This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2012 Toyota Camry engine problems
moderate Owners of the 2012 Toyota Camry have filed 32 NHTSA complaints about the engine, typically surfacing around 80,000 miles at roughly $3,100 to repair (U.S. federal records, as of July 2026). Source: NHTSA Office of Defects Investigation. See engine across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
32
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$3,100
| Model year | engine complaints |
|---|---|
| 2008 Camry | 139 |
| 2009 Camry | 224 |
| 2010 Camry | 49 |
| 2011 Camry | 28 |
| 2012 Camry (this page) | 32 |
| 2013 Camry | 13 |
| 2015 Camry | 17 |
| 2016 Camry | 8 |
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What stands out
Owners have filed 32 engine 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.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering engine 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.
This Service Bulletin provides updated non-electric water pump leak inspection and diagnostic tips for some 2008 – 2025 model year Toyota vehicles.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life Coolant, effective March 1, 2024. These products are ordered through the Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) website.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: HVAC drain tube is found to be blocked/clogged.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TT: Any HVAC repair requiring reassembly of the quick connect fitting between the suction hose sub-assembly and the suction pipe sub-assembly located at the top right of the engine compartment.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe two predominant failure patterns in 2012 Camry engines and transmissions. First, excessive oil consumption—engines burn a quart every 1,000–2,000 miles without leaks, eventually losing all oil between changes and stalling. The low-oil warning light often fails to activate, catching owners off guard. Second, torque converter shudder and vibration between 20–40 mph during acceleration, which worsens over time and can lodge metal fragments in the transmission.
Transmission hesitation and unexpected stalling during acceleration occur across multiple mileages; some owners report the traction control system cutting engine power without driver intervention. One vehicle caught fire at 60,000 miles preceded by a clicking sound.
Toyota issued recalls for torque converter issues on 2012–2014 Camrys, but many owners report their VINs excluded from coverage despite experiencing identical symptoms. Oil-consumption recalls exist for some Camry years, leaving others uncovered. Repair costs cited include $5,700–$6,700 for transmission replacement. Several dealers initially denied problems existed or called noise issues a "design characteristic" they couldn't fix. One dealership owner laughed at a safety concern over the push-button ignition failing to shut off the engine.
Same Toyota Camry engine reports on nearby years: 2009 · 2010 · 2011 · 2013 · 2015
Failure modes owners describe
Torque Converter Shudder and Vibration
Transmission shudders, vibrates, and shakes between 20-40 mph during acceleration. Owners report flutter on gas pedal, abnormal sounds, and metal fragments entering transmission. Defect begins early in ownership (sometimes by 3 years). Owners report Toyota is aware of the issue and has issued recalls, but VIN-specific recall limits prevent coverage.
When: Occurs between 20-40 mph; reported at 3 years old, 130,000 miles, and other mileages
Symptoms owners cite: shuddering between 20-40 mph; vibration during acceleration; flutter when pressing gas pedal; unusual noises from transmission; steering wheel hardness during shudder events; metal fragments in transmission fluid
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers report replacing torque converters; some owners report partial coverage or denial based on VIN exclusion from recall. Repair costs cited: $5,700 for transmission replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued recalls for 2012-2014 Camry torque converter issues; recall has expiration dates and mileage limits; some owners report VINs excluded or denials after recall expired
Excessive Oil Consumption
Engine burns oil rapidly without external leaks. Owners report needing to add oil every 1,000 miles or experiencing complete oil loss between changes. No oil level warning light activates despite critically low oil. Problem can lead to engine stalling, knocking, and permanent engine failure.
When: Reported at 60,000 miles, 110,000 miles, 120,000 miles, 145,000 miles, 178,000 miles; some cases within 2,000 miles of oil change
Symptoms owners cite: oil level drops rapidly; burning smell or excessive oil consumption; engine knocking and abnormal noises; engine stalls due to low oil; no low-oil warning light activation; oil change interval shortened to every 1,000-2,000 miles
Repairs/costs cited: Owners have had spark plugs, oil filter, drain plug, and drain plug gasket replaced without resolving issue. Engine replacement needed in at least one case (145,000 miles). Synthetic oil use reported by owners
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota has issued recalls for oil consumption on some Camry model years but not all; owners report their vehicles excluded from recall coverage despite identical symptoms
Transmission Hesitation and Stalling During Acceleration
Vehicle hesitates, loses power, or stalls when accelerator is pressed, especially during rapid acceleration from a stop. Engine appears to cut off or refuse throttle input. Downshifting may occur without driver input. Problem recurs intermittently and prevents safe driving.
