2012 Toyota Camry Driver assistance Problems

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

I am filing this complaint regarding a known and documented issue affecting my 2012 Toyota Camry (VIN: [XXX] ), which has developed a transmission shudder and vibration between 20–50 mph. This problem is directly aligned with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0079-15 and Customer Support Program ZF4, both of which describe issues with the torque converter and ECM software. My vehicle has 116,670 miles, which falls within the mileage eligibility of the support program (ZF4: 150,000 miles), though it is just outside the time limitation (8 years). I reached out to Toyota (Case #: [XXX]) to request goodwill assistance due to the safety-related nature of the defect and the fact that it is a well-documented product flaw, but they declined support solely based on time — not on mileage or vehicle condition. The vibration affects the transmission and drivability, particularly during city and highway acceleration, creating potential hazards when merging or navigating traffic. I believe this qualifies as a design flaw with potential safety implications. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Toyota’s handling of this issue and determine whether further consumer protection or a recall is warranted, especially for owners who were not adequately notified or who fall just outside the support window despite clear symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11670619

Incident

Jun 11, 2025

The contact's fiancé owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. While the contact's fiancé was driving 55 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and decelerated from 55 MPH down to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

NHTSA ID

11602428

Incident

Jul 10, 2024

Mileage

240,000 mi

Computer system failure ABS system not functioning causing driving functions not working. Problem continuously reproduced by independents and finally by Dealer. Dashboard lights on, engine, tracking, ABS, Brak and other lights. MPG reduced with speedometer down to zero while driving.

NHTSA ID

11542097

Incident

Aug 15, 2023

N/a

NHTSA ID

11531645

Incident

Jul 11, 2023

There was a recall on this Camry model 2012 to 2014 that the Charlotte, NC dealership refused to cover. I am having a transmission issue that causes my car to shudder and vibrate at regular speeds. “shudder comes from the transmission, especially during the acceleration of the Camry models. It can be alarming for the driver and be a safety concern when the gears do not properly change during operation. When this problem persists over a significant period of time, it has the poetry to cause long-term damage to your transmission. Damage to your transmission can be costly and affect the overall performance of your Toyota…” -Toyota of west county website

NHTSA ID

11522600

Incident

Jan 11, 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.

NHTSA ID

11508771

Incident

Feb 23, 2020

Mileage

80,000 mi

I was driving about 70 mph on interstate 95 and all of a sudden my car shut off while going 70 mph my check engine light and the traction control light came on the car came back on while still going 70 mph picked up where it left off it was a bit Scary

NHTSA ID

11450593

Incident

Feb 4, 2022

RATTLING NOISE COMING FROM THE DRIVER SIDE DASHBOARD DUE TO PANDEMIC NEVER TOOK TO DEALER FOR REPAIR RATTLING HAS INCREASED AND IN ANY BAD ROAD IS CONSTANT SO IN HIGHWAYS WHEN DRIVING. SEE VARIOUS COMPLAINTS ABOUT SAME ISSUE ON INTERNET AND A YOU TUBE VIDEO SHOWS HOW TO REPAIR IT. YESTERDAY CONTACTED TOYOTA HELP CENTER AND SAID IT WAS A SERVICE CUSTOMER ADVICE THAT EXPIRED ON 2019 I EXPLAINED THAT NEVER RECEIVED A LETTER OR E-MAIL ADVISING ABOUT THAT SERVICE I AM RETIRED AND MY CAR HAS 62,000 K MILES AND OUT OF WARRANTY NOW BUT IT HAS TO BE FIXED BECAUSE I AM AFRAID TO USE IT NOW, AND AFTER SEE THE COMPLAINTS ON INTERNET THAT IS A SUBJECT THAT TOYOTA HAS TO ADDRESS BECAUSE IS AN EXPENSIVE REPAIR FOR A DAMAGED LITTLE PART ON THE STEERING ELECTRIC MOTOR, SO WHEN DRIVING IS RATTLING AND STATIONARY PARKING WHEN YOU TURN THE STEERING WHEEL EITHER SIDE YOU CAN HEAR THE CLICKING NOISE.

