2012 Toyota Camry recalls, problems & safety ratings
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Camry and 645 owner complaints. The most-reported problem areas are power train (146), unknown or other (88), air bags (83). It earned a 5-star overall NHTSA safety rating. EPA-rated fuel economy is 24–40 mpg combined, depending on engine.
The 2012 ranks #13 of 14 Camry model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (250). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.9 per model year.
Recalls 2
Every recall NHTSA lists for the 2012 Toyota Camry. Not every recall applies to every vehicle, so check your VIN. Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer.
Electrical system
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Air bags · frontal · sensor/control module-inactive
Problem: 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.
Risk: 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.
Fix: 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.
Common problems
From complaints owners filed with NHTSA. Complaints aren't verified, but patterns across hundreds of owners point to known weak spots.
Most-reported problem areas
By the numbers
Recent owner reports
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…
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…
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,…
Safety ratings
2012 Toyota Camry 4 DR FWD
Fuel economy
EPA ratings for common configurations of the 2012 Toyota Camry.
Camry
Auto (S6) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Camry
Auto (S6) · 6 cyl · 3.5 L
Regular
Camry Hybrid LE
Auto (variable gear ratios) · 4 cyl · 2.5 L
Regular
Other model years
Questions
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Camry have?
NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2012 Toyota Camry, most recently for electrical system (10/17/2013). Recall repairs are free at a franchised dealer. Enter your VIN to check whether a recall applies to your vehicle.
What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Camry?
Based on 645 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported areas are power train (146), unknown or other (88), air bags (83).
Is the 2012 Toyota Camry safe?
The 2012 Toyota Camry earned a 5-star overall rating in NHTSA's 5-star safety ratings.
Is the 2012 a good year for the Toyota Camry?
The 2012 ranks #13 of 14 Camry model years for fewest complaints (2012–2025), with more complaints than the average year (250). It has 2 recalls vs. an average of 2.9 per model year.
What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Camry get?
EPA ratings for the 2012 Toyota Camry range from 24 to 40 mpg combined, depending on engine and drivetrain.
Own a 2012 Toyota Camry in South Carolina?
Our mobile mechanics diagnose and fix the problems above at your home, office or fleet lot in Lexington, Columbia and the Midlands, with dealer-grade scan tools.
Related vehicles
Sources: NHTSA recalls, complaints and 5-Star Safety Ratings APIs; EPA fueleconomy.gov. Data retrieved October 21, 2026. NHTSA model names used: CAMRY, Camry.