When: Reported at 5,700 miles and up to 157,033 miles; occurs at various speeds
Symptoms owners cite: no engine response when gas pedal pressed rapidly; stalling while driving; hesitation on acceleration; unwanted downshifting; engine cuts off without warning; requires release and re-press of pedal to get response
Repairs/costs cited: One owner suspected fuel injection sensor issue; another identified traction control system cutting engine power. Dealers initially denied problem existed; one owner's ECM software update was recommended but not verified as effective
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer confirmed problem exists in at least one case after dealer test drive; some dealers refused to address issue; traction control system identified as cause in at least one case with no available fix offered
Engine Ignition System Malfunction (Push Button Start)
Engine remains running after owner exits vehicle and presses off button. Ignition does not shut off. Alarm system ineffective at alerting driver. Creates carbon monoxide hazard in attached garages.
When: Reported at least four times over vehicle ownership; unknown specific mileage
Symptoms owners cite: engine continues running after pressing off button; no reliable indication engine is off; weak alarm differentiation between running and off states
Repairs/costs cited: No repairs mentioned; issue unresolved
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota did not address issue to owner's satisfaction; dealership owner laughed at safety concern
Unexpected Engine Shut-Off During Driving
Engine shuts off suddenly while driving without warning lights before failure. All dashboard lights flash then engine stalls. Problem recurs intermittently and creates safety hazard with vehicles behind.
When: Multiple occurrences at undisclosed mileages; reported at 48,000 miles in one case
Symptoms owners cite: sudden engine shutdown while driving; all dashboard lights flash before shutdown; no warning lights before failure; stalling requires key cycle to restart; failure recurs intermittently
Repairs/costs cited: One case linked to low oil; others undiagnosed or dealer unable to duplicate
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer made aware in at least one case; no action reported
Engine Knock and Abnormal Noises
Loud knocking, clicking, rattling, or screeching noises from engine area during acceleration or operation. Problem may indicate internal engine damage or component failure.
When: Reported at various mileages including 1,500 miles and low-speed acceleration (20-30 mph)
Symptoms owners cite: loud knocking noise from engine; rattling at low speed (20-30 mph) acceleration; clicking sound while driving; loud screeching followed by stall at 60 mph
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers told owner rattling is characteristic of 2012 Camry and cannot be fixed; one case involved software control of ignition timing. Knocking at 145,000 miles indicated oil consumption failure requiring engine replacement
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Two dealers claimed noise is a design characteristic that cannot be fixed; manufacturer did not respond to complaints in some cases
Engine Fire
Vehicle caught fire under the hood while driving on highway at 60 mph. Fire destroyed vehicle before fire department arrival. Preceded by clicking sound and smoke in cabin.
When: At 60,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: clicking sound from engine; smoke filling vehicle cabin; flames under hood; vehicle fully engulfed
Repairs/costs cited: Vehicle destroyed; not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Not contacted; cause not determined by owner or insurance investigation
Starter or Battery Charging Issue
Vehicle will not start without jump start. Failure occurs multiple times over one year despite adequate driving.
When: Four occurrences over one year period at approximately 8,400 miles
Symptoms owners cite: vehicle will not start without jump start; requires multiple jump starts over one year
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed as charging issue due to insufficient driving; no repair performed
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer attributed to insufficient vehicle use
Camshaft Gear Seizure
Camshaft gear seizes during driving, causing engine stall. Oil and check engine warning lights illuminate.
When: At 227,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: engine stalls while driving; oil and check engine lights illuminate
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer diagnosed camshaft gear seizure; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified
Synthesized from 32 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had engine 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 engine problem on the 2012 Toyota Camry?
It's a documented issue but not catastrophic. 32 complaints have been filed. Repairs average $3,100 and most owners catch it before it causes a breakdown.
At what mileage does the engine typically fail?
Across the 21 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most engine failures cluster between 48,000 and 130,000 miles, with the median around 80,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 48,000; a quarter make it past 130,000. 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 $3,100 for engine 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 engine?
No active recalls currently cover engine 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.