2012 Toyota Camry roof clunking
In my new 2012 Toyota Camry Hybrid XLE (here is the first report I’ve seen from a 2013 Camry owner), there is a terrible clunking, clicking or popping noise coming from the roof around the sunroof, particularly when going over bumps or turns, particularly when the car torques. (This is in addition to many loud dash rattles.) The dealer says that Toyota knows about it now and is working on a fix, but no estimate was given for when. I took it to the dealer September 2012 and the service bulletin finally was released in October 2013. Please comment if you are experiencing the same thing and what you are doing about it. (Oh, and I just hit 9,000 views of this post on January 2014.)
Here is a recording I made one hot day. I’d like to make a video of the noise, so if you can capture a video of the sound at its worst, send it to me in an email using the address on my home page or comment.
Here are some reports from other owners of the same thing:
http://www.toyotanation.com/forum/310-7th-generation-2012/418639-2012-camry-xle-roof-noise.html
http://www.schiffner.com/my-2012-toyota-camry-is-a-lemon-and-toyota-doesnt-help/
ADVICE FOR UNTOUCHED CARS:
My current advice would be to have the service rep type into your record that you have a terrible clunking noise in your roof at the next scheduled service appointment (as long as you are under warranty for a while). Start a log for yourself to record everything that happens with dates, mileages, names and comments from the dealer.
[UPDATE 3/9/13] Here’s an interesting comment written by the technician working with a Toyota field tech, “found welding slag in between the seam of the moon roof opening and in between the pinch welds. during body roll and over bumps the slag would creek and make noise. removed headliner and moon roof assembly to access and clean out the space between the spot welds on the pinch weld opening of the moon roof. inserted shim stock and in between the space after cleaning out the slag and also installed felt in between the roof and folded over section of the opening. was helped by FTS to properly install the shim stock, reassembled and verified repair”. In my talking with a tech, they don’t provided enough shims for all of the welds, so they can only do some and in some cases they spray foam in the roof, like mine.
[UPDATE 2/1/14] From Toyota Nation forums. Toyota finally released a service bulletin: TSB-0151-13. When you go to the dealer, tell them about this TSB and ask whether they have experience doing the repair. I would only have someone do this repair that has successfully performed at least one or two. It is a long and difficult repair that can go horribly wrong. I would talk to the service manager as well to tell them about what you know from this site and that you would like him/her to supervise the job and make sure it is done right. Assume that your car will be ruined and plan accordingly by protecting yourself and being ready for arbitration. Many have gone that route and have been successful, but you must prepare.
ADVICE FOR “REPAIRED” CARS:
DOCUMENT EVERYTHING! Write notes based on every visit, every conversation, every person’s name, every comment, everything. You may need it in arbitration and/or trial. Other than that, I’m not really sure what else to suggest. If it’s not fixed after the first time, there are too many stories on this blog of it getting worse after bringing it back over and back, not to mention the headliner and trim damage. Based on my reading of this article, it looks to me like Toyota could lump this problem into a minor noise problem rather than a substantial defect, which may make it hard to win a Lemon Law case. If we could prove that this is a safety hazard (in the event of an accident), we may have a better chance at winning a trial or getting publicity. I just don’t see any way we could prove that. I think it could be proven that it hurts the value of the car, but that would probably be an uphill battle, too. For some reason, we must go through arbitration before taking Toyota to trial and those that have gone to arbitration that have commented here have gone silent, so a non-disclosure agreement must be forced upon them for any kind of settlement.
FOR 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2011 CAMRY OWNERS:
Since I’ve gotten some comments about 2007-2011 roof noise, I did a little bit of research. Here is my advice for you: Toyota does know about this problem and they have a kit and instructions on how to fix it (despite what the dealer might tell you). Tell the service rep to look up this service bulletin on Toyota’s TIS website: T-SB-0088-12. It describes the problem well and gives full instructions on how to take the roof apart and fix the problem. I’ve heard that it is a very difficult job and some dealers might not want to do it. This should be covered under warranty if you are under the 36 months/36,000 miles. If the service rep is unhelpful, talk to the service manager. If they don’t help, call up Toyota corporate to complain. Just make sure to get it in the records before the warranty is up.
