IllustrationI am noticing there is some wiggling and play with the driver’s seat. Every time I hop inside the car, I feel the seat wiggle back a little bit. I notice some movement back and forth when accelerating and braking and it is starting to get very annoying whenever I drive.
2012 Toyota Camry
Owner reports · Recalls · Investigations
Similar to other model years
Owner complaints for the 2012 Toyota Camry do not stand out strongly from the model-year median of 295.
About this comparison →How this year compares
Owner complaints by model year
Compare all Camry years →Counts vary with age, sales and reporting. They are not failure rates.
What owners reported most
All reported categories
Tap a category to read its complaints. One report may name several components.
When problems were reported
Mileage at the reported incident
1500–25K
9325–50K
6150–75K
4875–100K
60100–150K
19150K+
431 reports with mileage · 158 unknown
NHTSA’s mileage field refers to the reported incident, not necessarily the filing date. This shows report counts, not the likelihood of a failure.
What to inspect
Issues worth paying extra attention to based on owner reports.
- Power Train. Review the 142 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Air Bags. Review the 75 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
- Vehicle Speed Control. Review the 67 owner reports in this category and discuss these concerns during a pre-purchase inspection. Read reports →
NHTSA owner reports · September 18, 2026 snapshot.
84 crash reports6 fire reports44 injury reports
Seats complaints
11 reportsI am reporting a potential safety defect involving the driver seat lumbar support mechanism found in multiple vehicle models across the industry. The lumbar support feature applies excessive, uneven, or unstable pressure to the driver’s lower back during normal driving conditions. This occurs even when the feature is set to its …
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I am reporting a potential safety defect involving the driver seat lumbar support mechanism found in multiple vehicle models across the industry. The lumbar support feature applies excessive, uneven, or unstable pressure to the driver’s lower back during normal driving conditions. This occurs even when the feature is set to its lowest or neutral position. The defect presents in the following ways: •The lumbar support protrudes too far forward, forcing the spine into an unnatural posture. •The mechanism shifts or changes pressure during , creating sudden discomfort or pain. •Extended use results in lower back strain, muscle spasms, or nerve irritation. Safety Risk This issue poses a significant safety hazard because it directly affects the driver’s ability to maintain proper posture, comfort, and control of the vehicle. This pain is not noticeable until you step out of the vehicle and it difficult to trace that to the lumber support button as most people do not observed when it is on. The defect can: •Reduce reaction time due to discomfort or restricted movement •Increase the risk of long term musculoskeletal injury •Create fatigue or numbness that compromises safe operation Because this feature is present in many vehicles and consistently causes injury, the problem appears to be systemic and design related, not limited to a single manufacturer. Frequency of the Issue •Occurs: (e.g., every drive / frequent / intermittent) •First noticed on: (2020) •Conditions: (e.g., highway driving, long trips, stop and go traffic) Additional Notes •No aftermarket modifications have been made to the seat. •It may not be limited to Toyota vehicle only. I guess any vehicle driver seat that has lumber support is a suspect. •The issue persists regardless of seat height, tilt, or recline adjustments. •The problem appears inherent to the lumbar mechanism’s design rather than wear and tear. •The defect affects driver comfort, posture, and safe vehicle operation.
