Power Train Problems of Toyota Camry - part 1

In late September 2026, at approximately 80,500 miles, my 2022 Toyota Camry se (2. 5l 4-cylinder, 8-speed automatic transmission) began making a whine under acceleration. The whine starts around 15 mph and fades around 65–70 mph, gets louder the harder I accelerate, and stops when I coast or shift to neutral. When I lift off the accelerator, it continues for about one second with a pulsing sound. Steering and a tire rotation do not change it. On October 13, 2026, at 82,206 miles, a Toyota dealer test drove the vehicle and confirmed a whining noise from the transmission on acceleration. The dealer noted “possible internal wear from bearing,” found no trouble codes, and recommended replacing the transmission assembly at a cost of $8,015. 09. At my request, the dealer also performed a transmission drain and refill with genuine Toyota ws fluid the same day, even though Toyota’s maintenance schedule does not require transmission fluid replacement under normal driving conditions. The whine was unchanged afterward. No warning lights or messages have appeared, and the transmission has not slipped. However, owners of the same and similar Toyota models with this 8-speed transmission have reported sudden loss of power while driving after similar symptoms. I am concerned that the transmission could fail without warning in traffic or on the freeway, putting me and others at risk. The vehicle has not been inspected by the manufacturer. I have opened a case with Toyota. The vehicle and transmission are available for inspection upon request.

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The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph, the vehicle was jerking and hesitating. The failure was a recurring failure. The dealer was contacted and was able to reproduce the failure. The vehicle was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The failure mileage was approximately 69,000.

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Total transmission failure at about 107,770 miles.

2018 Toyota Camry approx 126,000 miles. Transmission had always been rough-- previously jerking and was told by dealer technician that shocks needed to be replaced soon. While out of state and traveling in remote area, the car gave out. Was advised by out of state Toyota dealership technician that the transmission had blown and the inside of the mechanism had imploded and the car could not be moved at all. According to review of other consumer complaints Toyota was aware of the mechanical defect with transmission and related defective software but failed to disclose to the consumer. Toyota has failed to issue a recall.

When I purchased this vehicle during 2020 I noticed that the car runs very sluggish and the transmission would jerk a lot when slowing down and when speeding back up, ive been able to replicate this problem for the dealership and I took it to them and all they said they can do is reset the transmission and check the fluid levels. So for the past 4 years ive been driving it like that with no issues resolved. Until this year 2026, I took the car back to the dealership and I explained to them that I hear a whining sound coming from the transmission when its runs at 3k rpms and they were able to replicate the noise and all they said is they cant do nothing since the transmission still runs even tho their is a clear sign that the transmission is giving up and the jerking and hesitation of the transmission is clear. I also have statement from the service manager claiming their is a whine sound.

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The vehicle has developed a high-pitched whine that is most noticeable around 30 to 55 mph. The pitch increases directly with vehicle speed, not engine rpm. The sound occurs whenever positive throttle is applied and disappears immediately when the accelerator is released, before vehicle speed noticeably decreases. Gear changes do not appear to affect the pitch. I am concerned this may indicate a transmission/transaxle or final-drive problem. No warning lights are currently present.

My granddaughter was driving on the freeway. Car just slowed down to 30 miles an hour. Secondary collision brake system malfunction warning came on. Also, other lights came on. Luckly no one hit her from behind. She pulled over to the shoulder. Highway patrol came by escorted her off the freeway. By the time she reached a safe place to park, car would not go into gear. Car was towed to a Toyota dealer. After having the car checked I was told it was the transmission. Quote was 9100 dollars for repair. Car had 71329 miles. I have bought 3 Camry vehicles. I was disappointed with all the phone calls I had to make for some help for repair cost from Toyota. I finally had the car repaired after having it towed to envision Toyota of milpitas. Received vehicle back 09/15/2026. Out of pocket expense was 5893. 03. It was mentioned to me at the Toyota dealer in vacaville. The transmission was assembled differently in the years 2018-2024 models. Toyota knew about the issue customers were having and did nothing. Now Toyota is being sued.

