2019 Toyota Camry Engine Problems

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.

NHTSA ID

11747844

Incident

Jun 17, 2026

While driving the vehicle on a street it shut off on it's own in the middle of the road. It was terrifying. Had it pulled to my house. Once I was able to get it towed it went to the Stockton CA Toyota Dealership and had it inspected with results of it needs a new transmission. I have not driven the vehicle since this happened, which is about 3 months now. It is financed through CAR MAX and I haven't had the vehicle a year. I have researched this and there are many having the same issues with this type of vehicle.

NHTSA ID

11744274

Incident

Feb 9, 2026

June 9,2026 I was in gig harbor washington visiting my son. I pulled into the right side of the drive way as I have done a 1000 times over the years. I was slowly pulling up to the right side of the garage and the car surged forward at full speed 5 ft away. It smashed the front of the house. Filed a claim with USAA car insurance. Last year in August of 2025 I was in the Tag n Go car wash. I pulled up they stopped me and I put the car in neutral. This let the car wash pull my car throught the car wash on a one track driver side system. My windshield was covered with soap and the car surged forward and hit the SUV in front of me. When the soap rinsed off I wash under the car in front of me. I put the car in reverse from neutral. It caused no damage to the car in front but caused about $1700.00 damage to my car. The car wash had video that showed my car surge forward and hit the car in front of me. This is two incidents in 11 months of my camry surging forward.

NHTSA ID

11744145

Incident

Jun 9, 2026

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.

NHTSA ID

11740367

Incident

May 21, 2026

Transmission making noise and getting worse. Can’t get repaired or replaced for at least six months. Engine warning light is now on. Recently told this is a known issue with several class action suits being filed.

NHTSA ID

11738620

Incident

Mar 31, 2026

Engine Coolant bypass Valve B control circuit high check engine light

NHTSA ID

11736404

Incident

May 6, 2026

At 170,000 miles, the 2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry LE has developed a consistent drive train lurch/stumble/shake around 20, 40 and 60 MPH, which is increasing in intensity and occurrence. This defect is quite startling and occurs regardless of efficiency, HVAC, cruise control, etc. settings. Examined twice by a Toyota dealer service department Toyota-trained licensed repair technician, no explanation or repair can be suggested. That is, I am expected to suffer this defect until left stranded.

NHTSA ID

11736060

Incident

Apr 17, 2026

I am reporting a safety-related transmission failure in my 2019 Toyota. The vehicle suddenly lost the ability to drive forward without any warning. There were no check engine lights, warning lights, or alerts before or during the failure. The vehicle would only go in reverse and became completely undrivable. At the time of the failure, my children and my elderly mother were in the vehicle, creating a serious safety risk. Had this occurred in traffic or at an intersection, it could have resulted in an accident. After the failure, I contacted over 30 transmission shops and mechanics, and none are willing to rebuild or repair the transmission due to known and recurring issues with this Toyota transmission model. I contacted Toyota directly and was provided a repair estimate of approximately $8,000, which is unreasonable for a 2019 vehicle and makes repair financially impossible. The vehicle was towed and remains undrivable. I am currently paying $30 per day for a rental vehicle, causing financial hardship. I am submitting this complaint so this issue is documented as a potential safety defect

NHTSA ID

11712582

Incident

Jan 18, 2026

The vehicle has experienced ongoing engine misfire issues while driving. The check engine light illuminated, and diagnostic testing identified a cylinder misfire (P0302). The vehicle shakes, runs rough, and has reduced power, especially during acceleration. These symptoms create a safety concern, as the loss of power and engine instability could affect the ability to safely merge, accelerate, or maintain speed in traffic. The issue has been confirmed by diagnostic scans performed by an independent service center. The problem appears to be persistent and not consistent with normal wear for a vehicle of this age and mileage. No collision has occurred, but the condition poses an ongoing safety risk while operating the vehicle. The issue has not yet been resolved by the manufacturer.

NHTSA ID

11705647

Incident

Dec 8, 2025

On multiple occasions, when I accelerate — even lightly — the transmission of my 2019 Toyota Camry emits a persistent whining noise. The noise appears as I press the accelerator and increases in pitch and volume as I continue accelerating. As soon as I ease off the accelerator, the whining stops immediately. This behavior happens during normal driving — not under extreme conditions or aggressive driving — and regardless of speed (both city and highway conditions). This whining noise is not a normal transmission behavior for a properly functioning vehicle. I believe this indicates a possible defect or problem with the transmission (or transmission-related components) rather than wear-and-tear due to high mileage or neglect, because: •The vehicle has been regularly maintained (oil changes, scheduled maintenance, etc.). •I have not abused the transmission, used it for towing, nor driven in severe off-road conditions. •The noise occurs under normal acceleration and is reproducible. I am concerned for my safety and the safety of others, because a failing transmission — or a transmission with design/manufacturing defect — could lead to unexpected shifting issues, loss of power, or other mechanical failure while driving. According to a safety-watchdog summary of NHTSA data, there are 338 complaints submitted to NHTSA for 2019 Toyota Camry models.

