2012 Toyota Camry Problems & Reliability

When it comes to reliable sedans, the Toyota Camry has long been a household name, often praised for its dependability and comfort. However, even the best of the best can have their quirks, and the 2012 Toyota Camry is no exception. If you’re a 30-year-old juggling work, social life, and maybe even a family, you need a car that won’t let you down. So, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of the 2012 Camry, exploring both its common problems and its overall reliability, to help you decide if this car is the right fit for your busy lifestyle. The 2012 Camry marked the beginning of a new generation, boasting a fresh design and improved fuel efficiency. But like any vehicle, it has its share of issues that potential buyers should be aware of. From minor annoyances like squeaky brakes to more significant concerns such as transmission problems, we’ll cover the most frequently reported issues. Despite these hiccups, the 2012 Camry still holds a reputation for being a solid, reliable choice, often praised for its longevity and low maintenance costs. So, whether you’re considering buying one or just curious about its performance, stick around as we break down the pros and cons of this popular sedan.
Body Components

Parts Assessed:

Windows, power locks, manual locks, doors, trunk, tailgate, mirrors, power and manual seat controls, seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defects.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Brake pads, brake rotors, brake calipers, anti-lock braking system (ABS), brake lines, brake master cylinder, brake booster, parking brake, brake sensors, regenerative braking system (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Automatic Transmissions May Hesitate When Accelerating

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission hesitating when accelerating. While this problem isn’t universal, it can be a bit annoying for those who experience it. Overall, the Camry still maintains a solid reputation, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the transmission if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Air conditioning compressor, AC condenser, AC evaporator, heater core, blower motor, automatic climate control system, refrigerant leaks, HVAC electrical components, temperature sensors, ventilation system.

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Failed Oxygen Sensor Component

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is the check engine light due to a failed oxygen sensor. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, as it affects the cars fuel efficiency and emissions. However, once the sensor is replaced, the Camry tends to run smoothly without major issues.

Parts Assessed

CV joints, driveshaft, axles, differential, limited-slip differential (if applicable), traction control system, electronic stability control (ESC), four-wheel-drive (4WD) components, all-wheel-drive (AWD) components, transfer case, driveline vibration.

Reported Problems:

  • Automatic Transmission May Not Shift Correctly at High Mileages

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission not shifting correctly at high mileages. This problem can be a bit of a headache, especially if you’re planning to keep the car for a long time. However, with regular maintenance and timely repairs, many drivers still find the Camry to be a dependable choice.

Parts Assessed

Infotainment system, GPS navigation, Bluetooth connectivity, touchscreen display, phone pairing, backup camera, rear entertainment system, head-up display, instrument cluster, digital gauges.

Reported Problems:

  • Motor Mount on Passenger Side May Wear Out on Higher Mileage Vehicles

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but one issue that pops up in higher mileage vehicles is the motor mount on the passenger side wearing out. While this isn’t a deal-breaker, it’s something to keep an eye on as your Camry racks up the miles. Overall, the car holds up well, but like any vehicle, it has its quirks as it ages.

Parts Assessed

Radiator, radiator hoses, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, engine coolant reservoir, overheating prevention system, intercooler (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

  • Check Engine Light Due to Failed EVAP Purge Control Valve

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but one common issue that pops up is the check engine light due to a failed EVAP purge control valve. This problem can be a bit of a hassle, as it might affect emissions and fuel efficiency, but it’s usually not a deal-breaker and can be fixed without too much trouble. Overall, while it’s something to keep an eye on, the Camry still holds up well in terms of dependability.

Parts Assessed

Alternator, battery, ignition switch, ignition coil, spark plugs, ignition wires, engine control module (ECM), electronic ignition system, auto stop/start function, battery cables, engine wiring harness, fuse box, relays, starter motor.

