AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER
2012 Toyota Camry
Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data
Data refreshed
Overview
Our database contains 588 NHTSA owner-reported complaints for the 2012 Toyota Camry, most frequently naming the powertrain (other), driver assistance and airbags categories. 2 safety recalls have been issued covering this model year; and 553 manufacturer communications are on file.
Complaints are reports submitted by owners and drivers to NHTSA. They are not verified and do not establish that a defect exists.
Complaint activity over time
When owners filed reports about this model year
View as table
| Month | Complaints filed | Cumulative |
|---|---|---|
| Aug 2020 | 4 | 446 |
| Sep 2020 | 6 | 452 |
| Oct 2020 | 4 | 456 |
| Nov 2020 | 3 | 459 |
| Dec 2020 | 1 | 460 |
| Jan 2021 | 3 | 463 |
| Feb 2021 | 4 | 467 |
| Mar 2021 | 9 | 476 |
| Apr 2021 | 8 | 484 |
| Jun 2021 | 2 | 486 |
| Jul 2021 | 4 | 490 |
| Aug 2021 | 1 | 491 |
| Sep 2021 | 4 | 495 |
| Oct 2021 | 1 | 496 |
| Dec 2021 | 4 | 500 |
| Jan 2022 | 2 | 502 |
| Feb 2022 | 4 | 506 |
| Mar 2022 | 4 | 510 |
| Apr 2022 | 1 | 511 |
| May 2022 | 2 | 513 |
| Jun 2022 | 1 | 514 |
| Jul 2022 | 4 | 518 |
| Aug 2022 | 1 | 519 |
| Sep 2022 | 4 | 523 |
| Oct 2022 | 3 | 526 |
| Nov 2022 | 1 | 527 |
| Dec 2022 | 3 | 530 |
| Jan 2023 | 1 | 531 |
| Feb 2023 | 2 | 533 |
| Mar 2023 | 3 | 536 |
| Apr 2023 | 3 | 539 |
| May 2023 | 2 | 541 |
| Jun 2023 | 3 | 544 |
| Jul 2023 | 3 | 547 |
| Aug 2023 | 1 | 548 |
| Sep 2023 | 2 | 550 |
| Oct 2023 | 1 | 551 |
| Nov 2023 | 2 | 553 |
| Dec 2023 | 3 | 556 |
| Feb 2024 | 1 | 557 |
| Mar 2024 | 1 | 558 |
| Apr 2024 | 1 | 559 |
| Jun 2024 | 1 | 560 |
| Jul 2024 | 3 | 563 |
| Nov 2024 | 1 | 564 |
| Jan 2025 | 1 | 565 |
| Feb 2025 | 1 | 566 |
| Mar 2025 | 3 | 569 |
| Apr 2025 | 2 | 571 |
| May 2025 | 1 | 572 |
| Jun 2025 | 3 | 575 |
| Jul 2025 | 3 | 578 |
| Aug 2025 | 1 | 579 |
| Sep 2025 | 1 | 580 |
| Oct 2025 | 1 | 581 |
| Nov 2025 | 1 | 582 |
| Jan 2026 | 1 | 583 |
| Feb 2026 | 3 | 586 |
| Apr 2026 | 1 | 587 |
| Jul 2026 | 1 | 588 |
What owners report
Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded
- Powertrain (other)12817.8%
- Driver assistance7610.6%
- Airbags7510.4%
- Electrical628.6%
- Engine628.6%
- Body & structure618.5%
- Steering588.1%
- Brakes567.8%
Percentages are of component mentions. A single complaint can name more than one component, so these do not sum to the total complaint count.
Safety recalls
2 campaigns cover this model year
Recalls apply to specific vehicles, not to every vehicle of a model year. Check your VIN with NHTSA or your manufacturer's dealer to confirm whether a recall affects your vehicle.
Check a VIN on NHTSA.govAIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEATS
Recent owner complaints
Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words
The contact owned a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed uphill during flooding conditions, the vehicle slipped and hydroplaned. The contact attempted to correct the steering but lost control of the vehicle, causing the vehicle to drive into a ditch and flip over several times before coming to a complete stop upside down. Upon impact, the air bags failed to deploy. There were no warning lights illuminated nor abnormal sounds coming from the vehicle prior to the crash. The vehicle was towed to a tow yard. A Police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The contact sustained a laceration to the head, scrapes on both legs, an injury to the left arm, and an injury to the right knee. Medical attention was required, including an emergency room visit and doctor visits. The dealer was not notified of the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 255,000.
