Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov & manufacturer data. Figures reflect base trim; actual specs vary by trim level.
About the 2012 Toyota Camry
Our scoring places the 2012 Toyota Camry at 7.6/10 overall, which translates to a Recommended rating for this sedan. Its strongest dimension is Reliability at 8.9/10, while Performance at 5.9/10 is where it trails the competition most noticeably. It's a solid all-rounder that delivers across most dimensions without obvious deal-breakers.
Reliability and safety are the two dimensions that matter most for long-term ownership costs. At 8.9/10, reliability is one of this sedan's best cards — few vehicles in our database score higher on this dimension. The safety score of 8.3/10 is solid mid-pack territory. If advanced driver aids matter to you, compare standard equipment carefully and verify ratings at nhtsa.gov.
Performance at 5.9/10 is a genuine liability and a score that should factor heavily into any buying decision. The powertrain and chassis dynamics trail class rivals by a meaningful margin — don't overlook it. Technology scores 6.3/10 — the infotainment and driver-assist features feel dated against current-generation rivals. This is worth weighing if you prioritize connected features or modern safety tech.
Priced from $16,000–$20,462, 18 MPG, seating 5, the Toyota Camry sits in the budget-friendly tier of the sedan market. The 7.8/10 value score says the pricing is fair rather than generous; cross-shop the segment before signing anything. At 14 years old, resale value, parts availability, and whether a successor model has improved on its weak points are all worth investigating before committing.
Our take: The 2012 Toyota Camry is a solid, well-rounded sedan that covers the essentials without obvious deal-breakers. The main caveat is technology and performance — worth checking if those dimensions are priorities for you. For most buyers in this segment, it's a safe, dependable choice.
Carivo scores are our own editorial assessment, informed by NHTSA safety and recall records, EPA fuel-economy figures, and manufacturer-published specifications. Scores are reviewed periodically and updated when new data becomes available. See our full methodology →
How It Ranks Among Sedans
The 2012 Toyota Camry ranks #494 of 1310 sedans in the Carivo database — better than 62% of the segment. Its 7.6/10 overall score is 0.1 points above the segment average of 7.5/10. Its $16,000 starting price undercuts the segment's median of $27,664 by about 42%.
$0 — 2 campaigns on record; recall work is always free at franchised dealers
Insurance
Varies widely by driver and state — always quote the exact trim before buying
We only print costs we can compute from sourced data (EPA fuel economy, NHTSA recalls). We don't estimate maintenance or depreciation — anyone who gives you one number for those is guessing.
Which Camry Year Should You Buy?
Across the Camry model years we've scored, the 2012 holds its position — we didn't find an older year that delivers similar scores for meaningfully less money.
Proven long-term reliability — lower unplanned repair costs than class average
Strong safety ratings from NHTSA and independent testers
Good overall value; holds its own against pricier alternatives in the segment
Accessible entry price makes it one of the more affordable options in the category
✗ Where it falls short
Performance is a genuine liability — well below class rivals and worth factoring into any decision
Infotainment and tech features feel dated compared to newer rivals in this segment
Fuel economy at 18 MPG is low — running costs will add up quickly
NHTSA Recalls — 2012 Toyota Camry (2 on record)
The following recall campaigns have been filed with NHTSA for this model and year. Recall repairs are performed free of charge by franchised dealers; check your specific vehicle with our free VIN recall checker.
Air bags / Frontal / Sensor/control module-inactive 16/01/2013 · 13V014000
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…
Electrical system 17/10/2013 · 13V442000
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…
Source: NHTSA recall database, fetched at page build time.
Own a 2012 Toyota Camry that's been repaired repeatedly for the same problem? It may qualify under your state's lemon law — run the free lemon law check →
Common Questions — 2012 Toyota Camry
Is the 2012 Toyota Camry reliable?
We rate the 2012 Toyota Camry's reliability 8.9/10 — one of the stronger records in its class. It has 2 NHTSA recall campaigns on record for this model year (details in the recalls section above — repairs are free at dealers).
How many recalls does the 2012 Toyota Camry have?
2 NHTSA recall campaigns matched this model and year as of our latest check. Verify your specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Is the 2012 Toyota Camry worth buying?
It scores 7.6/10 overall, ranking #494 of 1310 sedans in our database (better than 62% of the segment). A solid choice for most buyers — compare it against the segment leaders before deciding.
How much does the 2012 Toyota Camry cost?
The 2012 Toyota Camry starts at $16,000 and ranges up to $20,462 across trims (MSRP when new). At 18 MPG, expect roughly $2,917/year in fuel at 15,000 miles/year.
Which Camry years should you avoid?
Based on our year-by-year scoring, the weakest Camry years we've rated are 2017 (7.9/10), 2015 (7.9/10) — each at least half a point below the nameplate's best (8.4/10). See the full year table above before deciding.
What problems does the 2012 Toyota Camry have?
The documented issues for the 2012 Toyota Camry are its NHTSA recall campaigns, which involve: Air bags, Electrical system (details in the recalls section above; repairs are free at dealers). For wear-and-tear patterns beyond recalls, owner forums are the best source — we only report what federal data documents.
Owner Essentials — Toyota Camry
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Similar Sedan to Consider
Other sedans at a similar price point, ranked by Carivo score.
2012 model shown