NHTSA ID

11704092

Incident

Dec 9, 2025

My fuel line came out while I was driving and almost cause my car to catch fire. Which caused my check engine light and other sensors to come on. After further inspections my vehicle indicated my fuel line/hose caused my engine to enter into limp mode explaining on my dash board as Reduce Engine Power.

NHTSA ID

11703571

Incident

Dec 5, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 25-30 MPH, the transmission slipped out of gear. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact stated that the failure progressively worsened. The contact stated that while driving, the vehicle failed to accelerate properly or exceed 15 MPH, and the vehicle stalled in the middle of the highway. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The contact was able to restart the vehicle after several attempts. The contact pulled over to the side of the road and turned off the vehicle. The contact restarted the vehicle after an extended period. The contact resumed driving, but the failure recurred. The contact was able to push the vehicle to the nearby residence with assistance. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, but no assistance was provided. The failure mileage was approximately 130,000. The VIN was unavailable.

NHTSA ID

11702653

Incident

Sep 28, 2025

Mileage

130,000 mi

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while operating the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated, and the message indicating that the engine had overheated was displayed. The vehicle was towed to the local dealer who diagnosed that the water pump had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not yet repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under an Extended Warranty coverage related to the water pump failure. The failure mileage was 53,537.

NHTSA ID

11692493

Incident

Oct 1, 2025

Mileage

53,537 mi

Subject: Vehicle Safety & Emissions Complaint – Toyota Camry (VIN [XXX] ice of Defects Investigation, I am reporting a safety and emissions defect with my 2019 Toyota Camry XSE (VIN [XXX] ). • [XXX] Techstream confirmed DTC P26CB71 – Engine Coolant Pump Actuator Stuck. • This fault risks overheating, sudden engine failure, and emissions non-compliance. • Covered under CSP 24TE04 and Federal Emissions Warranty, but Seminole Toyota and AutoNation Toyota Winter Park refused repairs and demanded $1,616.46. • Toyota corporate ignored my formal demand and deadline. I request NHTSA investigate, as this issue impacts safety and emissions compliance and could warrant recall action. Attached: diagnostics, CSP letter, invoices, photos, correspondence. Sincerely, [XXX] INFORMATION RE [XXX] T TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6) INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11690317

Incident

Sep 17, 2025

Been having an issue for months now and the dealership was absolutely no help.

NHTSA ID

11690185

Incident

May 31, 2025

Component/System failed: The electronic control module (ECM) and related wiring were compromised by a dealer-installed Lojack anti-theft system. The device was spliced into wiring near the airbag system and ECM, causing repeated faults. The component remains in the vehicle and is available for inspection. Safety risks: 1. Wiring near airbags may interfere with deployment. 2. ECM faults risk stalling, loss of power, or emissions failure. 3. Hidden wiring increases short-circuit risk, especially near coolant areas. 4. These conditions place driver and passenger safety at risk. Problem confirmation & inspections: The issue has been reproduced in multiple dealer visits. One Toyota dealer identified the improper Lojack installation as the likely root cause. Service records are available. Warning lamps: Yes. Check engine lights and warning messages appeared within months of purchase and continue intermittently. Summary: The car was sold as a Toyota Gold Certified Pre-Owned (CPO) vehicle, advertised as thoroughly inspected and protected. In reality, it contained an undisclosed modification that created hidden defects, repeated ECM errors, and safety concerns. Concern: The ECM is covered by the 8-year/80,000-mile federal emissions warranty and the 7-year/100,000-mile Gold CPO warranty. Yet Toyota denied my arbitration claim as “ineligible.” If such cases are refused, it means dealers can install aftermarket systems, charge buyers, and avoid accountability. In that situation, the Toyota Gold CPO program becomes meaningless—a consumer deception rather than protection. Request: I respectfully ask NHTSA to investigate whether dealer-installed systems like Lojack pose systemic safety risks and whether Toyota’s warranty and arbitration processes are adequately protecting consumers.

NHTSA ID

11689172

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

The contact owns a 2019 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, there was an abnormal humming sound coming from the engine. The check engine warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer, where it was determined that an unknown part inside the transmission had oxidized. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The contact was advised that the engine mounting insulator sub-assembly and the hardware machine rotor for the braking system needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The contact stated that the failure persisted. The contact stated that in June 2023, the transmission was replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 109,000.

NHTSA ID

11683259

Incident

Aug 18, 2025

Mileage

109,000 mi

2019 Camry se would not accelerate and rpm’s would escalate without making car move. Car has had complete maintenance on a regular basis. There have been no prior lights on or alerts until my son’s car stalled in traffic almost leading to side collision. Once it was plugged up to computer shows faulty transmission (complete transmission failure) and engine coolant bypass valve which I know has a TBS report on yet my local dealership refuses to do anything with it unless they charge me to hook up to their computer first and deny any issues with this car. I have read hundred of others with the same complaint and numerous lawsuits yet Toyota refuses to recall and fix the faulty transmissions in these vehicles. Something needs to be done before someone is killed, as my son could have been when his car stalled in middle of traffic and transmission failed with no prior warnings.

