2018 Toyota Camry Power Train
Owner-reported problems and safety issues filed with NHTSA. Review common failures, severity levels, and complaint trends over time.
Complaint Timeline
Chronological view of owner reports
The transmission producing whining noise. The noise starts from about 5-10MPH and continually increases in pitch as the speed increases. The noise is constant and doesn’t break throughout the hear shifts. The noise stops the moment the accelerator is let go. The noise continues with any amount of the accelerator being pressed. Similar issues reported by other drivers. [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
Whining noise coming from transmission recall for certain CVT transmissions and Dealer advised that my VIN does not match
I am writing this to complain about the 8 speed automatic transmission! My car’s tranny went out at 68,500 miles 4 MONTHS AGO. To this day, it’s still drivable but I worry any day now it will give out. I have been quoted staggering prices from 5.5k to 9k! No warning lights which was also surprising. The problem first started when I heard gear grinding sound coming front underneath the front end when decelerating. I am very upset as these seems like an issue where thousands of customers are experiencing transmission issues ranging from jerks to slipping. And the worst part is Toyota won’t do anything about it! It’s clear as day that there should be a recall for the first year models for the 8 speed automatic transmission.
I am reaching out regarding a serious issue with my 2018 Toyota Camry xse that recently experienced a transmission failure at approximately 112,000 miles. This was completely unexpected, as I have consistently maintained the vehicle according to Toyota’s recommended maintenance schedule. Oil changes, fluid checks and other regulatory services. Given Toyota’s reputation for quality and durability, I was very disappointed to have a major transmission failure at this mileage especially with proper care and no signs of abuse and neglect. I strongly believe this should not occur under normal driving conditions and proper maintenance. My check engine light did NOT COME ON
2018 TOYOTA CAMRY SE PURCHASED BRAND NEW. AT 81K MILES, MY TRANSMISSION WENT OUT. BEEN BACK AND FORTH WITH THE DEALERSHIP AND ITS HAS A BACKORDERED FOR MORE THAN ALMOST 3 MONTHS, STILL WAITING. TOYOTA WILL NOT HELP WITH ME GETTING A LOANER OR THE DEALERSHIP. THERE ARE TONS OF PEOPLE OUT THERE WAITING FOR A TRANSMISSION AND TOYOTA IS NOT DOING ANYTHING! THIS IS MASSIVE IF THE WAIT TIME ITS 3 MONTHS FOR A TRANSMISSION. NEEDS TO BE RECALLED OR SOMETHING NEEDS TO BE DONE.
Transmission gave out with no lights and prior indications that there was a problem with it. On my way to work one morning my car stopped at a light at a busy intersection and then would not accelerate any further. I got all of my regular maintenance done and never had any accidents or issues other than this. My car only has 115k miles and is a 2018. I just paid this car off last year after buying it brand new.
The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the transmission was shifting from 1st to 2nd gear and while accelerating from a stop, the vehicle jolted forward. The vehicle was taken to the dealer however, the dealer was unable to duplicate the failure. The contact stated the failure recurred one and a half weeks later while driving at an undisclosed speed and the engine revved but the vehicle failed to respond. The contact had to maintain the RPM between 3,000 and 4,000 while driving uphill. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle became inoperable. The vehicle was towed to the dealer and was diagnosed with transmission failure. The vehicle was not repaired due to the part being on backorder. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and opened a case. The failure mileage was 66,000.
Constant transmission issues
Heard a whining noise and brought to the dealer. They said my 2018 Camry SE with 78,000 miles needs a new transmission. The transmission is on a national back order. Toyota has a TSB out for the same model year Sienna and Highlander but will not acknowledge there is an issue with the Camry.
