My new 2017 Corolla LE was rear-ended at 5K miles, totaled. I decided to upgrade to a 2018 Camry SE. Car drove great for the first week or so - perhaps the newness of it led me to overlook the shifting issue. I started to notice rough shifting and hesitation from 1st to 4th. The transmission and the rest of the car seemingly do not communicate well with each other. "It's a sport model, John", perhaps the transmission needs to get used to your style of 'driving miss daisy'.

Here it is August 2024, the car only has 38K miles on it, mostly in part to it not being enjoyable to drive, at all. I find myself saying "I hate this car", every time I get out of it. Heaven forbid if you're coming to a stop and the light changes green before you come to a complete stop - you better baby that gas pedal or it's going to jerk you around like a bull rider before the transmission decides to communicate with the gas pedal. And even if you baby the gas pedal, you'd be wise to maintain same pressure on pedal and wait a second or two for transmission to respond before you press the pedal further or you'll get jerked twice.

I'm going to hold on to it as I do believe the rest of the vehicle is sound, but boy did they really strike out with this model transmission.

Would not recommend to anyone except for the engineers at Toyota.

My first ever new car was a 2018 Camry. GREAT looking car and looked awesome in white. After driving off the lot, a month later I was back to the dealership because it was shifting roughly. It happened a lot during slower speeds. It was annoying enough that passengers asked me what was wrong.

Dealership stated there was a fix but my car was actually already installed with the software update. Same thing kept happening and I kept on asking the dealership if they were sure it had been updated. Sadly, they had no solution and the transmission kept shifting roughly. They also stated that the car was just learning how I drive (which is like a grandma).

Someone recently rear ended me on the freeway and totaled my car 4 years later after ownership. I was slightly glad so I wouldn''t have to deal with the transmission problems. I was looking into a 2019 Rav4, but thankfully this site told me it was one of the worst cars. Back to Honda?? Maybe, we'll see.

I got my 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 April of 2018. I thought I had thoroughly tested out everything I was looking for during my test drive(s). However, within a few days of signing all the papers and picking up the car, I noticed there was a lag in the acceleration. I was still being cautious only having a few miles on it but it only became more obvious to me as the days, weeks, months and now over a year has come and gone!!!

I can’t stand how jerky the gear shifting is in this car. It’s making me constantly drive in sport mode prepared to downshift at any time. I thought it was the intuitive driving - where it learns how you specifically drive so I asked my Toyota dealer to reset it. It seemed as though it MIGHT have worked for all of about 10 miles. NOPE! Then after dealing with a pot hole bending my alloy rim away from the tire and buying new tires - they told me that my car had a couple recalls that might fix it. Again, NOPE!!!

I strongly dislike (and I’m being kind saying it like that) how it appears as I don’t know how to drive a freakin manual transmission EXCEPT IM DRIVING AN AUTO-TRAGIC CAR!!! I’ve pulled onto the highway and appear as though I’ve gone into a coma with tons of traffic flying up on me going 80+ MPH!! I step on the gas and wait. Then suddenly, my RPMS INCREASE and a second later, I’m THROWN into a gear and THEN about 3 seconds LATER, I’m FINALLY moving up to speed!! That’s a long VERY annoying 3 seconds!!!!! Once upon to speed if I need to downshift the hesitation is less noticeable and no jerky shifting. I’m hoping that Toyota gets their act together and fixes it!!! What happened to Toyota’s quality?!?

I’m disgusted with this imperfection and the fact that they are allowing it to continue. I’ve owned at least 8 Toyota’s and about the same amount of Lexus - I’ll tell you that the Lexus ES 350 has the SAME ISSUE! I feel like it’s either the torque being too low for the engine capabilities, a faulty fuel pump (which you’d think should be easily disclosed and fixed) or the shifting in the transmission and computer aren’t syncing properly. I’ve researched this quite extensively already and found that I’m not alone BY. A. LONG. SHOT. In this complaint. The TSB I believe was only for the 4cyl Camrys - correct me if I’m wrong. Anyone else as AGGRAVATED as I am with this issue??? Please, if anyone knows of any fixes/recalls, keep me updated.

