2018 Toyota Camry Owner Complaints

On September 6, my 2018 toryota camry just stoopped all of the suddden in the middle of a 6 lane road. No warning lights or such until that exact moment. The car went into safe moode as I was driving. The water pump and associated parts failed. The electrical part of the water pump went and took the pump, thermostat, gaskets, etc. to be repaired after just dying on the road. The car had only 32465 miles at the time of the breakage. The car is out of warranty, but with such low milage this is and unusual repair to be made on a car only8 years old with low milage. It was a $1700 dollar repair. The company has not made any assitance availble, i have called and spoke with someone, have written a letter and now I felt that it was important enough to come here. There are Facebook pages with "broken camry water pumps" up so this is to my way of thinking an ongoing problem. I was lucky I was not hit when the car "stopped" on the road with no warning. The car has been well maintained at an authorized Toyota dealer the whole time I have had it. I am concerned that this is an ongoing problem with the camry.

NHTSA ID

11766991

Incident

Sep 6, 2026

I brought my 2018 Camry in because of check engine light and was told it was due to the vsv purge valve ($372) and the coolant bypass valve ($1100)- *note I later found out due to my own research that Toyota has an National Warranty Extensions on this part due to failure on 2018-2023 models! After agreeing to replace the costly bypass valve I was called and told the light was still on so they ran ANOTHER diagnostic test that now shows a "new" code that I need a new computer ($1400). The faulty part causes computer damage and I was advised online to speak to the service manager and ask for "consequential damage review" as well as have them cover the part since the warranty covers 10 years or 100k miles. Well of course I was denied because my car is over 100k (what 2018 wouldnt be) and told to reach out to Corporate who also said the same thing. What is interesting is this faulty part extension was just established December 2024 which would not help those of us who were already at the 100k mark when they found this error out. I just paid over $1000 today (not to mention all the times I brought it in before for diagnostic test) and my car runs EXACTLY THE SAME- BAD! AND THE ENGINE LIGHT IS STILL ON!!!!!! I will not give them another $1500 for a new computer. I am now looking for a specialized automotive electronics repair company to repair my computer for likely less than $200! Toyota's service department is a SCAM and I would not recommend buying their cars to anyone going further. My family has 3 Toyotas in our driveway now! I am very disappointed and need someone at Toyota to make this error better!

NHTSA ID

11766206

Incident

Sep 22, 2026

The transmission quit moving the car forward in traffic which could have caused a collision. When the transmission started shifting weird and not accelerating normally, the ABS Sensor malfunction light came on. I towed the car to a toyota dealership in [XXX] and they said I needed the transmission replaced for $10000(new), which I could not afford. I was expecting it to be a sensor since that was the light that came on. I had the transmission rebuilt by an independent mechanic and during the first test drive, the car applied brakes and came to a complete stop. We took the car to the toyota dealership for a program update that the information we had said was needed. The dealership stated there was no update available. They also told me I could drive the car home. After going about three miles from the dealership the transmission stopped moving the car again in traffic which again could have caused a collision. There were codes being thrown that would not be there when the transmission was rebuilt and subsequent reevaluations. The car has been unusable since XXX INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11766000

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11765476

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

My panoramic sunroof has a defect , my sunroof stopped working only a few months after having my car , I’ve Spoke with many other people with the same car and it’s common. I had a warranty on my car but they wouldn’t cover the cables for the setup to the roof , and it’s $10,000 at Toyota to get it fixed and I’m having transmission problems . I keep my maintenance up to date on my car , I’ve also done my research and transmission failure is also common on this vehicle ! My car is barely over 100,000 miles . I’m very disappointed in Toyota and I won’t be purchasing another ! Can honestly say this is the worse car I’ve had !

NHTSA ID

11764439

Incident

Jul 14, 2025

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

NHTSA ID

11762531

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11760528

Incident

Aug 26, 2026

I own a 2018 Toyota Camry SE with approximately 120,000 miles. The vehicle is equipped with the 2.5L engine and 8-speed automatic transmission. I have recently developed a noticeable whining noise from the vehicle's drivetrain during acceleration. The noise is most noticeable at lower speeds, approximately 10–60 mph, particularly when accelerating from a stop or at lower speeds. The noise becomes less noticeable or disappears when cruising at higher speeds. The noise is load-dependent. When I release the accelerator while traveling at approximately 30–40 mph and allow the vehicle to coast, the whining noise stops immediately. The noise does not occur when the vehicle is stationary and the engine is revved. I am concerned that this may indicate premature wear or a developing problem with the transmission or related drivetrain components. I am particularly concerned about the potential for progressive transmission failure while driving, which could result in loss of motive power and create a safety hazard. At this time, the vehicle remains drivable, but the noise appears to be abnormal and has raised concerns about the reliability and safety of the drivetrain. I am requesting that NHTSA document this complaint and investigate whether similar complaints involving 2017–2024 Toyota Camry vehicles with 8-speed automatic transmissions indicate a broader safety-related defect. I have not yet had the transmission replaced. I can provide additional information, service records, diagnostic results, photographs, or recordings of the noise if requested.

