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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Camry

    EPA MPG: 29 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There are 2 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Camry is more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Toyota Camry has been recalled 2 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Toyota Camry owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Display screen freezes up

    "I can't change the radio channel, sometimes it gets stuck on putting the name of the song on display"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Display touchscreen is unresponsive. Cannot change audio modes, pair new phones, etc.""

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""This started some years ago. The display screen has basically quit working, so we have to manually tune the radio, none of the presets work. We also cannot adjust the audio, or get tire pressure readouts, and probably some other things I can't think of. Repair estimate some years ago was $1300, so we didn't get it repaired.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Would not respond to touch. Later found the projection screen cover that detects the touch was wearing out. Had to replace"

    Anonymous A., MO (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Display screen goes blank

    ""this is related to the previous problem, the display screen just doesn't work, which hampers useability.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    External music device interface (e.g., smart phone, MP3 player)

    "The unit will drop Bluetooth connection while driving. This has been happening for several years and continues today."

    Anonymous, IN (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 3.5-L V6)
    Hardware replacement

    "Screen was slow to respond to touch commands and would act as if freezing for some period. Later found that the touch screen covering that detects "touch" was wearing off. Had o replace the screen"

    Anonymous A., MO (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Radio

    "It changes radio stations on it's own or doesn't change when I need it to. Then I have to tap screen so it will work again. Very annoying thinking about putting in an after market radio with a backup camera in. But do I put that in to a 12 year old car? But all in all, that car has been great for me. I'll probably buy another Toyota."

    Anonymous A., (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "I can't change the stations anymore"

    Anonymous, PA (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    What Owners Say

    Torque converter

    ""This occurs on a daily basis. The transmission shudders when accelerating, especially when it's gradual acceleration. It's especially bad between 35 to 45 miles per hour, but does it at other times, too. I bought this one previous owner Camry from the Toyota dealership where it had originally been sold. They told me nothing of this problem and I had to find out the hard way. I've decided to have the transmission fluid changed every 15,000 miles or so, since that seems to help. The independent mechanic I go to added some product recently and, thus far, it seems to be helping and the shuddering is not as severe as it was prior to the most recent service.""

    Anonymous A., MI (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""when going thru the shifting of "gears", a vibration occurred around 1250 RPMs from time to time. I asked my Toyota dealer about this and was told the torque converter was the problem and the problem would get worse over time. This problem was under a technical service bulletin and Toyota was to cover the cost to repair for 10 years of 150,000 miles. My Camry was 12 years old before the problem showed up. I paid $3,600 to get it repaired.""

    Anonymous, IL (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "Although this is related to an extended recall, the problem did not appear until lockdown, when the vehicle was barely driven. The current status is that it is still driving just fine. I will vibrate at low RPM sometimes, or take a long time to get to full acceleration."

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Transmission rebuild or replacement

    "There were times of a lag in shifting around 25 mph & consistent vibration at 35-45 mph which was noticed a few months prior to the transmission being rebuilt. It was rebuilt 4/25."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "The car was having a hard time accelerating and seemed to be scipping We took it in and the whole transmission needed to be replaced"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Camry LE 3.5-L V6)

    "There is no user dipstick or refill so I just forgot about it and went 150000 miles on original fluid"

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Alignment

    "Dealer states that uneven wear of tires due to ball joint"

    Anonymous, SC (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Ball joints

    "Outer ball joint is in need of replacement"

    Anonymous, SC (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other steering/suspension problem

    "normal wear and tear"

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Shocks or struts

    ""December 2024 started noticing some rattling under front of car whenever I drove over a small bump or dip in the road, or when driving on a rough road. Repair shop determined car needed new front struts, and new front stabilizer bar control links. They replaced these and now problem is resolved. The car rides handles better now. Simply worn out parts on an old car!""

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Rough shifting

    "Hard shift between 1st and 2nd gear"

    Anonymous A., KY (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Slipping transmission

    ""Transmission clunks and bangs when doing a certain speed. Mechanic didn't recommend repair, not worth the cost. Driving it local til it won't drive anymore""

    Anonymous, NY (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "It is related to the torque failure. It will occasionally slip."

    Anonymous, GA (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other/unsure

    "The battery needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "front end shake between 35 & 45/hour"

    Anonymous, MI (2012 Toyota Camry Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    "burns oil at an excessive rate"

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 3.5-L V6)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Loose exterior trim or moldings

    "Front of Undercarriage too low to clear average curb. Bolts broke and repairs are temporary"

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Camry SE 3.5-L V6)
    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "The quality of the paint is about the worst"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Rust

    "Because of the bad paint, rust spots have formed."

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    Automatic high-beam headlights

    "Automatic lights didn't come on. Made aware by a passing car that flashed me. Ended up being a battery that needed to be replaced."

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Headlights

    "A daytime running light burned outa month ago. It's the only thing other than general maintenance items that has happened."

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    ""Daytime running light burned out at 266,000 miles""

    Anonymous A., NC (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    What Owners Say

    Cylinder head

    "Driving down the highway my timing module went out which in turn caused the motor to get off time and ruin valves."

    Anonymous, ND (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)
    Other major engine problem

    "Engine has always used oil but has gotten progressively worse in the last few years. It now requires several liters of top up oil between scheduled oil changes. I have decided to get rid of the car."

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    A/C compressor

    "Magnetic part failed and needed to be replaced because A/C stopped working."

    Anonymous A., PA (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 3.5-L V6)

    "compressor had to be replaced"

    Anonymous, (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    What Owners Say

    Radiator

    ""During routine maintenance at the Toyota dealership, the service people noticed that the radiator was leaking and needed to be replaced. I've never had an accident with this vehicle so I assume that it was caused by corrosion.""

    Anonymous, ON (2012 Toyota Camry XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    What Owners Say

    Emission control devices (includes EGR)

    "The carbon filter needs to be replaced and it is an expensive job."

    Anonymous, NJ (2012 Toyota Camry SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    ""Calipers were rusted, needing replacement. Rotors were worn due to pad failure.""

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Other noises & leaks problem

    "Started about 8 years ago. It happens at varying times. Mechanic never found problem."

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota Camry Unsure Unsure)

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    What Owners Say

    Seat belts

    ""The driver's seatbelt and the right, rear passenger seatbelt need to have the pretensioners replaced. That will be done in the near future.""

    Anonymous A., MI (2012 Toyota Camry LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl)

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    Engine Major
    Engine Minor
    Engine Cooling
    Engine Electrical
    Transmission Major
    Transmission Minor
    Drive System
    Fuel System/Emissions
    Exhaust
    Suspension/Steering
    Brakes
    Climate System
    Build Quality
    Electrical Accessories
    Body Hardware
    Paint/Trim
    Noises/Leaks
    In-car Electronics
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS, ELECTRICAL SYSTEM, EQUIPMENT
    Oct 17, 2013
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V442000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 802769
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Jan 16, 2013
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V014000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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