Likes
- Comfortable, no-nonsense motoring
- Plenty to choose from on the used market
- Hybrid powertrain is fantastic for those wanting cheaper motoring
Used Toyota Camry (XV50) review
2011 - 2017
Dislikes
- There have been a handful of recalls, make sure any you’re looking at have been seen to.
- Infotainment system is far behind that of its competitors.
- Ummm…
Stuff you should know
The Toyota Camry has been a popular mid-size sedan in Australia for several years, and the 2012-2017 models have continued to build on the Camry’s reputation for reliability and practicality. This generation of Camry was produced in Toyota’s Altona manufacturing plant in Victoria, making it a domestic product that many Australians have come to appreciate.
One of the most noticeable changes to the Camry during this period was a significant exterior redesign. The front of the car was given a more aggressive, sporty look, with a large grille and sharp headlights. The rear of the car also received a facelift, with new taillights and a sleeker profile. These changes gave the Camry a more modern appearance that appealed to a wider range of buyers.
Inside, the Camry continued to offer a comfortable and spacious cabin with plenty of features to keep drivers and passengers happy. The dashboard was redesigned, with a more streamlined layout and improved materials, while the infotainment system received an upgrade with a larger touchscreen display and new software features.
Performance wise, you’ll have two powertrains to choose from. There’s the 2.5-litre petrol, in two state of tune depending on the variant – 133kW/231Nm & 135kW/235Nm – as well as a 2.5-litre petrol hybrid.
In 2015, there was a facelift of the Camry, despite it being only 2 years old at the time. This update carries over all the mechanical elements of the previous car, but all the exterior panels were changed minus the roof. This resulted in the facelifted car looking substantially different to the pre-facelift car.
Safety was also a priority for the Camry, with all models featuring a suite of advanced safety features like stability control, traction control, and multiple airbags. Higher-end models also came with additional safety features like blind-spot monitoring, lane departure warning, and rear cross-traffic alert.
Overall, the 2012-2017 Toyota Camry was a reliable and practical choice for Australian car buyers who were looking for a mid-size sedan with modern features, strong performance, and a comfortable cabin. With its domestic production and reputation for quality, the Camry continued to be a popular choice for drivers throughout this period.
What goes wrong
There have been numerous reported issues with the front and rear windshields, as well as the sunroof, shattering unexpectedly without any visible signs of impact. Additionally, some owners have complained about seal separation leading to an annoying rattling sound while driving.
Reportedly, the low-beam headlights only light up a small area in front of the vehicle.
Some owners have reported that the paint can peel and chip easily.
The infotainment system has been a source of concern for numerous customers who have reported incidents of unresponsive displays and blackouts and connectivity issues with the navigation.
Frequently, owners detect a potent, damp scent originating from their car’s heating or air conditioning ducts, which can be from extended use of the A/C system, leading to moisture accumulation.
There are reports of power window issues. From windows coming off the tracks, to dodgy fuses and regulators.
Several owners have reported an Echo Defect that makes hands-free calling a nightmare.
The 2014 Camry’s airbags have been plagued with problems and was part of the Takata recall.
The Camry’s torque converter can fail, causing the car to shudder and experience RPM drops during gear changes. Toyota recognised this issue as a common problem and took action by launching a Limited Service Campaign in 2017. As part of the campaign, Toyota provided free updates to the Engine Control software or replacement of the torque converter for affected Camry owners.
Toyota’s decision to use a wire coating made from soy has proven to be a smart move in terms of cost savings and environmental benefits. However, it has inadvertently made their wires more appealing to rodents, who chewed through the wiring.
Reports of brake issues have also surfaced, with instances of the brakes failure while driving resulting in accidents and injuries. The failure was attributed to either hydraulic or mechanical problems.
Recalls:
- August 2012 – A recall was announced for XV50 Camry models manufactured between October 2011 and July 2012 due to a flaw in the fuel hose. The fuel hose connecting the main fuel supply line to the engine may have been wrinkled during production, causing a small hole to develop and potentially leading to fuel leakage. As part of the recall, the fuel hose was to be checked and repaired if wrinkled.