- NHTSA ID
- 11750348
- Incident
- Jun 16, 2026
- Mileage
- 255,000 mi
Recall was completed on 11/25/14 for a shudder when hitting 35 to 50. The recall was a software issue and they show that a torque converter may have been needed at a later date to further correct the issue. Looking for Toyota to follow up with a complete recall vs just the software.
- NHTSA ID
- 11734130
- Incident
- Nov 25, 2014
I am noticing there is some wiggling and play with the driver’s seat. Every time I hop inside the car, I feel the seat wiggle back a little bit. I notice some movement back and forth when accelerating and braking and it is starting to get very annoying whenever I drive.
- NHTSA ID
- 11719868
- Incident
- Feb 20, 2026
The "incident" is not a fault or flaw of my car in any way, but rather is caused by the auto industry's general shift to LED/HID headlights. In my opinion, they make driving unsafe for external observers because they are too bright and create a lot of glare, so that keeping my eyes focused and perceptive of features I need to see in the road directly ahead of me is becoming increasingly difficult, and therefore, by definition, more unsafe. Technology must be improved so that headlights can alter spectral output according to background illumination (dimmer means cooler,) and light output should have finer, adaptive directional control so that more light gets to objects in front that need to be illuminated, and less to oncoming drivers whose visual contrast range may be overwhelmed. I'm [XXX] , and I have the beginnings of cataracts. Older, halogen-based headlights don't interfere much with my vision, but modern headlights do, and quite badly so. This has to improve! INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
- NHTSA ID
- 11719260
- Incident
- Feb 19, 2026
I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the driver seat lumbar support mechanism found in multiple vehicle models across the industry. The lumbar support feature applies excessive, uneven, or unstable pressure to the driver’s lower back during normal driving conditions. This occurs even when the feature is set to its lowest or neutral position. The defect presents in the following ways: •The lumbar support protrudes too far forward, forcing the spine into an unnatural posture. •The mechanism shifts or changes pressure during , creating sudden discomfort or pain. •Extended use results in lower back strain, muscle spasms, or nerve irritation. Safety Risk This issue poses a significant safety hazard because it directly affects the driver’s ability to maintain proper posture, comfort, and control of the vehicle. This pain is not noticeable until you step out of the vehicle and it difficult to trace that to the lumber support button as most people do not observed when it is on. The defect can: •Reduce reaction time due to discomfort or restricted movement •Increase the risk of long term musculoskeletal injury •Create fatigue or numbness that compromises safe operation Because this feature is present in many vehicles and consistently causes injury, the problem appears to be systemic and design related, not limited to a single manufacturer. Frequency of the Issue •Occurs: (e.g., every drive / frequent / intermittent) •First noticed on: (2020) •Conditions: (e.g., highway driving, long trips, stop and go traffic) Additional Notes •No aftermarket modifications have been made to the seat. •It may not be limited to Toyota vehicle only. I guess any vehicle driver seat that has lumber support is a suspect. •The issue persists regardless of seat height, tilt, or recline adjustments. •The problem appears inherent to the lumbar mechanism’s design rather than wear and tear. •The defect affects driver comfort, posture, and safe vehicle operation.
- NHTSA ID
- 11718947
- Incident
- Jan 1, 2025
I am reporting a safety-related issue involving the ECM / torque converter on my 2012 Toyota Camry. This issue can cause loss of power, hesitation, or stalling which presents a serious safety concern while driving. The issue impacts drivability and can result in sudden loss of acceleration or engine stalling, especially at higher speeds or during merging. This creates an increased risk of collision for myself, passengers, and surrounding vehicles. I have experienced some scary occurrences with shuddering at high speeds, hesitation while near other innocent vehicles and stalling. I was never notified by Toyota about this recall or service campaign while it was active. I maintain current registration information and would have had the issue addressed immediately. Toyota acknowledged the campaign but refused support due to expiration, despite my lack of notice. I contacted Toyota and was instructed to file a complaint with NHTSA. Toyota declined to repair the issue under goodwill or policy exception. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this defect should have been classified as a safety recall and whether consumers were properly notified. Sudden loss of power or stalling presents a significant safety risk and may warrant additional remedies or extension of the campaign for affected owners who were not notified.