THE SEAT IN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. THE TRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT IS THE CULPRIT. I HAVE REMOVED THE SEAT TO INSPECT IT AND THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT BUT IT WASN'T MOVING WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT IS GETTING WORSE EVERY DAY. IT IS ANNOYING TO HAVE THE SEAT MOVE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. IT FEELS LIKE IT MAY COME OFF SO…
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THE SEAT IN ROCKING BACK AND FORTH. THE TRACK ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE SEAT IS THE CULPRIT. I HAVE REMOVED THE SEAT TO INSPECT IT AND THERE IS NO ADJUSTMENT BUT IT WASN'T MOVING WHEN I BOUGHT THE CAR AND IT IS GETTING WORSE EVERY DAY. IT IS ANNOYING TO HAVE THE SEAT MOVE WHEN YOU ARE DRIVING. IT FEELS LIKE IT MAY COME OFF SOMETIME. *TR
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE HEADREST WAS BURNING CAUSED BY THE SUNLIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAIL…
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TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2012 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS PARKED, THERE WAS A BURNING ODOR INSIDE THE VEHICLE. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE REAR DRIVER SIDE HEADREST WAS BURNING CAUSED BY THE SUNLIGHT. THE FAILURE RECURRED A FEW TIMES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED OR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 45,000. UPDATED 08/30/16*LJ *JS
MY 2012 CAMRY HYBIRD WITH LEATHER SEATS. MY PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE WEIGHT OF THE PREVIOUS OCCUPANT, IE, IF OVER 200 LBS AND IT WILL PROBABLY WORK CORRECTLY. BUT IF THE EXITED OCCUPANT WAS LESS THAN 200 LBS, THE AIR BAG WILL ALARM AND MESSAGE FOR THE (FORMER OCCUPANT) PASSENGER TO USE THE SEAT BELT. I'M TRYING TO G…
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MY 2012 CAMRY HYBIRD WITH LEATHER SEATS. MY PROBLEM SEEMS TO BE RELATED TO THE WEIGHT OF THE PREVIOUS OCCUPANT, IE, IF OVER 200 LBS AND IT WILL PROBABLY WORK CORRECTLY. BUT IF THE EXITED OCCUPANT WAS LESS THAN 200 LBS, THE AIR BAG WILL ALARM AND MESSAGE FOR THE (FORMER OCCUPANT) PASSENGER TO USE THE SEAT BELT. I'M TRYING TO GET TOYOTA TO CORRECT THE PROBLEM BUT THEY WARN ME THAT I MAY HAVE TO PAY TO CORRECT SOMETHING THAT NEVER OCCURED BEFORE THEIR RECALL.
CAR HAD EXTREMLY POOR QUALITY IN INTERIOR MATERIAL. REAR BUMPER, RIMS AND SEAT COMING APART FOR A LESS 40K MILES SUPENSION FEEL UNSAFE WHEN UN DRIVE ON HIGHWAYS VIBRATION ON THE VEHICULE TOYOTA JUST SAID VEHICULE WAS DESIGN LIKE THAT. ANY PROFESSIONAL REPORT ABOUT THAT CONDITION
I DROVE THIS 2012 CAMRY ON THE HIGH WAY TO NASHVILLE TN FOR 8 DAYS VOCATION STARTED 28 JUNE 2014, LOT OF WATER COMING OUT FROM CARPET, HAD TO STOP AND CLEAN WATER IN EVERY COUPLE HOURS(MY HAND WAS INJURED WHEN CLEANING UP WATER). AFTER I ARRIVED A HOTEL, I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL IN DEC 20…
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I DROVE THIS 2012 CAMRY ON THE HIGH WAY TO NASHVILLE TN FOR 8 DAYS VOCATION STARTED 28 JUNE 2014, LOT OF WATER COMING OUT FROM CARPET, HAD TO STOP AND CLEAN WATER IN EVERY COUPLE HOURS(MY HAND WAS INJURED WHEN CLEANING UP WATER). AFTER I ARRIVED A HOTEL, I SEARCHED ON THE INTERNET AND FOUND OUT THAT TOYOTA HAD A RECALL IN DEC 2013 ON THIS A/C WATER LEAK, IT CAN CAUSE "AIRBAG WARNING LIGHT", ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING LIGHT", OR OTHER PROBLEMS. WE ARE VERY WORRIED ABOUT CAR MAY CAUSE ACCIDENT IN THE WHOLE VOCATION. ------ AFTER BACK TO ROCHESTER NY, CALLED TOYOTA AND THEY TOLD ME GO TO TOYOTA SERVICE TO REPAIR THIS PROBLEM; SO I WENT TO HENRIETTA NY TOYOTA SERVICE AND TOLD THEM A/C WATER LEAK, THEY SAID THEY WILL FIX THAT, ON THE SERVICE REPORT PRINTED:" CUSTOMER STATES THERE IS A WATER LEAK", "WORK PERFORMED BY XXXX", "CLEANED A/C DRAIN". BUT THE MANAGER LIED TO ME, HE SAID THERE IS NO RECALL. ------ NOT SURE IF IT IS TOTALLY FIXED, CAR STILL VERY MOIST, SMELL IS BAD, EVEN AFTER OPEN CAR'S 4 DOORS, PUT