I am writing to express a serious safety concern regarding my Toyota Camry. Recently, my daugther experienced a potentially dangerous situation while driving to a doctor’s appointment that I believe requires immediate attention. She was traveling on the highway in the leftmost lane, the fastest lane, when the car unexpectedly began to slow down. Despite pressing the gas pedal to accelerate, the engine revved louder, but the car did not respond or gain any speed. It became clear that the vehicle was losing power, and she was unable to maintain speed, causing a significant slowdown in traffic. As the situation became more alarming, she turned on the emergency lights to alert surrounding drivers, realizing that the car was decelerating despite her efforts. At this point, she was stuck in a very precarious position, with traffic merging from another highway to her right, and she remained in the middle of the road in one of the busiest and fastest lanes. Fortunately, after 15 minutes or so of this uncertainty, a kind passenger helped to push the car to the shoulder, allowing her to get out of the flow of traffic and avoid a potential accident or worse. What is most concerning about this incident is that there were no warning signs or indicators on the dashboard. No engine lights, warning signals, or unusual noises alerted her to any potential issue before or during the power loss. The car simply stopped responding while the engine continued to rev, leaving her stranded in a highly dangerous situation without any forewarning. I rely on my Toyota Camry for daily transportation, and this sudden and unexpected malfunction has shaken both our confidences and others around me about the vehicle’s safety. I request a thorough investigation into this incident to determine the cause of the malfunction, as well as any necessary repairs or inspections to ensure that this does not happen again. Toyota dealer has advised me there is no recall and there is nothing they can do.
I have a 2018 Toyota Camry SE in which the transmission has completely failed. If I drive the car without having it completely replaced it hesitates when trying to excel. I was almost hit several times while trying to pull out into traffic where the car wouldn't shift and accelerate when it needed to move quickly.
The transmission stopped working at approx 78,000 miles. The car completely died while driving with my children in the car. The tech said the fluid was black and there was no apparent cause of the transmission damage.
1.The transmission in my vehicle suffered not one, but two failures or malfunctions. Regrettably, as of March 13, 2024, I am no longer in possession of the vehicle. However, I do possess video footage, photographs, and a diagnostic report from the Toyota dealership, along with statements that I personally addressed to Toyota USA regarding the matter. 2.The transmission failure jeopardized both my safety and that of others on the road. While driving, I experienced a dangerous situation where pressing the gas pedal resulted in the engine revving, but the car failed to accelerate when necessary, posing a significant risk during critical moments. 3.The dealership confirmed the issue on two separate occasions. This problem occurred twice and was verified by the dealership. 4.The dealership conducted an inspection on the vehicle, but to my knowledge, no inspection was carried out by the police, manufacturers, insurance representatives, or any other parties. 5.Instantaneously the failure occurred, warning lamps, messages, and other symptoms indicating the problem were present.
Transmission issues car will not accelerate and then will abruptly speed up. The vehicle will stall at 15 mph and then shift and shake. The safety of driver put at risk while on the road because the car would go from 15 mph to 40 mph and traffic following behind could potentially rear end vehicle. Dealership inspected vehicle and informed Camry will need new transmission, no warranty left, current mileage only 69,500. No warning lamps, messages, or symptoms prior to failure. The vehicle was serviced at Toyota late December and no transmission issues indicated. The vehicle was purchased new directly from Toyota dealership. The vehicle should not have transmission issues with mileage of only 69,500. Toyota has failed consumers enormously with the 2018 Camry SE model.
I started getting weird shifting and hesitation I had around 70,000 miles took it to my local Toyota dealership, they completed several software updates. Also did a transmission fluid change that didn’t really resolve the problem now at about 113,000 miles I started getting odd shifting, and at higher speeds, when accelerating abruptly, the vehicle put itself in limp mode and will not accelerate further. Add 115,000 miles I took the vehicle into the Toyota dealership because the check engine light came on after accelerating onto the highway and the vehicle stalling and upon their investigation they found out that I would be needing a new transmission which is a little odd at 115,000 miles with the car only be five years old. Toyota, you should do better.
Toyota Camry 2018 SE - 8-speed automatic transmission fails to engage properly when leaving stoplight or making slow turn from highway. Left stoplight and made left turn at next intersection where transmission failed to engage and vehicle stopped moving (engine remained on but transmission disengaged). Number of following vehicles made emergency maneuvers to avoid the stopped vehicle. Put vehicle in Park, turned off ignition then restarted. Vehicle OK after that (this was fourth time a similar incident occurred with subject vehicle). Toyota dealer in Katy TX could not identify source of problem and indicated that nothing could be done to help. No other technical inspection was conducted other than by Toyota technicians. No warning lamps or signs prior to failure.
