2018 Toyota Camry Driver assistance Problems

When driving, the car would go into limp mode and wouldn’t get out of 2nd gear. it was super jerky as well. when taken to a mechanic, it was diagnosed with malfunctioning transmission among some other things such as brakes and tires. we take fairly great care of our vehicles and get them seen for regular maintenance. once the car started acting up, the check engine light came on. it is now unsafe to drive and two mechanics have confirmed an issue with the transmission, which is now also in a class action lawsuit for transmission failures. it’s had hiccups before over the past two years (started around 85000 miles) but never to that extreme and every time we took it into a mechanic they never saw the issue before until now. the hiccups we just delayed shifting and simultaneous RPM increase but stoped after a few seconds and letting off the gas, and then would correct itself. mechanics chocked it up to just needing a tune up and never saw the issue themselves, it happened randomly and just every once in a while.

NHTSA ID

11740557

Incident

Feb 2, 2026

I was driving my daughter to work then all of a sudden 6 different vehicle alerts came on my dashboard. Vehicle Alerts: advanced ultrasonic detecting and ranging system, lane departure alert, pre-collision system, parking brake system, vehicle stability control system, and secondary collision brake system. I was at a stop light then the car would not drive it was like it started stalling. I had to put on my hazard lights then turn the car off and back on. That's when I was able to accelerate to 20 mph to get out of traffic. I could not give to car any gas to move. I pulled over to a doctor's office parking lot. The car would not go into reverse. Once again, I had to turn it off and on. I had to eventually put it into neutral and cruise all the way home. Once home the last alert came on which was the check engine light. I had the car towed to my nearest Toyota dealership. Toyota kept my car for over 24 hours. I had to go back up there to inquire about my car. That was when I was told it was my transmission and they quoted me $9,338.96 ($2,479.87 labor for 12.4 hours, $ 6,808.92 part, $50 for shop supplies) to get my car repaired.

NHTSA ID

11734504

Incident

Oct 13, 2025

While driving on the interstate 10 in California in rush hour traffic my vehicles’ brakes pedal suddenly became hard to press down and slow the vehicle down.fortunately I was able to safely get to the right shoulder and call a tow truck to get my car towed home.

NHTSA ID

11732685

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

In February of 2025 the brake vacuum pump failed and lost braking power. It was promptly towed to Toyota and the recall was performed. Roughly 3 weeks later an internal engine part that was removed during the recall repair came loose and damaged something internally. Since then the vehicle has yet to be adequately repaired. It produces no power, struggles to accelerate and has constant safety system malfunctions. Toyota had the vehicle from April to October and failed to adequately repair the vehicle after dozens of attempts. The vehicle was forcefully returned and will no longer pass smog from the engine malfunction they introduced during repairs. Currently in litigation and Toyota is ignoring all complaints.

NHTSA ID

11731730

Incident

Feb 15, 2025

On March 19, 2026, I was driving to work when traffic began to slow, and I reduced my speed accordingly. As traffic started to return to normal speed, I pressed the accelerator; however, although the engine revved, the vehicle did not accelerate beyond approximately 15 mph. I safely moved to the side of the road and turned the car off. After restarting the vehicle, shifting into drive, and pressing the accelerator, the same issue occurred. I subsequently took the car to two separate mechanics, both of whom reported that the transmission needs to be replaced. This is unexpected, as the vehicle has fewer than 100,000 miles and has received regular maintenance.

NHTSA ID

11726515

Incident

Mar 19, 2026

I own a 2018 Toyota Camry XSE. The car is equipped with a radar cruise control and automatic braking system that will brake the car if programming believes there is risk of an accident. The problem is this is all front-based monitory and no rear based monitoring. Recently I was traveling the speed limit on a 4-lane highway when a car stopped abruptly in the turn lane in which I was following. There was no need for my car to brake abruptly as I was not traveling so close behind the car in front of me to justify that. Rather, I was more concerned about a car behind me that was tailgating me. I wanted to brake gradually to give the car behind me time to stop. But the auto braking system in my car braked so suddenly against my will causing the car behind me to veer off the road onto the shoulder in order to avoid rear ending me. It also made me worry that the driver of the car behind me might believe I intentionally braked hard to make him back away from my car when this was not the case. The 2018 Camry XSE auto braking system is a hazard because it looks forward with the radar but did not consider the car tailgating me and it nearly caused me to be rear ended were it not for evasive action of the car behind me veering onto the shoulder. I can turn it off when I drive the car but it always comes back on when I start the car. I am undecided about liability as well if I must permit this defective system to run or whether I am protected legally by turning it off. It is such a hassle to constantly turn it off each time I start the car so I just let the car do it's thing most of the time thinking I might be better legally protected with it on than with it off.