I bought a new 2018 Camry XSE. I was happy at first, but I quickly noticed that the transmission would jerk and act up when I put it into drive mode. Also some times when I would put it in park or reverse it would jerk and pull very bad. I tried to contact dealership and they kept on telling me it was normal for a Toyota Camry to jerk forward, that its was normal. That honestly comes as BS to me, I have driven cars with bad transmissions before and I know what a bad tranny sounds and feels like. And this new Camry has a very bad transmission. I also hate when I put it into drive it makes a awful noise, afterwards a fierce jerking motion of the car. I don't advise anyone to buy a new Camry until they fix this issue with transmission. Please stay away from this faulty Camry.

Couldn't believe a brand new car could ride like a bucking bronco. I had traded in my 2007 Lexus ES350 because of I fell in love with the looks of the 2018 Camry SE. On initial test drive, it seemed fine. The car had about 16k on it for miles (I was buying "used", but a new model).

After I had the car for about a month, I was noticing all the nuances, including how jerky the transmission was, even on the highway. It felt like someone who didn't know how to drive a standard was piloting the car.

A call to my faithful sales guy at Toyota got me the response that he had heard of and experienced the same complaints, but did not see any recall on the issue. He then said he'd dig further. I'm glad I opened my mouth, and I'm lucky this guy is awesome.

What he found was: Toyota has recognized the transmission problem and issued a technical service bulletin (TSB) in response. The article (TSB #T-SB-0330-17) points to a problem with the car’s main computer, the power train control module (PCM). Dealers have been instructed to reprogram the PCM to remedy the concern.

I had mine done last Monday (11/26), and so far, the thing drives like a dream. The exorcism has been performed and the demon has left the car.

Wanted to pass this on, as the Service Dept had to dig for the information, and did have to go on a test drive with me, even though I told them about this TSB.

Good luck!

Update from Dec 11, 2018: Well, alas, that TSB I mentioned lasted a whopping 3 days. Three freakin' days and the thing is back the way it was.

I have since gone to my Toyota guy and traded it in after owning it just 5 months. Luckily, I wasn't upside-down in my loan, and was able to get a 2014 Camry LE (12K miles!). THIS is how Camrys should ride and drive.

Traded a 2018 Nissan Altima because of CVT issues. Thought I made the right choice going to the most reliable car sold in America. I noticed on my first drive home from work after buying the car in rush hour traffic that the transmission shifts so rough and jerks like crazy. Every time I let on and off the accelerator the car jerks. When taking off from a stop it goes from 1st to 4th gear before you hit 20mph. Very sluggish and hard shifts. I am so fed up that this is my 2nd brand new car within an 8 month period with transmission issues. I really hope Toyota puts out a recall and fixes this issue. I'm very disappointed.

I've wanted the 2018 Camry XSE since the first time I saw it. It took me about 3 months before I bought it, because I wanted to make sure I was making a good purchase.

I bought my Camry in January 2018. It is very gas efficient, has many safety items, but there is something that is bothering me so much, that is the transmission. The gear changes are slow and accelerating the Camry soon after a slowing down is a terrible experience. The transmission is always hesitating to change gears. I complained about this problem with the Toyota Dealer and was given the "wonderful solution" to avoid using the ECO mode and always use the SPORT mode. I confess I was surprised that the solution given by the Toyota Dealer because I believe that Toyota Engineers are a little smarter and able to design a better transmission that my car has.

After driving my 2018 Toyota Camry XSE for 20,000 miles, the transmission continues hesitating to shift the gears and now my car looks like a rattlesnake nest of so much rattling noise that it is making. I've complained several times, but the Hendrick Toyota Apex maintenance team can not do anything. As soon as I get a big deal, I'll be trading my car.

Update from Dec 2, 2018: Fortunately I managed to trade-in my 2018 Toyota Camry XSE for a 2019 Hyundai Santa Fe Limited. My new car is not gas efficient like the Camry, but it's worth it.

Today is 08/22/2018. I just bought a brand new Toyota Camry SE on July 12, 2018, not even 2 months ago. I notice when I try to accelerate from a stop, the car stalls even though I am accelerating. People behind me are honking because they don't understand, I am trying to go!! When the car finally does go, it lunges. The whole driving experience is awful and scary. People are apt to run right into from behind because the car just won't accelerate at first. When it finally figures out what to do....it lunges big time!!

I have had the car only 1 1/2 months. I noticed this almost from the beginning. I called the service department and without looking at it, the service guy told me on the phone that car has to get used to my driving...B.S.!! Another 3 weeks has gone by and no improvement at all. I just took it into the service department today and from the other complaints, I highly doubt anything will be fixed. I'll get some run around answer again and I will be told there is nothing that can be done.

