2020 Toyota Camry Engine Problems

2020 Toyota Camry XSE, VIN [XXX], 2.5L 4-cylinder A25A-FKS engine, built at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Kentucky (TMMK) during the production window covered by NHTSA Recall 20V-064 (Toyota campaign 20TA04), which addresses porosity in engine castings that can cause internal and external coolant leaks, engine overheating, and possible engine failure. Toyota’s VIN lookup returns this vehicle as not affected by the campaign, but the failure pattern matches the recall defect exactly. Timeline of failures and repair attempts: XXX, at approximately 92,832 miles, Camelback Toyota in Phoenix, AZ (RO XXX). Check engine light active. Diagnosed DTC P268115 (Engine Coolant Bypass Valve Circuit, Short to Battery or Open). Battery also failed load test. Overheating symptom noted on the same repair order. Coolant bypass valve replacement recommended. Following that visit, water pump and thermostat were replaced at Berge Toyota (Mesa/Gilbert, AZ area). Camelback Toyota stated the vehicle was fixed. Vehicle overheated again the next day after being returned as repaired. XXX, at 93,034 miles, Camelback Toyota (RO XXX). Oil and filter change performed under good faith goodwill service, transmission fluid exchange completed. Overheating condition persisted. Vehicle continued to overheat through the summer and into September 2026. Current dealer now recommends head gasket replacement and states that if the head gasket does not resolve the overheating, the engine block is cracked and the engine will need replacement. Dealer describes the engine as “sucking air,” indicating combustion gases entering the cooling system and/or a compromised block-to-head seal. This failure sequence — persistent overheating, multiple failed repair attempts across two Toyota dealers, replacement of water pump, thermostat, and coolant bypass valve without resolution, and dealer conclusion pointing to a cracked engine block — matches the failure mode described in NHTSA Rec INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)

NHTSA ID

11762945

Incident

Jun 1, 2026

The fuel pump has a malfunction. The car started jerking and started to accelerate by itself when I was driving it. Yes the problem reproduced. The vehicle is currently under inspection by the manufacturer. Yes there were multiple warning lights including the check engine light.

NHTSA ID

11760393

Incident

Aug 27, 2026

The vehicle contains a known manufacturing defect where the engine coolant bypass valve cracks internally, leaking pressurized fluid directly into the main electrical connector (covered under Toyota CSP 24TE04). This fluid intrusion has caused active electrical short-circuits to the battery and ground networks. As a direct result of this progressive component failure, the vehicle is actively dropping into 'Limp Mode' and experiencing severe transmission shifting failures while being driven on public roads, creating an immediate safety and crash hazard. Furthermore, a franchised Toyota dealership actively turned away an attempted preventive repair under the 'Prior Sought Remedy' rule while the vehicle was under the 100,000-mile warranty threshold, stating the dashboard light had to be on first, which directly allowed this hazardous electrical degradation to progres

NHTSA ID

11756265

Incident

Jul 30, 2026

coolant bypass valve

NHTSA ID

11725221

Incident

Mar 16, 2026

While driving the car just shut-off in the middle of the road. If you tried to restart the car it would turn on rev the engine and shut off. The dash display displayed a message " precollision system malfunction" and "secondary brake collision malfunction". Safety wise if this had happened on the highway could have been very dangerous or worse. The car was inoperable and required a tow truck. Luckily we were not on a very busy road during the incident. The problem has been replicated and is currently being tested at Joe Meyers Toyota in Houston, Texas. When the message displayed on the dash, check engine light came on as well as the brake light on the dash.

NHTSA ID

11716750

Incident

Feb 8, 2026

It’s reading the LDA warning lights, secondary collision break malfunction, pre collision break malfunction, check engine light. Car is misfiring and could possibly cut off in mid traffic. Dealer said that the Motor has a cracked head gasket. There were no problems prior to these issues.

NHTSA ID

11710039

Incident

Dec 4, 2025

I went a few months ago to Toyota to get an air flow valve replaced from a safety campaign for Toyota. My car engine light came on. Afterwards it never went off. My car shuts off after getting gas . Car doesn’t start for 20 mins. Coolant is leaking . Car idling high as if the valve that was replaced was faulty. The car acts like it’s gonna shut off. I take good care of my car & several people have the same complaints please investigate this. I don’t have the money to replace something that isn’t my fault.