THE CARPET BASK IN THE SUN FOR FEW DAYS. ------ YESTERDAY, I FOUND ANOTHER TOYOTA SERVICE REPORT AND RECALL LETTER FROM TOYOTA ON 12/28/2013, AND THIS REPORT SHOWS THEY "PERFORMED WORK BY XXXX." . I TOTALLY FORGOT THIS CAR RECALLED AND ALREADY PERFORMED THE "FIX" FOR A/C WATER LEAK PROBLEM, OBVIOUSLY, TOYOTA SERVICE DID NOT FIX THIS PROBLEM AND THEY LIED TO ME. ------ THIS CAMRY HAS DAMAGE UNDER CARPET BECAUSE OF WATER LEAK, IT MAY CAUSE SOME ELECTRIC CIRCUITS PROBLEMS IN THE FUTURE, I DON'T WANT TO BE WORRY EVERYDAY, SO I DON'T WANT THIS CAR ANY MORE (THE LEASE TERM WILL END IN ONE MORE YEAR AND A MONTH, I PAID $3000 DOWN PAYMENT FOR 3 YEAR LEASE, ALSO EVERY MONTH PAYMENT). WHAT IS MY CHOICE? ------ THANKS! *TR
DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH AND IS LOOSE ON THE TRACK THAT SECURES IT TO THE FLOOR. AFTER INSPECTION BY A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IT WAS STATED THAT THIS IS "NORMAL". THE CONDITION SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORST AS TIME GOES ON. CONCERN LIES IN WHETHER OR NOT THE SEAT IS SECURELY BOLTED DOWN (THEY CONFIRMED IT IS) BUT I…
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DRIVER'S SEAT ROCKS BACK AND FORTH AND IS LOOSE ON THE TRACK THAT SECURES IT TO THE FLOOR. AFTER INSPECTION BY A CERTIFIED TOYOTA DEALERSHIP IT WAS STATED THAT THIS IS "NORMAL". THE CONDITION SEEMS TO BE GETTING WORST AS TIME GOES ON. CONCERN LIES IN WHETHER OR NOT THE SEAT IS SECURELY BOLTED DOWN (THEY CONFIRMED IT IS) BUT IS JUST LOOSE WITHIN THE TRACK AND IF SO WHAT WOULD HAPPEN IN THE CASE OF A COLLISION? THE SEAT IS A SAFETY HAZARD AND NEEDS TO BE ADDRESSED. *TR
2012 TOYOTA CAMRY & 2013 TOYOTA AVALON. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO BOTH VEHICLES HEATED SEAT ISSUES. *SMD THE CONSUMER WANTED TO KNOW, HOW COULD A VEHICLE NOT SOLD, POSSIBLY BE DEEMED NOT UP TO VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARDS, BUT A VEHICLE SOLD WITH THE EXACT SAME ISSUE BE DEEMED NOT TO BE SUBJECT TO A SAFETY ISSUE.
NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF EVEN IF A HEAVY ADULT IS SITTING IN IT. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING ALWAYS. NOTICED THIS BUT THOUGHT AS MOST TIMES DRIVE ALONE THOUGHT THAT AS THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT MOST …
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NOTICED THAT THE AIR BAG LIGHT IS ON CONSTANTLY, THE SEAT BELT LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING AND THE PASSENGER AIR BAG LIGHT IS ALWAYS OFF EVEN IF A HEAVY ADULT IS SITTING IN IT. THE SEAT BELT LIGHT KEEPS FLASHING ALWAYS. NOTICED THIS BUT THOUGHT AS MOST TIMES DRIVE ALONE THOUGHT THAT AS THERE IS NO PASSENGER IN THE PASSENGER SEAT MOST OF THE TIMES AND ATTRIBUTED THE CAUSE OF THE FLASHING SEAT BELT LIGHT FOR THAT.BUT NOW KNOW THAT THIS IS DEFINITELY A SAFETY ISSUE. *TR
Official recalls
213V442000 · Air Bags; Electrical System; Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
Oct 17, 2013
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.
Consequence & remedy
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Additional source detail variants (3)
Equipment:appliance:air Conditioner
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Air Bags
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
Electrical System
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.
Consequence: 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.
Remedy: 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.
13V014000 · Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE ; Seats
Jan 16, 2013
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 & remedy
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.
Additional source detail variants (2)
Seats
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.
Air Bags:frontal:sensor/control MODULE-INACTIVE
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.
Model-level recall history does not show whether a particular VIN is affected or has received a repair. Check a VIN with NHTSA ↗
NHTSA investigations
0No exact-year investigations in this snapshot.