NHTSA ID

11759057

Incident

Apr 20, 2026

Reduce power and break power malfunction

NHTSA ID

11758653

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11758575

Incident

Aug 21, 2026

Hazard lights turn on by there self once turned off they will turn back on. When I try to use a turn signal the hazard lights will turn on instead of my turn signal

NHTSA ID

11758144

Incident

Aug 19, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the message "SRS Airbag System Malfunction - Visit Your Dealer" was displayed on the instrument panel. Additionally, the passenger’s seat belt sensor light remained illuminated while the seat was unoccupied. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. A dealer was contacted and provided an estimate for a diagnostic test. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 128,000.

NHTSA ID

11754717

Incident

Aug 3, 2026

Mileage

128,000 mi

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.

NHTSA ID

11753527

Incident

Jun 12, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11752699

Incident

Jul 24, 2026

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while her son was driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message “See Dealer” was displayed. The vehicle was taken to a dealer, but the dealer was unable to determine the cause of the failure. The vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic, who diagnosed the vehicle with water pump failure. The dealer was notified of the diagnosis but advised the contact to disregard the warning. The contact stated that while driving the vehicle back to the residence, the vehicle started to lose power and went into LIMP Mode. The vehicle was returned to the independent mechanic to have the water pump replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 42,572.

NHTSA ID

11752686

Incident

Jul 11, 2026

Mileage

42,572 mi

I am writing to report two serious safety incidents involving my Tesla Model 3 Full Self-Driving (FSD). First Incident: On XXX at approximately 8:00 a.m., I was traveling on [XXX], with Full Self-Driving engaged. Without any warning, the vehicle suddenly steered to the right, struck a mailbox, broke the right-side mirror, continued traveling for approximately 10 yards, and then came to a complete stop. At the time of the incident, there were no vehicles ahead of or behind my vehicle. I was holding the steering wheel, but I did not make any steering input or take any action that would have caused the vehicle to turn. Following the incident, I promptly reported it to the police, my insurance company, and NHTSA. I also scheduled an inspection with the Tesla Service Center in Princeton and contacted Tesla’s Vehicle Safety team. I was informed that Tesla would conduct an investigation and provide results within approximately 30 days. Second Incident: On XXX, at approximately 8:25 a.m., while driving on [XXX] with FSD engaged, the vehicle again veered sharply to the right without warning, nearly causing a collision with an adjacent vehicle before abruptly correcting itself. This recurrence demonstrates that a significant safety problem remains unresolved. Tesla previously inspected the vehicle and reported no issues with the FSD system, yet the defect persists. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11749920

Incident

Jul 8, 2026

Transmission began jerking and sputtering which caused the vehicle to lose acceleration ability while traveling at highway speeds. Transmission was confirmed to have failed by an independent shop and required a complete rebuild. No warning lamps or notifications prior to failure

NHTSA ID

11747211

Incident

Feb 5, 2026

The steering has become hard. There are no lights showing on my dashboard. The steering is hitching, catching, and hard to return to the center during slow and fast speeds. I feel it is very unsafe to drive. I have called the toyota service and they said there is an active warranty/recall for this specific issue (customer service program 22TE02) with other cars, but not my vin number.

NHTSA ID

11746655

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

2018 XSE Camry 4Cyl, 114k Miles, 2026. Transmission is failing, and I bought the car used in Oct of 2025, 86k Miles. As of 2026 the car has started to make a noise that sounds like a jet engine when accelerating, and the transmission fluid is black. Went to a local transmission shop, and they told me the transmission is on its way out. I'm disappointed in Toyota's engineering this time around. I have a 2008 Tacoma with 320k miles, and I know a family member with an 2006 Matrix 310k miles with 0 Reported drive train issues. I will not be buying newer Toyotas moving forward until this issue is resolved. I also would like to note that Desert Toyota in Arizona told me the transmission was okay. I'm for sure they blew me off, because they didn't want to deal with my extended warranty at the time. They told me black transmission fluid was normal, and the metallic flakes were normal. I've been told by two independent shops this is not normal, and the transmission fluid should be pink or red and not metallic/sparkly. I wish I had pictures of the fluid, but we tossed it after the dealer said it was ok initially. I had a transmission fluid drain and refill from Desert Toyota and I'm positive that made my issues worse and now the jet engine noise is present. Right now I'm not driving the car because I'm nervous the tranny is going to completely fail before figuring out what to do with the car. I also would like to note, there are many online forums with other consumers stating the same issues and concerns. There are YouTube videos of "jet engine" like noises coming for the 8th gen Camry and Reddit Forums sharing similar experiences. I really wish Toyota would put out a recall to fix the issue! I see there is a class action law suit for the concern but with older vehicles like mine reaching higher mileage it looks like we will be the ones with no luck or answers from the manufacture.

NHTSA ID

11746311

Incident

Apr 15, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11746119

Incident

Jun 19, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11743918

Incident

May 16, 2026

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

NHTSA ID

11743602

Incident

Jun 11, 2026

Who’s driving in the transmission went out I looked up online and Toyota has had a problem with the transmissions on the 2018 to 2024 Toyota cameras

NHTSA ID

11742927

Incident

May 1, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11742176

Incident

May 29, 2026

Mileage

102,000 mi

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle chugged, and the check engine warning light illuminated. The contact drove to her destination, where an acquaintance used a vehicle diagnostic scanner to retrieve DTC: P26CB, indicating a malfunction with the electric engine coolant pump. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with water pump failure. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure but denied goodwill assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 70,000.

NHTSA ID

11741848

Incident

May 28, 2026

Mileage

70,000 mi