The transmission has begun failing, with less than 60,000 miles and a perfect maintenance record. While driving I noticed a "whine" while accelerating and it would go away when not pressing the accelerator. It also did not make the noise when in neutral. This is a known issue with the 2018 Toyota Camry and the manufacturer did not send out a notice, any type of additional support or maintenance recommendations to make customers aware.

Transmission shutter/ hard shifting/ and whining.

The transmission is premature wearing due to excessive heat causing pump to overheat.

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The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota csp 24te04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropping into 'limp mode' and experiencing severe transmission shifting failures while being driven on public roads, creating an immediate safety and crash hazard. Furthermore, a franchised Toyota dealership actively turned away an attempted preventive repair under the 'prior sought remedy' rule while the vehicle was under the 100,000-mile warranty threshold, stating the dashboard light had to be on first, which directly allowed this hazardous electrical degradation to progres.

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 diagnostic trouble code p2716 related to transmission pressure control. The transmission fluid was serviced, but the shudder continued. While driving on the highway, the check-engine light came on again. The vehicle was subsequently returned to the seller and a $7,500 settlement was reached. I am reporting this to document the mechanical and powertrain problems experienced with this vehicle.

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My regularly serviced 2018 Toyota Camry is now in need of a $10,000 transmission replacement. Based on research, it is not normal for a modern Toyota Camry to need a new transmission at 125k miles. Toyota has documented complaints that the 2018 Camry's 8-speed automatic transmission has a known history of premature failures and is the subject of thousands of owner complaints. A recall needs to be enforced as Toyota has sold defected 2018 vehicles! I purchased this vehicle in 2018. Anyone who bought the 2018 Camry in 2018 should be a part of a recall & not charged for Toyota’s defect with this being a well known issue.

The transmission in my 2018 Toyota Camry xse with 124k miles went out even after getting regular maintenance. There is currently a class action law suit for this issue and a recall needs to be initiated.

My 2023 Toyota Camry has developed an intermittent defect where the ignition key becomes stuck and cannot be removed even though the dashboard shows the vehicle is in park. The only way to remove the key is to disconnect the vehicle's battery, which is not a normal or safe operating procedure. The problem occurs intermittently and has happened multiple times. I believe there may be a defect involving the ignition key release system, shift interlock, park position switch, or a related electrical component. This condition could leave drivers stranded or unable to secure their vehicle and creates a potential safety concern. I am submitting this complaint so the issue can be investigated and to determine whether other 2023 Toyota Camry owners are experiencing the same problem.

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Transmission is failing in car. Has started whining, consistent with other complaints I have seen regarding the transmissions in these vehicles.

After taking the car on a short drive: pre-collision malfunction; parking brake malf; ics malf; chk eng reduced power; secondary collision brake malf; rough idle and driving; sometimes won't accelerate (revs only); cruise control won't work; battery drained when off (12. 5 v to 10. 5 in one day; battery just under 3 years old); after replacing battery: obd 2:p0302.

Hesitation when shifting gears. Rough or jerky gear changes.

The transmission has developed a leak around the torque converter. The front pump seal has failed, a worn pump bushing and or the torque converter hub is damaged. The risk of the transmission failing and leaving me stranded on the highway puts me at risk and also the oil leaking causing a slip hazard and ruining my driveway! independent service (rhode island state inspection station (#901fea) independent service (rhode island state inspection station (#901fea) no.

My vehicle completely lost power and stalled on the freeway, requiring a tow. A Toyota dealership has diagnosed it with a total internal failure of the ua80 transmission and quoted me $9,000. This vehicle has been properly maintained, including a documented transmission fluid service at a Toyota facility in March of this year. A modern powertrain should not suffer a life-threatening failure at 130,000 miles. Because of this severe safety defect and my documented maintenance history, I am requesting a corporate goodwill accommodation to cover or significantly cost-share this replacement.

Vehicle has 75,000 original miles. At around 73,000 miles, I began to hear a whining noise from the engine bay while accelerating at highway speeds. I took the car into the dealership where they confirmed the transmission has failed and needs to be replaced. All routine maintenance has been done on schedule and is on record with the dealership since original vehicle deployment. This vehicle has the ua80 transmission that is the center of multiple class-action lawsuits in the us due to early failure, allegedly due to design flaws.

