and accelerated as needed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Steering, Suspension, Structure, Feb 21, 2023
On 2/18/23 I took my car into the repair shop to investigate a clunking sound upon braking. The control arm was broken and the level of corrosion is extensive. I am the original and only owner and the car has never been out of Florida or on the beach or immersed in water. Toyota of North America in Plano, TX said they could not receive my pictures and that there was no one at Toyota that I could send documents to. They said if there was a recall I would be notified.
Power train, Jan 9, 2023
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed and depressing the accelerator pedal, the vehicle was shaking abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that while driving above 50 MPH, the shaking ceased. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where a diagnostic test showed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired and remained in the possession of the dealer. The failure mileage was approximately 88,000.
Power train, Dec 22, 2022
Ever since I purchased vehicle back May 2016 with 24K miles on it (currently has 107k miles on it) the car has been vibrating between 35mph - 45mph. I took it to the dealer over 3 times within 30 days of purchase and they couldn’t figure it and replaced tires. They said it vibrates because roads are uneven. Didn’t feel like dealing with dealership and left it at that. Last year in 2021 I decided to research it and found out it’s a known issue (Torque converter) needs to be replaced. Toyota would always email me but for the “ warranty repair” they sent it to my old address. I took it to a Toyota dealer to have it inspected now say that if I want it repaired, I have to pay $2500. I even reached out to corporate July 2021 to see if they would ear 50% of costs and declined. Toyota NEEDS to take care of this properly!
Engine, Dec 12, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle was experiencing excessive oil consumption. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that he had been adding two quarts of oil every 1,000 miles. The vehicle was taken to several independent mechanics who could not duplicate the failure and informed the contact that there were no oil leaks found; however, the spark plugs, oil filter, drain plug, and the drain plug gasket were replaced. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and referred the contact to the NHTSA hotline. The failure mileage was approximately 178,397.
Service brakes, Dec 9, 2022
Brake, ABS, Traction control lights came on at the same time. Toyota replaced the brake light switch. The light still came on they said it is the brake actuator. The vehicle had 148-152k miles on it at the time. The brake actuator repair is really expensive and other Toyota Camry (non hybrid) have reported the same issue online forums.
Power train, Nov 7, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 20 MPH, while the transmission was upshifting, the vehicle started shaking abnormally. The vehicle was taken to the dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was contacted, and a case was filed. The failure mileage was 130,000.
Power train, Engine, Fuel/propulsion system, Oct 28, 2022
The car shudders in lower gear while accelerating. Engine, steering wheel and the whole car vibrates at lower speed.
Engine, Oct 27, 2022
The torque convert is bad, when driving at up 25 mph and at 45 mph the car has a vibration. I have been seeing many reviews about this issue with the model of Toyota
Power train, Oct 4, 2022
The transmission slips while accelerating through the gears. I understand it is a torque converter issue. The car jerks through each gear, feels like the engine is falling out. It has not been fixed yet as I understand it is about half the value of the vehicle to get it fixed, and I hear the fix can cause other problems with the transmission parts that are not replaced. No warning lights. As this is my only vehicle I'm worried about being in an accident before I can get it fixed. I'm not made of money, and I have to save up first.
Structure, Sep 28, 2022
Small accident
Power train, Sep 18, 2022
-Toyota Motors Manufactured 2012-2014 certain camry models with faulty torque converters(Ref- https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10129984-9999.pdf). -Car is available for inspection. -Shudder makes the car weaker and unstable. Also Delaying throttle response. Babies feel scared when the car shudders and ultra risky while passing another car. Risk for transmission lock up etc. -The problem has been reconfirmed by Toyota Dealers and Independent Service Centers. You can ask any reputed mechanic shop as well about this well known problem. -There was never a warning light and still no warning light. PLEASE SEE- Toyota Motors is making a fortune by selling a few faulty cars- Also, the above warranty plan was only applicable if the car had symptoms of torque converter failure. But toyota evaded liability to replace Torque Converter by blaming software issue initially (https://techinfo.toyota.com/techInfoPortal/staticcontent/en/techinfo/html/prelogin/docs/cp/e03tofaq.pdf) and limiting the extended warranty to 8 years, knowing that most faulty cars will not display failure symptoms during that time (Average failure time is 70-100k miles) Now, they are selling the revised torque converter with installation for over $3000. But, it is not even the fix. The faulty torque converter also damages the transmission, leading to its failure within a few hundred miles after Torque converter replacement. All those faulty torque converters are bound to fail by 100k miles. Toyota is pocketing $7-10K for those repairs, making the car worthless and owner broke. If you read reports, this extends far beyond 2012-2014 models. Since it is allowing Toyota and its dealers to sell the most expensive repair a vehicle can have...making bank for Toyota Motors and their dealers. They are also able to avoid the limelight on this issue...since it does not affect all the camry models of the same year. I wrote toyota to fix it or provide reimbursement, but they denied. Please Help!!!!!
Power train, Sep 8, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 35-40 MPH, the transmission was slipping and the vehicle was shuddering while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact released the accelerator pedal and was able to continue driving. However, the failure reoccurred several times while driving. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the vehicle was diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but provided no assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.
Tires, Sep 6, 2022
265/65
Power train, Aug 21, 2022
While the vehicle speeds up beyond 3-35 mph, the car starts shacking a bit and the vehicle seems to have lost power. Then it recovers and moves on as normal. The problem is identified as a transmission programming/torque convertor problem. This has been going on for some time now and has been getting worse. There are no other problems prior to this issue.
Power train, Jul 27, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while attempting to accelerate from idle, the vehicle hesitated. The contact stated that the transmission was shaking while driving between 20 and 50 MPH. The contact stated that the issue was remedied while driving above 50 MPH. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer and was informed that the torque converter had failed. The vehicle had not been repaired. The contact stated the failure was occurring more frequently. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The contact stated that the failure was related to NHTSA ID Number: 10109488 (Power Train) and had been previously been repaired under the TSB Limited Service Plan; however, the repair failed to fix the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 162,000.
Engine and engine cooling, Jul 22, 2022
The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle stalled. The contact stated that the oil and check engine warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer where it was diagnosed that the camshaft gear had seized. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 227,000.
Power train, Jul 15, 2022
Torque converter shudder hesitation at 20 -25 mph
Air bags, Jul 13, 2022
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