THE END
I found this whole situation hopeless with the roof problem that seems to be unfixable, the dash rattle that the dealer couldn’t fix, my check engine light came on and my fancy JBL touchscreen intermittently would go dark. My car is A LEMON pure and simple. I traded it in the fall of 2013 for a 2013 Ford Fusion Hybrid. The Fusion feels like a 10 year leap ahead in technology and interior design, albeit smaller inside. I feel much relief getting rid of this piece of crap. Shame on Toyota for handling this so poorly and slowly and not fixing the problem on the assembly line early.
Totally true! i just bought an SE, and this discription fits to a “T”. The noise was never present until @1500 miles were on the car. Now, it is non-stop and REALLY distracting! I called the local dealership, and they said they have never heard about any such claim. They said since there are so few miles on the car, to drive it untl the first scheduled oil change, and then if still present, they would do whatever they need to, to satisfy me.
My 2012 Camry Hybrid just went over 5,000 miles and was taken to the local dealership (Warrenton, VA) for the scheduled service and then a week after because of the persisting noise coming from the sunroof area. Thus far, the dealership have not solved the issue and claimed they were not able to duplicate the issue. To this point, there is no solution to the problem and no foreseeable recall for it.
I have the same sound coming from my 2012 Camry XLE. It is a metallic pop or thunk which occurs when the body is twisted while entering a driveway at an angle. I only get it about once a week. I have not seen a dealer about it because I don’t want them tearing my car apart and finding nothing as others report.
I’m experiencing exactly the same problem with my new 2012 Camry SE. The rattle-noise when driving is getting even more annoying. Don’t know what to do.
I as well experience the same sound on the sunroof
towards the passenger side. I took it yesterday for a check over at the dealer, even the technical guy came along as I drove it around the dealer. He said that if he hears the sound they would fix it right away. But sadly there was no noise since i washed the car a day before making the plastic on the sunroof expand or something. The clunking is back again and I will take the car back with proof to get it fix and drive a rental car for now. Ps. Make sure when the technical guy rides along you drive it on a harsh pavement not a nice pavement street.
Yes! My 2012 se Camry has this same issue unfortunate they have attempted to fix it now 4 times! Still making sounds!!! Along with other bumper defects.
I’m very frustrated but yet to have an answer !!!
I have a 2012 Toyota Camry S E with the sunroof my car now has 12,000 miles on it and about 2000 miles ago I started to notice the noise too my sunroof has leaked water into where the SRS airbag symbol is in the roof I don’t know if this is related but there is water leaking through my sunroof into the pillars I did have the sunroof open slightly while it was raining but I’ve done that with all of my cars and it is supposed to have drainage pipes so the water does not come back into the cabin i have not contacted the dealer yet but I’m very sad to hear that no 1 has had the problem fixed it sounds like the joints in the roof are coming apart
I have a 2011 Toyota Camry SE (with Sunroof). I have been experiencing a clunking noise in the roof area. It has been driving me nuts over the past few months. I am still looking into it to see what may be causing it.
Sim,
My service tech said that Toyota has a kit available to deal with the previous generation’s roof clunks. She ordered it for me, but the current generation design was much different.
Just wanted to give you all an update on the action I am taking. I posted on this blog back on 9/7/12 also saying I am having the same problem with the roof. Since then the dealer has returned my car to me stating they cannot fix it and they will let me know when to bring it back when Toyota corporate figures out a fix to the problem. That is not an acceptable answer, I bought a brand new car with a warranty as far as I’m concerned if it cannot be fixed I shouldn’t have to pay for the car. I have contacted Toyota Corporate myself letting them know that I want the vehicle fixed promptly, I asked the representative if he could tell me that he is 100% sure the car’s structure is safe to be driven and he couldn’t answer the question. He said he will get back to me within 48 hours and let me know when a specialist can come out and look at my car. I said if the car is not fixed I will be taking legal action and going public with this problem. They are still selling the Camry’s with this roof problem we all already have. Please let me know if any of you have gotten anywhere with Toyota corporate.
Thanks!
