Electrical, engine and powertrain issues among the top complaints received by the NHTSA from vehicle owners
The Toyota Camry has been in production since 1982. It’s become known as one of the most reliable vehicles in America’s history, but recent reports suggest the newer models don’t live up to the same standards. Still, Toyota must not have received the memo because this year’s lineup features the tagline, “daring side of dependability.” Let’s take a closer look at the issues with the powertrain, electrical system and engine on this popular sedan.
Click on other model year to view more problems: 2020 2021 2022
The powertrain includes all of the components that transmit the power to the wheels. This consists of the transmission and engine. The powertrain is considered one of the most critical systems on the vehicle. When it malfunctions, it’s challenging to get the car to move at all.
One person experienced these problems first hand and wrote about it on an Edmunds review. “I think the 2018/19 Camry’s are the best looking car out there. I have all the safety features and they work very well. However, the automatic transmission is horrible. Shifting when accelerating like from a red light or stop sign is bad. Usually, there is a delay and the car jerks. Also during acceleration there is a lot of engine noise. For these reasons I cannot recommend it and although it’s beautiful it’s not fun to drive and I’m already considering getting rid of it to get a different car. Wish I had of paid more attention during my test drive.”
The company has remained strangely quiet regarding these problems. There are no recalls, investigations or service bulletins that we are aware of. Instead, they’ve chosen to issue recalls on problems such as an incorrect label which might cause people to overload their vehicle. While that’s certainly a priority, how much more should a malfunctioning transmission be? After all, who wants to be the last one sitting at a light that’s turned green? It only takes a matter of seconds before someone starts blowing their horn.
REACCELARATION SHOCK, TRANSMISSION LAG, ESPECIALLY UPON RE-ACCELERATION FROM COASTING OR WHEN TRYING TO OVERTAKE SOMEONE ON THE HIGHWAY, DANGEROUS. LUGGING AND SHIFT SHOCK ON DOWNSHIFTING AND UPSHIFTING, FEELS LIKE YOU GET REAR ENDED SOMETIMES.
WHEN ON A COMPLETE STOP AND STEP ON THE GAS PEDAL THE CAR FEELS LIKE IT’S STUCK IN NEUTRAL AND THEN IT JERKS INTO GEAR.
THE TRANSMISSION ON THIS CAR DOES NOT SHIFT THE WAY IT SHOULD. WHEN ACCELERATING FROM A STOP THE TRANSMISSION SEEMS TO HAVE TROUBLE DECIDING WHAT GEAR IT SHOULD BE IN AND THE SHIFT POINTS ARE TOO HIGH ESPECIALLY WHEN SHIFTING INTO 3RD OR 4TH GEAR. THERE IS SOME SERIOUS HESITATION THAT SHOULD NOT BE PRESENT. ALSO, WHEN DOWNSHIFTING IT FEELS LIKE SOMEONE TAPPED THE BRAKE PEDAL BECAUSE IT SLOWS DOWN SIGNIFICANTLY. IF A CAR BRAKES IN FRONT OF ME AND I HAVE TO SLOW DOWN AND THEN GET BACK ON THE GAS TO SPEED BACK UP IT TAKES TOO LONG FOR THE CAR TO GET UP TO SPEED TO KEEP UP WITH TRAFFIC. THIS HAS ALL HAPPENED ON SIDE STREETS AS I HAVE NOT TAKEN THE CAR ON THE HIGHWAY YET.
| Complaint Category | Number of Complaints |
|---|---|
| Fuel/propulsion System | |
| Engine | |
| Power Train | |
| Unknown Or Other | |
| Service Brakes | |
| Air Bags | |
| Electrical System | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | |
| Fuel System, Gasoline | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: Warnings |
Just as vital is the engine. It’s considered the heart of a vehicle, pumping out precious power to get drivers where they want to go. Unless it is reliable, the car is virtually worthless.
