2020 Toyota Camry: hesitation when accelerating

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 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 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 Jun 1, 2023 · Transmission · 15,780 miles · FL

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the vehicle was hesitating while accelerating. The contact stated that the transmission was skipping gear with the gear selector erroneously indicating that the transmission was in neutral while driving. The vehicle was taken to the local dealer who diagnosed that the transmission wiring harness was faulty. The wiring harness was replaced but the failure persisted. The manufacturer was not yet notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 15,780. The consumer stated she no longer has possession of the vehicle.

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.

Filed Jan 3, 2021 · Electrical, Engine · 5,000 miles · MD

I purchased my camry in october. When starting it up in the morning for the past few weeks there was a slight hesitation. I attributed the issue to the cold temperatures and allowed the car to warm up before driving. Yesterday afternoon my car wouldn't start at all. It makes a clicking and rattling noise similar to an old clunker. I was parked in the parking lot of my apartment complex. I called the brown's toyota dealership where I purchased the vehicle and was told to contact roadside assistance to have the car towed there. They were closing at 4p and would not be able to check out the car until monday. They also informed me that I would have to pay for a loaner car upfront and be reimbursed if it was determined that I didn't cause the car not to start. So ridiculous. I shouldn't have this issue with a brand new car. From the looks of it reading through these other reports there's a serious issue with the 2020 toyota camry.