Problems · NHTSA complaints

2012 Toyota Camry problems

Owners filed 645 complaints about the 2012 Toyota Camry with NHTSA between Oct 2011 and Oct 2026. The most-cited component is power train (146).

Complaints
645
Filed with NHTSA
Crashes
95
Reported by owners
Fires
6
Reported by owners
Injuries
80
People reported injured
Deaths
0
Reported to NHTSA
01 —By component

Complaints by component

One complaint can cite several components
  1. Power train146
  2. Air bags83
  3. Vehicle speed control73
  4. Electrical system68
  5. Structure68
  6. Steering65
  7. Engine62
  8. Service brakes61
  9. Fuel/propulsion system25
  10. Suspension18
  11. Visibility18
  12. Wheels17
  13. Seat belts14
  14. Seats13

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.

Data from NHTSA Complaints API · synced Nov 4, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
02 —Trend

When complaints were filed

Does it get worse with age? Complaints per calendar year filed
View as table
Model yearComplaints filed per calendar year
20114
201242
201372
201498
201572
201642
201750
201850
201949
202036
202140
202230
202326
20248
202518
20268

Mileage at failure isn’t a structured field in NHTSA complaint data, so we don’t chart it. Some owners mention it in their reports below.

03 —Owner reports

Top problems in owners’ words

Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first

Power train

146 reports1 crash
“2012 Toyota Camry LE developed severe transmission shudder/vibration during normal driving, especially around 25–35 mph and 45–60 mph. The vehicle also experienced noticeable vibration when shifting into Reverse and Drive. An OBD scan previously detected diagnostic trouble code P2716 related to transmission pressure control. The transmission fluid was serviced, but the shudder continued. While driving on the highway, the check-engine light came on again. The vehicle was subsequently returned to the seller and a $7,500 settlement was reached. I am reporting this to document the mechanical and powertrain problems experienced with this vehicle.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Aug 18, 2026Power train, EngineODI 11757762

Air bags

83 reports46 crashes1 related recall
“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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 14, 2026Air bagsCrash reportedODI 11750348

Vehicle speed control

73 reports26 crashes
“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…”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jan 8, 2026Steering, Vehicle speed control, EngineODI 11709755

Electrical system

68 reports6 crashes3 fires1 related recall
“Two issues involving fuses at approximately 135,000 miles. The fuse for my backup camera has not worked since I bought the car at 130,000 miles. There is no light for this. I have tried any at home remedies to no avail. This could pose to be an issue as I cannot see if a small child is behind my car. A couple of months later (around 135,000 miles) the fuse for my tire pressure sensor stopped working as well. There is a light for the tire pressure system that actually interferes with the light for if the tire is low. I now have to go by sight because the light is always on due to the sensor malfunction. My tire was at 22 psi, but I did not know because the tire light flashed for the sensor rather than indicating it was low. This is only an issue because the sensor light is the same light as the pressure. No professional has checked either issue to my knowledge.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Oct 7, 2026Electrical systemODI 11769742

Structure

68 reports15 crashes
“On 2/18/23 I took my car into the repair shop to investigate a clunking sound upon braking. The control arm was broken and the level of corrosion is extensive. I am the original and only owner and the car has never been out of Florida or on the beach or immersed in water. Toyota of North America in Plano, TX said they could not receive my pictures and that there was no one at Toyota that I could send documents to. They said if there was a recall I would be notified.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Feb 21, 2023Steering, Suspension, StructureODI 11508311

Steering

65 reports4 crashes
“"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.”
Owner complaint to NHTSAFiled Jul 13, 2024Steering, Electrical system, Air bagsODI 11601838
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 4, 2026

Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.