2005 Toyota Camry powertrain problems

Transmission hesitates or delays 1-3 seconds before engaging when accelerating from stops, low speeds (20-45 mph), or after coasting. Engine revs while transmission remains unresponsive, then suddenly engages with a violent jerk or lurch. Occurs intermittently, roughly 20-80% of the time depending on driving scenario.

When: Reported from new vehicle through approximately 120,000 miles. Most severe in first months of ownership but persists indefinitely.

Symptoms owners cite: 1-3 second delay before transmission engages after accelerator depressed; Engine revs to 3,000-5,000 RPM while vehicle remains at low speed; Sudden violent jerk or lurch when transmission finally engages; Hesitation when leaving stop signs, making turns, and merging; Problem occurs 20-80% of the time depending on driving conditions; Transmission struggles to downshift until complete stop; Rough or harsh shifts between gears at highway speeds; Lag when attempting to pass

Codes mentioned: AA1, AA2, AA3

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed transmission fluid replacement, throttle body cleaning, computer software reflash/upgrade, and solenoid valve replacement. Owners report repairs either didn't help or problem returned after brief improvement. One owner reported AAMCO found transmission fluid unusually dirty and beginning to burn; transmission required $3,300 overhaul at independent shop. Complete transmission replacement reported at 91,000 miles and at other mileages, cost approximately $3,000-$5,000.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued Technical Service Bulletins (TSBs) for computer reset/software upgrade. Some owners reported dealers initially denied problem existed or said it was normal behavior. Dealers told owners hesitation was 'designed this way' due to electronic throttle control and computer-controlled shifting. One contact with Toyota rep called it a 'design defect.' Warranty claims denied when customer maintenance wasn't performed at Toyota dealer or when mileage exceeded warranty period.

Vehicle unexpectedly accelerates at high rate without driver depressing accelerator, or surges forward violently after brief hesitation. Occurs during parking maneuvers, at traffic lights with foot on brake, when reversing, or while braking. Some incidents resulted in crashes into parked vehicles, walls, curbs, and one pedestrian. Airbags failed to deploy in at least two reported crashes.

When: From early ownership through 240,000 miles. Most dramatic incidents reported in first few months, but problem continues intermittently throughout vehicle life.

Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle suddenly accelerates without driver input; Car surges forward when braking in parking lots or at intersections; Violent acceleration after brief hesitation period; Vehicle lurches ahead from complete stop; Brakes appear ineffective during surge events; No warning before acceleration occurs; Multiple incidents of same failure within single drive

Codes mentioned: AA1, AA2, AA3

Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body cleaning and replacement performed by dealers; one owner reported throttle body replaced for $1,155.99 (part plus labor and tax). Some owners had throttle body serviced but problem recurred. Toyota service investigations found no fault codes or manufacturing defects, despite crashes and injuries. One owner's vehicle was destroyed after unintended acceleration crash; another had airbag failure-related neck/back trauma requiring medical treatment.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota sent third-party investigators to crash sites who concluded no manufacturing defect. Dealers initially blamed driver error or driving habits. Warranty denied for vehicles outside dealer service network or beyond powertrain warranty. No recalls issued for 2005 Camry unintended acceleration despite owner reports of hundreds of similar complaints.

Throttle-by-wire electronic control system fails to respond to accelerator input or creates delay. Engine light illuminates; vehicle loses power and stalls. Multiple incidents of stalling during acceleration, requiring shutdown and restart. Throttle body accumulates carbon or moisture causing clogging.

When: At 51,000 miles, 62,000 miles, and other mileages. One owner reported throttle failure at 39,000 miles; another after jump-start attempt at 51,000 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: No throttle response when accelerator depressed; Check engine light illuminates; Vehicle loses power and stalls; Engine won't start after stalling; requires restart; Multiple stalling episodes in single trip; Interior cabin fills with smoke during failure; Throttle body develops carbon or moisture-related clogging

Codes mentioned: AA1, AA2, AA3

Repairs/costs cited: Throttle body replacement costs $1,155.99 (2005 model at 51,000 miles). Dealers performed throttle body cleaning and replacement. One owner had transmission repaired at independent shop ($3,300) for issues following throttle body failure. Carbon buildup cleaning performed by dealers.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledged throttle body moisture intrusion as factory defect. One owner denied warranty assistance because vehicle maintenance not performed at Toyota dealer and mileage exceeded powertrain warranty (10,000 miles over limit).