Hello,
I’m having exactly thesame problem with my Camry SE V6 2012. I coordinated an appointment with the Service Center in Puerto Rico. Let’s see what they tell me. I’ll keep you guys posted.
I too am experiencing an awful moaning and creaking from the roof of my 2012 Camry SE. It began around 3500 miles and is most noticeable when pulling in or out of my slightly inclined driveway. It is going back to the dealership next week.
Bought a brand new 2011 Camry SE same popping and cracking noise going on. I just left the dealer and they want to charge over $400 to “take a look” and also told me that its not part of the warranty. I plan on making a few phone calls to Toyota. But if nothing is resolved, I’ll just hire a lawyer. Contact me if you get any further, thanks.
Hi All,
Just wanted to give you all an update on my situation. I just came from my appointment at the Toyota Service Center and they fixed the problem. They removed the ceiling covers and adjusted a loose screw in the moonroof area. It took them the whole day, but they fixed it. There’s no more rattling sound on my Camry. Well, at least for the time being. Let’s see what happens.
I too am experiencing a clunking or popping noise on the roof of my 2010 Toyota Camry SE. The noise is mainly when driving over uneven floor and potholes. I have driven it 15k miles and i have set an appointment with the dealer to check the problem. They said they will have a tech drive with me so he can listen for the sound. They have no bulletin from Toyota and do not know what may be happening they need to look at the car. No time frame was given and no loner car was available if the car was going to stay with them. Lets just see what they find. I just hate to take it in and they tear up my car and have a bigger problem.
Mark & Cesar,
I’m told that the 2007-2011 models are a different sunroof/roof design and that Toyota DOES have a kit to fix the problem. My dealer’s service rep even ordered it for my 2012 to see if it would work. She said she’s fixed it a number of times.
Let me just say that the issue is being worked on by Toyota. The dealership may be able to fix the noise but something like that may take days to diagnose and fix. Quit your bitching
Andrew,
I think some of have the right to be upset. I paid a lot of money for my car and for 3 of the 4 months I’ve had it, it clunks. The reason I’m not angry is that the dealer hears the problem and wants to help, but is waiting for corporate. Some others might not have had this experience.
An email from Lynwood:
The service manager just got back to me and said Toyota knows of the problem, has a fix, but he was told not to touch the car until the TSB has been officially been okayed / “released” to the dealers to address, sometime within the next month. My profile at the Toyota dealer has been flagged for them to check on the progress on a daily basis.
I can actually tell they are concerned about this and really do want to resolve it for me. They had a bad rap a few years ago, and when the new owner too over, now they are all about pleasing the customers – signage all over the inside the building and courtesy calls to make sure the communications stay open…
Crossing fingers…
An email from Denisha:
Did you have any body issues. Our bumper kept unsnapping due to a bad clip. Which they replaced twice if it doesn’t stay this time I’m going to make them replace the front bumper and rivets that hold it together. I find it ridiculous that a brand new car should have such an Intense body issue.
my response: nope
My 2012 Camry Xle has been making the same sound since just after 1000 miles, but like others it isn’t consistent and don’t want the dealer telling me it doesn’t exist.
I started hearing a popping sound in the structure of the car (2012 Camry XLE), mostly in roof behind the drivers head, shortly after perhaps 5,000 miles. It wasn’t entirely consistent as summer hit and it didn’t get bad enough until a month or so later when it occurred EVERY time I pulled out of my driveway…a loud POP/BANG! Sadly, it took 11 days in total for them to fly out technicians from California to install and inspect the work, and fix what they damaged in the process of the repair [they somehow had lost a hood stopper, had to put a noise kit in the drivers A column as it began rattling after the first time they pulled down the headliner, and they had to replace the headliner]. Now, the good news is that the popping is gone. They simply placed “shims” in some strategic locations in the roof frame…I am not confident that isn’t a “treat the symptom” rather than a “fix the cause” strategy however. I can say that my moonroof now squeals like a banshee when opened and I am awaiting a repair for that. Further, in certain light, I can see that the headliner has been crumpled on the passenger side and I am awaiting a decision from Toyota about what to do about that. Here is an image. http://tinyurl.com/hdliner
Needless to say, I am not at all happy about this situation and if I had read the thread here, I would never have purchased this car.