I chose Toyota because they have always had the reputation of a well built, reliable car. Not so anymore. I regret buying this car. For everyone who has purchased this car and is experiencing these issues, it looks like everyone will have to just put up with the problem being an unhappy and worried driver, because this does pose some big safety issues, or sell it. Those that sell it will take a bath and those who keep it will be unhappy Toyota owners for the entire term of their ownership. This is really sad that Toyota is doing this to their customers. These cars have a serious transmission problem and need to be recalled.

I was going to sell my old car that the Toyota was suppose to replace but, that car is the one I am continuing to use instead of the new Toyota. And, my old car is a 1999 Pontiac Firebird (20 years old) and drives like a dream compared to the Toyota. Buying a new car is suppose to be a fun and exciting experience. What a horrible disappointment.

I hate the new Toyota. Will never buy another Toyota ever again and will make sure all friends and family are aware of this problem that Toyota will not fix.

I got this brand new 2018 Toyota Camry on 5/23/18 at 1st I really like it, but the more drove it I noticed it has a problem shifting gears & its sluggish when accelerating. Mind you I hadn't has this car a week & I did a survey online stating how it accelerates & the service manager called me & he wanted to test drive my car he said nothing was wrong with it & to get 1500 miles on it & see If the problem changes, which it hasn't. But before I did the survey I brought the car to the salesman to let him drive & he said nothing was wrong with my car. Which was not true!

I am so feed up with this a whole situation. If I had of none I was going to have a car that has a hard time accelerating I would've keep my 2016 Toyota Corolla. Honestly a pray everyday before I get in the car because I'm scared someone may hit me, because of how it accelerates so slow. They've been giving me the run around about this car! I shouldn't be going through this with a brand new car!

I bought this car on April 4, 2018 as an early birthday gift to myself. I test drove it with the sales manager for a few miles. We went over all the safety features and the driver features. All seemed to perform very well and as should. I was very happy with the way the car handled, smooth riding, and the torque wasn't bad either.

I started noticing issues with the transmission shifting very rough, almost hesitating at times around the 2 week mark. By the 20th, I had already put nearly 900 miles on the car. I work about an hour away from home, hence why I wanted something economical. I called the sales manager and complained to him about the transmission. He informed me that it was a new transmission and it adapts to the owners driving style over time. He then said for me to just "give it hell" for awhile and it should straighten out.

I called to schedule my first free maintenance and complained about the transmission issues. When I went in to Toyota they said they were going to check out the transmission and test drive it. They would let me know if anything was out of the ordinary. After waiting 3 hours, the service manager said that the techs didn't find anything wrong with the transmission and couldn't duplicate the issue. (BULLSH*T) Anyone that drives this car can instantly feel the transmission shifting roughly. Continuing on... The service manager said that at this time there has been no recalls issued by Toyota for the transmissions and there was also no software updates available.

I'm not too worried about it really, because I have a Lifetime Powertrain warranty through the dealership. It's just annoying as hell to feel this transmission bump as it shifts through every single gear.

I purchased my 2018 Toyota Camry on Jan 01,18. The first week it ran really great and was very excited for my purchase. Love the styling, the color and MOST of the features. My biggest concern, as mentioned, is the shifting of the new 8 speed transmission. From a dead stop, it doesn’t seem to know when to shift and GO. I’m always looking behind me, and my wife as well. We are always wondering when we will be rear ended!!! or maybe trying to cross over a intersection and car not going or trying to merge on the freeway and get up to speed, it’s so sluggish. I push the gas down so hard and cross my fingers that it will get up and go at that moment. After several long seconds, it starts going! this sucks and not happy. I have a 2012 Prius that will run circles around this car, so you tell me.

Just purchased my 2018 Toyota Camry SE on May 14,18. The first week it ran really great and was very excited for my purchase. Love the styling, the color and MOST of the features. Except of course the Entune system, that has has several complaints. My biggest concern, as mentioned, is the shifting of the new 8 speed transmission. From a dead stop, it doesn’t seem to know when to shift and GO. I’m always looking behind me, waiting to be rear ended!!! Also, trying to merge on the freeway and get up to speed, it’s so sluggish. I push the gas down so hard and cross my fingers that it will get up and go at that moment. After several long seconds, it starts going! I have yet to experience the thumping noise when it does decide on which gear it should be in which I’ve read is an ongoing issue for some.

