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2020 Toyota Camry Transmission Problems

25 owner-reported transmission complaints from NHTSA data

25
Complaints
1
Crashes
Jan 2026Dec 2025
Date Range

Data sourced from NHTSA public database. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified mechanic.

Owner Complaints (25)

criticalPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2026

Your 2020 Camry's transmission is failing prematurely, causing hesitation during acceleration, delayed or harsh shifting, engine RPMs rising without the car moving, difficulty engaging gears (including reverse), and loud whining or grinding sounds. These problems make driving unsafe, especially when merging or crossing intersections. Toyota has confirmed the transmission is failing but says no replacement parts are available and won't provide a repair timeline, leaving you with a car you can't safely drive. A transmission rebuild or replacement will likely be needed.

NHTSA #: 11709566
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Mar 2026

Your transmission has been showing signs of trouble since you bought the car—it was reluctant to downshift and made a whining noise from the start. After about 50,000 miles, you noticed shuddering and slipping during shifts, and by 89,000 miles the problem got much worse with grinding, clunking, and clicking sounds. Even after servicing the transmission fluid and replacing the CV axle shaft, the symptoms persist—your transmission still grinds during gear changes, whines loudly, and occasionally shifts gears on its own while driving. A transmission rebuild or replacement will likely be necessary to fully resolve these issues.

NHTSA #: 11724323
highPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2025

During routine maintenance at the dealer, an unusual whining noise was discovered in your transmission, even though no warning lights appeared and you hadn't noticed any problems before. The dealer determined your transmission needs to be replaced at 82,000 miles. The replacement will involve removing and installing a new or rebuilt transmission unit.

NHTSA #: 11708017
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2026

Your car is making a whining sound when you accelerate, but the noise stops when you release the gas pedal. This started happening around 67,000 miles. The issue is likely related to your engine's accessory components or transmission fluid.

NHTSA #: 11716022
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL
Filed: Dec 2025

Have whining from transmission. When trying to accelerate the car does not shift into gears correctly and there is hesitance and delay. Have issues merging on highway and regular traffic due to hesitance and delay. Car can jerk when accelerating. Had dealership inspect twice at different dates. The dealership said nothing was wrong and that the hesitance and delay was just how the car operates. Discovered that other Toyota Camry's had same issue under T-SB-0008-21. Would like for our model year Toyota Camry be added for repairs.

NHTSA #: 11703783
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Dec 2025

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

NHTSA #: 11703172
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Dec 2025

transmission just stopped shifting yes its available for inspection. car suddenly wouldnt accelaerate on the highway. independant service center. has not been inspected by them. no warning lights prior to the incident also the junkyards want double the amount of money for these transmissions cause they say theyre in high demand because they tend to fail

NHTSA #: 11702556
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2025

2020 Toyota Camry 8 speed transmission hesitant and jerking This has led to me being unable to avoid accidents. It is unsafe to accelerate to avoid bad situations. Car has been back to Toyota and they can’t find the cause of the issue but have been able to reproduce it.

NHTSA #: 11691676
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Oct 2025

Transmission failed on a major parkway. A loud noise was heard and engine over-revved. Car started to vibrate and no forward gears worked. I had to drift across two lanes of a coming high speed traffic with no drive power. I eventually got to the side of the road. I put my hazards in as soon as it happened. The vehicle was towed to the location from which it was purchased new in 2020, and serviced at all intervals. The dealership has changed ownership and is now Ourisman Toyota of Richmond. They ran a diagnostic and confirmed that the transmission has failed. There were no warning lamps, however the day prior I noticed the transmission shifting seemed off. I made an appointment to take the car in for checking at the earliest available date. However the failure occurred two days before this date.the car’s mileage is just under 85k. We purchased a 6yr 75k VSP warranty however it has expired by mileage. Car is still financed by Toyota financing. Problem has been reported to Toyota Brand engagement center and has been escalated. We have not received a resolution yet and the case is still in queue after 3 business days:

NHTSA #: 11690891
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM,ENGINE
Filed: Feb 2025

Started vehicle and went to back up. Car slammed into reverse and disply showed Drive start control malfunction. The service engine light came on. I removed the battery to reset the error message and the following dayi took it to the dealership. They checked it out and told me that they didnt find anything wrong with it since it wasnt displaying a service engine light. So i went home with it. The next day it did it again so i took it back to them while the condition was happening. Which insisted of the error message, serv eng light, gearshift indicator displaying drive and park at the same time. Also the door locks were continually locking and unlocking. They put a new water valve plus a neut switch assy and a new xmission lever in it and told me it was fixed. I picked it up and the next day it did it again. Returned it to them and they said that the new part was possibly bad from Toyota, ordered a new one, put it in and said it was all good now. I picked car up and 9 months later its happening again. Not sure what to do. Please help

NHTSA #: 11644555
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Feb 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that upon approaching the vehicle, the contact became aware of an excessive fluid leak underneath the transmission. The contact decided not to drive the vehicle. No warning lights were illuminated. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who diagnosed a failure with the transmission oil pump seal. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure, a case was opened, and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The contact filed a claim with the manufacturer; however, the claim was declined. The failure mileage was 70,000.