- September 2013 – This recall involved certain 2012-2013 Camry vehicles that were equipped with the 2.5-litre engine. The issue was related to the installation of the air conditioning condenser, which could cause the airbag system to malfunction in the event of a crash. Toyota recalled approximately 885,000 vehicles to install a protective cover on the air conditioning condenser.
- November 2013 – Toyota issued a recall for certain vehicles due to a potential
There have been numerous reported issues with the front and rear windshields, as well as the sunroof, shattering unexpectedly without any visible signs of impact. Additionally, some owners have complained about seal separation leading to an annoying rattling sound while driving.
Reportedly, the low-beam headlights only light up a small area in front of the vehicle.
Some owners have reported that the paint can peel and chip easily.
The infotainment system has been a source of concern for numerous customers who have reported incidents of unresponsive displays and blackouts and connectivity issues with the navigation.
Frequently, owners detect a potent, damp scent originating from their car’s heating or air conditioning ducts, which can be from extended use of the A/C system, leading to moisture accumulation.
There are reports of power window issues. From windows coming off the tracks, to dodgy fuses and regulators.
Several owners have reported an Echo Defect that makes hands-free calling a nightmare.
The 2014 Camry’s airbags have been plagued with problems and was part of the Takata recall.
The Camry’s torque converter can fail, causing the car to shudder and experience RPM drops during gear changes. Toyota recognised this issue as a common problem and took action by launching a Limited Service Campaign in 2017. As part of the campaign, Toyota provided free updates to the Engine Control software or replacement of the torque converter for affected Camry owners.
Toyota’s decision to use a wire coating made from soy has proven to be a smart move in terms of cost savings and environmental benefits. However, it has inadvertently made their wires more appealing to rodents, who chewed through the wiring.
Reports of brake issues have also surfaced, with instances of the brakes failure while driving resulting in accidents and injuries. The failure was attributed to either hydraulic or mechanical problems.
Recalls:
- August 2012 – A recall was announced for XV50 Camry models manufactured between October 2011 and July 2012 due to a flaw in the fuel hose. The fuel hose connecting the main fuel supply line to the engine may have been wrinkled during production, causing a small hole to develop and potentially leading to fuel leakage. As part of the recall, the fuel hose was to be checked and repaired if wrinkled.
- September 2013 – This recall involved certain 2012-2013 Camry vehicles that were equipped with the 2.5-litre engine. The issue was related to the installation of the air conditioning condenser, which could cause the airbag system to malfunction in the event of a crash. Toyota recalled approximately 885,000 vehicles to install a protective cover on the air conditioning condenser.
- November 2013 – Toyota issued a recall for certain vehicles due to a potential defect. The recall affects model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV, and 2014 Corolla vehicles. The issue is related to the windshield wiper switch assembly, which has the potential to short circuit. This defect means that the affected vehicles do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, which relates to windshield wiping and washing systems
- February, 2014 – Toyota also recalled certain 2013 Camry vehicles equipped with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine due to a problem with the brake fluid reservoir. The reservoir may have a manufacturing defect that could cause brake fluid to slowly leak and reduce the effectiveness of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash.
- May 2015 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) issued a recall for several models of its vehicles, including the 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, as well as the 2014-2015 RAV4. The reason for the recall is due to a potential issue with a component in the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) that may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. If left unchecked, this damage could lead to the electric power steering system failing over time.
There have been numerous reported issues with the front and rear windshields, as well as the sunroof, shattering unexpectedly without any visible signs of impact. Additionally, some owners have complained about seal separation leading to an annoying rattling sound while driving.
Reportedly, the low-beam headlights only light up a small area in front of the vehicle.
Some owners have reported that the paint can peel and chip easily.
The infotainment system has been a source of concern for numerous customers who have reported incidents of unresponsive displays and blackouts and connectivity issues with the navigation.
Frequently, owners detect a potent, damp scent originating from their car’s heating or air conditioning ducts, which can be from extended use of the A/C system, leading to moisture accumulation.
There are reports of power window issues. From windows coming off the tracks, to dodgy fuses and regulators.
Several owners have reported an Echo Defect that makes hands-free calling a nightmare.
The 2014 Camry’s airbags have been plagued with problems and was part of the Takata recall.