Just read this one review from the NHTSA website, “I rented a 2019 Toyota Camry for 9 days. Many times while accelerating, the engine loses power. It is especially dangerous when attempting turns in front of ongoing traffic. The car would start to go then just seem to die as I was making the turn. Then, engine lights would come on and it would just start coasting. The car never stalled, it just would not go. I learned very quickly to not think I could make a turn into the oncoming traffic safely unless I had enough room to coast across the intersection. Also it was very dangerous when trying to merge into traffic. I looked this up on the Internet and it seems to be a very common problem with Camrys but I do not understand why there is not a recall or, at least, an investigation started by NHTSA.”
Does it surprise anyone to know that the company is also quiet on this front? There’s nothing to report about the transmission or the engine. It’s as if everything is fine; nothing to see here. For those people that have children, it’s like playing hide and seek with a baby. They cover their eyes and think no one can see them, even though everyone knows they are still there. Drivers see the problems with the Camry; they can’t be hidden.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT THE ENGINE MADE A LOUD CLICKING NOISE. WHILE DRIVING AT AN UNKNOWN SPEED, THE VEHICLE VIBRATED AND SHOOK. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO SWOPE TOYOTA WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT THE VEHICLE MAY NOT HAVE THE CORRECT MOTOR. THE VEHICLE WAS ALSO TAKEN TO OXMOOR TOYOTA THE DEALER TEST DROVE THE VEHICLE AND WAS UNABLE TO DUPLICATE THE ENGINE FAILURE. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 1,500
I RECENTLY PURCHASED A 2019 TOYOTA CAMRY IN FEBRUARY. I’VE NOTICED THAT WHILE DRIVING THE VEHICLE, THE ENGINE SEEMS TO HESITATE AND JERK WHEN ACCELERATING. THIS IS A CAUSE FOR CONCERN BECAUSE WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND GIVING THE VEHICLE GAS, IT CAUSES THE RPMS TO SHOOT UP AND THE CAR JERKS FORWARD. THIS CAN CAUSE THE VEHICLE TO STRIKE A VEHICLE OR ANYTHING IN FRONT OF IT. IT IS NOT ANY DIFFERENT IF THE VEHICLE IS STATIONARY OR IN MOTION. IN EITHER SITUATION THE VEHICLE IS HESITATING AND JERKING WHILE ACCELERATING. IT IS ALSO DANGEROUS TO TURN INTO ONCOMING TRAFFIC. IF THE CAR STRUGGLES TO ACCELERATE IT CAN CAUSE A COLLISION.
We've fixed thousands of lemon problems. Message or call 877-795-3666 today.
A car’s electrical system goes beyond just the battery and alternator. It also runs just about every component on the vehicle, making it extremely complicated and necessary at the same time. When a driver experiences trouble with this vital network of connectors, trouble can present itself in many ways.
Here’s one review from the Edmunds website depicting one way the electrical system fails in a Camry. “Purchased new May, 2019, have only 900 miles to date, and twice received in-car alert that the… power steering electronics had malfunctioned and MUST hold on to steering wheel. Took car to dealer and after a review, was advised that the malfunction code was cleared and I was good to go. The next day when my wife was driving in expressway traffic the malfunction kicked in and she lost power steering and had to maneuver to the side to avoid an accident. Got the car to the dealer and was informed that electronic power steering module needs to be replaced. WOW!!! Schedule to pickup today but my wife is fearful about driving it. Dilemma!!!”
Of all ten service bulletins provided by the company regarding electrical systems, none of them deal with anything remotely important. Instead, the automaker discusses trouble connecting to Bluetooth and using the audio system. While it’s possible these malfunctions might seem catastrophic to some drivers, it’s not nearly as essential as whether the power steering works or not.
