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    GREEN CHOICE

    Toyota Camry Hybrid

    EPA MPG: 39 mpg

    RECALL ALERT:
    There is 1 recall on this vehicle. Learn More.

    Reliability

    Overall Reliability

    The 2012 Camry Hybrid is much more reliable than other cars from the same model year.

    The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid has been recalled 1 time by NHTSA. View Recalls
    Most Common Trouble Spots
    Common Trouble Spot
    Common Trouble Spot

    Owner Reported Trouble Spots

    The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

    Exhaust

    Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Catalytic converter

    "Clogged Converter"

    Anonymous, NC (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other/unsure

    "Water pump died in February 2025. Cost $500 to fix."

    Anonymous A., AL (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Starting battery went bad, but was only available from Toyota. It was on back order for 4 weeks!"

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "sensor for tires"

    Anonymous, MD (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Suspension"

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""idiot light for tire inflation comes on , but all of the tires are fine and the tire inflation indicator does not work. Replacement is expensive, so I live with it""

    Anonymous, CA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Difficulty reading backup screen when parking."

    Anonymous A., MO (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Electrical Accessories

    Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

    What Owners Say

    12V battery

    ""As mentioned in previous surveys, we are replacing the 12v battery more often than we feel we should. Perhaps it's because the car, generally, is driven relatively little and sits in the garage much of the time, and perhaps the 12v battery needs to be used more often? Or perhaps it's just something inherent in the hybrid system? If the 12v Toyota battery wasn't so much more expensive than an off-the-shelf 12v battery it wouldn't be as annoying, but when the battery goes, we have to get a new battery from Toyota which is way across town.""

    Anonymous A., NE (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "Multiple battery failures. Dealer installed remanufactured aftermarket battery and 3 of them failed within less than a year."

    Anonymous, AZ (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Had to wait over 5 months to get replacement, car was returned covered with dirt so that I could not see out of the side and rear windows. Radio still does not work properly. Unable to get navigation system updated.""

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "It lost its charge and had to be replaced. The replacement 12v was $900.00."

    Anonymous, AR (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid SE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Other electrical system problem

    "circuit board controller for hybrid system shorted out from rain leaking thru pass side window"

    Anonymous A., NY (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Tire pressure monitor

    ""Started early 2024, not reading tire pressure. They had to be replaced.""

    Anonymous A., CO (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Brakes

    Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

    What Owners Say

    Calipers

    "The car is now 13 years old. The brake pedal was stiff and took extra effort to get effective braking. The dealer said the brake calipers were rusted and one was locked and they needed to be replaced. This seems like normal wear and tear."

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Parking brake

    ""Wife's vehicle and she is primary driver and was complaining about brakes not braking. I drove it between MA and MD and back and yeah, you need to jam on the brakes occasionally in the NY/NJ metro area. They seemed fine to me but asked the garage to pay close attention to them. Her remaining pad thickness numbers weren't as much as the RAV but not ready for replacement either. There was/is a problem with her e-brake where the cables can't be adjusted, there is one for each side of the car and the garage recommended getting them replaced as the left one would not release, could not be adjusted and was hanging up causing wear to the left rear brake. Painful repair process needing two days, garage tried to secure a right and left cable so all could be done with one servicevisit but parts sourcing is a problem.Toyota only had a left one and no rights are in North America apparently. So multiple visits for this because after repair and reset of left, it is now noticeable that the right one is also hanging. It was adjusted out of the way and will be okay until replacement as long as she doesn't use the ebrake.""

    Anonymous A., MA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid Unsure 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)
    Regular brake failure

    "Pad separated from backing plate"

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Climate System

    AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

    What Owners Say

    Evaporator

    "Shortly after buying the car, 2 different mechanics told me the evaporator coil had a bad leak. So I spent $2,000 having it replaced. But the mechanic afterwards said he wasn't sure how to reconnect all the electronic options under the dashboard. So I took it to an AutoNation Toyota dealership, but they said they could find no reason it shouldn't be working. They wanted me to replace the back-up camera, which I have not done."

    Anonymous A., FL (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    "The A/C was not getting cold. I took it to the dealership and found out I needed several parts replaced for over $3000. I have not had that done as the car is 13 years old."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    In-car Electronics

    Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

    What Owners Say

    Phone pairing (e.g., Bluetooth)

    ""I can pair devices, but could not get any music apps (Apple music, pandora) to work via bluetooth. Bluetooth spins endlessly trying to connect.""

    Anonymous A., CA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    ""Could be my phone, but I doubt it. Although the car's bluetooth system connects to my phone, the sound I get through the speakers is muffled, unclear and full of static. This first occurred several years ago, and I can't figure it out. The dealership referred me to a high-tech car audio shop, but I declined. Instead, if I must talk on the phone while driving, I put my phone in my shirt pocket and use the speaker function on the phone.""

    Anonymous A., AZ (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Noises/Leaks

    Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

    What Owners Say

    Air or water leaks

    "The sunroof drains became clogged with dirt and debris. This led to water damage inside the car. We spent $3000 flushing the sunroof drains and cleaning and drying out the car (including mold removal)."

    Anonymous, VA (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Suspension/Steering

    Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

    What Owners Say

    Shocks or struts

    "I needed to replace the front suspension parts for a second time. First time at about 140,000 miles. The replacement parts lasted a much shorter period."

    Anonymous, OH (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Paint/Trim

    Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

    What Owners Say

    Paint (fading, chalking, cracking, or peeling)

    "Excessive scratches in paint."

    Anonymous, WI (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid LE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    EV Battery

    What Owners Say

    Electric/hybrid battery pack replacement

    "After 221000 miles I recently got the check hybrid system. After taking it to the dealership, I found out I needed to replace the battery pack. which I won't do for the price of $5700."

    Anonymous, TX (2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE 2.5-L 4 Cyl hybrid)

    Engine Major

    Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

    Transmission Major

    Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

    Drive System

    Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

    Engine Electrical

    Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

    Transmission Minor

    Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

    Engine Minor

    Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

    Engine Cooling

    Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

    Body Hardware

    Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

    Fuel System/Emissions

    Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

    2012 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

    This Car
    vs. Similar Cars

    Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

    Reliability History
    * Redesign year
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    Overall Reliability Verdict

    POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
    Powertrain
    NA
    NA
    Electric Motor
    NA
    NA
    EV Battery
    NA
    NA
    Engine Major
    NA
    NA
    Engine Minor
    NA
    NA
    Engine Cooling
    NA
    NA
    Engine Electrical
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Major
    NA
    NA
    Transmission Minor
    NA
    NA
    Drive System
    NA
    NA
    Fuel System/Emissions
    NA
    NA
    Exhaust
    NA
    NA
    Suspension/Steering
    NA
    NA
    Brakes
    NA
    NA
    Climate System
    NA
    NA
    Build Quality
    NA
    NA
    Electrical Accessories
    NA
    NA
    Body Hardware
    NA
    NA
    Paint/Trim
    NA
    NA
    Noises/Leaks
    NA
    NA
    In-car Electronics
    NA
    NA
    Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
    Recalls
    PROVIDED BY
    AIR BAGS, SEATS
    Jan 16, 2013
    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.
    Summary:
    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.
    What should you do:
    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.
    For more information:
    Owners may also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Safety Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to www.safercar.gov.
    NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 13V014000
    Potential Number of Units Affected: 3235
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