The Camry’s torque converter can fail, causing the car to shudder and experience RPM drops during gear changes. Toyota recognised this issue as a common problem and took action by launching a Limited Service Campaign in 2017. As part of the campaign, Toyota provided free updates to the Engine Control software or replacement of the torque converter for affected Camry owners.
Toyota’s decision to use a wire coating made from soy has proven to be a smart move in terms of cost savings and environmental benefits. However, it has inadvertently made their wires more appealing to rodents, who chewed through the wiring.
Reports of brake issues have also surfaced, with instances of the brakes failure while driving resulting in accidents and injuries. The failure was attributed to either hydraulic or mechanical problems.
Recalls:
- August 2012 – A recall was announced for XV50 Camry models manufactured between October 2011 and July 2012 due to a flaw in the fuel hose. The fuel hose connecting the main fuel supply line to the engine may have been wrinkled during production, causing a small hole to develop and potentially leading to fuel leakage. As part of the recall, the fuel hose was to be checked and repaired if wrinkled.
- September 2013 – This recall involved certain 2012-2013 Camry vehicles that were equipped with the 2.5-litre engine. The issue was related to the installation of the air conditioning condenser, which could cause the airbag system to malfunction in the event of a crash. Toyota recalled approximately 885,000 vehicles to install a protective cover on the air conditioning condenser.
- November 2013 – Toyota issued a recall for certain vehicles due to a potential defect. The recall affects model year 2013-2014 Camry and Camry HV, 2013 Avalon and Avalon HV, and 2014 Corolla vehicles. The issue is related to the windshield wiper switch assembly, which has the potential to short circuit. This defect means that the affected vehicles do not meet the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, No. 104, which relates to windshield wiping and washing systems
- February, 2014 – Toyota also recalled certain 2013 Camry vehicles equipped with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine due to a problem with the brake fluid reservoir. The reservoir may have a manufacturing defect that could cause brake fluid to slowly leak and reduce the effectiveness of the braking system, increasing the risk of a crash.
- May 2015 – Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) issued a recall for several models of its vehicles, including the 2015 Camry, Camry Hybrid, Highlander, and Highlander Hybrid, as well as the 2014-2015 RAV4. The reason for the recall is due to a potential issue with a component in the electric power steering (EPS) electronic control unit (ECU) that may have been damaged during the manufacturing process. If left unchecked, this damage could lead to the electric power steering system failing over time.
Should you buy it?
If you’re after a solid, dependable, economical and reliable car to haul your family, there’s really no going past a Toyota Camry.
Even on the used market, the Camry is proof that if you don’t need the additional practicality and ‘off-roadability’ of an SUV, the humble sedan is all the car you’ll ever really need.
It’s not all good news, though. There’s been a handful of recalls and some owners complain of some usability issues. But if you find one with a solid service history, one that has had the recalls seen to and you have a pre-purchase inspection done, you’ll have a car that will go… and go… and go…
If you’re after a solid, dependable, economical and reliable car to haul your family, there’s really no going past a Toyota Camry.
Even on the used market, the Camry is proof that if you don’t need the additional practicality and ‘off-roadability’ of an SUV, the humble sedan is all the car you’ll ever really need.
It’s not all good news, though. There’s been a handful of recalls and some owners complain of some usability issues. But if you find one with a solid service history, one that has had the recalls seen to and you have a pre-purchase inspection done, you’ll have a car that will go… and go… and go…
Should you buy it?
If you’re after a solid, dependable, economical and reliable car to haul your family, there’s really no going past a Toyota Camry.
Even on the used market, the Camry is proof that if you don’t need the additional practicality and ‘off-roadability’ of an SUV, the humble sedan is all the car you’ll ever really need.
It’s not all good news, though. There’s been a handful of recalls and some owners complain of some usability issues. But if you find one with a solid service history, one that has had the recalls seen to and you have a pre-purchase inspection done, you’ll have a car that will go… and go… and go…
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Disclaimer
Please note that pricing information is subject to fluctuations in the automotive market.
Information correct as of March 28, 2023.
The advice provided on this website is general advice only. It has been prepared without taking into account your objectives, financial situation or needs. Before acting on this advice, you should consider the appropriateness of the advice, having regard to your own objectives, financial situation and needs.
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