Do Camrys have transmission issues?

Question

StDelilah · Accepted Answer

Yes, certain Toyota Camry model years—specifically 2018-2024 models equipped with the 8-speed automatic transmission—have well-documented transmission issues. Problems primarily involve rough, hesitant, or jerky shifting and a phenomenon known as "gear hunting," particularly at low speeds. These issues have sparked a significant number of owner complaints and an ongoing class-action lawsuit alleging design defects in the transmission's torque converter and software calibration. While not every vehicle is affected, the concentration of reports for these models is higher than the historical norm for the Camry.

The core of the problem lies in the UA80/UA80E 8-speed automatic transmission introduced in the 2018 model year. A key point of contention in the lawsuit is the torque converter's lock-up clutch engaging too early and too frequently, which can cause shuddering, overheating, and premature wear. The table below summarizes the primary concerns across recent model years:

Model Years	Transmission Type	Common Reported Issues	Typical Context/Solutions
2018-2024	8-Speed Automatic (UA80)	Rough/jerky shifts, gear hunting, hesitation, shuddering, loud whining noise.	Central to the class-action lawsuit. Toyota has issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for software updates to recalibrate shifting. Severe cases may require torque converter or transmission replacement.
2012-2017	6-Speed Automatic	Torque converter shudder, vibration during light acceleration.	Less litigious than 8-speed issues. Often resolved by flushing and replacing the transmission fluid with an updated formulation, per Toyota TSBs.

Common symptoms reported by owners include a distinct vibration or shudder (feeling like driving over rumble strips) during steady acceleration between 30-50 mph, delayed engagement when shifting from Park to Drive or Reverse, and in rare cases, a burning smell or complete transmission failure. Market data from sources like the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database shows a noticeable spike in transmission-related complaints for the 2018-2022 Camry model years compared to earlier generations.

What should you do if you own or are considering one of these models? First, check the NHTSA website using your Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) for any open recalls. More commonly, inquire with a Toyota dealership about any available software updates for your transmission control module; these updates are the first line of correction and have resolved issues for many owners. For 2012-2017 models experiencing shudder, a transmission fluid exchange using Toyota World Standard (WS) fluid is the standard and often effective remedy.

Proactive maintenance is critical. Many independent technicians recommend more frequent transmission fluid changes—every 60,000 miles under severe use or 90,000 miles under normal conditions—than the "lifetime fill" interval sometimes suggested, as fresh fluid helps manage heat and wear. While the Toyota Camry maintains a strong reputation for reliability overall, the data indicates that prudent buyers and owners of the affected 8-speed models should be aware of these potential transmission concerns and take verified steps to address them.

VonHannah · Answer

I drive a 2020 Camry XLE. The transmission issue is real. For the first year, it was fine, then it started with this jerking motion, especially in the morning or in stop-and-go traffic. It felt like the car couldn’t decide which gear to be in. I took it to the dealer, and they performed a software update for free under a service bulletin. It’s been much smoother since. My advice? Don’t ignore the shudder. Schedule that dealer visit and specifically ask about the transmission software update. It made a world of difference for my daily commute.

McMalachi · Answer

As an auto technician for over a decade, I’ve seen my share of these Camrys come into the shop. The complaint is usually the same: a rough shift or a shudder during light throttle. For the older 6-speed models, it’s almost always the torque converter. The fix is straightforward—a complete fluid exchange with the updated Toyota WS fluid usually clears it right up. The newer 8-speeds are trickier. The software update from Toyota is the official first step, and it does help many vehicles. However, if the shudder has been present for a long time, physical damage to the torque converter’s lock-up clutch can occur. In those cases, no amount of software will fix it, and the converter needs replacement. The key is early diagnosis. If you feel that vibration, get it checked. Letting it go can turn a simple fluid service into a major repair.

OSophia · Answer

I was researching used Camrys and kept reading about transmission problems. It was confusing—some people said theirs was perfect, others had nightmares. I dug into the NHTSA complaint database myself. The pattern was clear: a huge jump in reports for the 2018 and newer models. Words like “jerking,” “shuddering,” and “hesitation” came up constantly. This wasn’t just a few unhappy people. It showed me I needed to be very careful. My strategy changed. I decided to either look for a 2017 or older model (knowing about the possible fluid fix) or, if I wanted a newer one, I’d only consider one with a full service history showing the transmission software update had been performed. I also made sure any test drive included slow city driving to feel for any shift issues myself.

StTessa · Answer

Let’s talk about the lawsuit and what it means for an owner. There’s an active class-action alleging Toyota knew about defects in the 8-speed transmission but didn’t disclose them. This doesn’t mean you get an automatic payout. What it does is create pressure on Toyota to address the problem. For you, the owner, this has a very practical benefit: it often means the company is more willing to offer goodwill repairs, even if your warranty has just expired. I’ve spoken with owners who had significant transmission work covered partially or fully outside the standard warranty period. The legal action also forces transparency—it’s why we have Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) that dealers must follow. So, if your dealer seems hesitant to help, mention the known TSBs for transmission software or shudder. It shows you’re informed. Your strongest leverage is a combination of your vehicle’s service history, the documented widespread nature of the issue, and the existence of these factory-authorized solutions.