NHTSA ID

11724804

Incident

Feb 19, 2026

ICS malfunction error light and check engine light came on. I received a recall notice that this was being looked into but now the water pump has went out. The car is overheating.

NHTSA ID

11723778

Incident

Mar 12, 2026

My vehicles transmission suddenly failed on the highway and caused me to almost crash; I lost control of the vehicle but no damage was sustained to the car. the transmission failed without any incident or reason; further research indicates multiple class action lawsuits against toyota for knowingly selling malfunctioning UA80 Transmissions in many of there 2018-2024 models, including my 2018 Camry XSE. 7grand for a repair on a vehicle that I purchased for 30k and the vehicle was certified by toyota.

NHTSA ID

11720677

Incident

Feb 10, 2026

Poor acceleration and lose of transmission control ….complete safety hazard and the car has a failure to lose power while driving…..a humming noise and the car jerks while shifting gears

NHTSA ID

11716628

Incident

Oct 31, 2025

The contact owns a 2018 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while on a construction site at work, the vehicle drove over a piece of rebar which damaged the front end of the vehicle. The contact stated that after the issue the rearview camera failed to operate as needed with a blank or distorted image on the screen. The failure persisted and the traction control, check engine, and other various warning lights illuminated on the instrument panel. The vehicle was taken to the dealer on several occasions and the dealer attempted to repair front sensors. The dealer eventually repaired the correct sensors, and the rearview camera was repaired. Recently, the contact stated while driving 65 MPH in the snow, the RPM revved high while depressing accelerator pedal and the vehicle started coasting. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure persisted, and the vehicle was then taken to an independent mechanic and was diagnosed with a defective CVT transmission. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and a case was filed. The contact was then referred to the NHTSA Hotline to report the failure. The failure mileage was 150,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11706123

Incident

Nov 16, 2025

Mileage

150,000 mi

Dashboard Indicator states Intelligent Clearance Sonar (ICS) System Malfunction and associated symbol indicates non-functional accident avoidance system. Appointment set up with Toyota for diagnosis and repair.

NHTSA ID

11700946

Incident

Nov 20, 2025

I was leaving a doctor's office and getting on the highway. When I pressed down on the accelerator, I experienced a sudden loss of power, the check engine light came on, as well as warnings about the front collision system being deactivated. It remained dangerous for me to stay on the highway but it was also difficult to exit the highway safely given the loss of power. When I brought it to a Toyota dealership, they did a diagnostic and it said my transmission had an "internal failure" despite the fact that it only has 85k miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11700838

Incident

Nov 14, 2025

Front rear camera has failed. multiple codes pop up including headlight system malfunction, LDA malfunction, Pre-collision malfunction. Codes pop up after clearing cant see digital speedometer. Confirmed by dealer camera needs replaced. Costs are over 2,000 USD.

NHTSA ID

11688414

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

When I am driving on a 4 lane hwy and I am in the left lane and a car in the right lane stops on the side of me my car stops also by itself .This is very dangerous . Someone can rear end me and cause a major accident. This is putting me and possibly someone else’s life in danger.I took it to Team Toyota in Baton Rouge. One technician drove it and it did it for him. They performed software updates. Test drove it several times and said it did not do it for them. Paid over $800. On my way home it did it again, complete stop on its own when a car next to me stopped. Took the car back to Team Toyota the next morning. They did test drive and it did it several times with them. Team Toyota still has my car waiting on a regional field tech to come look at my car. I called Toyota Brand Engagement 800-331-4331 to report this and have a case number [XXX] and spoke with Jasmin there. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11687194

Incident

Sep 1, 2025

Pre-Collision system malfunction, secondary collision system malfunction along with check engine. It appears to be a trend with 2018 Toyota Camry XSE and higher model. I found that many people that own this model vehicle is experiencing the same issue even after going to a Toyota dealer and the issue still persist.

NHTSA ID

11681014

Incident

Aug 11, 2025

I keep getting error code P0304 which says its cylinder 4 misfire the engine starts shaking a bit and most of the warning lights in my dashboard turn on and it disables the parking brake , I took it to a shop and they took out the fuel injectors to visualy inspect them and moved injector 4 to a different cylinder but the same error keeps coming back cylinder 4 misfire , I keep having to spend money and still have the same issue. It only does it on a cold start .

