2019 Toyota Camry: sudden loss of power

Filed Oct 21, 2026 · Engine · GA

I own a 2019 Toyota Camry SE, 4-door automatic transmission, with approximately 59,500 miles. On October 20, 2026, while driving on a roadway with multiple traffic lights, I stopped at a red light. When the light turned green, I pressed the accelerator, and the vehicle made a loud noise but would barely move and accelerated very slowly. At the same time, I noticed a strong oil smell inside the vehicle. There were no warning lights or messages displayed before the failure. Because the vehicle was unable to accelerate normally when traffic began moving, my safety and the safety of other motorists were put at risk. The driver behind me expected my vehicle to move when the light turned green and nearly collided with the rear of my vehicle when it failed to accelerate. The sudden loss of power created the risk of a rear-end collision and prevented me from maintaining the normal flow of traffic through the intersection. I was able to pull the vehicle to the side with the help of other people pushing the car of the road. I shut off the car and attempt to restart it several times. The vehicle did not restart. The oil odor remained noticeable during the incident. The vehicle was subsequently taken to Athens Toyota for inspection. After diagnosing the vehicle, the dealership technician determined that the cause of the problem was a sudden transmission failure. The sudden transmission failure resulted in a loss of vehicle propulsion and created a significant safety hazard while driving in traffic. The transmission has not yet been repaired or replaced. Answers: 1) Transmission failure. The vehicle is available for inspection upon request. 2) The vehicle suddenly lost the ability to accelerate normally while entering an intersection when the traffic light turned green, creating a risk of a rear-end collision and endangering myself and other motorists. 3) Yes. By Athens Toyota 4) Same As (3) 5) No, warning lights, messages before failure. The symptoms first appeared on Oct20.

Filed Jul 1, 2026 · Acceleration, Engine · CA

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.

Filed Jun 19, 2026 · Acceleration, Driver assistance · NJ

At approximately 93,000 miles, my vehicle experienced a sudden transmission malfunction. About one week before the failure, intermittent warning messages appeared for Emergency Braking Malfunction and Forward Collision Warning Malfunction. These warnings appeared and disappeared several times over multiple days. About three days before the major transmission issues began, the vehicle was taken to an authorized Toyota dealership in North Brunswick, New Jersey, for a routine oil change. At that time, the vehicle was operating normally, and no transmission-related issues were reported. 3 days later, the warning messages returned, and the check engine light came on. Around the same time, the vehicle began experiencing serious transmission problems, including delayed shifting, harsh gear changes, and RPM flare-ups without corresponding acceleration. These issues created a serious safety risk because the vehicle could hesitate or fail to accelerate properly when merging into traffic, turning at intersections, or attempting to avoid hazards. The unpredictable shifting and loss of power increased the risk of a collision. After the check engine light appeared, the vehicle was returned to the same Toyota dealership. The dealership performed diagnostic testing and identified internal transmission and transmission control system faults, including solenoid-related failures and torque converter clutch issues. The dealership determined that the transmission requires full replacement and provided a repair estimate of approximately $12,000. The vehicle has no known prior accident damage related to this issue. there are numerous consumer complaints involving similar transmission problems in 2018–2019 Toyota Camry vehicles equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission. I am filing this complaint because this failure occurred at relatively low mileage for a Toyota vehicle and presents a significant safety concern due to unpredictable power delivery and loss of acceleration.

Filed Apr 19, 2026 · Transmission · CA

The car started jerking and the RPMs heratic while driving but would not advance pressing the accelerator on the freeway could have crashed or been involved in a major accident on the freeway was able to move out in time because pressing the accelerator did not work not did it move the car it completely lost power once on the side of road try reversing and noting happened could not drive or reverse completely dead on the side of the road without warning no lights came on the transmission no longer functions happened 4-18-2026 is being towed turns on but can't drive out move only wining noise

Filed Mar 26, 2026 · Transmission · VA

The transmission torque convertor clutch, transmission pressure control, transmission solenoid fault. The vehicle is available to inspection. The lost power while driving on the highway putting myself and other drivers at risk. I have spoken with several Toyota repair centers and this is a known issue. Currently, my car along with 3 others are sitting at Miller Toyota with the same issue. The vehicle will be inspected by an insurance representative. The warning light came on after the vehicle lost power.