Reported Problems:

  • Warped Front Brake Rotors Can Cause Steering Wheel to Shudder

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but one issue to keep an eye on is the potential for warped front brake rotors. This can lead to a shuddering steering wheel, which might be a bit annoying when you’re driving. It’s a good idea to have the brakes checked regularly to avoid this problem and keep your ride smooth.

Parts Assessed

Engine rebuilds, cylinder head, head gasket, timing chain, timing belt, camshaft, crankshaft, connecting rods, turbocharger or supercharger (if applicable), valve train, piston rings, oil control system, engine knocking, engine misfires.

Reported Problems:

  • Vehicle Won’t Crank Due To Starter

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with the vehicle not cranking due to starter problems. While this isn’t a widespread issue, it’s something to keep in mind if you’re considering this model. Overall, the Camry still maintains a solid reputation for dependability despite these occasional hiccups.

Parts Assessed

Muffler, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, exhaust pipes, oxygen (O₂) sensors, resonator, exhaust leaks, emissions control system.

Reported Problems:

  • Toyota issues recall on faulty buckle status switch

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but like any car, it has its share of issues. One notable problem is the recent recall due to a faulty buckle status switch, which could potentially affect the seatbelt warning system. Despite this hiccup, many owners still find the Camry to be a dependable ride overall.

Parts Assessed

Fuel pump, fuel injectors, fuel rail, fuel pressure regulator, throttle body, fuel gauge sensor, evaporative emissions system, EGR (exhaust gas recirculation) valve, charcoal canister, fuel filter, fuel tank, vapor leaks.

Reported Problems:

  • Massive Oil Leak and Loss of Oil Pressure

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with massive oil leaks and a loss of oil pressure. These problems can lead to significant engine damage if not addressed promptly. While not every Camry from this year experiences these issues, it’s something to keep an eye on if you’re considering buying one or already own one.

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Onboard & Powertrain Electronics

Parts Assessed

Cruise control, keyless entry system, push-button start, wiper motor, warning lights, power mirrors, interior lighting, exterior lighting, dashboard indicators, electronic parking brake, tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS), alarm and security system, remote engine start, heated and ventilated seats, heated steering wheel, wireless charging pad.

Reported Problems:

  • Automatic Transmissions May Hesitate When Accelerating

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but some owners have reported issues with the automatic transmission hesitating when accelerating. While this problem isn’t universal, it can be a bit annoying for those who experience it. Overall, the Camry still maintains a solid reputation, but it’s worth keeping an eye on the transmission if you’re considering this model.

Parts Assessed

Dashboard rattles, squeaks, wind noise, door seals, weather stripping, water leaks, air leaks, excessive road noise, suspension noise, drivetrain noise, exhaust rattles, engine bay noises.

Reported Problems:

  • AC Compressor May Wear by 150,000 Miles in Warm/Humid Climates

Analysis:

The 2012 Toyota Camry is generally known for its reliability, but if you’re driving in warm and humid climates, you might want to keep an eye on the AC compressor. It tends to wear out by around 150,000 miles in these conditions. So, if you’re in a hot and sticky area, just be prepared for a potential AC fix down the road.

Parts Assessed

Paint durability, clear coat protection, rust prevention, corrosion resistance, body panel alignment, door seals, window trim, plastic trim, metal finishes, fading, cracking, peeling.

Reported Problems:

  • Rough Running Conditions and Smoke From Exhaust

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Struts, shocks, control arms, sway bars, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, power steering pump, power steering fluid leaks, electronic power steering (EPS), steering rack and pinion, steering linkage, alignment issues, torsion bars, springs, air suspension (if applicable).

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Parts Assessed

Transmission rebuild, transmission replacement, torque converter, transmission solenoids, gear selector, gear shifting, transmission control module (TCM), transmission fluid leaks, clutch (manual transmission), automatic transmission valve body, CVT (continuously variable transmission) components, dual-clutch transmission (DCT) components.

Reported Problems:

N/A

Analysis:

No major problem has been reported

Conclusion

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