RoadVitals

2012 Toyota Camry

Recalls, owner-reported complaints, investigations and safety data

Data refreshed

Owner complaintsComplaints are reports submitted to NHTSA by owners and drivers. NHTSA does not verify most reports before publishing them, and a complaint does not establish that a defect exists. Volume is influenced by how many of a vehicle were sold, how long it has been on the road, and how much attention an issue has received.
588
Latest Jul 14, 2026
Safety recallsA safety recall is issued when a manufacturer or NHTSA determines that a vehicle has a safety-related defect or does not comply with a federal motor vehicle safety standard. Recall repairs are free. Whether a specific vehicle is covered depends on its VIN — a recall listed for a model year does not necessarily apply to every vehicle of that year.
2
Latest Oct 17, 2013
InvestigationsNHTSA opens an investigation to examine whether a safety defect may exist. An open investigation is not a determination that a defect exists, and many investigations close without a recall. Investigations can, however, lead to one.
0
Crash or fire reportedComplaints whose submitter recorded that a crash or a fire occurred. These are the reporter's own answers on the NHTSA form, not verified findings.
90
65 injuries, 0 deaths reported

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.

What owners report

Complaints grouped by the component NHTSA recorded

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.gov

AIR BAGS; ELECTRICAL SYSTEM; EQUIPMENT:APPLIANCE:AIR CONDITIONER

Oct 17, 2013
802,769 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: 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.
Toyota Motor Engineering & ManufacturingView on NHTSA.gov

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE; SEATS

Jan 16, 2013
3,235 units potentially affected
The defect: 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.
The risk: 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.
The remedy: 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.
Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLCView on NHTSA.gov

Recent owner complaints

Reports submitted to NHTSA, shown in the owner's own words

Airbags
Filed Jul 14, 2026
Crash reported1 injury reported

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
Powertrain (other)
Filed Apr 27, 2026

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
ElectricalInterior & seats
Filed Feb 23, 2026

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
Filed Feb 19, 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
Interior & seats
Filed Feb 18, 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
Driver assistanceEngineSteering
Filed Jan 8, 2026

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
EnginePowertrain (other)
Filed Nov 11, 2025

Vehicle is shuddering/stalling when trying to accelerate. Currently 150,000

NHTSA ID
11698853
Incident
Sep 1, 2025
Electrical
Filed Oct 16, 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.

T-SB-0055-24 Rev2

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.

T-SB-0035-24 Rev2

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.

T-SB-0039-24 Rev2

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.

T-SB-0038-24 Rev2

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.

T-SB-0061-23 Rev2

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.

T-SB-0062-23 Rev2

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

Toyota Camry by model year
YearComplaintsRecallsInvestigationsIssue Index
20251441054.6
2024471049.6
2023602060.3
2022581056.6
20211541055.4
20202683056.2
20193896058.6
20187318059.3
20171483061.0
20161802059.9
20152681046.8
20144533055.6
20132742053.3
2012Viewing5882053.6
20115985059.4
20106029058.0
20091,29110263.4
20089328362.9
20072,88510363.7
20063175167.3
20057215269.0
20046383267.1
20037801359.7
20029534469.1
20012724164.6
20004544268.2
19995012264.0
19986003261.4
19975554365.5
19964177263.2
19953035161.4
19942873264.4
19932602263.5
19925652362.1
19911491655.9
19901342958.4
19891133765.1
1988644867.9
19875831064.8
1986320142.5
1985130147.7
1984823
1983624

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.