Filed Jan 27, 2026 · CA

My 2019 Toyota Camry has 75,000 miles and is experiencing a premature and progressive transmission failure that creates serious safety risks. Symptoms include hesitation and loss of power during acceleration, harsh and delayed shifting, RPMs increasing without vehicle movement, failure to properly engage gears (including reverse), and loud whining/grinding noises. These issues make the vehicle unsafe to drive, especially when merging, crossing intersections, or accelerating from a stop. Toyota and the dealership have confirmed the transmission is failing, yet Toyota has stated that no new or used replacement transmission is available and no repair timeline exists. The vehicle was returned to me despite being unsafe. Toyota has provided no transportation assistance, no repair ETA, and no remedy, leaving me with an undrivable vehicle and ongoing financial obligations. I am aware of numerous similar consumer complaints and ongoing litigation involving Toyota’s 8-speed automatic transmissions exhibiting the same symptoms. This appears to be a systemic defect that poses a safety risk to drivers and the public. I am requesting the federal safety agency review and investigation.

Filed Jan 3, 2026 · Driver assistance, Transmission · CA

Toyota camry began shifting rough and jerking when accelerating between 2nd and 3rd gear. Next there was an audible whine and rumble while the car was driving. This occured for approximately 1 week with no indicator lights. On January 1st, there was a total transmission failure and failure of automatic break system and the camry lost power when accelerating. The vehicle only had 64,000 miles and was outside of warranty.

Filed Dec 17, 2025 · Engine · CA

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.

Filed Dec 9, 2025 · Engine, Transmission · MD

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 the federal safety agency data, there are 338 complaints submitted to the federal safety agency for 2019 Toyota Camry models.

Filed Sep 23, 2025 · Airbags, Electrical · IL

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 the federal safety agency to investigate whether dealer-installed systems like Lojack pose systemic safety risks and whether Toyota’s warranty and arbitration processes are adequately protecting consumers.

Filed Jun 14, 2025 · Transmission · NC

Driving down the highway fine with cruise control on. Out of nowhere, I saw smoke and I lost power so I started to coast to the side of the road (luckily other drivers hit their brakes when they saw the smoke). After getting the car stopped, I noticed a fluid trail on the road. I had the car towed to a shop where they found that transmission fluid had leaked out and onto the exhaust. They said that is what caused the smoke and could have caused a fire if I didn't shut it down quickly. They also said that's why I lost power, because the transmission didn't have adequate fluid in it anymore. I immediately looked online and see that these transmissions apparently are failing left and right in a bunch of cars, even with way less miles than mine has.

Filed Mar 28, 2025 · Transmission · TX

1. What component or system failed or malfunctioned, and is it available for inspection upon request? The transaxle (transmission) failed on my 2019 Toyota Camry, causing a complete loss of power while driving. This is part of the power train system. The vehicle is currently at Toyota of North Austin for inspection and repair. 2. How was your safety or the safety of others put at risk? While driving, my car suddenly lost power and stalled in the middle of an intersection. I was unable to pull over, leaving my vehicle stranded in traffic. Other cars almost hit me, creating a major safety hazard. I was panicked and scared, and the failure could have resulted in a serious accident. 3. Has the problem been reproduced or confirmed by a dealer or independent service center? Yes. Toyota of North Austin diagnosed the issue and confirmed a transmission (transaxle) failure, recommending a full replacement. Toyota has refused goodwill assistance, leaving me with an expensive repair bill. 4. Has the vehicle or component been inspected by the manufacturer, police, insurance representatives, or others? The vehicle has been inspected by Toyota of North Austin, and they confirmed the transmission failure. It has not been inspected by police or insurance representatives. 5. Were there any warning lamps, messages, or other symptoms of the problem prior to the failure, and when did they first appear? Yes. Shortly before the failure, the check engine light came on. However, there were no other warning signs or messages indicating an immediate issue. The vehicle suddenly lost power while driving. The only related maintenance was a transmission fluid change at Toyota of North Austin on 11/22/24, but there were no immediate signs of failure at that time.