Toyota Camry 2012 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.
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Common Toyota Camry 2012 problems
The 2012 Toyota Camry is known for its reliability, but like any vehicle, it can have certain problems. Here are some of the most common issues based on complaints from owners:
- Musty Smell Coming from the AC/Heat Vents: An overpowering moldy smell coming from the vents is not specific to the Camry, but it is a common problem. This issue occurs because people leave their A/C systems on when they turn off their cars. If the A/C system isn't turned off and allowed to dry out for a couple of minutes before the car is parked, condensation can build up inside the A/C system, which leads to mold.
- Torque Converter Failure: When the RPMs go down and the Camry starts shuddering while the transmission changes gears, the torque converter has failed. This problem is common in the 2012-2016 Camry models. Toyota responded to this widespread problem by issuing a Limited Service Campaign where they’d either update the Engine Control Module (ECM) or replace the torque converter.
- Power Window Failure: It's common for power windows to fail on 7th generation Toyota Camry vehicles. There are several different causes of this problem: off-track windows, bad fuse, and malfunctioning window regulator. You can read more about this issue here.
- Engine Overheating: Some owners have reported engine overheating issues with their 2012 Toyota Camry. This problem can be caused by a variety of factors, including a faulty thermostat, a damaged water pump, or a coolant leak. If you notice your Camry's engine overheating, it's important to have it checked by a professional as soon as possible to avoid serious engine damage.
- Air Conditioning Problems: Air conditioning problems, including a bad smell when you use the system, are the most common issues mentioned by owners. There’s a design flaw causing the drain line to get clogged, leading to a moldy smell. There’s a recall for the clogged drain line where a dealership will seal the housing.
- Transmission Failures: Transmission failures are a rare problem, but brought up by owners. If you notice the vehicle jerking while shifting between gears, inspecting the vehicle is a good idea to determine the source. A complete replacement for the transmission can cost over $4,000 depending on local labor rates.
- Audio Display Going Black: There are some hardware and software issues with the display, and usually the only solution is to replace the assembly. Replacing the head unit costs about $350.
- Recall: There are 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Camry. The first one is for a clogged drain line in the air conditioning system, and the second one is for a potential issue with the power steering system.
It's important to note that these problems are not representative of all 2012 Toyota Camry vehicles. Many owners have reported no major issues with their cars. However, if you're considering purchasing a used 2012 Toyota Camry, it's a good idea to be aware of these potential problems and to have the car inspected by a professional before making a purchase.
Does 2012 Camry have problems?
The 2012 Toyota Camry has fewer problems than other midsize cars on the market. There are more complaints than the newer 2013 model, making the extra $1,500 worth the money to upgrade. Air conditioning problems including a bad smell when you use the system, are the most common issues mentioned by owners.
Was 2012 a good year for Toyota Camry?
Toyota has made a number of small but effective changes to the redesigned 2012 Camry. The result is that the Camry has moved back up to be a top choice for a midsize sedan.
How many miles will a 2012 Camry last?
between 200,000 and 300,000 miles
The Toyota Camry is one of the most well-regarded midsize vehicles available, and its Toyota durability means that you can expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use out of your Camry with proper vehicle maintenance.
What was the worst year for Toyota Camry?
Q: Which Toyota Camry years should be on my avoid list? A: You should avoid the Toyota Camry models from the years 2007, 2008, and 2009. These years have been identified as having various issues, from transmission problems to excessive oil consumption, which have led to significant owner complaints and repairs.
Does 2012 Camry have problems?
The 2012 Toyota Camry has fewer problems than other midsize cars on the market. There are more complaints than the newer 2013 model, making the extra $1,500 worth the money to upgrade. Air conditioning problems including a bad smell when you use the system, are the most common issues mentioned by owners.
Is 2012 a good year for Toyota Camry?
Toyota has made a number of small but effective changes to the redesigned 2012 Camry. The result is that the Camry has moved back up to be a top choice for a midsize sedan.
How long should a 2012 Toyota Camry last?
between 200,000 and 300,000 miles
The Toyota Camry is one of the most well-regarded midsize vehicles available, and its Toyota durability means that you can expect to get between 200,000 and 300,000 miles of use out of your Camry with proper vehicle maintenance.
Which year Camry is best?
The Best Year Toyota Camry To Buy
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Toyota Camry 2012 car problems categorized by type of issue
After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Camry problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:
- Power train problems
- Unknown or other problems
- Air bags problems
- Vehicle speed control problems
- Structure problems
The graph below shows statistics for all Toyota Camry 2012 vehicle components and the number of complaints received.
