Toyota is one of the most popular brands for common drivers in the world.
Among its products, the 2018-2020 Camry is a top-tier medium-sized sedan in the market, thanks to its amazing performance and great driving dynamic and energy-saving base engine.
Regardless, several 2018 Toyota Camry transmission problems can hinder your driving experience.
These problems include jerky transmission, faulty fuel pump, or system errors, some of which can require professional repair.
Scroll down this article and learn more about this Toyota model and how to deal with transmission issues at your convenience!
2018 Toyota Camry Overview
Though it appeared 5 years ago, the 2018 Toyota Camry remains the most popular choice for midsize sedans for family use.
It performs wonderfully, thanks to powerful engines and calm handling with a 2.5L, four-cylinder engine, similar to a 350 F-Sport.
The Camry is one of the finest bargains, considering a comprehensive list of standard features and excellent gas mileage.
There are five trim models from the 2018 Toyota Camry: L, LE, SE, XLE, and XSE.
The base trim L features common traits that can also be found in rivals, including a four-cylinder engine, standard safety technology, and Toyota’s Entune interface with voice control, GPS, USB ports, etc.
Other models come with more features that are designed for specific purposes.
For example, the Camry LE trim includes an eight-way power-adjustable driver’s seat for comfort; XLE offers LED headlights, a blindspot monitor, and rear cross-traffic braking.
Later models are more advanced, with high-end cabin accents.
Certified Toyota Camry users benefited from the brand’s pre-owned program for less than 6 years old or 85,000 miles, in addition to a limited 12,000-mile warranty for pre-own customers.
Among the 2018 Toyota Camry trims, Camry Hybrid LE is the most optimal choice for its reasonable price, yet surprisingly capable in many aspects.
It is also less likely to have the following 8-speed transmission issues.
2018 Toyota Camry Transmission Problems
The most reported transmission-related issues on 2018 Camry are delayed shifting, defective low-pressure fuel pump, malfunctioning transmission software, and poor power steering system.
Delayed Shifting
One of the most common issues is delayed shifting, especially when accelerating.
For instance, when your transmission shifts from the 4th gear to the 5th gear, it takes a couple of seconds to finish changing.
There have been reports that the bad transmission stopped accelerating during a turn, only to continue accelerating after dropping down several gears.
Malfunctioned Low-Pressure Fuel Pump
Another significant problem is the faulty fuel pump, in which the biggest concern is the potential safety breach.
If the pump from the fuel tank does not work properly, your car may stop or start uncontrollably.
While driving at low speed, this issue might not affect the driving experience much, but it’s a different story if you’re driving on a highway or a crowded area.
Toyota launched several safety recalls for their Camrys to fix it, so if you are facing this problem, try to contact the seller.
Transmission Software Problem
We can’t miss the transmission software problem when it comes to Toyota Camry 2018 transmission problems.
Drivers may encounter manual transmission jerks while shifting as the software becomes glitchy or unresponsive. There were plenty of reports of this incident at approximately 3,000 miles.
Some 2018 Toyota Camry complaints reported a shock in the engine RPM when this happened.
When it first came out, the 2018 Toyota Camry featured the new yet buggy Direct Shift-8AT transmission system, which took years to de-bug.
Faulty Power Steering System
Last but not least, power steering is difficult to control at low speeds. Though nothing is broken, many drivers find the steering stiff, or rough brake booster, despite the electronic power steering.
Signs Of 2018 Camry Transmission Problems
The 2018 Camry problems can be detected via on-road performance or just starting the engine.
If the transmission engine light is on, it is an immediate sign of a problem, and you should take your car to the nearest service center for assistance.
If you notice strange smells, it’s possibly transmission fluid leaking or burning inside the engine compartments.
Keep an eye on the fluid levels; by chance, there can be a jam within the automatic transmission fluid system, particularly the transmission filter.
Another sign of the problem is the weird engine noises. You can feel your gears grinding during shifts within the interior.
The cause of this is that after driving for a while, the transmission lubricant is dried out, which can be dangerous for driving.
2018 Toyota Camry Transmission Fix
To ensure that the transmission system works properly, you should have its fluids changed regularly to keep it fully lubricated.
If you don’t do so every 30,000 miles, the transmission can be slippy and difficult to maneuver, so check the car’s manual for more information regarding mileage intervals.
If the system contains too much dirt or debris, you can consider taking a transmission fluid flush instead of changing the fluids.
It will not only replace the current fluids but also clear all the remaining liquids from the cooler lines and other parts.
Every 30,000 or 50,000 miles, the transmission filter will need to be replaced. It is recommended to replace the whole set, including the filter plate, gasket, pickup tube, and rubber seal.
You will also have to keep tabs on the intervals to determine the correct time for a 2018 Toyota Camry transmission replacement.
FAQs
How Long Does A 2018 Toyota Camry Transmission Last?
The service life of a Toyota Camry ranges between 200,000 to 300,000 miles.
Your Toyota Camry may last anywhere from 15 to 20 years if you drive it an average of 15,000 miles each year and have it serviced regularly.
What Is The 2018 Toyota Camry Transmission Repair Cost?
Depending on the model, a new 2018 Toyota Camry gearbox might cost over $3,500.
In contrast, transmission repair services like fluid special changes and fluid flushes are cheaper, occasionally costing less than $150.
Conclusion
With this article, we hope that you will have an overview of 2018 Toyota Camry transmission problems and how to take care of them.
Don’t forget to bring your automobile to a service advisor regularly to make sure that you won’t run into any trouble while driving down the city street.
Thank you for reading!
Time it takes to rebuild 2018 Toyota Camry XSE V6 Transmission. Thank You