Transmission shifts roughly, jerks, clunks when downshifting, jumps between gears, or fails to engage in proper gear. Vehicle may slip out of gear or refuse to shift into correct gear. Transmission fluid leaks; pump and torque converter fail. Clicking noise from transmission precedes failure.

When: From new through 118,000+ miles. Pump and torque converter failure reported at 76,000 miles; clicking/replacement needed at 80,558 miles.

Symptoms owners cite: Rough, harsh, jerky shifts between gears; Transmission slips between gears; Stuttering and clunking when downshifting or stopping; Transmission fails to downshift smoothly until complete stop; Vehicle may not shift into correct gear, or shifts randomly; Transmission jumps back and forth between gears; Clicking noise from transmission; Transmission fluid leak

Repairs/costs cited: Complete transmission replacement needed, costing $3,000-$5,000. Independent AAMCO shop found transmission fluid unusually dirty and beginning to burn; replaced transmission and wiring for $3,300. Pump and torque converter failure at 76,000 miles required full transmission replacement or major component repair (cost not specified). Solenoid valve replacement performed by dealer but did not resolve problem.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledged transmission problems from multiple complaints and some recognized two TSBs for the issue, but dealers initially denied knowing about problem. Toyota customer service denied warranty assistance when mileage exceeded warranty coverage.

Ignition key can be removed from ignition when vehicle is not in Park and engine is running or off. Transmission shifter allows gear selection without brake pedal fully depressed. Vehicle rolls or drifts unexpectedly due to ignition system not locking out gear engagement.

When: Multiple reports at varying mileages. One incident at unknown mileage; another reported at 240,000 miles (used vehicle purchased at auction).

Symptoms owners cite: Key removable from ignition while engine running or in any gear; Key removable from ignition while car not in Park; Vehicle rolls backward down driveway while parked; Vehicle drifts in reverse without driver input; Transmission can shift out of Park without brake pedal pressed; Ignition interlock system does not prevent gear selection in non-Park positions

Repairs/costs cited: One dealer found the problem was spilled soda causing ignition interlock system to stick (vehicle returned to owner with no written explanation of repair). No repair costs specified. Vehicle continued to experience sudden downshift to second gear after 'repair.'

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota investigating the problem. Dealer initially provided no explanation of findings or repairs performed.

Internal transmission component (rod) separates or comes loose from transmission, resulting in complete transmission failure with no prior warning symptoms. Vehicle loses all driving capability and must be towed.

When: At 65 miles into a trip, vehicle still relatively new.

Symptoms owners cite: No warning symptoms before failure; Transmission stops functioning completely; Interior cabin fills with smoke; Vehicle no longer drives

Repairs/costs cited: Transmission shop diagnosis indicated rod came loose from transmission mechanism. Complete transmission replacement cost approximately $5,000, which owner could not afford.

Engine RPM spikes or surges between 3,000-6,000 RPM during normal driving without accelerator input. Overdrive activation causes RPM spikes. Engine hunts for correct RPM. Stalling when decelerating. Engine revs constantly even with foot off accelerator.

When: Reported beginning within 5 months of purchase; continues throughout vehicle life.

Symptoms owners cite: RPM spikes between 3,000-6,000 RPM without accelerator input; RPM hunting or fluctuation during steady driving; Engine revs while accelerator not depressed; Stalling when decelerating; Vehicle surges on acceleration; Vehicle revs to high RPM then drops; Intermittent RPM spikes

Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed tune-up without resolving issue. One owner adjusted brake pedal to control vehicle speed during RPM surges. No effective repairs found.

Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers told owner vehicle needed 'break-in period' and problem would go away. After tune-up, problem persisted. Dealers described issue as normal behavior.