2020 Toyota Camry: sudden loss of power

Filed Nov 3, 2026 · CA

My Toyota Camry 2020 with approximately 104,000 miles developed a progressive transmission problem beginning in September 2026. When accelerating, the vehicle experiences a significant lag and struggles between first and second gear. The problem started intermittently about two months ago and has steadily worsened. In September 2026 I took the vehicle to a shop for an engine and transmission fluid service. I was told no problems were found. A few weeks later the hesitation and lag became severe. On one occasion the vehicle would not accelerate at all when I pressed the gas pedal. I had the vehicle diagnosed at a transmission specialty shop in Lodi, California, which confirmed an internal transmission failure. Because the vehicle is covered by an extended warranty (PRCO), I then took it to Toyota Town in Stockton, California. The dealership confirmed the transmission needs to be replaced and ordered a new unit. The transmission is currently on backorder with an estimated wait of approximately two months. The vehicle is completely undriveable. The dealership initially authorized only limited rental coverage under the warranty. This condition presents a serious safety risk. The sudden lag, hesitation, or complete loss of power while accelerating can occur without warning. On a freeway, highway, or in heavy traffic, this can leave the vehicle unable to maintain speed, merge, or move out of the path of other vehicles. Drivers behind may not have time to react, creating a high risk of rear-end collisions. The inability to accelerate or maintain control in an emergency situation further increases the danger of an accident. Once the transmission failed completely, the vehicle became stranded and could not be driven under its own power, exposing, me, the driver and any passengers to additional roadside hazards.

Filed Sep 23, 2026 · Fuel system · AZ

While fixing another problem, I pulled the codes from the ECM and found several P0087 (low fuel rail pressure). The problem was apparently intermittent and if the engine service light came on, it was transient and the light cleared. So neither my wife or I noticed an engine service light. I did some research and found that Denso found and reported a problem with the in tank fuel pump design to the NTSB in Feb. of 2020. We purchased the Camry in Dec. 2019 which meant we had the defective fuel pump. I ordered a new Denso fuel pump and install it and no new codes have appeared in the ECM log. Apparently Toyota has been slowly adding more years to the recall, but hasn't yet added the 2020 model year. This is a problem since a number of people have reported engine stalls due to the defective fuel pump. We live in the mountains, that might have been very dangerous especially if my wife suddenly lost power brakes and steering on a mountain road. Why hasn't a recall been ordered for this pump on all effected years?

Filed Jan 8, 2026 · Transmission · MA

My 2020 Toyota Camry 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 9, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · AR

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.

Filed Dec 5, 2025 · Electrical, Engine · FL

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 the federal safety agency to investigate the 2018–2020 Camry transmission problems before more drivers experience unexpected failures in traffic

Filed Jan 15, 2025 · FL

So a few months after installing the pedal commander chip my Camry out of nowhere began flashing warning symbols and messages and the engine was reduced to about 5% power. Pre-collision braking was down, ABS was down, lane assistance was down, cruise control was down and it also said “Engine Reduced Power”, please see dealership! So I parked, turned off the car and disconnected the battery for about 10-15 mins. When I reconnected the battery and started the car everything was fine and there were no codes/warning lights. So I thought it was a glitch. Then like 3-4 days later it did it again immobilizing me outside of a clients house to where I had to get it towed. I then thought to unplug the chip and see if that did anything and of course once I did it started up and drove fine with no codes, for about a month or so. Then it gave me all the same codes as before but now without the chip installed. Did an oil change with new filter, replaced the starter cause now it wouldn’t start at all or turn over. Once I replaced the starter, I was able to get it started and drive it a few times over the course of 3-4 weeks at the time I wasn’t driving it that much. But then all of a sudden it stops starting again and now gives me all those codes again and now my Camry has been immobilized for the past year, basically all cause of the accelerator chip.

Filed May 30, 2024 · Electrical, Transmission · VA

While driving my car lost all power and my check engine light came on saying it needed to go to Toyota for inspection!

Filed Jan 6, 2024 · Brakes, Engine · AR

ECM, FUEL Filter, fuel pump issues Reduced engine power Lane departure alert system suspended Pre-collision system Secondary collision brake system Vehicle stability control system Check engine - malfunction in electronic control engine, throttle or automatic transmission

Filed Oct 5, 2021 · Fuel system · WV

While driving vehicle, all of a sudden, the vehicle will slow down, lose power, even while using cruise control set to a specific speed. It will hesitate and driver, will feel car, slow and jolt forward.this occurs all the time while driving, especially if vehicle is warmed up.