I have since learned that my Brother’s neighbor has a 2011 Camry XLE and she has a serious popping in the roof of hers as well, and now plans to bring it in. I wish her better luck.
I have a 2012 Camry SE and it began popping at around 1500 miles. I took the car in 5 times and they have never fixed it. On the first visit,they torqued the sunroof rail bolts…but damaged headliner. On the second visit, they installed an insulation kit; but damaged the headliner even more and also damaged all of the trim work. On the 3rd visit, they replaced the headliner, tried to fix trim work unsuceesfully and installed more insulation. On the fourth visit, they installed more insulation because all of the wiring in the ceiling was loose and now vibrating. Again, they made further damage to headliner and trim. And somehow, the sunroof would not open and close correctly…so on the fifth visit, I had the dealer trade out the car for an identical car…with Toyota dispute center’s help. Sadly, the new 2012 Camry SE is popping now too. Never again will I buy a Toyota.
What a story. That doesn’t give us much hope here..
Also have a 2010 Camry SE V-6 with moon roof with a noisy/squeaky problem, especially when the roof gets hot from the sun. It’s unbearable. Dealer had to bring the car in 3 times to get the noise out of the car. Seems that Toyota’s with sunroofs have stress problems because of the way the roof supports are manufactured by Toyota. Since this problem has been ongoing into 2013 models, you would think that Toyota would have redesigned the roof support columns. Toyota is not the only car manufacturer to offer sunroofs. You would think they could figure it out instead of trying to fix an ongoing problem. My car sells for $38,000 in Canada and I should not have to put up with this noise. Not very responsible TOYOTA.
PS. Another problem has surface lately,- when the sun hits the dash, the whole dash squeaks. When its cool in the car, it stops. Anybody have that problem.
I have a 2011 Camry with a sunroof. Exact same complainst as above.
I took it to my local Toyota dealership – they were able todiagnose the problem without me even finishing my explanation. They have explained it o me as a epoxy weld that has come loose at the cross-member just behind the sunroof. Without the sunrrof, it would be further forward and align with the C pillar, thus in a stronger part of the chassis. Again, Toyota knows about this. It is a big job and requires that the new epoxy set up for at least 6 hours. They clearly have a design flaw!
I brought my 2011 Camry SE in 4 times telling them the same thing. A crunching, thumping or knocking noise. I went over bumps or railroad tracks, backed out of the garage and it was loud. Toyota stated that they knew nothing. Yesterday 10/5/12 I dropped the car off and stated that if it wasn’t fixed by the time I came back then I would contact my attorney. I don’t like to threaten legal action. However, this is all they understand anymore. They told me to come pick up my car last night and said, “It was the sunroof and the problem has been fixed!” It sounded more like the noise was coming from under the care not from above. I trusted everything would be fine…nope the sound was back this morning. I will be contacting my attorney on Monday. My email is luckylucas66@hotmail.com if you would like to join me in this issue.
I have a 2012 se v6.
So far at least a dozen visits to the dealer
At least 5 times for the rattling sunroof. Still no fix.. Was told they have to take apart the whole roof
2 times for a broken drivers side seat belt that locked up.
3 times for both front windows that howl when wet or cold outside. New weather stripping on order.
New sunroof Motor
New sunroof Switch and Dome light assembly. Switches stopped working. My roof liner looks like its 20 yrs old already.
Rear speaker blew 2nd month of owning it. Didnt even bother reporting it.
And now the power drivers seat is laboring, about to blow and barely moves back up.
Calling Corporate tomarrow
I have a Camry 2012 XLE Hybrid. I can’t tell you what a relief it was to find this info. I began experiencing the problem the day after I completed a survey from Toyota where I told them how satisfied I was with the fit and finish. 🙁 I wanted to add another observation. The metallic sound definitely increases when the temperature is below 50F. Also, my interior driver’s side light went on and would not go off until I opened and closed the moonroof.
Car is at the dealership now.