NHTSA ID

11678391

Incident

Aug 3, 2025

At 55,000 miles - 6 years and 6 months, the check engine light came on and car temp jumped to "off the chart high". The water pump had failed and head gasket had blown.

NHTSA ID

11664497

Incident

May 10, 2024

On [XXX], I began experiencing trouble wiht my vehicle; speeding up, slowing down, turning, all of my safety display lights began to flash, and the display was showing several different malfunctions, advising me to visit my dealer. Prior to [XXX], there were not any warning lamps, messages, nor symptoms that presented suspicion of safety or failure. Display warnings included: - pre collision system malfunction - parking brake malfunction - brake hold malfunction - check engine - secondary collision brake system malfunction - ICS malfunction - LDA malfunction It is available for inspection at: [XXX] From all perspectives, this vehicle is at extremely high safety risk to the driver, passenger, other drivers, and pedestrians for obvious reasons. Being; trouble speeding up, slowing down, turning. Essentially, I had little to no control of the vehicle. The problem has been confirmed and inspected by the parts and inspection team at Toyota dealership. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11662747

Incident

Dec 11, 2024

2019 Toyota Camry VIN: [XXX] Issue: Blown head gasket and required engine replacement Mileage at failure: 116,598 approximately Mileage I am filing this complaint due to a sudden and significant engine failure in my 2019 Toyota Camry. Despite regular service at certified Toyota dealerships only things wasn’t serviced at the dealership was my brakes and tires, and a transmission flush in September 27, 2024. Other than that my recent visit to Bulter Toyota was March 21st 2025 which included a $334.17 maintenance visit in March 2025 and my car was good at the time I was told. Now a month later [XXX] my vehicle experienced a blown head gasket with no prior warning or indication of trouble just a check engine light one day [XXX] it never overheated. The issue was diagnosed on April 21, 2025 at Bulter Toyota. Currently renting a car from Bulter Toyota for $42.00 a day my car has been there for 9days The dealership has stated that the engine must be replaced at a cost of $5,335. Additionally, the technician made a concerning statement suggesting my car “looked like it had been in an accident,” even though the vehicle has never been in any collision. This further raised questions about internal defects or manufacturing issues. Toyota Corporate has been contacted, is currently conducting an internal investigation into this matter. However, I am submitting this complaint to NHTSA to ensure it is formally documented outside of Toyota’s internal review process. This is especially important given the pattern of similar complaints involving 2019 Toyota Camrys with the 2.5L 4-cylinder engine, including reports of overheating, coolant leaks, and head gasket failures. I am requesting a full investigation into potential defects related to engine performance and safety in 2019 Toyota Camry models. If a recall is later issued, I respectfully request to be included for possible reimbursement or remedy. [XXX] [XXX] [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11657928

Incident

Apr 20, 2025

Check engine light went on and the car’s temperature gage started going up rapidly. Pulled to the side of the road and turned the car off. The problem was the electric water pump and Thermostat which I bought at Toyota parts, the car only has 29,090 miles on it.

NHTSA ID

11656241

Incident

Apr 16, 2025

UKNOWN-Code P26AE. Engine Coolant bypass valve B. Even after getting it changed, I am still having issues. Engine light is on

NHTSA ID

11649888

Incident

Dec 23, 2024

I started hearing a "noise" over the course of 2 weeks. When the accelerator was depressed, the vehicle never accelerated. The vehicle also seemed as though it was losing power, but no lights ever came on. I have only taken my vehicle to the dealership to be serviced. The maintenance has been done regularly and without fail. When I brought the car in for regular maintenance I had them check for the noise and they said they didn't find anything. I took a video before leaving for work the following day, and brought the car back. Because it sounded it was coming from the wheel well they charged me for a diagnostic and said one of the plates for my brakes was bent. The following day it was still making the same noise, but when I went to accelerate the car shut off in the middle of a major highway and then the check engine lights started flashing. I took it back to the dealership and they claimed it was an air flow component, said it would be repaired, and kept the car for 5 days. After the repair, it was still making the "noise" and that is when they said it was the transmission and I would be responsible for the repair. This happened at 150,098 miles. Needless to say, I will not be paying for that repair. I believe this is a Toyota issue and the customer, especially one who has been religious in maintenance and upkeep, should not have to bear the cost of a their design failure. I was also told although in the maintenance manual, Toyota has decided against flushing the transmission because it is sealed. No warning lights, messages, or anything of the sort ever appeared until the check engine light came on.

NHTSA ID

11647862

Incident

Mar 4, 2025

Coolant bypass valve failed at 89,500 miles.

NHTSA ID

11642786

Incident

Dec 19, 2024