Latest 25 complaints Toyota Camry 2012
The NHTSA has received 618 complaints about various vehicle components related to the Toyota Camry 2012. Below are the 25 most recent complaints reported for Toyota Camry 2012 vehicles.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-02
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK4CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle hesitated while accelerating and downshifted unexpectedly. The contact stated that the vehicle was shuddering abnormally. There were no warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic to be diagnosed. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact related the failure with an unknown recall; however, the vehicle was not included. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-10
- VIN: 4T4BF1FK0CR
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,TRACTION CONTROL SYSTEM,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2024-07-11
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK1CU
- Components: STEERING,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,AIR BAGS
- Summary: "I was driving when the passenger airbag light came on and wouldn't turn off. At the same time, my steering wheel locked up, and my car started making a whining/humming sound. The lights began blinking on and off, and the battery light came on, even though the battery was brand new. Finally, my car completely shut off while I was driving in the middle of the street." A few years ago, I encountered a similar situation when a new computer component was installed, but they had trouble identifying the issues. It ended up costing me over a thousand dollars for problems they weren't certain about. Each time they added more parts, it turned out that it wasn't the solution. I'm hesitant to take it back to the dealership for fear of facing the same issues again. I plan to file a formal complaint and seek advice or assistance regarding this issue. Upon reviewing previous complaints, I noticed several similarities. I was never contacted by anyone regarding the recall on the airbag issues, and I would like this to be rectified immediately.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-04
- VIN: 4T4BF1FK1CR
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: I own a 2012 Camry LE with about 70,000 miles which is in excellent condition and well-maintained. Recently I began to hear a rattle, tapping or knocking sound apparently from somewhere in the left engine or cabin area. I feel confident its sources is possibly a steering column issue. You sort of feel it whenever you have some rough road surface; and if it’s a bump you hear the metal knock. While it doesn’t appear to cause a steering malfunction. The issue or noise does seem to come from the steering column. Independent research on the web has indicated that countless queries have been reported about this same year vehicle and issue. Described as a small $10 plastic part that degrades thereby allowing the vibration or knocking noise to appear. Cost to repair again is $10 for part and 7-8 hour labor roughly $950 from the actual dealer to repair. Damper Electric Power Steering Motor Shaft, 48254‑28040 Steering Motor Coupling Gear Replacement for Camery 2012-2014 is the questioned part that is inferior or of poor design that breaks down and causing the noise
SUSPENSION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-07
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK1CU
- Components: SUSPENSION
- Summary: Steering bushing broken.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2021-02-01
- VIN: 4T4BF1FK4CR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: My 2012 Toyota Camry has started shutting off If I do a hard stop or quick stop by pressing on the breaks. My car will be on, in drive and completely turn off. The lights on the dashboard will all flash on then it turns off. I will have to quickly put the car in park, take the key out then put the key back in and turn the car on for it to start again. There are no warning lights that appear on the dashboard before the car turns off. They all flash suddenly and then it stalls out. It has stalled out while driving multiple times with vehicles behind me in my lane. This is very unsafe as I have reduced driving on highways in case it occurs. This has been reproduced by my mechanic who has said it is burning oil very quickly. He confirmed there were no leaks. I’ve only used synthetic oil and bought my car brand new in 2012. Once my oil is changed the problem seems to go away for awhile until the oil gets low again however my oil changes do not last as long in between and I usually need another oil change 20K miles before it is “due”. Since my car has started burning oil so quick my oil change light does not come on to notify me it is low or needed so I’ve been advised to check my oil every 1,000 miles.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-01
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK3CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Transmission is shuddering skipping. Causing the car to shake. Happens during acceleration.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-01
- VIN: 4T4BF1FK0CR
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: I got the shudder from the description online that affects the transmission upon accelerating. . It's from a ecm software recall? When placing the transmission in park, it rolls forward some. I have had this car for a couple yrs. Put only 30, 000 on it. it just reached 100,000. Bought it at 69, 000 miles. Will be taking the car in the Toyota shop friday. When I purchased the vehicle; there was no recalls as stated!
AIR BAGS PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-24
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK2CU
- Components: AIR BAGS
- Summary: I hit a curb while I was turning and I my air bag light and seatbelt light turned on. My passenger air bag won’t turn back to on even when someone is sitting in and my seatbelt light won’t turn off. Nothing was deployed when I hit the curb just the lights turning on.
POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-12-01
- VIN: 4T1BD1FK8CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN,UNKNOWN OR OTHER,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
- Summary: Car surging while going at low speeds turning to the right x 2. Stepped on brake and car would not steer either direction.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-01
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK7CU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Toyota has a recall for 2012 camry torque converter issue. The recall was issued with a timeframe and/or mileage limit. My camry never experienced these issues until after the recall expired. i reached out to toyota about the recall and they state they aren't going to fix the issue.
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-09-13
- VIN: 4T4BF1FK5CR
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: I purchased my car about 4 years ago. Less than a year later after I purchased the vehicle, I took it back to the dealer informing them of the shaking or vibration. They gave the car back to me telling me there’s nothing wrong with the car. Months later I called them again for the same thing and they said the same. Not long ago, I was driving the car with my 2 year old granddaughter and my daughter, taking a turn, the lights in the dash came on and the wheel became so hard that I almost crashed because I couldn’t hardly turn the wheel. I pulled over on a very busy road Hooper Ave TR NJ. We almost got hit by the traffic because there’s no place to pull over and waited to see if it was safe to drive the car. Took the car to a mechanic and doing research he mentioned the torque converter is bad and that’s the reason why it vibrates and shakes. All along, the dealer knew about the problem and they ignored the issue. “The 2012-2014 Toyota Camry shudder that can potentially happen in these Toyota models made during these years. The 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.” Perhaps maybe now because I have been driving it for a while now with the same issue, believing the dealer that there’s was nothing wrong with it, that’s the problem became worse and more dangerous. Other websites say there’s a recall on the issue so I would like to get this serious issue fixed as soon as possible as this is the only vehicle available to move around.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-01-03
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK9CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: The 2012 Camry has a known problem with its Torque Converter. At low throttle (less than 1500 RPM), the torque converter exhibits a shudder while changing gears, most often going from 4th to 5th gear. Toyota initially released a service advisory in 2017 and attempted to fix the problem with a software update. A few years later, Toyota released an extended warranty covering the defect for 8 years of first use or 150,000 miles; whichever came first. Toyota claims that this defect may eventually result in transmission failure. My car exhibited this problem in 2016. A local Toyota dealership confirmed the problem and performed the software update. This temporarily resolved the torque converter shudder. In early 2022, the shudder returned. By this time, the extended warranty period had expired and Toyota refused to repair the defect since more than 8 years had passed since first use. The issue persists, and this defect should be placed under a recall instead of a time-limited warranty.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-30
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK1CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: When accelerating transmission is hesitated to almost car dies. When pulling out into traffic cars almost run over you due to this or go to take off at red lights when you accelerate it hesitates then takes off.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-08-15
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK0CU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,WHEELS,ENGINE
- Summary: 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.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-09-09
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK3CU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: The steering column u joint is loose and needs to be replaced. This is going to require the entire steering shaft to be replaced and taken apart.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-02
- Crash: 1
- VIN: 4T1BF1FKXCU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,SERVICE BRAKES
- Summary: I WAS GOING TO PARK MY CAR SO I WAS SLOWING HEADING TOWARD THE PARKING SPOT. I SLOWED DOWN AND TRIED TO PARK MY CAR; HOWEVER, AS I WAS STEPPING ON THE BRAKE, MY CAR SUDDENLY ACCELARATED ON ITS OWN AND JUMPED THE CURB. MY CAR HIT THE BUILDING BREAKING SEVERAL WINDOWS. I AM CONVINCED THAT THIS ACCIDENT WAS A CASE OF SUDDEN UNINTENDED ACCELARATION DUE TO THE MALFUNCTION OF MY CAR.
UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-07-11
- VIN: 4T1BK1FK1CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER,BACK OVER PREVENTION
- Summary: N/a
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2022-07-10
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK9CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: Transmisión problem when acelerate my car
ENGINE PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-06-09
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK9CU
- Components: ENGINE
- Summary: Odometer fraud. Tampered odometer and tried to sell the car and the tampering is huge 100K miles.
STEERING PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2018-06-09
- VIN: 4T1BF1FKXCU
- Components: STEERING
- Summary: Drivers side steering wheel has a clicking clunking sound and appears this is a well-known issue with this year car that Toyota has never addressed some type of silicone, bearing or washer war wears out, but the whole column must be removed to replace it from what I see it’s like $1000 I have Toyota do it for a $20-30 part
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2020-08-14
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK8CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: 2012 Toyota Camry has Torque Converter Shudder issues and they knew about it. They also ran the Warranty Enhancement program but failed to notify its owners. I never received about this Warranty from them. I had this wired noise for brief seconds when driving at a speed of 50-65MPH and told the Toyota authorized repair and maintenance center about it when I took my car for regular maintenance. They checked my car and also failed to update me on this extended warranty and could not find the issue. They knew that this was an ongoing issue but did not bother to correctly update me on this. I only happen to know about this when my transmission started to slip and was searching if there was any recall and found about their Warranty Enhancement program as mentioned https://static.nhtsa.gov/odi/tsbs/2018/MC-10129984-9999.pdf but it was too late. I also called the Toyota Engagement Center to discuss this but they said they can't do anything as the program expired. The car now slows down itself when driving either in 20-25MPH or 55-60MPH and this could lead to unforeseen situations and could be a safety issue for the roads and highways I would like NHTSA to step in and make this a safety recall. It looks like almost all 2012 Camry are affected by this issue.