BRAND NEW CAMRY 2019 (3,105 MILES, OWNED FOR 2 MONTHS) LOST ALL POWER WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY – DRIVER CONSOLE (SPEEDOMETER, SCREEN, ETC) WAS COMPLETELY TURNED OFF – HAD TO PULL OVER IMMEDIATELY. UPON TURNING THE VEHICLE OFF AND RESTARTING, THE FOLLOWING WAS DISPLAYED; MASTER WARNING LIGHT (YELLOW TRIANGLE WITH EXCLAMATION MARK), POWER STEERING WARNING LIGHT, DRIVER SCREEN IN CONSOLE DISPLAYED MESSAGE READING “STEERING POWER LOW. VISIT YOUR DEALER”. VEHICLE WAS TURNED BACK OFF. AFTER A FEW MINUTES, THE VEHICLE WAS RESTARTED – NONE OF THE PREVIOUS WARNINGS WERE DISPLAYED. NO SYMPTOMS OR ISSUES HAVE OCCURRED SINCE. TOOK VEHICLE TO THE DEALER THE NEXT DAY AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. SUSPICIOUS COMPONENTS / POTENTIAL ISSUES WERE CHECKED AND NOTHING WAS FOUND. WAS TOLD TO RETURN IF IT HAPPENS AGAIN.
DRIVER WINDOW DOES NOT GO DOWN ALL THE WAY HAVE TO TRY SEVERAL TIMES AND WHEN I PUT IT UP IT SEEMS TO WANT TO JUMP OFF TRACK. PUSHES WINDOW SLIGHT INWARD. RIGHT REAR PASSENGER WINDOW MAKES STUTTERING MOTION WHEN GOING UP. NOT GOOD
Think you have a lemon? Sit back and let the experts work out your lemon case at no cost to you. The law makes Toyota pay legal fees. You may be able to get your lemon out of your life. Every year, auto manufacturers buy back, replace or pay cash settlements to thousands of ‘lemon’ owners like you.
Brian Jones spent more than 30 years working as an ASE Certified Master Tech and Parts Specialist at multiple dealerships. Brian has become an authority in the industry, traveling across the country to consult for car dealerships and contributing his expertise as a writer for several major automotive publications. In his spare time, Brian enjoys working on pickup trucks, muscle cars, Jeeps and anything related to motorsports.
See more posts from Brian Jones
I have a 2019 Camry se with complete transmission failure at 154k. Having trouble getting the torque converter. Toyota has a problem with the 2018 and 2019 transmissions and doesn’t want to address it.
I have a 2019 Toyota Camry and the Transmission failed at 14000 miles. I just don’t understand why they want put a recall on them for the Transmission. Everyone is having problems with the 2018 and 2019 Toyota Camry. The price on getting the car fixed is ridiculous and my warranty was up at 10000
I purchased a 2019 Toyota Camry in March 2022. And my transmission already failed. 🥹
I purchased my 2019 Toyota Camry about 7 months ago. After driving it for 2 days I noticed a lag in a elevation and the car having a hard time switching between 1st and 2nd gear. I would hit the gas pedal to turn onto a busy street and there would be around 5 seconds of lag and then the car would lurch forward and the rpms would jump up then settle. I have almost been hit due to the delay in acceleration. A couple days after getting the car I brought it to a 3rd party auto shop and explained my concerns. They inspected it and said they could find nothing wrong though they agreed with my assessment. Recently the car has been shaking occasionally while the lag in acceleration is happening. My car has also shook occasionally when breaking from both high and medium speeds. I have an appointment with Toyota Marin tomorrow morning to get this looked at since there’s 3,000 left on the drivetrain warranty. I’m not feeling to optimistic after reading everyone’s comments and seeing that Toyota has claimed everything up to their standards and never actually fixed the problem. I am financing the vehicle and have 5.5 years and 20k left until I pay it off. I will be contacting a lawyer who specializes in this in the morning. I can’t get stuck with a faulty car just to pay it off and have a hunk of junk.
2019 Toyota Camry SE torque converter shuddering at 40mph. Has 181,000 miles on it and I had the extended warranty. Toyota put a used transmission with 45k mikes on it and it still shudders at 40mph. I’m at a loss for words. They want to put another used transmission and I have to pay the labor cost $3000)
Like all the Customers before me, I’m sure that Toyota knows that this Model were made with defects. My 2019 Camry xse have the same conditions and feels Very Unsafe, personally I don’t trust the Car or Toyota with their LIES,, this is my Second Camry, the other one was a 2018,, same problems. I thought by training it can solve my worries. We need to Get our money back.
