TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Toyota Camry brakes problems
severe Owners of the 2012 Toyota Camry have filed 31 NHTSA complaints about the brakes, typically surfacing around 27,000 miles at roughly $450 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See brakes across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
31
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$450
| Model year | brakes complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Camry | 91 |
| 2009 Camry | 97 |
| 2010 Camry | 39 |
| 2011 Camry | 35 |
| 2012 Camry (this page) | 31 |
| 2013 Camry | 17 |
| 2015 Camry | 24 |
| 2016 Camry | 10 |
9crashes
3injuries
When does it fail?
Of the 31 brakes complaints filed for the 2012 Toyota Camry, here's the actual mileage breakdown — failures cluster heaviest at 0-25,000 mi.
0-25k
25-50k
50-75k
75-100k
100-125k
125-150k
150k+
Each bar shows the share of total complaints filed at that mileage range. Peak failure window highlighted. Some owners report problems earlier; some make it well past 150,000 miles symptom-free. Maintenance habits and driving conditions shift the curve as much as mileage alone.
What stands out
Owners have filed 31 brakes complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
No new NHTSA brakes complaint has been filed on this vehicle in over 12 years — the issue may be aging out of the active population.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering brakes on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗DL: Toyota has received reports regarding the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies on certain 2012 - 2014 model year Camry Hybrid vehicles and certain 2013 - 2015 model year Avalon Hybrid Vehicles. These reports have indicated certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster Assembly. Although the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies are covered by Toyota?s New Vehicle Limited Warranty for 3 years or 36,000 miles (whichever comes first), we at Toyota care about the customers? ownership experience. Toyota is providing coverage for repairs related to certain internal malfunctions of the Brake Booster and Brake Booster Pump Assemblies in some of the subject vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners of 2012 Camrys describe brake failures ranging from total loss of stopping power to gradual deterioration. The most common complaint is complete brake failure: pedal goes to the floor, unresponsive, or requires extreme force, often at low mileage (2,300 to 66,000 miles). Drivers unable to stop collide with other vehicles, trees, fences, or dividers. Seizures of brake calipers—especially rear—cause wheels to overheat dramatically, producing burning smell and steam; mechanics confirm this as a known pattern on 2012–2013 models.
Brake booster failures appear across the fleet, with dealers quoting $3,000+ repairs (some partially covered). Warning lights (ABS, brake, traction control, master warning) illuminate unexpectedly, and one hybrid owner lost regenerative braking capability entirely, increasing stopping distance dangerously. Some owners find dealers unable or unwilling to diagnose the problem; others are told there is no defect despite evidence. Loose brake pads rattle within calipers. One owner's brake fluid was found low after a failure event. Pedal spacing on this model allows some drivers (particularly those with larger feet) to accidentally engage throttle and brake together. Dealers' responses vary: some acknowledge the problem, others deny it exists or claim design intent, and some refuse warranty coverage.
Same Toyota Camry brakes reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Seized or Stuck Caliper Piston
Brake caliper piston seizes, causing one wheel (typically rear) to drag continuously. The affected wheel overheats dramatically, producing burning smell and steam. Owners report the problem occurs at various mileages and mechanics confirm it as a known issue on 2012–2013 Camrys.
When: 66,000 miles (#1); 24,250 miles (#11)
Symptoms owners cite: Whistling sound from brakes; Burning smell from wheel; Wheel extremely hot to touch; Steam from wheel when water applied; Abnormal noise from rear of vehicle
Repairs/costs cited: Left rear caliper, pads, and rotor replacement; over $500 (#1). Brake pads stuck; vehicle repaired at dealer (#11).
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Mechanic in #1 stated he had seen the problem before on 2012 & 2013 Camrys; Toyota case number 210160578 provided (#11).
