About this problem
Automatic transmission complaints describe harsh or delayed shifts, jerking at low speed, hesitation when pulling away and flaring between gears. Newer transmissions with many gears rely heavily on software, and some problems are fixed by updates or by relearning shift patterns. Others come from worn valve bodies, torque converters or clutch packs and need a rebuild or replacement.
Across all owner complaints filed about the Toyota Camry since 2012, 298 (7.7%) describe transmission hesitation and rough shifting, making it the most reported problem we track on the Camry. The reports cluster on the 2012, 2014 and 2018 model years, and the 2018 drew the most, with 88. It tends to show up in the middle years of ownership: half of the owners who gave a mileage were between 12,000 and 95,000 miles. 11 reports describe a crash or fire linked to it. No recall covers it, but Toyota has sent dealers service bulletins about it, listed below.
What owners report
Complaints describe the Camry's automatic transmission hesitating when you press the gas, shifting late or harshly, and on 2018 models lurching at low speeds. Some owners say the problem shows up mostly when cold or in stop-and-go traffic, others at highway speeds. The 2012, 2014 and 2018 model years drew the most reports.
How it gets fixed
Dealers usually start with a transmission software update (a re-flash) and a fluid change. If that does not help, a valve body, torque converter or full transmission replacement may follow.
Typical cost: A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.
Complaints by model year
In owners' words
"I have a 2012 Toyota Camry that I purchased new from the military car sales in ansbach, germany. I first experienced the problem in august 2012 when the car would shift it would shudder. At first I thought it to be a fuel problem but it was not."
2012 Toyota Camry, 50,000 miles
"In june 2014 I bought a 2014.5 Camry brand new. During the first week I drove it the accelerator would not speed up after pressing down & hesitated as well trying to catch up."
2014 Toyota Camry, 150 miles
"The transmission has harsh shifts. Multiple times coming through the city with stop signs it will have a delay and jerk when I start to go again."
2018 Toyota Camry, 5 miles
Excerpts from public owner complaints filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, lightly trimmed.
Service bulletins
Toyota has sent dealers 9 bulletins that mention this problem on the Camry. A bulletin tells technicians how to fix a known fault. It is not a recall, so the repair is usually free only while the car is under warranty or covered by an extension.
TSB: Some 2018 model year Camry vehicles may exhibit a shift shock when shifting from Park to Reverse on initial startup or a delay/shock when reaccelerating quickly after slowing down to a stop or near stop.
When driving, with light loads, and between 25 and 50 mph, transmission exhibits brief shudder, intermittently and to reduce possibility of condition occurring, engine control module/ecm and torque converter logic was modified.
TSB: Some 2012 - 2014 Camry vehicles with a U760 transmission may exhibit a brief shudder intermittently while driving under light loads between approximately 25 and 50 mph.
TSB: Some 2012 - 2014 model year Camry vehicles with a U760 transmission may exhibit a brief shudder intermittently while driving under light loads between approximately 40 - 80 kph (25 and 50 mph).
Some 2012 ?
TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No.
Before you buy a Camry
- On the test drive, accelerate gently and firmly, and pay attention to the 1-2 and 2-3 shifts and to coasting down to a stop.
- Ask whether transmission software updates or a fluid flush have been done.
- Walk away from a car that clunks into gear or flares the engine speed between shifts.
Questions
Which Toyota Camry years have transmission hesitation and rough shifting?
Complaints are highest for the 2012, 2014, 2018 model years. The 2018 drew the most, with 88 reports.
At what mileage does it usually start?
Among owners who gave a mileage, the middle figure was about 43,000 miles, and half reported it between 12,000 and 95,000 miles.
How much does it cost to fix?
A software update is often free or under $200. A torque converter or valve body job runs $1,000 to $2,500, and a replacement transmission $3,500 to $6,000.