2012 Toyota Camry
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2012 models.

- Class
- Midsize Cars
- Body styles
- Le Hybrid/Xle Hybrid 4dr Sedan, Le/Se/Xle 4dr Sedan, Se V6/Xle V6 4dr Sedan
- Engines
- 2.5L 4-cyl, 3.5L 6-cyl
- Horsepower
- 156–268 hp
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Hybrid, Regular Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 40 combined · 42 city / 38 hwy
- Length
- 189.4 in
- Curb weight
- 3,177–3,417 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 2 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Excellent fuel economyUp to 40 MPG combined — 67% better than the average 2012 midsize car (23.9 MPG).
- Hybrid version availableOffered as a hybrid as well as gas.
Watch out for
No weak spots against similar models in the data.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 30 similar 2012 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2012 Toyota Camry is a midsize car offered with 2 engines (2.5L 4-cyl and 3.5L 6-cyl), including a hybrid version and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 189 inches long and 72 inches wide on a 109-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,417 lb (Le Hybrid/Xle Hybrid 4dr Sedan).
EPA rates its most efficient version at 40 MPG combined (42 city / 38 highway), 67% better than the 2012 midsize car average of 23.9 MPG, for an estimated $1,700 a year in fuel.
NHTSA has not published a 5-Star overall rating for this model year.
It has 2 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 429 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2012
- Engine dropped: 2.4L 4-cyl
- Best combined MPG up from 33 to 40
Compared with 2011; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2011 Camry →
Trims, performance & features
Trims
Built in: Georgetown, Kentucky · Lafayette, Indiana
NHTSA vPIC, as reported by the manufacturer for 5 2012 Camry configurations; may not list every trim. How we calculate this →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Le Hybrid/Xle Hybrid 4dr Sedan | 189.4 in | 71.7 in | 57.9 in | 109.1 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,417 lb | 62/38 |
| Le/Se/Xle 4dr Sedan | 189.4 in | 71.7 in | 57.9 in | 109.1 in | 62.6 / 62.2 in | 3,177 lb | 60/40 |
| Se V6/Xle V6 4dr Sedan | 189.4 in | 71.7 in | 57.9 in | 109.1 in | 62.2 / 61.8 in | 3,358 lb | 62/38 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry Hybrid LE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 42 / 38 / 40 | +67% | $1,700 | 222 |
| Camry Hybrid XLE Hybrid | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (variable gear ratios) | Front-Wheel Drive | 40 / 37 / 39 | +63% | $1,700 | 228 |
| Camry | 2.5L 4-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 24 / 34 / 28 | +17% | $2,400 | 317 |
| Camry | 3.5L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | 0% | $2,800 | 370 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2012 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2012 Toyota Camry.
Similar 2012 midsize cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2012 Toyota Camry (this car) | 40 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
| 2012 Ford Mustang | 23 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Honda Accord | 27 MPG | Not rated | 8 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Camaro | 22 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
| 2012 Nissan GT-R | 19 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2012 Dodge Challenger | 21 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2012 Chevrolet Malibu | 26 MPG | Not rated | 2 |
Recalls (2)
Equipment › Appliance › Air Conditioner · Oct 17, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V442000 · 802,769 vehicles
- Problem
- 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 short circuit of the module.
- Risk
- A short circuit may cause the air bags to become disabled or inadvertently deploy. An inadvertent airbag deployment can increase the risk of injury or the possibility of a crash. An inoperative airbag can increase the risk of injury in a severe crash. The power steering assist could also become inoperable resulting in increased steering effort and can increase the risk of a crash at low speeds.
- 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.
Seats · Jan 16, 2013
NHTSA campaign 13V014000 · 3,235 vehicles
- Problem
- 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.
- Risk
- 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.
- 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.
Not every 2012 Toyota Camry is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2012 Toyota Camry buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. 2 recalls this year — ask for proof of repairs.
- Power Train — 114 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Electrical System — 46 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Air Bags — 44 owner reports. Confirm the airbag warning light turns off after start-up and any airbag recall was completed.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 67,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Hybrid system. Check for hybrid-system warning lights and ask whether the high-voltage battery has been replaced or is still under warranty.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Camry. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Camry years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 Camry | 51 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 3 | 144 |
| 2025 Camry | 51 | 193.7 in | Not rated | 6 | 173 |
| 2024 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 52 |
| 2023 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 2 | 66 |
| 2022 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 65 |
| 2021 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 1 | 165 |
| 2020 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 284 |
| 2019 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 7 | 411 |
| 2018 Camry | 52 | 192.5 in | ★★★★★ | 8 | 779 |
| 2017 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | ★★★★★ | 3 | 153 |
| 2016 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 3 | 189 |
| 2015 Camry | 40 | 190.9 in | Not rated | 1 | 285 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Toyota. How we calculate this →