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-01-11
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK8CU
- Components: VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: 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
UNKNOWN OR OTHER PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2017-05-16
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK6CU
- Components: UNKNOWN OR OTHER
- Summary: HIGH FUMES INSIDE OF CAR HAD ME DAIZED OUT. I STRUGGLED TO KEEP MY EYES OPEN AND NOT BE SLEEPY. I DROVE WITH THE WINDOWS DOWN. FAKE LEATHER.
POWER TRAIN PROBLEM
- Date Of Incident: 2023-04-19
- VIN: 4T1BF1FK8CU
- Components: POWER TRAIN
- Summary: Car gears are sluggish when accelerating in between 15 to 25 mph. It does not accelerate and there is lag when accelerating stop to go.
Toyota Camry 2012 recalls
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has issued 2 recalls for different components of the Toyota Camry 2012.
- Manufacturer: Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing
- Components: ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
- Summary: 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.
- Consequence: 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.
- 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.
- 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 2012 car reviews
Positive Toyota Camry 2012 car reviews
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This car may not be the most impressive, but it is definitely reliable and cost-effective to own. With 74k miles, it may be a bit noisier on the road, but it still only requires routine maintenance, new tires, and a battery.
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I'm thrilled with this car! I recently had the scheduled 105000 Services and was told that everything is in good shape. I had new front brake pads installed at 85064 miles and rear brake pads at 83426 miles. The battery didn't fail, but I had it replaced at 90150 miles just to be on the safe side. That's all I've had to pay for beyond scheduled maintenance, which I've followed faithfully. The car still provides a comfortable ride and I usually get about 28 MPG, just as advertised. My best MPG was 40.8MPG about a year ago, and it still shows up on the dashboard screen. I don't think I'll ever do better than 40.8, but that's still pretty impressive! The engine is the four-cylinder, which is more than adequate - even when I'm doing 50 MPH at the bottom of a hill, I can easily do 50 MPH at the top of the hill. The transmission is the eight-speed, and I seldom feel it shift. I don't want to brag, but I really do have a great car. Toyota might want to buy it back, but I'm definitely keeping it!
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My wife bought her SE 3 in 2016 and we absolutely loved it. We had the dealer for life program, so we felt confident that we were in good hands. However, after driving it for a little over 120000 miles, we noticed a slight vibration between 35-45 mph. To cut a long story short, we took it to the dealer when it had 151450 miles on it, only to find out that there is a factory issue with these cars that Toyota is aware of and would fix if the car had less than 150000 miles. Their response was that if we had been bringing it to a Toyota dealership for service, we would have been informed. We were charged $2300 for a problem that they knew about but refused to fix, even though we had service records from the dealer that we bought it from. The issue was with the torque converter stall and a computer update. She loved that car and took good care of it, but unfortunately, that didn't matter.
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In 2019, my trusty 96 4runner finally gave up the ghost. After some consideration, I decided to go with a 2012 Camry, which feels high-tech to me with its Bluetooth capabilities (although that's not saying much compared to my old '96!). It had 95k miles on it, but I'm confident it will still serve me well since I won't be taking any long road trips in it, just driving around town. I absolutely adore this car! While it does have some cheaper parts inside, I think that's just because it was a rental car before I bought it. Also, it wasn't built in Japan like our 4runner and RAV4, so that might be part of the issue. But I would definitely buy another one if I needed a new vehicle. The only thing I wish is that it was a manual so I could feel more engaged while driving instead of just coasting along. It's not as comfortable to drive as a truck or SUV where you're sitting more in a chair with your feet down instead of out towards the front, but for a car, it's definitely one of the most comfortable I've driven, second only to a New Yorker. Plus, I know these cars can run for several hundred thousand miles, so I'm really looking forward to that! It's been two months now, and I still love it as my daily driver.