- NHTSA ID
- 11709755
- Incident
- Nov 3, 2025
Vehicle is shuddering/stalling when trying to accelerate. Currently 150,000
- NHTSA ID
- 11698853
- Incident
- Sep 1, 2025
Odometer Fraud. The contact purchased a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact discovered a mileage discrepancy after the purchase. The vehicle was a dealer sale from AJ Sales & Services in Houston, TX. At the time of purchase, the vehicle mileage was 101,375. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 245,980. Upon further investigation, the contact became aware that the vehicle was an Auction vehicle that was purchased by the dealer on 08/06/2024. The mileage after the auction sale was 101,294. The contact had also purchased two other vehicles from the same dealer, and there were also discrepancies with the mileages. The contact first purchased a 2014 Kia Optima. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 112,610, and it was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 214,175. The second vehicle purchased was a 2015 Hyundai Sonata. At the time of purchase, the mileage was 101,000. It was later discovered that the mileage on the Title was 198,826. The contact stated that the engines seized in the first and second vehicles five months after purchasing the vehicles.
- NHTSA ID
- 11693831
- Incident
- Sep 16, 2024
- Mileage
- 245,980 mi
Manufacturer communications
A bulletin sent by a manufacturer to its dealers. Not a recall, and repairs are not necessarily free.
Some 2005 – 2026 Toyota vehicles that have undergone water intrusion may exhibit a condition in which a musty odor is present. Follow the procedures in this bulletin to remediate the odor and address this condition. The purpose of this Service Bulletin is to provide general guidelines and procedures for odor remediation. This Service Bulletin provides a guide on how to prepare and treat the interior of the vehicle for odor remediation. Refer to the applicable model and model year Repair Manual and the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) website for the most up-to-date safety and precautionary guidelines.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle, especially the horizontal areas such as the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage to the painted surfaces can occur. Acid rain damage can typically be identified on vehicles by the presence of stains on the paint surface that resemble hard water spots. Unlike water spots however, acid rain damage cannot be removed by regular washing procedures. Also, because acid rain can etch and soften the paint, normal buffing or polishing repair procedures should not be attempted. This can cause further damage and result in visible depressions in the paint surface. The following are the three major categories of acid rain damage: •Minor damage: requires only buffing to repair. •Moderate damage: usually requires neutralizing, color sanding, and buffing. •Severe damage: extending beyond 1/2 mil of clearcoat on a pearl, metallic, or solid color, requires neutralization, sanding, and repainting. In cases where acid rain damage is minor, neutralization and buffing with a liquid-type paint finessing product may provide an adequate repair. Only specially formulated products outlined in this bulletin should be used for that purpose. Unfortunately, other than minor damage, there is no simple method of determining the actual extent (depth) of acid penetration other than color sanding a representative affected area until there is no visible etching or depressions, followed by measuring the amount of paint removed with either a magnetic or digital-type film thickness gauge. The procedures in this bulletin are intended for use by qualified body/paint technicians and should not be attempted by inexperienced personnel. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. Perform frequent vehicle washing, as often as daily, during high heat and humidity periods to minimize the potential for paint damage due to acid rain exposure. This is especially important in geographical areas known for high frequency and concentration of acid rain and industrial fallout.
STRUCTURE:BODY
The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these contaminants settle and remain on a painted vehicle surface, especially the horizonal areas of the hood, roof, and decklid, significant damage can occur. This damage is the result of actual etching of the paint and appears as pitting or water spots. As acid rain droplets on the vehicle surface evaporate, the concentration strength of the acid increases, causing deeper and more rapid damage. This evaporation and corrosive action also occur more rapidly on dark colored cars as direct sun heat increases. It is the dealer’s responsibility to protect and maintain the quality of the vehicle’s paint finish after receipt at the dealership prior to the first sale. In areas known for high frequency and/or concentration of acid rain, frequent vehicle washing during high heat or humidity periods will minimize the potential for paint damage caused by acid rain. It is further recommended that either reverse osmosis or deionized water be used to prevent water spotting.
