2018 Toyota Camry: whining or grinding noise

Filed Aug 29, 2026 · Transmission · CA

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.

Filed Aug 24, 2026 · Transmission · DE

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 the federal safety agency 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.

Filed Aug 21, 2026 · Transmission · VA

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.

Filed Mar 21, 2026 · Transmission · AL

Automatic transmission. Whining noise from transmission only while accelerator is pressed, goes away when let off the accelerator pedal.Transmission can quit working unexpectedly. 8 speed transmission that there are a lot of complaints on internet about this problem.

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Transmission · GA

While accelerating, the transmission is causing a whining sound that is consistent. Vehicle only has 94K miles on it. This is causing safety concerns with premature power train failure that could happen while a driver is in the road, which could lead to an accident. I have taken the vehicle to my local Toyota dealership and they did confirm that this is something they have been very often in the 8th Generation Toyota Camry's. They also confirmed that this is an issue with the transmission and is going into transmission failure. There has been no warning lights or indications for this matter except for the noise you hear while accelerating. After countless hours of research, Toyota has put out a TSB for this issue (TSB-0043-19). Unfortunately, this TSB has not fixed the issue with the power train. Currently, the UA80 8-speed automatic transmission is on a 60-90 day back order for how many transmissions are needing to be replaced for this issue. Not only is this a severe safety concern for the transmission to give out whilst driving in traffic, but it is a financial issue for many drivers having to pay up to $8,000 for this issue to be resolved.

Filed Jan 21, 2026 · Transmission · CO

I bought this car used with about 100k miles, took it for a test drive around the block at the local dealership and didn't hear anything at the time. When I took it on the freeway for the first time I heard the Whining noise. It only happens when there is a load on the transmission and gets louder as the speed increases. On top of that, it seems like it starts out in second or third gear sometimes I can't move until it downshifts which is extremely dangerous considering I've been sticking out in the street and other cars are coming! This apparently was a new design starting in 2018 and many people have been cursed by this transmission the more I keep reading up on this. I've owned many toyotas in the past and I've never had any issues, especially with the transmission. I've been quoted anywhere from $6k to $10k to replace the transmission and I cannot even remotely be able to afford that at this time. I feel like I'm driving a ticking time bomb, I need to listen to music to not drive me nuts and I can still hear the whine! If it weren't for this problem I couldn't really have any other complaints, but unfortunately this is a Very Big problem. The more I read this was a first year design and it looks like it failed miserably, I would call it a lemon. Every day I drive this car it slips while shifting gears, shifts too often or not enough. This thing should be replaced. Please, I am a loyal Toyota customer and hate that this has changed my mind. Please replace these faulty 8 speed transmissions.

Filed Dec 10, 2025 · Transmission · CT

In short: I had a whining noise coming from under my hood, my car was changing gears roughly. When I was driving on I-95 N and my car lost power/ the ability to accelerate on the highway. I had to make my way to the far-right lane and exit the highway. My safety was at risk at this point (no warning lights came on my dashboard). My car lost the ability to drive. I had my car towed to the Toyota dealership. The mechanic recorded a video of my car giving details of the issue (I have the video). My transmission needs to be replaced (internal failure noted by the mechanic), and my car has yet to reach 65,000 miles! This is ridiculous. I seen many complaints on the federal safety agency site regarding this vehicle and the transmission. A class action lawsuit needs to take place, and Toyota needs to pay 100% of these repairs. I can be reached at [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

Filed Dec 3, 2025 · Transmission · VA

Whining noise coming from transmission recall for certain CVT transmissions and Dealer advised that my VIN does not match

Filed Dec 2, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MA

I paid off my var in June. By the ed of august my cars engine started going bad out of no where. started with oil and coolant mixing into the engine and then transmission started whining. Long story short I had to get both replaced. Oh yea my car only has 56k miles. Can you guys explain or give me any ideas on how this happened?

Filed Nov 12, 2025 · Transmission · PA

Transmission, hesitant, wouldn’t shift, whining noise, jerking from stop to go

Filed Sep 16, 2025 · Transmission · AL

Transmission suddenly began slipping, whining leading to a loss of power, which resulted in being stuck in a busy intersection.

Filed Aug 19, 2025 · Transmission · TX

Whining noise coming from the transmission when under acceleration believed to be overly common with Camrys of this model year.