2012 Toyota Camry: Stuttering
Common wear/failure (not a recall)
Symptoms
Owners of the 2012 Camry report: stuttering. CarComplaints.com lists 8 owner complaints, average mileage 107,000 miles.
NHTSA has 146 owner complaints for the 2012 Camry in this area. Examples:
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11757762 (filed 08/18/2026): “2012 toyota camry le developed severe transmission shudder/vibration during normal driving, especially around 25–35 mph and 45–60 mph. the vehicle also experienced noticeable vibration when shifting into reverse and drive. an obd scan previously detected diagn…”
- NHTSA complaint ODI #11734130 (filed 04/27/2026): “Recall was completed on 11/25/14 for a shudder when hitting 35 to 50. the recall was a software issue and they show that a torque converter may have been needed at a later date to further correct the issue. looking for toyota to follow up with a complete recal…”
Likely causes
Sources do not establish a single root cause; diagnosis is needed. Owner-reported fixes are listed below.
Fix, in plain English
Most common owner-reported solutions on CarComplaints.com: replace torque converter (5 reports) replace torque converter and re-build the transmission (1 reports). Check for open recalls and extended warranty coverage with a dealer before paying out of pocket.
DIY difficulty: Pro
Diagnosis needs a scan tool; repair or replacement needs a lift, transmission jack and the manufacturer's fluid fill/relearn procedure. (Our assessment.)
Cost
CarComplaints.com owners report a typical repair cost of about $3,500 (owner-reported average, not a quote).
Typical parts (search links, no affiliate codes)
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