I dropped my 2011 Camry SE off yesterday to get fixed hopefully they will fix it or we are going to have problems. They say the popping is from the roof of the car behind the sunroof that is making the popping noise. I just want it fixed my car have 20,854 miles own it. This is the first problem I have came across with this car. I have had this car since it had three miles on it. The problem started around 6 weeks ago. They gave us a rental and we are just waiting now……
I have a new 2012 Camry SE with sunroof and YES there is plenty of noise up there when turning.
Toyota has had my car for the last 3 days to correct this problem and some play in the drivers seat.
Well we got our back a few months ago and within 10 min of driving a completely new sound. It’s popping in the very rear of the roof now. I’m so frustrated because the techs can’t reproduce the sound. Making me look crazy or worrisome. I’ve spent days with different cars while they fix all the roof issues. From reading these comments it doesn’t look promising because they are all negative in the end.
Although I am lucky enough to have super nice people to deal with so far. They are getti g frustrated which in turn stresses me out. It’s not really my problem I don’t think. If I pay 27,000 for a car it shouldn’t be making breaking metal popping noise. Worse case scenario in my opinion. Seems like the more they work on it the worse it all becomes. Apparently they have no idea how to fix it and supposedly corporate hasn’t even been contacted about the 12 s roof issues. From this blog I can say they must either be misinformed or lying.
With all this bein said I’m going to call corporate and crossing my fingers for good news. Ill keep you updated and I’m glad to know I’m not alone with the issue. Thanks.
I purchased a 2012 Toyota Camry SE at the end of September. About 1500 miles later, I started noticing a popping/cracking sound coming from the sunroof area. I contacted my local Toyota dealership and they informed me they had repaired 5 cars already. I took my car in and in 5 hours they had it repaired. From what I was told, they removed the sunroof, added some shims, and then replaced the roof. According to my dealership, they expect Toyota to issue a recall for repairs in the near future. I also was experiencing a popping sound coming from the overhead console area where the sunroof controls and home link buttons are located. They removed the plastic cover and found loose clips rattling against the inside. The dealership preceded to attach clips and wrap wiring to eliminate it from rattling around the inside of the plastic cover. I was a little unsettled paying $31,500.00 for a loaded V6 Camry SE that was making so much noise, but I am very pleased that the repairs were done quickly and the problems were addressed.
Hearing clicking after about 800 miles Camry Hybrid XLE in the sunroof drop ceiling, drivers side mainly. Terribly annoying. I have appointment with dealer for next week. They claim to have a fix to insulate. Will keep posted.
Gang –
I have a 2011 SE V6 and have the same issue. Car was built in Kentucky and I bought it brand new in CA. I have about 18,500 miles on it. I have tried to troubleshoot this and all I can say is that the noise happens on bumpy/uneven pavement as well as angled surfaces for me as well. Interestingly – no such problem at highway speed. In short it is driving me crazy and I knew the dealer would claim they couldn’t duplicate it. This blog is great. Please keep me informed so I can go in and get it fixed. Otherwise its an Acura TSX for me. This sucks.
We have about 9000 miles on our 2012 Toyota Hybrid with the same problems. We have a great dealership here in Mankato MN and I’m confident they will take care of the situation.
Have an of you considered making them replace the car or refund you ? I was concerned about the longevity of my Camry. I’m not sure but it sounds like its falling apart ! The sunroof is rattling now. Keep posting !!
Denisha,
There is one commenter here that got the car replaced. Then the one started to clunk in the roof…
Here is an email Denisha sent:
Well…. Factory rep from Cincinnati came down … He was a complete jerk he said nothing was wrong with our car. We couldn’t reproduce the sound directly for him. He proceeded to say he had other appointments and didn’t have time to deal with us all day.
So with that bein said they basically told us there was nothin they could do. They’ve exhausted all efforts to fix it. So the case worker suggested arbitration. In our state we have a lemon law as well. So I’m not certain what I’m going to do just yet.
I am certain of one thing … They won’t hear the end of it until its made right!!!!
I’ve never been so frustrated in all my life.
We went up there to talk to the manager one last time. My husband is currently with him now driving the car to show him a NEW Sound the car is making now. It’s right beside the sunroof and its a rattle. So along with the 2 times in the shop for the bumper defect. 5 times in the shop for the roof defects and now two new sounds the roof is making ! Oh how fun this Toyota Camry experience has been. I will keep you updated but as for now it’s not looking good at all! Hopefully it will get resolved I’m demanding it !
