Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 problems

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The Toyota Camry (/ˈkæmri/; Japanese: トヨタ・カムリ Toyota Kamuri) is an automobile sold internationally by the Japanese auto manufacturer Toyota since 1982, spanning multiple generations. Originally compact in size (narrow-body), the Camry has grown since the 1990s to fit the mid-size classification (wide-body)—although the two widths co-existed in that decade. Since the release of the wide-bodied versions, Camry has been extolled by Toyota as the firm's second "world car" after the Corolla. As of 2022, the Camry is positioned above the Corolla and below the Avalon or Crown in several markets.

In Japan, Camry was once exclusive to Toyota Corolla Store retail dealerships. Narrow-body cars also spawned a rebadged sibling in Japan, the Toyota Vista (トヨタ・ビスタ)—also introduced in 1982 and sold at Toyota Vista Store locations. Diesel fuel versions have previously retailed at Toyota Diesel Store. The Vista Ardeo was a wagon version of the Vista V50.

Etymology

The name "Camry" derives from the Japanese word kanmuri (ja:冠, かんむり), meaning "crown". This follows Toyota's naming tradition of using the crown name for primary models starting with the Toyota Crown (1955), continuing with the Toyota Corona (1957) and Corolla (1966); the Latin words for "crown" and "small crown", respectively. Maintaining this theme was the Toyota Tiara (1960) named after the "tiara" form of crown. The Atara trim level name used on the Camry in Australia since 2011 means "crown" in Hebrew. The rebadged Camry variant for Japan, the Toyota Scepter (1991)—took its name from "scepter", a royal accessory to a crown.

Toyota Camry hybrid 2012

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Common Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 problems

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is known for its reliability, but like any car, it can have issues. The most common problems reported by owners include air conditioning issues, audio display problems, and transmission failures.

Air conditioning problems are often caused by a design flaw that leads to the drain line getting clogged, resulting in a moldy smell. Toyota has issued a recall for this issue, where a dealership will seal the housing to prevent further problems.

Audio display problems include the display going black, which is caused by hardware and software issues. The only solution is to replace the assembly, which can cost around $350.

Transmission failures are rare but are brought up by some owners. If the vehicle jerks while shifting between gears, it's a good idea to inspect the vehicle to determine the source. A complete replacement for the transmission can cost over $4,000, depending on local labor rates.

In addition to these issues, the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid has also had problems with its hybrid batteries. Some high mileage vehicles have experienced issues with the hybrid batteries, causing the dash warning lights to come on.

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid's transmission has also been a source of problems. Transmission transfers power from the car's engine to the driveshaft, and if it is not functioning properly, it can cause the car to slip in and out of gear, or lose or gain speed rapidly. It can also cause delays when trying to change gears, cause gears to change with no input from the driver, and cause the vehicle to shake upon acceleration.

Overall, while the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid is a reliable car, it is not immune to issues. Owners should be aware of these common problems and consider regular maintenance to prevent them from occurring.

Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 engine

How long will a 2012 Camry Hybrid battery last?

about 5-8 years

The Camry Hybrid battery generally works well for about 5-8 years from the time of manufacture. Still, several other factors, like climate, temperature, and excessive use, can reduce the overall service life. So, consider these and maintain your battery well!

Is it worth buying a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a more refined hybrid system than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and essentially matches the Ford Fusion Hybrid for best-in-class fuel economy. Overall, the Hybrid should be a solid, blue-chip choice for a family car.

What is the transmission problem on a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

The problem: Affected Toyota cars may exhibit a brief, intermittent transmission shudder while driving under light loads between 25 and 50 mph. This is due to a combination of an engine control module software glitch and a faulty torque converter in the vehicle.

What is the most common problem with 2012 Toyota Camry?

Top 2012 Toyota Camry Problems

  • Automatic Transmissions May Hesitate When Accelerating. ...
  • Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component. ...
  • Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages. ...
  • Motor Mount on Passenger Side May Wear Out on Higher Mileage Vehicles.

