2012 Toyota Camry: sudden loss of power

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · WA

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 the federal safety agency. Toyota declined to repair the issue under goodwill or policy exception. I am requesting that the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 21, 2022 · Transmission · TX

While the vehicle speeds up beyond 3-35 mph, the car starts shacking a bit and the vehicle seems to have lost power. Then it recovers and moves on as normal. The problem is identified as a transmission programming/torque convertor problem. This has been going on for some time now and has been getting worse. There are no other problems prior to this issue.

Filed Sep 3, 2020 · Driver assistance, Steering · 130,000 miles · MO

On hwy 65 MPH power steering warning light came on then lost power steering and then car died in middle of hwy at 65 MPH skidded to a stop. It was very frightening. I was almost hit 3 times by cars trying to steer my way to the side of the road. Car was taken to twin city toyota and I called toyota and they told me that it's a recall on other cars but not mine. I could have been killed or killed other people. I threatened to call and report to you, and then they were willing to help me. Car hasnt been inspected yet. I dropped key in drop box at twin city toyota in herculaneum mo. I'm scared to drive it now.

Filed Apr 10, 2019 · Steering · 71,536 miles · AL

Electric power steering goes out during driving, causes loss of power and inability to steer.

Filed Mar 27, 2017 · Engine, Transmission · 55,000 miles · MH

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota camry. While driving between 30-50 MPH, the accelerator pedal was depressed and the vehicle would shutter and lose power without warning. The contact mentioned that failure had been present for several months, but seemed to be getting worse. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and informed the contact that there was an extended warranty program; however, the VIN was not included. The failure mileage was approximately 55,000.

Filed Feb 14, 2017 · Steering · 54,948 miles · GA

I was driving 2012 camry le at 55 MPH and suddenly heard a pop and found power steering warning light came on the dash and stayed for more than 10 seconds. During that time the steering was hard to rotate and also the radio lost power. When the eps light gone the steering was easy and radio started working. Since it was night, around 11.30 pm, not may cars were there, luckily nothing happened. It was scary that if it would happen during rush hour. I am scare to drive this car. I have to take this car to toyota dealer to check this out.

Filed Dec 11, 2015 · Engine · 48,000 miles · MN

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota camry. While driving 15 MPH, the vehicle stalled without warning. The vehicle completely lost power. In addition, the contact stated that the failure occurred at least eight times. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be repaired, but the dealer could not duplicate the failure. The manufacturer was made aware of the issue. The failure mileage was 48,000.

Filed Oct 9, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 45,000 miles · NY

Tl* the contact owns a 2012 toyota camry. The contact stated while driving at various mileages, the engine began losing power. The engine restarted after power loss but the failure continued to occur on numerous occasions. The vehicle was taken to a dealer. The technician diagnosed that the throttle control needed to be replaced. The failure recurred. The manufacturer was not notified of the issue. The approximate failure mileage was 45,000.

Filed Apr 7, 2013 · Engine, Fuel system · 13,048 miles · PA

The car is becoming undriveable. I took it to the dealership to get checked out, and they said there's nothing wrong with it. On their report they stated "the vehicle's operating as designed." since I bought this car it's been performing progressively worse. Every time I drive the car it seems to lose power. The ride is choppy, burdened, and labored. The entire car seems to be struggling with itself. I get into the car feeling fine physically, and then I feel ill and sick after a while. There's foul odors coming from my car, definitely from the exterior and possibly from the inside. The dealership checked for exhaust leaks and didn't find any, but I'm smelling things in the car no one should be smelling. It even seems like the car wobbles and shimmies as it travels down the road.