2012 Toyota Camry hybrid problems
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.
Social links
Common 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid 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.
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.
2012 Toyota Camry hybrid complaints
The NHTSA has received 0 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid.
You can leave your car complaint via the special form below.
2012 Toyota Camry hybrid recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 1 recalls for different components of the 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid.
- 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 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid car reviews
Positive 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid car reviews
-
I've been driving hybrids since 2004, starting with a Prius and an Insight. I also had the chance to test drive the Fusion and was seriously considering the new Fusion to come... someday. I've also driven the Volt, and while the techno wizardry is way cool, the numbers and economy for my long commute just don't make sense. The Prius C is cool and efficient, easily averaging 57mpg, but it seemed small like my Honda Insight. However, when I drove the 3rd Gen Prius, I thought it was a major improvement over my 2nd Gen in terms of ride and economy. Then I drove the Camry and practiced my hyper-milage skills I learned just to see what I could do around town. I got 63 in town and 53 on the highway. When driving normally, I got 47 mpg.
-
Overall, the Camry has been a reliable and solid car for me. As a repeat Toyota hybrid drivetrain owner (two Camrys and two Priuses), I can attest to its dependability. It averages 36 mpg and has had no mechanical issues in its 120,000 miles, aside from routine maintenance and tire replacements. However, there are a few areas of concern. The side edges of the front bumper have repeatedly popped out, and the heating and air controls are small and difficult to operate. Additionally, the ultra suede cloth on the top-of-the-line XLE seats has worn poorly and is hard to clean, making the interior look shabby. Despite these minor design flaws, I have had no major issues with the car. Dealer maintenance costs are high, but I was able to get the 120,000 service done at a reputable non-Toyota shop for $200. As of the 2016 update, the car has 140,000 miles and has only needed two sets of tires, one horn, and one headlight replacement. It has been a trouble-free car and I highly recommend it.
-
I spent many months researching new cars, with a particular interest in the new Fusion hybrid. I went to a dealership ready to order the titanium hybrid, but unfortunately, they couldn't get it in the order banks. I decided to return in a few days. However, I had a change of heart and started looking at the Camry hybrids. I took one for a test drive and was pleasantly surprised by how comfortable it was. Although the Fusion was stunning, the cabin felt too confining. On the other hand, the Camry felt much better overall. At the end of the day, I purchased a fully loaded brand new XLE for over $4000 less than the sticker price with 0.9% financing, and I couldn't be happier!
-
Update below. Hi there! I'm getting ready to do the 36-month scheduled maintenance (22,000 miles) and I wanted to share my opinion on this car that I bought new. Here are the pros: it's very comfortable on long trips, has lots of power, and I haven't spent a dime on it. As for the cons, there is some wind noise on the front passenger side, the mileage was 40 when it was new, but the last tank was 35, and I wish the trunk was larger. Also, the A/C sometimes smells moldy/musty. Update-12/16- 4th yr- abt 25k miles - Since the 3/36k warranty has expired, I now do routine maintenance, including the annual oil/filter change myself. It's not a big deal. The A/C smell is gone since they did a recall on A/C condensate leaking on the airbag relay. The average gas mileage is about 36MPG. The seats are still comfortable, and the original Michelin energy saver tires (480AB) have about 6/32
-
This 2012 Camry is amazing! I got a fully equipped XLE in white with beige interior. The ride is excellent and the inside space is very good. The mileage is also impressive, with 40.4 mpg on the first fill, 38.6 mpg on the second, and 42.4 mpg on the third. In the city, it gets 60% highway and 40% city, which is amazing. It even has a spare tire and can move from 0-60 in just 7.2 seconds, better than a four-cylinder and almost as good as a six-cylinder. There's no hesitation like the Sonata Hybrid and the trunk is bigger than the Fusion. The only negatives are that the car is going back to repair the stitching on the leather, which is crimped and looks cheap, and the electronic steering is too loose. Also, the plastic inside is a bit cheap. But overall, it's a great car! Consumers have rated it 93, which is the highest rating right now.
Additional sources
More sources of information about 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid problems:
2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Problems - Flagship One Blog
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
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
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
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 ...
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
Are you having problems with your 2012 Toyota Camry hybrid?
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.
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.
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.
Ronny Nolan 2024-07-13
We only picked the car up less than a week ago.
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.