Is it worth buying a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid offers a more refined hybrid system than the Hyundai Sonata Hybrid and essentially matches the Ford Fusion Hybrid for best-in-class fuel economy. Overall, the Hybrid should be a solid, blue-chip choice for a family car.

How long will a 2012 Camry hybrid battery last?

about 5-8 years

The Camry Hybrid battery generally works well for about 5-8 years from the time of manufacture. Still, several other factors, like climate, temperature, and excessive use, can reduce the overall service life. So, consider these and maintain your battery well!

What is the common problem of Toyota Camry Hybrid?

Unintended Acceleration

Toyota believes the problems are caused by stuck gas pedals or misplaced floor mats that trapped the gas pedals. Independent testing by NASA and other outside laboratories agreed with Toyota and concluded driver error was also a contributin…

What is the transmission problem on a 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid?

The problem: Affected Toyota cars may exhibit a brief, intermittent transmission shudder while driving under light loads between 25 and 50 mph. This is due to a combination of an engine control module software glitch and a faulty torque converter in the vehicle.

Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 complaints

The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Camry hybrid 2012.

You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.

Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 recalls

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the Toyota Camry hybrid 2012.

2013-01-16
  • Manufacturer: Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC
  • Components: AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:SENSOR/CONTROL MODULE-INACTIVE
  • 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.
  • Consequence: 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.
  • 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.

Negative Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 car reviews

  1. Kenton Wiza 2024-09-23

    My 2012 hybrid never averages over 40 in a year. However, I have noticed that the city rating may not be entirely accurate as it is dependent on driving in the city all day long. It takes a lot to get the engine warm, which affects the fuel efficiency. On the highway, I recently drove from Portland to Redwood City and averaged about 42. During the winter, city driving is generally about 36 due to the heater requiring more from the gasoline engine. Additionally, the seat warmers may also affect the numbers. Perhaps it would be beneficial for the ratings to be reviewed.

  2. Karl Robel 2024-09-14

    I was really looking forward to the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid, with its impressive claim of 43mpg city and 39mpg hwy for a combined estimate of 41mpg. However, my personal experience has been disappointing. Over the course of 10,000 miles and 7 months, I have only been able to average 31.4 mpg. As someone who does a lot of city driving, including a daily 20-mile commute to and from school with my kids, this has been a frustrating experience. Despite numerous complaints and a visit to the dealer, where I spent 7 hours for yet another test, I have not been able to resolve the issue. While the dealer claims there are no problems, I believe that getting 10 miles less per gallon is a significant issue that needs to be addressed. I have reached out to the Toyota Customer Experience Center, as directed by the dealer, but have not yet found a solution. In the meantime, I would caution others to be wary of Toyota's fuel efficiency claims and consider other options, such as Honda, which I have had positive experiences with in the past. Despite my disappointment, I remain hopeful that a resolution can be found.

  3. Deangelo Goodwin 2024-08-17

    This car is certainly comfortable to drive and has great gas mileage. However, I have experienced some initial quality issues. In the past 3 months, I have had to take it back to the shop 5 times for various issues such as a defective speaker, a loose sunroof side garnish, a missing rear seat belt buckle, and a functionality problem with the JBL premium sound system. Although there is still an undiagnosed vertical grease smear on the right rear power window and the radio needs to be addressed, Toyota has been very helpful in addressing these issues. While it has been a bit of a hassle, I appreciate their efforts to resolve these problems.

  4. Ronny Nolan 2024-07-13

    We only picked the car up less than a week ago.

  5. Leo Zieme 2024-06-06

    We confidently chose the hybrid option and paid a premium for it, as we keep our cars for a long time. We expected to reach the EPA estimate of mileage within 5 years, but after a year of driving, we are only averaging 34 MPG. Our driving has mostly been in the city, but we have noticed that we get above 40 MPG on the highway. Despite taking it back to the dealer a couple of times, they have assured us that there is nothing wrong with the car. We also contacted Toyota, who confirmed that 34 MPG is within the expected range and does not indicate a problem.