My transmission is experiencing slipping, which causes the engine to rev up without delivering power to the wheels when I accelerate. This delay in gear engagement creates a high-safety risk during merges and passes because my vehicle cannot match traffic speeds predictably. Also, when pulling out onto a busy road I am not able to do it normally, I have to do it very slowly because it will miss and the engine revs up. This is a huge concern for all of us Toyota owners with this type of transmission. I see the history and issues have been know for quite sometime and Toyota has done nothing about it.

Transmission is making a whining sound when accelerating. The car only has 99,000 miles on it.

Transmission has been having intermitten issues with slow or sluggish acceleration. The rpm dial would oscoliate before it would shift or you would it feel the car jerk while driving like its attempting to shift. Ive had this vehicle in and out of multiple Toyota dealerships and they always said they could not find any issues with it this was starting back when the car had like 30k miles on it maybe 2 years of ownership now that its out of warranty they find issues with it now and tried to give me a repair for a complete new transmission for 6,000 they did a software update however did not fix the issue now the transmission is noisy and making a loud whinning noise.

Torque convertor issues when driving 30-50 mph.

I am writing to formally document a serious safety incident involving my 2019 Toyota Camry xse (VIN: [xxx]) and to express my deep dissatisfaction with the reliability of this vehicle and my experience obtaining support and repairs. On xxx while driving northbound on [xxx] to attend a wedding approximately 90 minutes from my home, my vehicle experienced a sudden and dangerous malfunction while traveling at approximately 70 mph. While operating at highway speed, I pressed the accelerator pedal in an attempt to maintain and increase speed with traffic flow. Although the engine rpms increased, the vehicle failed to accelerate. The engine appeared to respond to throttle input, but power was not being transferred to the wheels. This unexpected loss of propulsion occurred without warning. The failure created an immediate safety hazard. As my vehicle rapidly lost the ability to keep pace with surrounding traffic, I narrowly avoided being struck by a freight truck traveling behind me. I was forced to coast the vehicle to the shoulder of the interstate while surrounded by highway traffic. This was a frightening experience that placed my safety and the safety of others at risk. After the incident, the vehicle was inspected by a Toyota dealership in kennesaw, georgia. I was quickly advised that the transmission was the source of the problem. While I understand that a formal diagnosis may be required to determine the exact cause of the failure, I was surprised to learn that the transmission was believed to have failed. This vehicle has had only one owner and has never exhibited any warning signs, symptoms, or performance issues that would have led me to believe there was a transmission problem. The transmission had not been slipping, hesitating, making unusual noises, or displaying any other indications of impending failure. Given these facts, I find it difficult to understand how a transmission in a Toyota vehicle could suddenly fail. Information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u. S. C. 552(b)(6).

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 60 mph on the highway, the vehicle unintendedly accelerated to 100 mph, and the vehicle started to slow down independently. The contact removed the foot off the accelerator pedal for a second, depressed the accelerator pedal again, and the vehicle worked as intended. The vehicle was not taken to a dealer and an independent mechanic to be diagnosed, and it was determined that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified on the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 102,000.

I own a 2018 Toyota Camry equipped with the ua80 8-speed automatic transmission. I have experienced the following symptoms: burning smell coming from the transmission, hesitation and jerking during acceleration, and previously noticed a knocking/clunking noise that eventually stopped on its own. These symptoms are consistent with the known ua80 transmission defect involving excessive heat buildup, premature fluid degradation, and torque converter failure. I am aware that Toyota has known about this defect since at least 2016 and has issued multiple technical service bulletins without offering a permanent fix or recall. The transmission has not yet been inspected by a dealer. I am filing this complaint to add to the public record and support a formal NHTSA investigation.

Transmission began failing. Whining coming from transmission when accelerating and shifting becoming more rough. Dealership said transmission is failing and needs to be replaced. Mileage is at 89,000 miles. Rough shifter made it dangerous to drive on the highways. Was inspected by warranty adjuster. No warning lamps or lights ever appeared.