Brake Booster Failure
Brake booster loses effectiveness or fails completely, resulting in loss of brake power assist. Drivers report having to stomp hard on the pedal or pedal going to the floor with no response. Failures occur suddenly without warning at various mileages. Dealers confirm booster failures and quote expensive repairs (over $3,000), though some repairs are partially covered.
When: 44,000 miles (#10); 9,000 miles (#22); 47,221 miles (#23); 148,000–152,000 miles (#24); <UNKNOWN> (#2, #7, #25, #31)
Symptoms owners cite: Loss of brake power assist; Brake pedal requires extreme force to engage; Pedal goes to floor without stopping vehicle; Brakes fail to respond to brake pedal depression; Intermittent master warning light
Repairs/costs cited: Brake booster replacement quoted at over $3,000; dealer covered 80% and owner paid $600 out of pocket (#10). Dealer identified failed brake booster on vehicle with 44,000 miles (#10). Dealer in #2 identified 'brake actuator booster assembly' problem costing about $3,000.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota claim in #8 that software prevents unintended acceleration but 'not helping.' Complaint #2 states dealer referred customer to manufacturer for defect claim. #25 states owner does not qualify for customer support program because correct failure code doesn't come up.
Complete Brake Failure – Sudden Loss of Braking
Brakes fail entirely without warning while vehicle is in motion, at various speeds from 10 to 35 mph. Drivers unable to stop the vehicle and collisions result. Pedal either unresponsive or goes to the floor. Some failures are non-recurring; others happen multiple times. Dealers often unable to diagnose or reproduce the problem.
When: 3,500 miles (#15); 2,300 miles (#18); ~5,000 miles (#12); 130,000 miles (#5); 24,875 miles (#13); ~10 mph at gas station (#15); 20 mph in traffic (#14); 30 mph (#16, #18); <UNKNOWN> (#17, #20, #26, #27, #30, #31)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal unresponsive when depressed; Pedal goes to floor with no braking force; Sudden inability to stop vehicle; No warning lights before failure in some cases; Collision results from failure to stop
Repairs/costs cited: #20 owner found brake fluid was low; fluid topped up and brakes worked normally afterward. Other complaints show dealers unable to diagnose: #13 technician unable to detect code or duplicate failure; #15 technician unable to diagnose; #23 manufacturer aware but no repair attempted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer in #12 stated 'not a defect in the vehicle' despite owner filing claim. #13 manufacturer not notified. #15 manufacturer not made aware. #16 manufacturer not notified. #18 manufacturer notified of failure.
Brake Pedal Feels Weak or Requires Excessive Pressure
Drivers report brake pedal requires significantly harder push than expected or normal for full braking effect. Some describe having to apply maximum force at the last moment to avoid collision. Owners familiar with other vehicles and ABS systems perceive this as abnormal. Dealers claim vehicle is working as designed.
When: <UNKNOWN> (#7, #9)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal requires excessive force to engage; Difficult to reduce speed at highway speeds; Insufficient braking force at normal pedal pressure; Hard to stop vehicle on freeway
Repairs/costs cited: #7 owner states brake booster not providing enough force; dealer says nothing wrong. #9 owner states having to push very hard to get same effect as other cars owned.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #7 dealer stated nothing wrong with brake. #9 owner notes problem mirrors description in recent recall for Prius and Lexus models.
Loose or Rattling Brake Pads and Calipers
Brake pads rattle or move loosely within calipers, producing noise during braking, especially when backing up slowly or during light braking on an incline. Pads are smaller than caliper area, allowing backward-and-forward movement. Noise described as loose calipers or rattling metal. Dealers attribute to normal wear or moisture and rust buildup.
When: 11,016 miles current (#12); <UNKNOWN> (#3)
Symptoms owners cite: Rattling or loose-sounding noise when braking; Noise most noticeable when backing slowly or on incline; Noise sounds like loose calipers; Brake pads move back and forth when pedal depressed
Repairs/costs cited: #12 states brake pads smaller than caliper area, causing looseness; vehicle not repaired and claim filed with manufacturer. #3 mechanic claimed noise is normal.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #12 manufacturer stated 'not a defect in the vehicle.' #3 mechanic stated noise is normal and related to rust buildup from moisture.