Positive Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 car reviews

  1. Allen Hand 2024-10-23

    I bought a brand new 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE which was shipped from the production facility in Kentucky to Alberta. I have driven this car in hot summers and bitterly cold winters, and it has always started and driven quite nicely. Even after 10 years, it still looks brand new, and the maintenance/service bills were quite low and reasonable. The only thing that stopped working after 10 years was the up/down button for the sunroof. The only downfall is that it took a while to warm up in really cold weather, and the AC on hot days sometimes drained the battery. However, I highly recommend hybrids to anyone who likes efficient vehicles. They are very affordable, reliable, and inexpensive to maintain (unless you need a new hybrid battery). In my opinion, hybrids are a better choice than pure EVs such as a Tesla.

  2. Devin Hansen 2024-10-12

    I can tell that you have really enjoyed your car for the past 8 years, with 89,000 miles on it! It's great to hear that it has provided you with excellent gas economy, a smooth ride, and has required very little maintenance. It's impressive that the front brakes are still going strong and that the first rear brake replacement was only needed at 88,000 miles. It sounds like this car has been a reliable and trustworthy companion. It's understandable that you would want your teenage grandchildren to use it as it is an excellent family car. I also love the sky blue color and it's great to hear that you have received compliments on it, even from strangers in parking lots and gas stations!

  3. Bertha Wuckert 2024-10-10

    This car is perfect for running errands. It's economical, reliable, comfortable, quiet, and easy to drive.

  4. Deron Brown 2024-10-02

    You kept the car up until 12,000 miles and regret getting rid of it. It's no wonder, considering how stylish, comfortable, and great on gas it is. With an average of 40-45 mpg and a maximum of 63 mpg, this car is a real winner. It's also very quiet, nice, and smooth, although it almost sounds like a spaceship! You'll feel confident driving it in California, especially when merging onto freeways and highways. It has plenty of power, even more than your 2005 Camry LE. The interior is spacious and nice, although some plastic parts seem a bit cheap. The only concern you had was how long the hybrid battery would last and how much it would cost to replace it. You also wondered if replacing it would cause other electrical components in the car to malfunction. Overall, this was a great car!

  5. Foster Kshlerin 2024-09-19

    We purchased a Camry Hybrid in December 2012 and have driven 5,500 miles as of April 2013. Despite encountering traffic jams during city drives, we are pleased to report that we have achieved an impressive 40-42 mpg for a whole tank of combined highway and city driving during the spring, up from 38-39 mpg during the winter. We are extremely satisfied with the mileage and the range of each tank, which allows us to avoid frequent trips to the gas station.

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Additional sources

More sources of information about Toyota Camry hybrid 2012 problems:

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Problems - Flagship One Blog
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Problems - Flagship One Blog
https://www.fs1inc.com/blog/2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-problems/

Apr 7, 2022 ... Interior Accessories · Failing Brakes · 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Steering Problems · Front End Airborne over Bumps · Engine Problems · Poor ...

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Q&A: Common Problems & Solutions
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE Q&A: Common Problems & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/aw6up-2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-xle-today-morning-when.html

Dec 26, 2017 ... Ok. There are a couple of known problems with these vehicles that can set the check engine light along with the check hybrid warning. There is ...

2012 Toyota Camry Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
2012 Toyota Camry Problems and Complaints - 12 Issues
https://repairpal.com/2012-toyota-camry/problems

Top 2012 Toyota Camry Problems · Automatic Transmissions May Hesitate When Accelerating · Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component · Automatic ...

2nd Generation (2012-2017) Camry Hybrid Problems
2nd Generation (2012-2017) Camry Hybrid Problems
http://www.toyotaproblems.com/models/camry-hybrid/generations/2/

Toyota believes the problems are caused by stuck gas pedals or misplaced floor mats that trapped the gas pedals. Independent testing by NASA and other outside ...

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Reliability? - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Reliability? - Maintenance/Repairs - Car ...
https://community.cartalk.com/t/2012-toyota-camry-hybrid-reliability/72039

Apr 21, 2012 ... All hyrids have been reliable from all the manufacturers. Toyota has the most experience, the most models, and has never released a hybrid with ...

Other years of Toyota Camry hybrid

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