NHTSA #: 11643953
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at approximately 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered and stalled. No warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was taken to a dealer to be diagnosed; however, the failure cause was unidentifiable. The dealer informed the contact that the engine might need to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired however, the failure persisted. The vehicle was taken back to the dealer where it was diagnosed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The dealer informed the contact that the parts would not be available until March 2025. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 99,000.

NHTSA #: 11637632
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2025

Driving normal about 60mph. Car seems to go into limp mode with no acceleration response. Toyota confirms the clutch actuator is failing causing the vehicle to not have acceleration pressure and that the transmission needs to be replaced. There are no indications or lights showing a malfunction and acceleration from a stop can be unresponsive. Turning the vehicle off and on will temporarily reset the car without issue. This problem is intermittent but increasing in frequency.

NHTSA #: 11637486
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE
Filed: Jan 2025

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at 30 MPH on the highway, the vehicle lost motive power. The contact stated that the vehicle failed to respond while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not taken to be diagnosed or repaired. The local dealer was contacted; however, the vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 38,000.

NHTSA #: 11636118
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2025

There is a progressing whine sound when accelerating, it's a common sign of a transmission failing, others online have described the same issue and they had to replace their transmission, I'd be worried about my transmission failing mid drive and not being able to control the car.

NHTSA #: 11635716
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Jun 2024

took my 2020 Camry to Toyota they told me the catalytic converter had issues and the engine cooling bypass valve as well. They also stated that they have a ton of Camrys and rav 4 coming in with the same issue

NHTSA #: 11593590
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRICAL SYSTEM
Filed: May 2024

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

NHTSA #: 11591461
mediumPOWER TRAIN,AIR BAGS,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2024

Tracking #[XXX] Reference to carbon monoxide leak in cabin of the car. 227PPM and greater. No warning signals went off. My personal carbon monoxide detector alarmed me after repairs of engine seal for leak. [XXX] Hunter at Doggett called repairs are done. This car is not safe to drive. Toyota Brand Experience caller Lily called me Thursday March 14 and said someone from the team would call me by Tuesday, March 19. As of March 31 6:45Pm --I have not heard from anyone. Car unsafe to drive Carbon monoxide in cabin, other 2020 recalled for leaks and engine block damage .. No warning, No testing, ---Dangerous to ride with passenger air bag may deploy in a crash Recall No remedy -Vehicle Health Report not available [XXX] " There was an error communicating the remote server. - Techstream Diagnostic Report for [XXX] Dealer Code 42182 not available. Service work prior to purchase of the this car was not and still is not available... [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)

NHTSA #: 11578787
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ENGINE,FUEL/PROPULSION SYSTEM
Filed: Mar 2024

I had a feeling sick while driving my car. I placed a smoke and carbon monoxide detector in the cabin. The detector went off. I tried different things windows up windows down, recuperate open and close and detector alarmed. I brought my car to Doggett Toyota they found a leak in engine that was running to exhaust. I paid for $117 for estimate and $337 for part. The service department is pressing me to let them use my carbon monoxide detector. I refuse. When I went pick up the car fumes plus soap smell is still in the car. Detector still alarm 229ppm.They only offer to rent a ccar which I cannot drive because of health reasons. Other 2020 are carmys are recalled because oil leak and possibly damage to engine block. I requested my car be examined for the same problems as recall. The service department says I need ask corporate to send there own mechanic and I pay for it. Hours of run around miscommunication. That car is not safe to drive. Dealership doesn't have carbon monoxide detector or means to detect the smoke in the cabin. Service members all over the place, texting on cell phone, walking away while on phone with corporate etc.

NHTSA #: 11577489
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jun 2023

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.

NHTSA #: 11524893
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: Jan 2023

The contact owns a 2020 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the vehicle was vibrating. The vehicle was taken to a transmission specialist, who diagnosed that the torque converter needed to be replaced. The vehicle was then taken to the dealer, where the transmission mounts were replaced; however, the failure recurred. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure and a case was filed. The failure mileage was approximately 144,000.