NHTSA ID

11707221

Incident

Nov 2, 2025

Known by manufacturer. There is a faulty coolant bypass valve that they are forcing customers to pay out of pocket for repairs totaling over $700

NHTSA ID

11704493

Incident

Dec 11, 2025

My 2020 Camry has been nothing but a problem and Toyota is noncompliant with helping me. The service recall for the fuel pump was fixed at Vaughn Toyota in Bastrop La .. a week later I still had the same issues. They refused to put another fuel pump on my car even thought the fuel pump had a one year warranty. I then took it to Landers in Little Rock and since I had “codes” I had to pay $180 diagnostic fee. Fast forward to now, still have the same crappy fuel pump. I took it to Ryburn Toyota and was told to replace the charcoal canister and vent valve . That was $1000. Problem not fixed. All my lights stay on, I often get a charging system error notification. It goes into reduced power mode. And has left me stranded numerous times on the side of the road. I want whatever is wrong with my car fixed. I have never owned a vehicle with this many problems. I thought Toyota’s were good vehicles but I promise if I ever get rid of this one, I will not purchase another Toyota vehicle again.

NHTSA ID

11703888

Incident

Nov 10, 2024

My 2020 Toyota Camry SE suffered a sudden and premature transmission failure at only 114,000 miles. I am a college student and I cannot afford a major repair like this on top of my monthly car payment. The car began showing hesitation and sluggish acceleration on cold starts for a few months, but then suddenly went into limp mode with the Check Engine and Traction Control lights on. The screen displayed a warning saying ‘Malfunction in the electronic control of the engine/throttle/transmission.’ The vehicle became unsafe to drive because it would barely accelerate. If this had happened while I was merging onto a highway, it could have caused an accident. Lakeland Toyota told me the transmission has ‘internal failure’ and quoted me over $8,000 for a replacement. They did not provide detailed diagnostic codes or open the transmission to confirm the mechanical failure — they just saw a code and declared it dead. As a student with limited income, this puts me in a terrible financial situation. I still owe monthly payments on this car and now cannot even drive it. After researching online, I learned that MANY 2018–2020 Camry owners are experiencing similar transmission problems (UA80/UA80E), including hesitation, shuddering, harsh shifting, and early failure. Some owners have reported full transmission failure under 100k miles. There is even a public petition documenting these issues. This appears to be a PATTERN, not an isolated case. A transmission should NOT fail this early on a Toyota, and this sudden loss of power poses a serious safety risk. The vehicle is currently at a transmission specialist for a second opinion, but this may become a widespread issue affecting thousands of Camry owners. I am asking NHTSA to investigate the 2018–2020 Camry transmission problems before more drivers experience unexpected failures in traffic

NHTSA ID

11703172

Incident

Dec 3, 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while starting the vehicle, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, where it was not diagnosed. The contact was informed that the engine oil was changed, and the oil warning light was reset. The mechanic informed the contact that the wiring harness had been damaged due to rodent activity and needed to be replaced. Additionally, the contact reported an issue with the battery draining. The vehicle was diagnosed with a battery failure, and the battery was replaced several times; however, the check engine warning light was occasionally illuminated. The dealer was not contacted. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 18,000. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11695492

Incident

Oct 24, 2025

Mileage

18,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle lost motive power, with the engine, Forward Collision Avoidance, and brake malfunction warning lights illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, where it was diagnosed and determined that the ECM had failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 70,599. The VIN was not available.

NHTSA ID

11693376

Incident

Oct 14, 2025

Mileage

70,599 mi

Incident Highway Malfunction Occurs – [XXX] While driving at a steady speed on the highway, my 2020 Toyota Camry unexpectedly shifted gears on its own. I did not bump the gear shifter or interact with the controls in any abnormal way. The gear shift occurred without warning or driver input, while the vehicle was in motion. A “Drive Start Control Malfunction” warning appeared on the dashboard at the time of the incident. Vehicle Towed to Toyota Service Center – July 11 2025 Following the incident, I brought the car to a Toyota dealership for diagnosis and repair. I spoke with a service advisor named Rebecca, explained the situation, and clearly stated that I did not hit or touch the gear. The vehicle was kept for inspection, repair and I communicatied with Toyota. Vehicle Picked Up – July 16, 2025 I picked up my car from the Toyota dealership on Wednesday, July 16, 2025. I had not yet heard back from Toyota about coverage or resolution. I chose to wait for further communication regarding whether they would take responsibility for the malfunction. Toyota Corporate Follow-Up Call – July 23, 2025 On Tuesday, July 23, 2025, Toyota corporate called to inform me that the repair would not be covered, citing that the vehicle is out of warranty. What disturbed me most was that the representative claimed I had told Rebecca that I might have “bumped the gear,” which is completely false. I made it clear from the beginning that I never touched the gear shifter, and that the malfunction occurred while I was driving normally. This false statement was either a miscommunication or a lie — and it minimizes the seriousness of a potential safety defect. Response to Toyota’s Misrepresentation – July 23, 2025 During the call, I told Toyota that misrepresenting my account was unacceptable and dangerous. If Toyota is aware that this vehicle model may experience uncommanded gear changes while in motion and fails to report. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA ID

