What 642 owners told NHTSA about the 2012 Toyota Camry

I am reporting a safety-related issue involving the ECM / torque converter on my 2012 Toyota Camry. This issue can cause loss of power, hesitation, or stalling which presents a serious safety concern while driving. The issue impacts drivability and can result in sudden loss of acceleration or engine stalling, especially at higher speeds or during merging. This creates an increased risk of collision for myself, passengers, and surrounding vehicles. I have experienced some scary occurrences with shuddering at high speeds, hesitation while near other innocent vehicles and stalling. I was never notified by Toyota about this recall or service campaign while it was active. I maintain current registration information and would have had the issue addressed immediately. Toyota acknowledged the campaign but refused support due to expiration, despite my lack of notice. I contacted Toyota and was instructed to file a complaint with NHTSA. Toyota declined to repair the issue under goodwill or policy exception. I am requesting that NHTSA investigate whether this defect should have been classified as a safety recall and whether consumers were properly notified. Sudden loss of power or stalling presents a significant safety risk and may warrant additional remedies or extension of the campaign for affected owners who were not notified.

NHTSA ODI 11709755

I am filing this complaint regarding a known and documented issue affecting my 2012 Toyota Camry (VIN: [XXX] ), which has developed a transmission shudder and vibration between 20–50 mph. This problem is directly aligned with Toyota Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0079-15 and Customer Support Program ZF4, both of which describe issues with the torque converter and ECM software. My vehicle has 116,670 miles, which falls within the mileage eligibility of the support program (ZF4: 150,000 miles), though it is just outside the time limitation (8 years). I reached out to Toyota (Case #: [XXX]) to request goodwill assistance due to the safety-related nature of the defect and the fact that it is a well-documented product flaw, but they declined support solely based on time — not on mileage or vehicle condition. The vibration affects the transmission and drivability, particularly during city and highway acceleration, creating potential hazards when merging or navigating traffic. I believe this qualifies as a design flaw with potential safety implications. I respectfully request that NHTSA review Toyota’s handling of this issue and determine whether further consumer protection or a recall is warranted, especially for owners who were not adequately notified or who fall just outside the support window despite clear symptoms. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ODI 11670619

The contact's fiancé owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. While the contact's fiancé was driving 55 MPH with the accelerator pedal depressed, the vehicle failed to accelerate as intended. The contact stated that the vehicle shuddered and decelerated from 55 MPH down to 20 MPH. The contact stated that the check engine and traction control warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was driven to the residence. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired by an independent mechanic or the dealer. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 240,000.

NHTSA ODI 11602428

Computer system failure ABS system not functioning causing driving functions not working. Problem continuously reproduced by independents and finally by Dealer. Dashboard lights on, engine, tracking, ABS, Brak and other lights. MPG reduced with speedometer down to zero while driving.

NHTSA ODI 11542097

There was a recall on this Camry model 2012 to 2014 that the Charlotte, NC dealership refused to cover. I am having a transmission issue that causes my car to shudder and vibrate at regular speeds. “shudder comes from the transmission, especially during the acceleration of the Camry models. It can be alarming for the driver and be a safety concern when the gears do not properly change during operation. When this problem persists over a significant period of time, it has the poetry to cause long-term damage to your transmission. Damage to your transmission can be costly and affect the overall performance of your Toyota…” -Toyota of west county website

NHTSA ODI 11522600

The contact owns a 2012 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving approximately 60 MPH and making a lane change, the vehicle started vibrating while depressing the accelerator pedal, but failed to respond as needed. The contact stated that the hesitation lasted for approximately 10 to 15 seconds, before the vehicle jerked forward and accelerated as needed. The contact stated there was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a local dealer however, the mechanic could not duplicate the failure. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure became a recurring failure. The manufacturer had not been informed of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.

NHTSA ODI 11508771

I was driving about 70 mph on interstate 95 and all of a sudden my car shut off while going 70 mph my check engine light and the traction control light came on the car came back on while still going 70 mph picked up where it left off it was a bit Scary

NHTSA ODI 11450593

WHEN DRIVING THE HESITATING TO ACCELERATE AND SLOW DOWN. I TOOK IT TO THE DEALERSHIP ADVANTAGE TOYOTA I'M VALLEY STREAM NY AND THE TOLD ME THE ENGINE MOUNT IS BROKEN. I PAID 890.00 TO FIXED AND THE PROBLEM NEVER FIX. I TOOK ON 03-12-21 AND GET ON 0313-21. CALL THE DEALERSHIP ABOUT SIX TIME TO SPEAK TO THE SERVICE MANGER AND NEVER RETURN OR ANSWER THE CALL. THEY TOLD ME HE IS BUY.