NHTSA ID

11665224

Incident

Feb 2, 2025

While operating my vehicle, the multi information display between the tachometer and RPM gauges flashed bold red letters BRAKE (even though nothing was in front of us at all) then the screen went 100% black. When that happens, the majority of the safety features are obsolete because you cannot see or read what caused the beep. Also, the Odometer could not be seen as well as feul eveonomy, if cruise control was engaged, what gear your engine is in if Sports mode is activated (in which occurs if accidently hitting the gear switches on your steering wheel just turning it), unable to see maintenance messages, cannot control the sensor settings...nothing. When I finally had enough money to even get the car diagnosed (roughly $187), the Corwin Toyota dealership asked me for the mileage, and I had to tell them to tell me. They did confirm the instrument panel/cluster to be defective, however, I and my extended warranty company had to pay the bill. 53,252 miles when they serviced it. When I paid my portion, I asked Lori how long will this one last and she told me, "They are suppose to last the duration of the car's life." I replied, "Um, but...". On April 17th I called Toyota's Customer Engagement line and spoke with them about the defective part and repair. Dorian told me that with the part replaced carries a 1 year warranty. If Toyota designed essentially all the safety features, eco features, cruise control, gears to only be seen or controlled on that multi-informational display within the instrument panel/cluster, they should be required to fix it at no cost to customers for the lifetime of the car. I took video of it before I dropped it off to be serviced., but even Corwin Toyota in Fargo, ND, has video footage of the mechanic's assessment.

NHTSA ID

11655167

Incident

Feb 18, 2025

Only when it rains the forward collision warning light comes on. The last time it came on the engine light also came on with code P01280. Diagnostic at Toyota said the Thermostat needs to be replaced. I decided to look into this as the thermostat should not be bad at 54500 miles. Weeks later and the neither light has come on again.

NHTSA ID

11654430

Incident

Mar 16, 2025

My Camry has received two professional transmission services as per the manufacturer recommendation, within suggested timeframes as it is now 176k. The transmission ( surely this is not something new to hear) Has FAILED. No prior sign or code. THIS VEHICLE DIED WHILE DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY! It stopped automatically shifting and would not accelerate. There have been other owners of this same car, year ect. THAT HAVE LOST TRANSMISSION WHILE DRIVING!!!! Want to get to the bottom? HOW MANY 18CAMRYS MAKE IT TO 300k or even 200k without a new transmission. Most die 65k !! Lemon Come on. Toyota mechanics, YouTube, Toyota nation, dealerships, it is a well known fact that the 18 Camrys being that they cheaper out on so many parts, and added this new transmission, they’re known for failure! [XXX]. This company is [XXX] people. With jobs, kids, and now you’ve got to fork out minimum 6k and wait for 3-6 months to have car back??? How many people have been homeless due to this? 👋 I had a job and a home, boss wouldn’t let me work from home! I’ve rode a bicycle to work, in Florida to the next town over. Even with a loan, I’m out a car for months, so how many loans offer a no pay for 6 months? I’m hungry. Most people trans died in the 65k This is a rip off. The car can give back its safety award. The brakes gave out on me. The oil pan The brakes The trans The fuel pump. And the NOTORIOUS front bumpers. They come un snapped in every newer body style Carolla and Camry. Wing out beside fenders. And collision syste I’ve had people beside me in the same model car take a pic of my quick release snaps that I used to safely secure the bumper. This car is a lemon! Mine is a unicorn with trans failure despite the maintained by a local aamco owner (transmission specialist) trans dying at 178k “wow that is impressive!” Are you guys going to do anything? Or has Toyota paid you off? No one gives a heck about consumers. We’re the modern day native Americans . INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INF

NHTSA ID

11648484

Incident

Feb 14, 2025

While operating the vehicle, the automatic transmission failed to respond and jerked the vehicle at low speed upshifting from 1st to 2nd gear initially. After engaging 2nd gear, vehicle demonstrated loss of power while in motion until system provide engine light warning and other safety messages which had been disabled such as automatic braking system disabled as well as lane departure warning disabled. The vehicle began to limit drivable speed during highway operation which prompt exiting to service or frontage road at which point when the vehicle came to a complete stop, the vehicle would not advance or reverse and was towed from road to a safe location.

