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2012 Toyota Camry: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Camry years.
1,276 owner complaints, most about power train. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2012 Camry?The 2012 Toyota Camry has 1276 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are power train and air bags.
Safety record for the 2012 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2012 Toyota Camry vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Camry years only. How we score it
Is 2012 a good year for the Camry?
Across the 30 Camry model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2022) to 7,102 (2007). With 1,276 complaints, the 2012 Camry sits above the model's median of 587.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2012 Camry
air bags:frontal:sensor/control module-inactive
Campaign 13V014000Southeast 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.
electrical system
Campaign 13V442000Toyota 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.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. The Camry is consistently cited as a benchmark for dependable, low-maintenance transportation capable of exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Camry. See the full Camry owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Camry listings typically run $13,998–$23,798.
Other Camry model years
Compare every Camry year side by side to see how 2012 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Camry against its rivals
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