My 2019 Toyota Camry started to randomly stutter, lag in acceleration or randomly jerk (usually on the highway) ever since the Toyota dealership had replaced the fuel pump as a recall issue back in 2021– and the car has just not been the same ever since (it is less than three years old and under 36k miles). I’ve taken it back to the dealership several times and they kept saying they could never find anything wrong even after hitting me up for a diagnostic fee every time. Finally last week, the car stuttered and stalled completely right at a traffic light, with the engine light and malfunction message popping up– I literally had to get it towed to the nearest dealership. Toyota HQ in Texas have been slow and unwilling to really assist in my issue, saying my warranty doesn’t apply and I intend to evolve this to litigation
I bought a 2019 Toyota Camry with 22,000 miles.First it was fine.Than I noticed the rpm in the charging system was acting up.It would rev up too the power back down to charge like the car was shutting down.My steering felt funny and my brake petal would go although way too the floor.
Originally the maintenance required light came on and a triangle with a explanation mark. I had driven the car for about 2 thousand miles. It was supposed to be a certified Toyota Camry.So contacted the dealer and the said mane the forgot to reset the system before it was on the lot for purchase.He said anyone could rest it.So I took it by another dealer and ask them to rest it.They came out and did it by the steering well. I have seen that triangle with the explanation mark come on and go right off a few times.
That the car seem like it was not using gas ,just very slightly. I went to a neither dealer because the brakes seem not to be working even with the petal to the floor. I was told it’s probably the battery and that’s maintenance and I would need to pay.
WHAT , I have owned the car for 3 months and about 3 thousand miles.it should be aleast under a manufacture warranty.The car has 25,000 miles.They wanted to charge a diagnosis fee.WHAT IT IS A CERTIFIED TOYOTA CAR.Today I am going to a fourth dealer to see what is going on with my Camry. I bring under warranty and seeing many others have similar issues our cars should be under a recall. I am scared to drive it because I not sure when it will act up.
I recently purchased a 2019 camry XLE/ There seems to be a hesitancy about it when taking off, it just doesn’t seem to have the power of my previous 2005 Camry LE which I had from 2005 – 2022, march. I’m thinking of actually trading it as there appear to be something that’s just not right. Plus the attitude of the dealer sucks when attempting to speak with the general manager, I don’t need this behavior or car if they’re acting this way. Plus when I purchased the vehicle I noticed a few days after picking it up that all four tires were different makes. After speaking with the salesman, he informed me that this was normal if the tires were good. What can I do?
I hate my 2019 Toyota Camry I asked at 100 miles about the jerking and stalling they said you have t driven it enough so at every 5000 mile service I complain of same issues with transmission and I’m continually told to get used to it as it’s the new 8 speed trans and it’s running as it should. I’m just waiting to be hit by a car as it stalls then jerks forward and backward almost feels like it’s taking a big gulp of air through every shift. Do not get a Toyota run away
2019 camry se worse car I’ve ever owned. Bought used 44,000 miles. Rides very bumpy. Has no pick up speed for passing. Traded my 2018 nissian altima for an upgrade. Worse decision could ever make. Now I’m stuck. Cute little car so disappointing. Also owned a 2014 corolla. Would have any day over this crap.
I have a 2019 Toyota Camry had a amp installed a year later the car stalled on me been to the dealer every times went back to the company who installed the amp they said the amp can not be causing these issues the engine shuts down but it still have power
James B. 2019 CAMRY WENT TO START AND DID POWER SURGE“` THEN NOTHING, THEN A FEW MINUTES LATER IT STARTED, NOW THE BACK UP CAMRA NOT WORKING AND A LIGHT IS FLASING I LOOKED IN THE MANUEL SAID TAKE TO DEALER OMG, AND ALSO THE TRANSMISION IS REALY ACTING FUNNY WHEN SLOWING DOWN AND TRYING TO GIVE IT GAS ITS NOT IN THE RIGHT GEAR WOW!!!! 7,103 MILES THIS IS A LEMON!! 28,000 $$$ LEMON
I bought a new Toyota Camry in Ireland, have an appointment with the dealer soon. The problem is the drivers front fender and the drivers door, the gap is narrowing and the fender is bulging out.