ABS and Brake Warning Lights; ABS Malfunction
ABS light, brake light, traction control light, or master warning light illuminates, sometimes in combination. In one case, ABS light correlated with loss of regenerative braking on hybrid, forcing reliance on friction brakes and lengthening stopping distance. Lights may come on intermittently or persistently. Dealer diagnostics often inconclusive.
When: 148,000–152,000 miles (#24); <UNKNOWN> (#4, #19, #21, #28)
Symptoms owners cite: ABS light comes on; Brake warning light illuminates; Traction control light illuminates; Master warning light comes on; Loss of regenerative braking function (hybrid); Increased stopping distance when regenerative braking unavailable
Codes mentioned: C1214 (#21)
Repairs/costs cited: #21 code C1214 retrieved; dealer could not find problem and cleared code. Before clearing, owner had no regenerative braking and friction brakes only, considerably lengthening stopping distance. #24 Toyota replaced brake light switch; light still came on and dealer said it is brake actuator. #19 owner told ABS light must stay on continuously to qualify for Toyota support; offered $130 diagnostic fee with no guarantee of coverage.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: #4 Toyota service department supervisor told owner to do own investigation on brake fluid contamination; held owner responsible rather than dealer who changed oil and allegedly used wrong brake fluid.
Pedal-to-Floor Events with Low Brake Fluid
Brake pedal sinks to the floor during braking; owner discovers brake fluid level is low. After topping off fluid, brakes function normally. Suggests possible slow leak or fluid loss in brake system.
When: <UNKNOWN> (#20)
Symptoms owners cite: Brake pedal goes to floor; Brake fluid level low; Brakes work normally after fluid is added
Repairs/costs cited: Owner added brake fluid; brakes then seemed to work as they should (#20).
Unintended Acceleration Due to Pedal Spacing
Gas and brake pedals positioned too close together, allowing driver to accidentally depress both simultaneously, causing unintended acceleration. Owner with size 13 EEE shoe reports multiple instances of unintended acceleration (several times, fortunately without collision). Toyota states car has software to prevent this and is working as designed.
When: <UNKNOWN> (#8)
Symptoms owners cite: Accidental stepping on gas and brake simultaneously; Unintended acceleration episodes; Pedals too close together for larger shoes
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota claims software is installed to prevent unintended acceleration and that car is working as designed. Owner notes 2010 Prius (owned by same driver) does not have this issue.
Shift Lever Lock and Multiple Warning Lights
Shift lever locks in place; brake light, traction light, and ABS light all illuminate simultaneously. Driver must pump brake pedal to release shift lever. Turning car off and back on sometimes resets the lights temporarily.
When: <UNKNOWN> (#28)
Symptoms owners cite: Shift lever locks in place; Brake light illuminates; Traction light illuminates; ABS light illuminates; Lights reset temporarily after vehicle restart
Synthesized from 31 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 1 most recent
The brake of this vehicle does not give enough force to stop the car at any speed, it looks the break booster is not provide enough force to stop the car, also there is another issue during deceleration and stop from 25 or 35 MPH to complete stop, it looks while braking something give additional acceleration not braking to the vehicle, it is hard to reduce a speed on the highway at speed 60 or…
Had brakes trouble with your 2012 Toyota Camry?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the brakes problem on the 2012 Toyota Camry?
It's a meaningful issue. 31 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $450.
At what mileage does the brakes typically fail?
Across the 25 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most brakes failures cluster between 24,000 and 44,186 miles, with the median around 27,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 24,000; a quarter make it past 44,186. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $450 for brakes repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to brakes?
No active recalls currently cover brakes issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2012/Toyota/Camry.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.