NHTSA ODI 11402847

I WAS BRAKING ON TURNING INTO A PARKING SPOT? BUT INSTEAD OF BRAKING IT WAS LIKE I HAD HIT THE ACCELERATOR. I KEPT STOMPING THE BREAK BUT IT WOULD NOT SLOW DOWN ONLY ACCELERATED. THE CAR WENT UP OVER THE CURB INTO A METAL FENCE AND ALMOST HIT A BRICK WALL. I'VE NEVER EXPERIENCED ANYTHING LIKE THIS WITH ANY CAR I'VE EVER HAD AND I'VE HAD QUITE A FEW TOYOTA'S AND A LOT OF THEM HAVE BEEN CAMRYS.

NHTSA ODI 11372900

I HAVE A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE MAKING A TURN THE CAR LOSES ACCELERATION. IF THE TURN IS LONG, AS IN A CLOVERLEAF EXIT, THE VEHICLE WILL ALMOST STOP. PRESSING THE GAS HAS NO EFFECT. THE VEHICLE WILL LAG UNTIL IT ALMOST STOPS OR UNTIL YOU COME OUT OF THE TURN. FROM WHAT I FIND ON THE INTERNET, THIS IS A COMMON PROBLEM WITH 2012 AND LATER TOYOTA CAMRYS BUT DEALERS STONEWALL ABOUT IT. I HOPE YOU GET ENOUGH COMPLAINTS ON THIS TO ISSUE A RECALL.

NHTSA ODI 11301663

ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE VEHICLE WILL SOMETIMES MOVE ABOUT 10 FEET AND THEN HESITATE FOR ABOUT 1 TO 2 SECONDS. IT WILL THEN ACCELERATE NORMALLY. THE INTERMITTENT HESITATION COULD BE DANGEROUS.

NHTSA ODI 11255800

TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE PULLING INTO A PARKING SPACE, THE CONTACT LOST CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN, CRASHED THROUGH A GATE, AND LANDED ON TOP OF A POOL COVERED BY A TARP. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DEEMED TOTALED BY THE CONTACT'S INSURANCE COMPANY AND TOWED. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT CONTACTED. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 36,000. *BF MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED.*JB

NHTSA ODI 11202829

THE CAR WILL RANDOMLY STOP ACCELERATING WHEN DEPRESSING THE GAS PEDAL. YOU CAN THEN LIFT UP AND PRESS BACK DOWN AND IT NORMALLY WILL RESPOND AGAIN. THIS IS VERY DANGEROUS IN TRAFFIC.

NHTSA ODI 11189979

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE BRAKE PEDAL WAS DEPRESSED AND ENTERING A PARKING SPACE, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND CRASHED INTO A POLE. A POLICE REORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THE VEHICLE WAS DRIVEN TO THE CONTACT'S RESIDENCE. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CAUSE OF THE FAILURE WAS NOT DETERMINED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 33,000.

NHTSA ODI 11183875

TOYOTA CAMRY 2012 AND 2013 WHICH I HAVE WHEN THERE IS AN ELEVATION AND THERE IS A SIGNAL.IMMEDIATLY WHEN YOU TAKE YOU LEG OUT OF BRAKE . THE CAR IMMEDIATELY START ROLLING BACK SOO FAST. I MISSED HITTING THE CAR BEHIND NUMBER OF OCCASIONS BY PRESSING GAS QUICKLY. I HAVE SHOWED THIS PROBLUM TO DEALER THEY SAID IT IS COMMON PROBLUM. THE CAR SHOULD NOT GO TOO FAST BACK IN A SMALL ALIVATION WHICH IS NOT SAFE .

NHTSA ODI 11175112

AS I AM ACCELERATING BETWEEN 20-50 MPH THE CAR SHUDDERS. I CALLED MY LOCAL TOYOTA DEALERSHIP AND THEY WANT TO CHARGE ME A DIAGNOSTIC FEE OF $140 JUST TO SEE IF THAT IS THE PROBLEM. MY SON HAS A 2014 AND MY DAUGHTER HAS A 2015 AND ALL HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I HAVE 110,000 MILES ON MY CAR, MY SON 80,000 AND MY DAUGHTER 70,000 MILES. THIS SHOULD BE A RECALL SINCE WE ALL HAVE THE SAME EXACT PROBLEM. I AM AFRAID AS WE ARE ACCELERATING TO ENTER THE FREEWAY AND THE CAR IS STALLING WE MIGHT GET HIT FROM BEHIND. ITS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE!