NHTSA ID

11414157

Incident

Dec 24, 2019

Mileage

50,000 mi

WHEN DRIVING THE HESITATING TO ACCELERATE AND SLOW DOWN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ADVANTAGE TOYOTA I'M VALLEY STREAM NY AND THE TOLD ME THE ENGINE MOUNT IS BROKEN. I PAID 890.00 TO FIXED AND THE PROBLEM NEVER FIX. I TOOK ON 03-12-21 AND GET ON 0313-21. CALL THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT SIX TIME TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANGER AND NEVER RETURN OR ANSWER THE CALL. THEY TOLD ME HE IS BUY.

NHTSA ID

11402847

Incident

Mar 12, 2021

Mileage

73,796 mi

I WAS BRAKING ON TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT? BUT INSTEAD OF BRAKING IT WAS LIKE I HAD HIT THE ACCELERATOR. I KEPT STOMPING THE BREAK BUT IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN ONLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WENT UP OVER THE CURB INTO A METAL FENCE AND ALMOST HIT A BRICK WALL. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS WITH ANY CAR I'VE EVER HAD AND I'VE HAD QUITE A FEW TOYOTA'S AND A LOT OF THEM HAVE BEEN CAMRYS.

NHTSA ID

11372900

Incident

Nov 3, 2020

Mileage

86,253 mi

ON HWY 65 MPH POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT CAME ON THEN LOST POWER STEERING AND THEN CAR DIED IN MIDDLE OF HWY AT 65 MPH SKIDDED TO A STOP. IT WAS VERY FRIGHTENING. I WAS ALMOST HIT 3 TIMES BY CARS TRYING TO STEER MY WAY TO THE SIDE OF THE ROAD. CAR WAS TAKEN TO TWIN CITY TOYOTA AND I CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME THAT IT'S A RECALL ON OTHER CARS BUT NOT MINE. I COULD HAVE BEEN KILLED OR KILLED OTHER PEOPLE. I THREATENED TO CALL AND REPORT TO YOU, AND THEN THEY WERE WILLING TO HELP ME. CAR HASNT BEEN INSPECTED YET. I DROPPED KEY IN DROP BOX AT TWIN CITY TOYOTA IN HERCULANEUM MO. I'M SCARED TO DRIVE IT NOW.

NHTSA ID

11353071

Incident

Sep 3, 2020

Mileage

130,000 mi

ON TWO OCCASIONS, WHILE DRIVING, THE ENGINE TURNED OFF FOR APPROXIMATELY 1 OR 2 MINUTES, LEADING TO A LOSS OF CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE, THE BRAKES AND THE STEERING. THEN IT AUTOMATICALLY TURNED BACK ON, AND I COULD CONTINUE DRIVING. ON BOTH OCCASIONS I WAS DRIVING AT APPROXIMATELY 20KMS PER HOUR, AND I WAS MAKING A TURN. ON THE 2ND OCCASION, THE CAR WENT UPONTO THE SIDEWALK AND CRASHED INTO A TALL STEP THAT PROECTED THE CAR FROM GOING THROUGH THE DISPLAY WINDOW. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE AGENCY IN CUERNAVACA, MEXICO AND THEY RAN A SCAN THAT INDICATED THAT THE ENGINE HAD IN FACT TURNED OFF WHILE GOING 19KMS PER HOUR, BUT THEY KEPT THE REPORT AND REFUSED TO TURN IT OVER TO ME. THIS IS THE ONLY 'PROOF' OR SUPPORTING INFORMATION THAT I WOULD HAVE HAD.