NHTSA ID

11642107

Incident

Jan 27, 2025

multiple issues with radar sensors- disable parking assist, lane assist and rear traffic sensors due to constant malfunctioning - battery has been replaced twice within the past 6 months - vacuum pump for automatic break assist replaced APRIL 2024 - automatic brake assist failed while on vacation and car had to be driven without assisted breaks from New Orleans to Jackson MS for repair - car can only be driven in SPORT MODE otherwise there is concerning jerking and rough gear change and acceleration lag, this issue has been addressed since the date of purchase but no serious concerns expressed by maintenance professionals. Car has been having major issues now since approximately MID TO LATEJULY 2024 MORE ISSUES BEGAN - ROUGH, FLUXUATING IDLE while parked and while driving - BATTERY REPLACED, AIR FILTER REPLACED, SPARK PLUGS REPLACED, O2 SENSORS (BOTH) REPLACED, THROTTLE BODY REPLACED, IDLE AIR CONTROL SENSOR REPLACED; ALL JUST OVER THE COURSE OF 4 MONTHS- car sputters and rattles after getting gas - has died after being gassed up 3 separate times since AUGUST 2024- MAF SENSOR was the last part considered the potential culprit- order replacement and installed, check engine light immediately came on after installation PO607 ECM- Removed NEW MAF SENSOR and REINSTALLED OLD ONE- CODE WAS ABLE TO BE CLEARED- WAITING ON ANOTHER REPLACEMENT MAF SENSOR- TOO many codes have been thrown too list here but all parts have been replaced to "fix" the issues without success. Car stalls at redlights and stop signed. Sputters and idles erratically after filling with gas. Idle fluctuates when in park. Car has been well maintained and is my daily driver. I have 3 children and have been stranded at gas stations twice with [XXX] in generally unsafe locations during evening hours since AUGUST. I can not keep throwing money into a car with less than 200k miles on it. PLEASE HELP INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11624776

Incident

Jul 31, 2024

Shifted the operating car from park to drive when the car suddenly and unexpectedly took off even though I was not touching the accelerator. The car accelerated across the street and slammed into a parked car. The airbags did not deploy which would indicate a low-speed but the pre-collision system did not stop the car which would indicate higher- speed. My car was written off as a complete loss by my insurance carrier and the damage to the parked car that was hit was extensive.

NHTSA ID

11624300

Incident

Oct 11, 2024

The transmission has completely malfunctioned. The car started stalling in traffic. It then stopped registering gears and stopped pulling. The car was taken to a shop who stated transmissions issues along with a brake assist failure. The torque converter has not been released by Toyota. My car has 139000 miles. I have researched this issue and many others have reported the same problem!

NHTSA ID

11621927

Incident

Oct 21, 2024

The vacuum brake pump assembly malfunctioned and I had the vehicle taken to the dealer that did the original recall for the vacuum brake pump assembly and they inspected the vehicle and told me that was the issue along with the nipple inside the pump had broken off and fell down into the engine and had damaged the cam shaft. Exactly what the recall states. Yes the vehicle can and has been inspected its at the dealer still and has been since 06/12/2024 when this occurred. The safety of my wife and daughter and any other people in any vehicle in front of mine due to the brakes got extremely hard to push and the vehicle would not stop properly. Almost plowed into a jeep wrangler that was in front of her when trying to pull into the grocery store. Yes the dealer Butler Toyota the service manager Thomas is the person I have been directly dealing with and he has tryed to contact toyota to get an answer and they wont give an answer. He has even contacted his southwest toyota service contact and they have tryed to get some info for me but no answers. The vehicle has been inspected by the service manager and a technician from Butler toyota and thats where all my service and the recall was done. There was no warning or messages before this but when the pump went out and the brakes would not stop the car there is a message in the info center now that this occurred. My wife and daughter was on there way home from dance and was stopping by the grocery store when she went to stop she couldnt almost rammed the back of a jeep in front of her. She pulled into the parking lot turned the car off and called me. When I arrived about 15 minutes later there was i thought brake fluid all under the car. I then had another person ask if i needed help and i asked him would he help me push the car just about a foot or so backwards to see what was leaking. When i put my finger in it it was motor oil. I immediately told my wife that it was not drivable and took the vehicle to Butler Toyota

NHTSA ID

11605274

Incident

Jul 8, 2024

I have notice for the past year when I’m driving the car around the city around 15-30mph the emergency auto braking system alarm sounds and shows on my dash board when I have nobody in front of me luckily the car doesn’t brake at all but is not normal for it to do that it just happens randomly maybe this year alone it happen 5 times. Nobody safety was put at risk the car doesn’t brake or anything but it just sounds the alarm to brake, like 100% of the time is a low speeds. I haven’t taken it to the dealer, and I have no warning lights nothing at all is just random.

NHTSA ID

11583699

Incident

Apr 9, 2024