STRUCTURE:BODY
To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the disc brake rotor from weather elements and initial rust before the vehicle is delivered to the customer. Consequently, the film should remain on the wheel for as long as possible.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail contamination. Follow the Removal Procedure in this bulletin to remove the RapgardTM protective film within 90 days from initial application.
STRUCTURE:BODY
Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type of contamination can be identified by the presence of small, red or brown particles on the paint surface. These particles are often difficult to see on dark color paints but can be easily felt when brushing a hand across horizontal body surfaces such as the hood, roof, or deck lid. Follow the Repair Procedure in this bulletin to clean vehicles that may have been subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles such as rail dust during rail transportation or extended storage near industrial areas.
Manufacturers file copies of the bulletins they send to dealers with NHTSA. These often describe diagnostic or repair procedures for a known condition. They are not recalls: repairs described in a bulletin are usually only free if the vehicle is still under warranty or the manufacturer has extended coverage.
Compare model years
Complaint and recall counts across every year of this model
| Year | Complaints | Recalls | Investigations | Issue Index |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 144 | 1 | 0 | 54.6 |
| 2024 | 47 | 1 | 0 | 49.6 |
| 2023 | 60 | 2 | 0 | 60.3 |
| 2022 | 58 | 1 | 0 | 56.6 |
| 2021 | 154 | 1 | 0 | 55.4 |
| 2020 | 268 | 3 | 0 | 56.2 |
| 2019 | 389 | 6 | 0 | 58.6 |
| 2018 | 731 | 8 | 0 | 59.3 |
| 2017 | 148 | 3 | 0 | 61.0 |
| 2016 | 180 | 2 | 0 | 59.9 |
| 2015 | 268 | 1 | 0 | 46.8 |
| 2014 | 453 | 3 | 0 | 55.6 |
| 2013 | 274 | 2 | 0 | 53.3 |
| 2012Viewing | 588 | 2 | 0 | 53.6 |
| 2011 | 598 | 5 | 0 | 59.4 |
| 2010 | 602 | 9 | 0 | 58.0 |
| 2009 | 1,291 | 10 | 2 | 63.4 |
| 2008 | 932 | 8 | 3 | 62.9 |
| 2007 | 2,885 | 10 | 3 | 63.7 |
| 2006 | 317 | 5 | 1 | 67.3 |
| 2005 | 721 | 5 | 2 | 69.0 |
| 2004 | 638 | 3 | 2 | 67.1 |
| 2003 | 780 | 1 | 3 | 59.7 |
| 2002 | 953 | 4 | 4 | 69.1 |
| 2001 | 272 | 4 | 1 | 64.6 |
| 2000 | 454 | 4 | 2 | 68.2 |
| 1999 | 501 | 2 | 2 | 64.0 |
| 1998 | 600 | 3 | 2 | 61.4 |
| 1997 | 555 | 4 | 3 | 65.5 |
| 1996 | 417 | 7 | 2 | 63.2 |
| 1995 | 303 | 5 | 1 | 61.4 |
| 1994 | 287 | 3 | 2 | 64.4 |
| 1993 | 260 | 2 | 2 | 63.5 |
| 1992 | 565 | 2 | 3 | 62.1 |
| 1991 | 149 | 1 | 6 | 55.9 |
| 1990 | 134 | 2 | 9 | 58.4 |
| 1989 | 113 | 3 | 7 | 65.1 |
| 1988 | 64 | 4 | 8 | 67.9 |
| 1987 | 58 | 3 | 10 | 64.8 |
| 1986 | 32 | 0 | 1 | 42.5 |
| 1985 | 13 | 0 | 1 | 47.7 |
| 1984 | 8 | 2 | 3 | — |
| 1983 | 6 | 2 | 4 | — |
Higher-selling and older vehicles accumulate more reports. Counts are not failure rates and are not directly comparable between vehicles that sold in very different numbers. Older model years have had longer for reports to accumulate.