NHTSA ID

11318533

Incident

Jun 6, 2019

Mileage

20,000 mi

I HAVE A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A TURN THE CAR LOSES ACCELERATION. IF THE TURN IS LONG, AS IN A CLOVERLEAF EXIT, THE VEHICLE WILL ALMOST STOP. PRESSING THE GAS HAS NO EFFECT. THE VEHICLE WILL LAG UNTIL IT ALMOST STOPS OR UNTIL YOU COME OUT OF THE TURN. FROM WHAT I FIND ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2012 AND LATER TOYOTA CAMRYS BUT DEALERS STONEWALL ABOUT IT. I HOPE YOU GET ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ON THIS TO ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ID

11301663

Incident

Jan 23, 2020

Mileage

65,000 mi

MY EPS LIGHT COMES ON AND OFF SOMETIME I'M DRIVING AND WHEN IT DOES THAT MY RADIO GOES OUT AND WHEEL HARD TO STEER.

NHTSA ID

11258669

Incident

Sep 5, 2019

ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES MOVE ABOUT 10 FEET AND THEN HESITATE FOR ABOUT 1 TO 2 SECONDS. IT WILL THEN ACCELERATE NORMALLY. THE INTERMITTENT HESITATION COULD BE DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ID

11255800

Incident

Sep 2, 2019

Mileage

76,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, CRASHED THROUGH A GATE, AND LANDED ON TOP OF A POOL COVERED BY A TARP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. *BF MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.*JB

NHTSA ID

11202829

Incident

Apr 17, 2019

Mileage

36,000 mi

THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY STOP ACCELERATING WHEN DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. YOU CAN THEN LIFT UP AND PRESS BACK DOWN AND IT NORMALLY WILL RESPOND AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ID

11189979

Incident

Mar 1, 2019

Mileage

67,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ID

11183875

Incident

Mar 3, 2019

Mileage

33,000 mi

TOYOTA CAMRY 2012 AND 2013 WHICH I HAVE WHEN THERE IS AN ELEVATION AND THERE IS A SIGNAL.IMMEDIATLY WHEN YOU TAKE YOU LEG OUT OF BRAKE . THE CAR IMMEDIATELY START ROLLING BACK SOO FAST. I MISSED HITTING THE CAR BEHIND NUMBER OF OCCASIONS BY PRESSING GAS QUICKLY. I HAVE SHOWED THIS PROBLUM TO DEALER THEY SAID IT IS COMMON PROBLUM. THE CAR SHOULD NOT GO TOO FAST BACK IN A SMALL ALIVATION WHICH IS NOT SAFE .

NHTSA ID

11175112

Incident

Feb 10, 2015

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!

NHTSA ID

11123305

Incident

Dec 1, 2016

Mileage

80,000 mi

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

NHTSA ID

11098323

Incident

May 28, 2018

Mileage

132,000 mi

DELAY IN SHIFTING ON LOW SPEEDS BETTWEEN 20 AND 50 MPH.THE CAR SHUTTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING OR COMING TO STOP

NHTSA ID

11052293

Incident

Nov 15, 2017

Mileage

200,000 mi

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLONIAL TOYOTA IN MILFORD, 470 BOSTON POST RD, MILFORD, CT 06460, (203) 878-7401 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE TIE NEEDED TO BE CUT BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO COLONIAL TOYOTA IN MILFORD IN MILFORD, CT 06460, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A ZE5 TORQUE CONVERT AND STATED TO THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED DEALER FIXED THE TORQUE CONVERTER AT NO COST. *TR

NHTSA ID

11018870

Incident

May 15, 2017

Mileage

90,000 mi

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING ON A CITY STREET DUE TO THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING, I SLOWED DOWN THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL. THE CAR TOOK OFF I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT STILL HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE TOLD THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE ABOUT THE VEHICLE STALLING AND ACCELERATING. I HAD FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY BUMPER AND HOOD. THE VEHICLE I CRASHED INTO BACK BUMPER WAS ALSO DENTED.

NHTSA ID

11006438

Incident

Jun 20, 2017

Mileage

51,000 mi