While traveling 54 mph my transmission stop responding to my gas peddle input. I pulled over to the side of the highway and placed the selector into neutral and back into drive which help with the problem but it returned within minutes. The check engine light illuminated and I drove to the mechanic and was told that the diagnostic code was the transmission sensor and the sensor was checked but know problems were found. With this car, I have pulled into the highway, in traffic , in the car stalled, as if it had extreme Turbo Lag which is very dangerous. The transmission is awful.
Purchased this 2018 Toyota Camry SE from DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota as a "Certified Pre-owned Vehicle". During early periods of ownership, the transmission noticeably experienced hard, jerking shifts during acceleration and de-acceleration between the first several gears of this 8-speed automatic transmission. The vehicle was brought back to the selling Toyota dealer where they said the transmission's performance was within spec and this was "normal" for this transmission. The most recent return for the transmission problem was April 2022 where the service advisor at the selling Toyota dealership stated their mechanic confirmed both that the vehicle received the software update issued by one of Toyota's TSB's (Technical Service Bulletin) which addressed owners/complainants' reports of hard shifting, and they confirmed the transmission had the proper level of fluid. It was noted there is no dipstick to check transmission fluid and I was informed this has to be done by a mechanic with the car on a lift from underneath the Camry. On Friday evening 09/24/2002, while driving Camry, the transmission began to stutter andsoon failed to engage ANY of it's gears and when pressing on the accelerator, the engine would Rev with increased RPM's, but the vehicle would not move. It had to be towed back to the DCH Wappingers Falls Toyota Dealership where it is currently parked with an inoperable transmission awaiting a diagnosis for either repair -o- replacement.
While entering the highway/merging onto on ramp. Have to yield to merge, upon slowing or reaccelerating. Vehicle hesitates and feels as if gear not catching/slipping.
Transmission shifts absolutely terrible hunts for gears constantly. It’ll clunk going from drive to park. The vehicle hesitates for more than a couple seconds sometimes when merging on the freeway making it dangerous when trying to get on. Toyota needs to recall these transmission and put the ones they fixed in
The transmission shutters very badly which makes it difficult to merge onto the freeway. It will clunk into drive at times. It also makes a whining noise when speeding up before shifting. I have a 2021 Camry as well and it is much much smoother and has none of the same problems like my 18
Vehicle hesitates/jerks at low speeds, rolling stop (low mph) when initially pressing accelerator will jerk/hesitate/take a breath before dropping into gear. This is a KNOWN issue that Toyota has thus far selectively chosen which engine codes they will repair. It is clear, on this website alone, that this issue is universal. Technical Service Bulletin T-SB-0152-19 REV1 should be available to all Toyota Camry owners immediately. This needs to be recalled.
THE TRANSMISSION CAUSES THE CAR TO JERK WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A ROLLING STOP AND WHEN THE TRANSMISSION AUTOMATICALLY DOWNSHIFTS FROM 2ND GEAR TO 1ST WHEN COMING TO A STOP. TRANSMISSION ALSO TAKES TOO LONG TO FIND GEARS WHEN ACCELERATING WHICH CAUSES ALL KINDS OF, WHAT IT SEEMS LIKE, THROTTLE LAG.
I HAVE AN ISSUE OF WHEN RESUMING ACCELERATION FROM A SLOW DOWN OR A COMPLETE STOP. THE CAR WILL HESITATE/ HICCUP AND GIVE STUTTERS WHILE ACCELERATING. A SUDDEN SPIKE IN RPM IS NOTICED AS WELL.
TRANSMISSION STALLS WHEN ACCELERATING AND REVS WHEN ACCELERATING TO HIGHER SPEEDS.
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Quick Summary
The 2018 Toyota Camry has 85 Power Train complaints on file. Review the timeline above for detailed owner experiences.