11675708

Incident

Jul 11, 2025

This vehicle, and models with the same throttle body and air filter/air duct assembly have an issue. Where plastic parts from the vacuum box attached to the air duct come loose and get stuck in the throttle body. Causing the engine to rev up then die. I have dealt with this same issue twice in the last three weeks. Thank you for your time.

NHTSA ID

11668843

Incident

Jun 24, 2025

This was a recall due to the coolant valve Thursday, my vehicle had went in for the recall I picked up my vehicle Friday morning I checked to make sure the part that they have changed nothing wrong with it or not. When I looked at the part a day after I noticed pink stuff is leaking from around it this was announced by Toyota This is the New part they had just made I’m assuming and it is still leaking I have a 2020 Toyota Camry. With 141,000 miles. And now I am having issues. Toyota needs to redesign this piece or have a further investigation on it.

NHTSA ID

11657341

Incident

Apr 28, 2025

vehicle will stall out in the middle of driving as if it does not have any fuel. Toyota could not pull the error code a second time replaced a random part and the next month the car continued to stall out.

NHTSA ID

11650719

Incident

Mar 24, 2025

Coolant valve frailer coursing A coolant leak can cause the engine to overheat and cause a vehicle stall and engine to be replaced , or car Heads to be replaced .the engine may get damaged mechanically, possibly resulting in an engine coolant leaking in to cylinders of engine

NHTSA ID

11647348

Incident

Mar 7, 2025

Started vehicle and went to back up. Car slammed into reverse and disply showed Drive start control malfunction. The service engine light came on. I removed the battery to reset the error message and the following dayi took it to the dealership. They checked it out and told me that they didnt find anything wrong with it since it wasnt displaying a service engine light. So i went home with it. The next day it did it again so i took it back to them while the condition was happening. Which insisted of the error message, serv eng light, gearshift indicator displaying drive and park at the same time. Also the door locks were continually locking and unlocking. They put a new water valve plus a neut switch assy and a new xmission lever in it and told me it was fixed. I picked it up and the next day it did it again. Returned it to them and they said that the new part was possibly bad from Toyota, ordered a new one, put it in and said it was all good now. I picked car up and 9 months later its happening again. Not sure what to do. Please help

NHTSA ID

11644555

Incident

Feb 29, 2024

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was towed to a dealer where it was diagnosed and determined that the engine needed to be replaced. The dealer made the contact aware of an unknown NHTSA recall; however, the VIN was not included. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 85,000.

NHTSA ID

11637726

Incident

Jan 1, 2025

Mileage

85,000 mi

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA ID

11636118

Incident

Jan 15, 2021

Mileage

38,000 mi

Low pressure fuel pump defective. Engine dies and/or surges under load at cruise speeds, sometimes dies at idle. Engine shuts down merging onto highway. Occupant(s) could be hit when pulling out into traffic if engine dies. Problem has been reproduced. Dealership said fuel pump is not covered under previous recall, but Toyota has a TSB stating the VIN# is in the TSB range for the above mentioned concerns. No DTC's are set, no messages set.

NHTSA ID

11633531

Incident

Dec 19, 2024

coolant bypass valve

NHTSA ID

11614912

Incident

Sep 11, 2024

The coolant bypass valve has failed and my car is at 30,000 miles. This seems like a common problem as I see a lot of other people mention needing this replaced on their Camrys and RAV4s. The dealership said they are replacing all of them on Camry’s, RAV4’s, and Corolla’s

NHTSA ID

11603934

Incident

Jul 7, 2024

Constant "ENGINE MAINTENANCE REQUIRED" warning. Dealer identified the engine coolant bypass valve as the source of the problem. Replacing the part resolved the issue.

NHTSA ID

11600669

Incident

Jan 20, 2024

took my 2020 Camry to Toyota they told me the catalytic converter had issues and the engine cooling bypass valve as well. They also stated that they have a ton of Camrys and rav 4 coming in with the same issue

NHTSA ID

11593590

Incident

Jun 5, 2024