2019 Toyota Camry: harsh or hard shifting

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 Jun 10, 2026 · Transmission · NC

We experienced rough shifting, engine revving and now it won't shift out of first gear. The car is not driveable. We've taken it to Town & Country Toyota in Charlotte, NC where they said it could not be repaired and it needed replacing for $12,000. The car has 121,000 miles and is not under warranty. Also took it to an independent transmission shop and they said to replace the transmission as well. We think Toyota should issue a recall or some kind of compensation for this major expense. I have lots of stories similar to this by owners with 2018-2022 Toyota Camrys. Thank you.

Filed May 23, 2026 · Transmission · NJ

The UB80E (Front-Wheel Drive) transmission had a total failure at only 70,000 miles. The vehicle started to make unusual noises with harsh and delayed shifting. No warning lights or messages were displayed at any time. The mechanic who replaced the transmission stated my trans fluid was burned up possibly due to faulty overheated components and in his experience many Toyota models were suffering the same premature transmission issues. My cost for a rebuilt transmission was $7,700 plus 667.00 for a rear trans mount, as well as the cost of a rental car. I have all repair receipts for inspection. This defect in the UB80E transmission warrants immediate investigation by the NTSB as is a legitimate safety issues for the passengers of these Toyota models.

Filed Feb 3, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Current Mileage is Approximately 82,000. Vehicles Transmission slips, harsh shifting, and sudden jerking when cold (but after Cold Start Protocol) Accelerator also has this issue, where the car will struggle to accelerate, jerking instead until foot is let off the accelerator and then reapplied. All services have been done at the dealer and on time. Original Transmission fluid changes reported metal shavings, and Transmission fluid was changed early. Vehicle is not subject to harsh/rough driving habits. Seems to be signs of premature Transmission Failure.

Filed Jan 29, 2026 · Transmission · CA

Issue: loud whining coming from transmission during acceleration, rough shifting, transmissions slips. Rough shifting noticed shortly after 25k warranty. More details: I had purchase my vehicle new at Dublin Toyota and have serviced my vehicle regularly recommended by Toyota dealer. Took into dealer for 90k service which included transmission fluid change. After the service I noticed that the bill didn’t include transmission fluid on the materials list. I called the service advisor and asked if it had been changed. The service advisor said he couldn’t prove it as it was not listed so he asked that I bring it back in and he will make sure it is changed. I brought the car back in.. The service team never mentioned any concerns with transmission. Whining started a couple weeks after. I took my car to transmission shop, who inspected a found black burnt transmission fluid with metal pieces. I informed them that I brought my car in for service which was supposed to include a transmission fluid change. They said it didn’t look like it was changed, and if it was, the the service tech would have noticed the black fluid and should have advised of transmission concerns. I was advised that the transmission is damaged beyond being rebuild and needs to be replaced. This failure is a known and acknowledged issue with Toyota UA80F/E transmissions. Technical Service Bulletins T-SB-0160-18, T-SB-0008-21

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 Dec 21, 2025 · Transmission · FL

The transmission in my 2019 Toyota Camry went from normal, expected operation to complete transmission failure in less than 2 weeks! There was no advanced notice of the issue until the transmission issues became so pervasive that I was already taking it in to be looked at. That was when the dashboard lit up with notifications of pre-collision system malfunction, drive-start control malfunction and secondary collision brake system malfunction followed by a notification to take it to the dealer (where I was headed when this occurred). I pulled the vehicle off the highway and had it towed to the dealer as the vehicle was not drive-able and would not stay in gear. The reason for going to the dealer was the day before, I went to a mechanic and on the way the CEL came on. The mechanic noted the scanner did not have any codes and suggested I take it to the dealer... where I was going when the above happened. I use this car to transport my children to school and the 2 days prior to the complete malfunction of the car's transmission the failure to find a gear while accelerating resulted in multiple instances where vehicles behind me came exceptionally close to a rear end collision. On one instance, I was crossing an intersection and the transmission didn't find a gear and I narrowly avoided being struck broadside by another vehicle. The service department at the Toyota dealership advised the transmission suffered complete internal failure (providing numerous codes regarding the solenoids) with a cost of $10,599.67 to replace it. It worked fine 2 weeks earlier with no prior warnings than an occasional hard shift and an instance of a slipping gear. Fluids were not excessively dirty, I changed the transmission fluid as required with Toyota Brand WS transmission fluid. No leaks exist and no excessive indication of metal particulates in the used transmission fluid. I'm waiting on Toyota for information on what they plan to do. Must be manufacturing defect.

Filed Feb 26, 2022 · Acceleration, Transmission · IL

Firstly I have experienced some weird behavior when accelerating from a stop and the vehicle quickly ramped up the rpm over 5k without shifting at all until correcting itself at the speed I was desiring. I wasn't stepping hard on the pedal at all and was just trying to get to 30 mph. Additionally I experienced some hard shifting when accelerating abruptly as well. Making the acceleration not very smooth when passing someone in high speed traffic.

Filed Jun 15, 2019 · Transmission · 1,000 miles · WA

The transmission is very clunky thru the gears. I have an automatic, sometimes its delayed when I'm trying to accelerate, itll hesitate before taking off. Iv found if you pulse the gas peddle and let up right as it starts to hesitate then back down again itll kinda avoid it but I'm not always such an active driver. Even down shifting itll be clunky and take a sec to fully do it. Like if you pull into a driveway that's slanted up you first of all have to slow down to enter and when doing that it's all slow at down shifting then u gotta hit the gas some to go up the driveway and it's all delayed at accelerating so the whole process is just clunky and does not feel right. Makes me feel the transmission is gonna burn out early. They say the 2018 models and up use some computerized transmission...I just want to it respond accordingly and to not be so sluggish about it. Sometimes I'm scared to pull out in front of traffic because it wont respond right away and I'll be at a crawling speed till it responds unless I floor it fast and let up before it revs past 3 on the RPM then tap it again. It's like it wakes it up or something I dont understand.