VehicleVerdict

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

The 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid carries two red flags at once: 76 consumer complaints filed with NHTSA — 3.8× the Camry Hybrid norm — and an open NHTSA defect investigation (subject: Brake Actuator Valve Wear). It is one of the Camry Hybrid years to avoid. Complainants reported 19 injuries in total across these filings.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across brakes (11), airbags (8), and other (8), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

76

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

3

Investigations · 1 open

14

Crash-involved

0

Fires reported

19

Injuries

0

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2012 compare to other Camry Hybrid years?

Camry Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted966 complaints2006: 3 complaints2007: 966 complaints2008: 225 complaints2009: 171 complaints2010: 12 complaints2011: 29 complaints2012: 76 complaints2013: 35 complaints2014: 32 complaints2015: 25 complaints2016: 5 complaints2017: 6 complaints2018: 37 complaints2019: 20 complaints2020: 9 complaints2021: 8 complaints2022: 2 complaints2023: 1 complaints2024: 0 complaints2025: 7 complaints2026: 101 complaints
Camry Hybrid NHTSA complaints by model year, 2012 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry Hybrid years to avoid →

What are the most common 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Brakes1114%
Airbags811%
Other811%
Electrical System79%
Body & Structure79%
Steering79%
Speed Control68%
Transmission45%
Visibility & Wipers34%
Engine34%
Suspension23%
Seat Belts23%
Lighting23%
Seats23%
Fuel System23%
Child Seat11%
Tires & Wheels11%

Does the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

13V014000SeatsJanuary 16, 2013 · 3,235 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Open NHTSA investigations

DP23005

Brake Actuator Valve Wear

The Office of Defects Investigation (ODI) has received a petition dated September 19, 2023 from the owner of a 2012 Toyota Prius V requesting that ODI reevaluate its decision to deny DP19-004. In the letter, the petitioner reported experiencing an unexpected and complete loss of brake power while driving, accompanied by multiple dashboard warning lights. This petition is based on the petitioner's direct experience and assessment that ODI closed DP19-004 because its prompting petition was withdrawn by that petitioner. ODI will review the work conducted during DP19-004 and a review of any additional related complaints and crashes via a new defect petition The petition and related materials can be reviewed at NHTSA.gov under the following ODI number:11553736.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY HYBRID. WHILE DRIVING 20 MPH, THE BRAKES MALFUNCTIONED. THE CONTACT ATTEMPTED TO MAKE A SUDDEN STOP BY DEPRESSING THE BRAKE PEDAL, BUT THE VEHICLE WOULD NOT STOP. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CRASHED INTO THE REAR OF ANOTHER VEHICLE. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY.…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Brakes · April 26, 2018 · crash

“THE CAR WAS IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT, OVER $12,000 FRONT END DAMAGE IN A FRONT END COLLISION. A CAR PULLED IN FRONT OF OUR CAR FROM A SIDE STREET. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT INFLATE WHICH IS WHAT IS PROMPTING THIS INQUIRY. ”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · December 13, 2016 · crash

“THE ARE MAJER PRABLEMIN BREAK SYSTEM FOR MY CAR HAPPEN WHILE AGO BREAK PEDAL BECOME SO LOOSE CAUSING CAR ACCIDENT TI TOKE THE CAR TO MY OWEN MECHINIC INDECTING THIS PRABLEMHE SAY THAT BREAK BOOSTER PUMP ARE LEAKING INTERNIALY INSIDE THE PUMP MAKE AIR PRESSURE FORCE TO. LOOSE CONTROLL FOR THE CAR.”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Other · March 19, 2013 · crash

“TRIED MULTIPLE TIMES TO GET INTO READY MODE ,CHECKED BRAKE LIGHTS NOT ON WITH BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED.WHEN I USED SHIFT OVERRIDE,VEHICLE LUNGED BACKWARDS STRIKING PERSON,WHILE BRAKE WAS APPLIED. *TR”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Electrical System · June 13, 2013 · crash

“WHEN TRAVELING ON THE FREEWAY ABOVE 60 MPH, THE CAR WANDERS AND IS DIFFICULT TO KEEP DRIVING IN A STRAIGHT LINE. THE TOYOTA DEALER CHECKED THE ALIGNMENT ONCE, AND SLIGHTLY ADJUSTED IT. PROBLEM STILL EXISTS. I AM HEARING MANY 2012 CAMRY OWNERS HAVE THE SAME COMPLAINT, AND THEIR IS NO FIX. THIS IS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · August 14, 2012

2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid — common questions

Is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 76 complaints put the 2012 model at #5 of 21 Camry Hybrid years, and a defect investigation remains open. It is one of the Camry Hybrid years to avoid.

What are the most common 2012 Camry Hybrid problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are brakes (11 complaints), airbags (8 complaints), other (8 complaints).

Does the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid under NHTSA investigation?

Yes — an investigation remains open (Brake Actuator Valve Wear). An open ODI action means NHTSA is actively assessing a possible defect.

Which Toyota Camry Hybrid years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry Hybrid years to avoid are 2007, 2008, 2009, 2026, 2012, 2018, 2013, 2014. The cleanest record among Camry Hybrid years belongs to 2024.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.