I didn’t expect to have to take such a new car in to the dealer so soon. I’m now at 803 miles and I’m not sure if this will be fixed. I love the car otherwise. I came from a 2007 Camry SE with a V6, so I thought I would have to get used to a 4 cylinder. But after doing research ( yes, unfortunately after the fact) it looks as if this is how it is. It’s apparent that it’s a Manufacturers problem. NOW FIX IT TOYOTA!!! It’s extremely unsafe when this problem occurs.

I’ve already ordered a K and N air filter to hopefully help this sluggish transmission. I hope it helps, because after reading, it doesn’t seem as though Toyota wants to find a fix to this problem. I will update after I install the air filter to see if it helps.

Purchased this car back in November and immediately noticed the rough shifts the transmission was giving. Noticed when driving up to a red light and beginning to slow down, but not yet at a complete stop, then seeing the light change and stepping on the gas I noticed very rough shifts. Same in stop and go traffic on the highway when you're never really at a complete stop and moving at the pace of the traffic. Also noticed recently that the transmission will downshift ON ITS OWN while I am cruising (not accelerating or slowing down) on the highway going 75 MPH. Scary to be driving so fast and feel the car jerk on you.

I took it to one dealership not even a month after I bought the car where they told me they hooked it up to the computer but found nothing. Fast forward a few months later to just this week, where I took it to a different dealership with the same complaint. They said they updated the software and that it should be running fine. Service department guy even told me that the new 8 speeds drive that way. Not buying it. Have been driving it since the new update but nothing has changed.

I travel a lot within the state and it is definitely scary and something I should not be worrying about with a brand new car. Will be looking to trade the car in if there is not a recall that gets to the bottom of this.

This Camry does not shift correctly when it is cold. It does not matter what the temperature is outside - but the operating temperature of the vehicle makes all the difference. The first 3 or 4 gears that this vehicle attempts to find is extremely rough and or/inconsistent in how it works. I've never driven a car that is this jekyll/hyde.

Michael R. from Lebanon couldn't more perfectly summarize my same issues with the same type of vehicle which says to me we are experiencing the exact same issues.

Time for Toyota to step up and confirm that they are having issues with this new model/new transmission and work with those impacted.

Update from Sep 14, 2018: My local Toyota dealership continued to look into this issue. They allegedly found that the amount of transmission fluid that the car came with from the factory was low but only found this after performing several warm/cold tests. Unfortunately the issues are as bad or worse since fluid was added. I truly believe this is a mechanical issue with the vehicle that needs to be addressed by Toyota through recall.

I see I'm not the only one with a complaint about the 2018 Camry 8 speed automatic. I have contacted NCDS, an arbitration process Toyota subscribes to and listed in one of the many manuals you get when you buy the car. This is step 2 in the process. Step 3 is Lemon Law which I will file if nothing is resolved with arbitration. Would recommend anyone having this tranny problem do the same. These procedures are a pain but if enough people do it the manufacturer will have to address the problem. In my opinion Toyota rushed this transmission to market before it was ready to go.

Update from Jun 20, 2018: NCDS arbitration yields nothing, waste of time. I wouldn't advise using it, Toyota used the results against me in the Lemon Law complaint. The AG states that it appears to be a personal dispute between me and Toyota and cannot rule. They advised I talk to an attorney. I did but unless I can duplicate the problem it will be hard to prove in court.

I have filed a report with NATSA about this transmission but they will need a lot more than me before they will budge.

It goes without saying stay away from the Camry if you are thinking about buying one. You will be stuck.

Update from Jul 7, 2018: Filed under the Lemon Law but apparently it has no teeth. I believe the manufacturers have found away around it, they do nothing so there is no paper work, nothing that can be held against them. My car's shifting problem went so far as to go into neutral a couple of times for a few seconds before it banged into a gear. On one occasion I could have been involved in an accident. I filed a report with NATSA which I think everyone affected should do. The more complaints they get the greater the chance they will look into it. I have consulted with an attorney but was told unless a repair was performed and didn't work, paperwork, it would be useless to to pursue in court. Burden of proof rest with the accuser, me. Explains why Toyota won't address the issue. I solved my problem the only way I had left and that was to trade in for a different car, not a Toyota. Won't have another Toyota after this one.

Update from Aug 31, 2018: As I said in my last update I traded the car off. I bought a 2018 Kia Optima EX, similar to the Camry. After 5,500 miles I can say that Kia has it all over the Camry in every way. Wish I would have looked there in the first place.