Model year guide

2012 Toyota Camry

Recalls, most-reported problems, crash-test ratings, fuel economy and what a 2012 Toyota Camry is worth — from official NHTSA and EPA data. 3,027 on record.

2012 Toyota Camry — representative photo
Representative photo · via Wikimedia Commons

2012 Toyota Camry at a glance

Safety recalls2
Owner complaints643
Overall safety5 / 5 ★
Combined26 mpg
Typical price$13,663

Free: specs, open recalls for that exact car, build sheet and fair price.

2012 Toyota Camry recalls 2

Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control Module-inactive NHTSA Campaign #13V014000 · 16/01/2013

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…

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.

Electrical System NHTSA Campaign #13V442000 · 17/10/2013

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 sh…

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.

Source: U.S. NHTSA. A recall applies to a model year, but only a VIN check shows whether a specific car has had the repair done.

2012 Toyota Camry common problems

The most-reported problem areas from 643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA — and what to check before you buy.

Power Train
Drive through every gear: watch for slipping, hard or delayed shifts, and shudder. Check for transmission/driveline leaks and noises.
Engine
Listen for knocks or ticking, check for leaks and blue/white exhaust smoke, and make sure it doesn't overheat. No check-engine light should be on.
Electrical System
Test every electrical feature: windows, locks, infotainment, charging and all lights. Watch for flickering, dead accessories or warning lights.
Seats
Have a trusted mechanic inspect this system as part of a pre-purchase inspection.
Steering
Steering should be tight and centered — no play, clunks or wandering. Test at low and highway speed; listen for power-steering whine.
Vehicle Speed Control
Test cruise control and throttle response, and watch for any hesitation or unintended acceleration.

2012 Toyota Camry safety ratings

Overall★★★★★
Frontal crash★★★★★
Side crash★★★★★
Rollover★★★★★

Source: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings (NCAP), tested as the 2012 Toyota Camry 4 DR FWD. Ratings can differ by body style and drivetrain.

2012 Toyota Camry MPG & running costs

Combined26 mpg
City23 mpg
Highway32 mpg
Est. annual fuel cost$2,375

Source: U.S. EPA / DOE fueleconomy.gov, averaged across trims.

What's a 2012 Toyota Camry worth?

Low
$11,300
Typical price
$13,663
High
$16,000

From 3,014 comparable 2012 Toyota Camry listings.

Estimated 5-year cost to own

A rough guide to what running a 2012 Toyota Camry costs over five years and 75,000 miles.

Fuel (5 yrs)$11,875
Depreciation (5 yrs)$7,050
Total$18,925
Per mile$0.25

How this is estimated: fuel is the U.S. EPA annual cost at 15,000 miles a year. Depreciation compares today's typical asking price for this model year ($13,663) with the same model 5 model-years older ($6,607), from CarLogs listing data. Not included: insurance, maintenance, repairs, taxes, registration and finance costs. Treat it as a comparison guide, not a quote.

2012 Toyota Camry trims & engines on record

Trims
SE · LE · XLE · L · Hybrid
Engines
2.5L 4-cyl 178 hp · 3.5L 6-cyl 268 hp · 2.5L 4-cyl 156 hp

2012 Toyota Camry vehicles on record

Other Toyota Camry model years

2012 Toyota Camry — frequently asked questions

Does the 2012 Toyota Camry have any safety recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls for the 2012 Toyota Camry. Recall repairs are free at any franchised dealer. Whether a specific car still has one open depends on its VIN.

What are the most common problems with the 2012 Toyota Camry?

Based on 643 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the most-reported problem areas are power train, engine, electrical system.

What is the 2012 Toyota Camry safety rating?

NHTSA gives the 2012 Toyota Camry an overall crash-test rating of 5 out of 5 stars (frontal 4★, side 5★, rollover 4★).

What gas mileage does the 2012 Toyota Camry get?

The U.S. EPA rates the 2012 Toyota Camry at about 26 mpg combined (23 city / 32 highway).

How much is a 2012 Toyota Camry worth?

Comparable 2012 Toyota Camry listings run roughly $11,300–$16,000, typically around $13,663 (from 3,014 vehicles).

Sources: NHTSA (recalls, complaints, crash tests), U.S. EPA (fuel economy). Vehicle data only — CarLogs never shows owner information.