Vehicle shut off while driving on highway during morning rush. Car shut off within seconds of flashing dashboard. I was in a dangerous situation with the possibility of creating a major highway accident, I was stuck on the highway with disappearing breakdown lane. Pulled code p26cb on obd code reader at auto zone; p26cb7 pulled on Toyota diagnostic code reader= engine coolant pump actuator stuck. Active tested water pump and pump. It working. Tested for power and ground at the pump and good. Need to replace electric water pump per Toyota. Diagnostic test $184. 95 at Toyota. Toyota requesting $1,400. 00 for repair not including diagnostic testing. Called Toyota dealership and Toyota and was told it doesn’t fall under warranty or goodwill that code p26cb isn’t the same as their code p26cb7. After the incident I researched Toyota Camry and this is a well documented issue that is being declined. My Toyota Camry was bought brand new and has 49,000 miles. I am traumatized and disappointed with the product and services I have received with this 2019 Toyota Camry.

The 8-speed automatic transmission (aisin ub80, the 4-cylinder variant of the ua80 family) failed at approximately 53,000 miles. Symptoms prior to failure: harsh shifting, rpm flare to 4,000 between gears before hard engagement ("thud"), loss of power in reverse, and a metal-on-metal noise from inside the transmission when power was applied. No dashboard warning lights illuminated at any point. Safety risk: the vehicle would not shift normally and lost power in reverse, with the engine revving to high rpm before abrupt gear engagement. This created a real risk of sudden loss of forward propulsion in traffic, abrupt unintended acceleration on engagement, and inability to safely reverse. The failure occurred without prior warning indicators. The problem was confirmed by both an independent service center and an authorized Toyota dealer. The Toyota dealer performed a road test and a transmission fluid sample analysis. The dealer documented, verbatim: "vehicle will rev up to 4k before shifting and will only shift if you let off the gas. . . Took a transmission fluid sample and found fluid was burnt with clutch pack material suspended in fluid. Transmission will need to be replaced. " quoted repair: approximately $10,747. The failure mechanism — burnt fluid with suspended clutch pack material from heat-driven internal wear — matches the defect alleged in three active federal class-action lawsuits naming this transmission family (filed in u. S. District courts in texas, California, and new jersey, late 2025 through early 2026). It also matches multiple Toyota technical service bulletins (t-sb-0330-17, t-sb-0010-18, t-sb-0152-19) and the defect Toyota has acknowledged on the 2017-2018 sienna and highlander under customer support program zjc by extending warranty to 10 years/unlimited miles on the same transmission family. The failed transmission is no longer in my possession; the vehicle has been sold. Diagnostic documentation is available upon request.

This 2020 Camry's transmission will be fine and then when you let off the throttle it will begin to slow as it should. However, when you reapply the throttle the transmission slams very forefully into gear and jolts the car forward violently. Idl'd heard about this on numsrous Camry's before, but until I owned one I had no idea how bad this is. . . It is not safe. Toyota needs to correct this problem for all their vehicles.

You have this. Additional research about the cause of the crashes. None of this was published by Toyota as a potential disastrous problem.

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You have this three separate events 05/15 05/18-20? 06/10/2026.

The check engine light illuminated on my 2020 Toyota Camry xse 2. 5l with approximately 132,798 miles. An obd2 scan revealed fault code p26ae — engine coolant bypass valve 'b' control circuit high. This is a known widespread defect affecting 2018-2022 Toyota Camry, rav4, and corolla vehicles equipped with the 2. 5l dynamic force engine. The plastic valve casing is prone to cracking, allowing coolant to seep into the electrical connector and corrode the pins, triggering the fault. Toyota has acknowledged this issue through a customer support program offering free replacement on qualifying vehicles, however many owners are still being quoted $900-$1,300 at dealerships. The faulty valve affects the engine coolant flow control system and transmission cooling circuit. Warning light appeared suddenly after a routine fuel fill. Vehicle has not yet been inspected by dealer. Component is available for inspection upon request. ".