Let’s hope this is not structural in the car, however it is a big worry as to why should a wing / fender move after 24,000 Km, my friend has a Camry same year and model with exactly the same issue.
I intend to get a motor assessor on the issue immediately as this seems a common problem.
Bought 2019 Camry, Problem leaving a green light it hesitates before going! From reading complaints this seams to be a common occurrence! This is definitely going to get somebody KILLED! This transmission problem needs to be fixed! Or I’m done buy Camrys!
My 2019 camery has been jerking for 2 days made an appointment with the dealership and it couldn’t make it while driving it just stopped, had it towed ti them last night .
I leased for the first time in 2019 a Toyota Camry 2019. A week later I discovered the car has gas licking and would leave spots on the ground when parked. I took the car to Mossy Toyota in San Diego and after more then 10 days they told the manufacturer Toyota would take the car back. I had to go back there and sign papers for the new car another 2019 Toyota Camry. Less than 2 years later there is a recall where the car could stop in high speed because a fuel problem. The car it’s going to be at the dealer parking lot for 3 months until they can fix it. Seriously! And I leased because didn’t want to deal with car problems. That is all I have since I got the 2019 Camry at mossy Toyota.
I purchased a 2019 Toyota camry se from toyota dealership in oregon the car had 16400 miles when i purchased . I payed $$22,500cash with an extended warranty.. Warranty covers everything up to 135,000 miles I currently have 24,000 miles on the car and ive had issues the whole time Accelerating from a green little night before last and the car stopped accelerating and the rpm increased significantly without my foot on the gas … I was going 15 miles an hour when it happened and it took the car about 20 seconds to bring the rpms back down once it did I then pressed the gas slowly and it was fine .. It seemed like the car was going to blow up.. I’ve had my ignition shock me when I put the key in the car multiple times .. The car constantly has hesitation and jerking when trying to accelerate. I haven’t brought these issues up to the dealership yet . I wanted to get some advise on how to handle this situation . I have stopped driving the vehicle I don’t fell it is safe ..
I’m worried that my car is a lemon. I have a 2019 SE Camry. It’s been skipping a little since I had it from day one and I let them know. They said I wasn’t pushing on the gas peddle enough during acceleration. Yesterday at the a traffic light, my car skipped 3 times before taking off and it startled me and today it’s skipping slightly. Very concerned this is a transmission problem. I’m a single mom and on a fixed budget. Now I’m stuck worrying about needing to replace this car already at 15k miles!
Bought a new 2019 Camry, at about 5000 miles. Stuck the keys into ignition, car would not start, no power, took the keys out and back in a couple of times, the lights finally came on, but the cranking was weak, but still would not start, after a few more times of taking the key out and putting it back in to try it finally started, very strange for a one time case, but it happened a few more times. Also, the front passenger window would not go down. Took it to Toyota of Poway and they said they could not repeat the problem with the ignition problem and the battery tested fine. They also were able to fix the window. I left the dealer hoping this would not happen again, but it did. Again, the car would not start for 45 seconds and this time the front passenger and back left window would not go down. I am going back to Toyota, but this time Toyota of Carlsbad. Do I have a lemon?
Transmission on my 2019 Toyota Camry Se does not work correctly. When accelerating from a stop the car does not change gears correctly and idles in traffic.
2019 CAMRY LE 2.5L. I have about 2000 miles on it. It has a bad delay went coasting the re accelerating. It doesn’t down shift correctly. I’ve been searching the internet a lot of issue’s and complaints about this. i have not gone back to the dealer yet to have them look at it. It seems toyota doesn’t have a answer or tswb,recall for this yet. i would like to know what i have to do to get this vehicle returned under the lemon law. This is a dangerous institution.
Thank you
Pete
This car is not the old Toyota Camry we all new.. The Toyota Camry 2019 LE gas peddle stinks, the tranny is worse then any car I ever drove and the air in the car is making me nauseous !