Thanks everyone. Update so we know how your experiences are
Hello everybody…as I had previously reported of the repairs done to my 2012 Camry, I have yet to experience any more issues as of yet (fingers crossed, of course). I live in Greensburg, PA and deal with a local Toyota Dealership who done the repairs. As I can’t promise to solve anyone’s issues, I would be more than happy to forward the dealerships contact info in hopes that maybe their service department could offer some help. I have spoken to a friend who previously worked for Toyota and they informed me after the 3rd service visit if problem was not addressed, I could demand a replacement vehicle. This could be done through the Toyota buy back program. But as we all know, that might be easier said than done. I will continue to keep everyone informed.
Email from Tim Candy (with the 2011):
Spoke to my dealer. I will be 4th Camry in (within the past month) with this problem. According to the service manager they are “very familiar” with this issue. He said Toyota corporate actually sent a rep out to show them how to repair it so I am thinking your local dealership (assuming they are a large one) should be aware of this and how to fix it.
Additional info for you – they didn’t know how to repair it when the first Camry came in. They then went to the technical folks at corporate and the rep arrived. They fixed the first one and then all of the sudden he said they had two more within weeks. Mine will simply be the most recent. He didn’t specify whether or not Toyota would issue a recall but it is definitely on their radar now.
The only issue now is whether or not their “fix” works. I will keep you apprised.
TC
I have a 2010 Toyota Camry & its past the 36,000 warranty & it started making this clunking metal noise around the sun roof a little while ago. I took it to the dealership & they want me to pay for them to open up the roof ($700) to find out the problem. Then they want me to pay for getting it fixed (an unknown amount at this time). The service center is making excuses to call Toyota to cover the cost to open, assess & fix this structural issue with the car. This clunking noise has gotten louder in the last couple days every time the car goes over a dip of any kind.
I also called Toyota & they were very rude & did not help at all, they mentioned that it would be something I should pay for since the warranty has expired.
Since when are car companies not accountable for issues on their vehicles that are ‘Poorly manufactured’!!!
My next course of action is to take this up with BBB & see if they can help resolve. In the meantime if anyone else has been able to fix this issue after their warranty has expired if you can share some information that would be great.
Thanks
I have been experiencing a knock/tap/clunk sound coming from the roof in my 2012 Toyota Camry SE V6 from the rear end of the car. Its got 11600 miles on it and I started noticing the sound around the time I took it in for the 10000 mile service. I hear the sound every time I drive up or down an incline at an angle. I took it to the dealer (Rochester Toyota in Rochester, Minnesota) and they said its sounds like its coming from the roof. I’m so glad that I am not the only one facing this issue. I will reference this website during my next appointment with the dealer.
I STRONGLY URGE YOU ALL TO FILE A COMPLAINT BY FOLLOWING THE LINK BELLOW:
https://www-odi.nhtsa.dot.gov/ivoq/
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
AE,
I wonder if they would investigate this because there’s no evidence it is a safety risk.
I’m not sure if they will investigate it. I guess its worth a shot. I will keep you all posted.
Great website btw…
I have a 2010 Camry doing the same thing. My husband took it in today and they say they can fix it but we will have to leave the car all day. Thankfully, it’s still under warranty. :-/
I had indicated on Oct 30th that I have the same clunking problems with our 2012 Toyota Hybrid. Took it to the dealership, they ordered parts, gave us a loaner car the day it got fixed. Later in the day we picked up our car. No cost to us and I have not heard that clunking noise since.
I posted above that our vehicle was repaired with no problems. The dealership is Heintz Toyota, Mankato MN. Mike Drysdale is the service manager and said if we should experience that noise again or any other, just to let him know.
I have had the same problem. My car has been in the Toyota service dept for 15 days now. They say it will be back with us tomorrow but they having taken the sunroof out of the car and the headliner. It is at the body shop getting “insulated” and shims placed into the roof. A Toyota rep came to look at it. If this doesn’t fix it, I am going to be highly ticked. They are paying out payment this month but if this doesn’t fix it, I am pursuing Lemon Law.