NHTSA ODI 11123305

ON 5/24/18 AT 1435 IN CHICAGO IL, MY 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY FULLY ACCELERATED THROUGH ONGOING TRAFFIC AFTER LIGHTLY DEPRESSING THE PEDAL TO MOVE FORWARD THE BRAKES DID NOT WORK AND I HAD TO MANEUVER THROUGH ONCOMING TRAFFIC INTO A GRASS AREA ACROSS THE STREET TO SLOW DOWN BUT COMING DOWN ON THE OTHER SIDE HITTING ANOTHER VEHICLE. CHICAGO POLICE DEPT REPORT #JB-282363

NHTSA ODI 11098323

DELAY IN SHIFTING ON LOW SPEEDS BETTWEEN 20 AND 50 MPH.THE CAR SHUTTTERS WHEN ACCELERATING OR COMING TO STOP

NHTSA ODI 11052293

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT ON TWO OCCASIONS WHILE DRIVING AT 25 MPH, THE VEHICLE SHUDDERED WITHOUT WARNING. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO COLONIAL TOYOTA IN MILFORD, 470 BOSTON POST RD, MILFORD, CT 06460, (203) 878-7401 WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE FLOOR MAT WAS TOO CLOSE TO THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL AND THE TIE NEEDED TO BE CUT BUT THE FAILURE PERSISTED AFTER THE REPAIRS. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN BACK TO COLONIAL TOYOTA IN MILFORD IN MILFORD, CT 06460, WHERE THE VEHICLE WAS BEING SERVICED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE AND STATED THAT THE FAILURE WAS A ZE5 TORQUE CONVERT AND STATED TO THE CONTACT TO TAKE THE VEHICLE TO THE DEALER. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 90,000. UPDATED 10/05/17*LJ THE CONSUMER STATED DEALER FIXED THE TORQUE CONVERTER AT NO COST. *TR

NHTSA ODI 11018870

I WAS IN AN ACCIDENT DRIVING ON A CITY STREET DUE TO THE VEHICLE ACCELERATING, I SLOWED DOWN THEN PUT MY FOOT ON THE PEDAL. THE CAR TOOK OFF I SLAMMED ON MY BRAKES BUT STILL HIT THE VEHICLE IN FRONT OF ME. I HAVE TOLD THE DEALER MORE THAN ONCE ABOUT THE VEHICLE STALLING AND ACCELERATING. I HAD FRONT END DAMAGE TO MY BUMPER AND HOOD. THE VEHICLE I CRASHED INTO BACK BUMPER WAS ALSO DENTED.

NHTSA ODI 11006438

TRAVELING ON A HIGHWAY, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED WORKING 3 TIMES IN SUCCESSION. ACCELERATOR PEDAL WAS FULLY RELEASED THEN DEPRESSED AGAIN TO REGAIN FUNCTION EACH TIME.

NHTSA ODI 10985556

ACCELERATING UP A PARKING STRUCTURE, ACCELERATOR PEDAL STOPPED WORKING. ACCELERATOR PEDAL HAD TO BE FULLY RELEASED THEN DEPRESSED AGAIN TO REGAIN FUNCTION.

NHTSA ODI 10985558

WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP (TRAFFIC LIGHT OR STOP SIGN), THE VEHICLE WILL MOVE ABOUT 20 FEET OR 20 MPH AND THEN HESITATE FOR ABOUT 1 TO 2 SECONDS. IT WILL THEN ACCELERATE NORMALLY. . THIS HAPPENED AT THOSE INTERVAL. THE INTERMITTENT HESITATION IS VERY DANGEROUS WHEN TRYING TO CROSS A BUSY INTERSECTION WHEN THE CROSS TRAFFIC IS UNCONTROLLED.

NHTSA ODI 10958629

TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE ATTEMPTING TO PARK IN REVERSE WITH THE BRAKE PEDAL DEPRESSED, THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED ON ITS OWN AND THE STEERING WHEEL LOCKED. THE VEHICLE CRASHED INTO A WALL, FENCE, AND BUSHES. THE VEHICLE LANDED WITH THE REAR END ON THE GROUND AND THE FRONT END IN THE AIR. THE AIR BAGS HAD NOT DEPLOYED. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED AND THERE WERE NO INJURIES. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO A REPAIR SHOP FOR DIAGNOSTIC TESTING. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 59,000. ...UPDATED 05/17/17 *BF UPDATED 08/30/2017*JS

NHTSA ODI 10947826

WHEN ACCELERATING CAR HESITATE FOR A COUPLE OF SECONDS THEN TAKE OFF WHILE TAKING MY KIDS TO SCHOOL AND ALSO DRIVING TO WORK ON THE HIGHWAY I FEEL VERY UNSAFE WITH MY KIDS IN CAR. *TR

NHTSA ODI 10918935