NHTSA #: 11501419
mediumPOWER TRAIN
Filed: May 2021

WHILE GOING UP A HILL WITH A RIGHT HAND CURVE AT ABOUT 50 MPH I HEARD A LOUD NOISE THAT SOUNDED LIKE TWO PIECES OF METAL COMING TOGETHER. AT THE TIME I HAD NO IDEA WHAT CAUSED THE NOISE BUT THOUGHT MAYBE I RAN OVER A PIECE OF METAL THAT THE THE WHEEL THREW UP. I TOOK THE CAR TO THE DEALER AND THEY CHECKED THE UNDER SIDE AND TOLD THERE WAS NO SIGN OF ANY DAMAGE THAT MIGHT HAVE BEEN DONE. I HAVE ALL WHEEL DRIVE AND THE NOISE WAS SO MECHANICAL I NOW THINK THE DRIVE WHEEL WAS CHANGING AND AND IT HAD AN OUT OF SYNC CONNECTION WHICH RESULTED IN THE LOUD NOISE. THE VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION, ON A PAVED HIGHWAY, GOING UP A HILL THAT HAD A RIGHT HAND CURVE, I WAS STEERING THROUGH THE CURVE AT ABOUT 50 MPH. I DO NOT KNOW THE EXACT CAUSE OF THE LOUD NOISE BUT BELIEVE IT INVOLVED THE ALL WHEEL DRIVE FEATURE.5/9/2021

NHTSA #: 11416078
mediumPOWER TRAIN,ELECTRONIC STABILITY CONTROL (ESC),ENGINE
Filed: Sep 2020

TRY TO START THE CAR BUT WON'T START IT CHECK THE BATTERY BUT NOT BATTERY ISSUE AFTER I THAT TRY START AGAIN STILL CAN'T SOME CRANKY NOISES START THAN CAR SHUTDOWN,BUT EVEN 90 DAY A LOT OF TROUBLE N WEIRD NOISES WHEN PUSH THE BRAKE PADDLES

NHTSA #: 11361441
mediumPOWER TRAIN
CrashFiled: Aug 2020

2020 TOYOTA CAMRY. CONSUMER WRITES IN REGARDS TO UNINTENDED ACCELERATION. *LD THE CONSUMER STATED WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS IN PARK ON A FLAT SURFACE, THE CONSUMER EXITED THE VEHICLE AND IT BEGAN ROLLING. THE VEHICLE STRUCK A REFRIGERATOR, WORK BENCH, AND THE CONSUMER. THE CONSUMER WAS TRAPPED UNDER THE VEHICLE FOR 30 MINUTES. THE CONSUMER'S SHOULDER, BACK, AND LEG WERE INJURED. THE INJURIES REQUIRED THE CONSUMER TO SEE AN ORTHOPEDIC DOCTOR. THE DEALER AND MANUFACTURER WERE CONTACTED NEITHER COULD DETERMINE THE FAILURE. THE CONSUMER STATED AUTOMATED STOP TECHNOLOGY SHOULD HAVE CAUSED THE VEHICLE TO STOP, BUT FAILED.*JS

NHTSA #: 11349407
mediumPOWER TRAIN,VEHICLE SPEED CONTROL,ENGINE
Filed: Mar 2020

DURING MULTIPLE EPISODES WHETHER THE CAR IS AT A STOP OR IN MOTION THERE IS A DELAY FROM WHEN THE ACCELERATOR IS DEPRESSED TO WHEN THE ENGINE RESPONDS AND REVS LEADING TO MORE POWER AND SPEED. FOR EXAMPLE WHEN STOPPED AT A LIGHT TRYING TO MAKE A LEFT TURN, I PRESS THE ACCELERATOR DOWN AND THERE IS NO MAJOR CHANGE IN SPEED AND REVS UNTIL SECONDS LATER WHEN THEN ENGINE THEN GOES FROM 1000RPMS TO 3000RPMS. THIS CAN BE DANGEROUS AND ALMOST LED TO AN ACCIDENT AS THERE WAS AN ONCOMING CAR THAT ALMOST HIT ME AS I WAS TRYING TO MAKE THE TURN. ALSO HAPPENED WHEN I WAS TRYING TO ACCELERATE TO MERGE ONTO THE HIGHWAY AND THERE WAS AN ACCELERATION DELAY FOR A SAFE MERGE.

NHTSA #: 11319053

Other 2020 Toyota Camry Issues