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I had a 2003 Camry XLE V6 before this one. I decided to lease the new 2012 XLE 4cyl to save gas, and now I have 6k on it. I get an average of 25mpg, even though I drive all highway! My previous car was much quieter and felt more solid, but I'm still happy with the new one. The styling is fine, although I don't like the low profile body style they have now. I live in MN where snow is plentiful, and the car gets stuck easily because of this! The leather seats are nice and soft, but they are harder to clean than the previous Camry leather. My jeans even turned the seats blue! I miss my 2003, but this vehicle is very reliable and easy to maintain. I can't decide if I'll buy this one out or not, but it's a lot smaller than my previous car. My boyfriend is 6' and hits his head on the headliner, but otherwise, it's a great car.
Additional sources
More sources of information about Toyota Camry 2012 problems:
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 ...
2012 Toyota Camry LE 4 cyl Reliability? | Toyota Nation Forum
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Jan 20, 2022 ... The positives include excellent long-term reliability, and a comfortable roomy cabin for the class. Downsides are a boring driving experience, ...
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Jul 6, 2022 ... Is there a way to check if the car has these problems? ... The only common issue with it that we've ... r/Toyota - 2025 Toyota Camry. 3. 677 upvotes ...
2012 Toyota Camry Problems | Kelley Blue Book
How reliable is the 2012 Toyota Camry? See the most common repairs performed and learn if your vehicle is at risk for major repairs in the next 12 months.
Other years of Toyota Camry
Are you having problems with your Toyota Camry 2012?
Royal Osinski 2024-10-11
I purchased a new 2.5 XLE car and put 50k on it. I still love how it looks, but unfortunately, there are some paint chips that started on day one. I have tried spot painting them, but it's hard to keep up with it. The front grill is too low and has some damage and cracks. The paint on the premium wheels is also hard to maintain. I have noticed a cold start rattle, and my biggest concern is oil burning, which the dealer refuses to acknowledge. I have had two other Toyotas, one with 240k, and neither burned oil like this. It uses a quart or so every 1500 miles. The Lakewood Toyota Dealer did the seal test and claimed it used nothing, but when I got home, the crankcase had been overfilled. I have the 100K warranty, but I'm not sure they will honor it if it gets worse. I change the oil every 4K miles. The MPG on the highway is the highest at 28, but people with the highbrid model get 44! The car accelerates, handles, stops, and drives well, but the road noise is horrible, and you hear every bump. I think the next car will not be a Toyota. I feel like they are declining and cutting corners.
Tito Crona 2024-08-15
If you're interested in buying this car, I recommend taking it for a test drive for at least an hour. In my experience, there was a transmission issue that I didn't notice when I bought it second-hand. Unfortunately, the car started vibrating at low rpms the next day. Although I was able to fix it once, the issue returned a few months later and I ultimately decided to sell it. I hope this information helps you make an informed decision!
Junius Wilkinson 2024-07-16
I purchased my 2012 Camry XLE six months ago and have already driven 21,000 miles (mostly on the highway). The car has great gas mileage and the seats are comfortable, although they are definitely an improvement from my previous VW CC. My only complaint is the amount of wind noise that can be heard from both sides when driving over 70mph. My previous Camry and my sister-in-law's Camry both felt smoother and quieter than this newer generation. Other than that, it's a great car and I'm averaging 32mph, so no complaints there. I would suggest taking it for a test drive on an open freeway and driving for a while before making a purchase.
Elvis White 2024-06-21
Toyota's 2.5-liter and 2.7-liter engines are experiencing a common issue known as the 'COLD START RATTLE'. This is due to the increased number of moving parts in the top end of the engine, as mandated by the EPA for cleaner and more efficient vehicles. Although this issue is also present in other brands such as Honda, it is more frequent in Toyota's bigger 4 cylinder engines. The 'rattle' is a 1-second metal-on-metal sound that occurs only at cold start due to lack of oil to small moving parts in the VVT. While this issue is loud and noticeable, it does not progress or wear out internal moving parts. As a seasoned engineer, I can confidently say that this issue can be resolved by replacing the cam. If you are experiencing this issue, I recommend taking your car to a Toyota dealer for a cam replacement. While I understand that some customers may have had negative experiences with this issue, I can assure you that Toyota is committed to providing high-quality vehicles and addressing any concerns that customers may have. Thank you for considering Toyota for your automotive needs.
Raphael Wiza 2024-05-19
Hey there! Just wanted to give you a heads up about this car. If you're interested, I'd recommend doing some research online before making a purchase. Unfortunately, this car has had some issues with its torque converter and even after getting that fixed, there may still be transmission problems down the line. If you do decide to buy it, just make sure to double check the transmission and its warranty. Don't want you to end up with any unexpected costs!