TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections have been updated. October 30, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be discarded. SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0012-13. Service Bulletin No. T-SB-0012-13 is obsolete and any printed versions should be discarded. Be sure to review the entire content of this bulletin before proceeding. Flash reprogramming allows the Electronic Control Unit (ECU) software to be updated
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗2009 Toyota Camry powertrain problems
severe 41 complaints filed with NHTSA · avg repair $2,500 · see powertrain across all vehicles →
Failure mileage
Complaints
41
Recalls
0
Avg fix
$2,500
5crashes
1injury
What stands out
Owners have filed 41 powertrain complaints with NHTSA against this vehicle, but no formal recall covers the issue — the federal record reflects what manufacturers have admitted, not everything owners are reporting.
Is there a fix? Manufacturer service bulletins
The manufacturer has issued service bulletins covering powertrain on this vehicle — documented repair instructions, service campaigns, or warranty extensions sent to dealers. A TSB isn't a recall (it's not a free safety remedy), but it's the manufacturer acknowledging the issue and how to fix it.
TSB: This bulletin includes basic procedures for inspecting and adjusting World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) level at normal vehicle operating temperature. Note: The following adjustment procedures are for U660E/F and U760E/F transmissions.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TechTip: Condition - The vehicle may be difficult to start or have an abnormally low or rough idle after the battery has been disconnected or power to the Engine ECM has been interrupted.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: World Standard (WS) Automatic Transmission Fluid (ATF) was introduced to reduce maintenance costs and increase the mileage between scheduled maintenance checks. Here are some important tips when working with ATF-WS in Toyota vehicles requiring it's use.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗TSB: The purpose of this bulletin is to provide precautions to follow when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly to avoid MIL "ON" shifting issues and/or transmission damage. Use the information in this bulletin when installing an automatic transmission/transaxle assembly.
full bulletin at NHTSA ↗Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications. Bring the bulletin number to your dealer or shop.
The failure pattern owners describe
Owners describe a transmission that hesitates badly during acceleration—delays of 2 to 15 seconds before the car responds, with momentary neutral-feeling surges. A dealership service manager told one owner that Toyota deliberately programs the transmission to stay in high gear for fuel economy, creating a delay when the computer decides which gear to downshift into. Multiple owners reported 40–50 similar complaints per week at a single dealership.
Unintended acceleration appears in multiple narratives: vehicles suddenly roar and accelerate to 60+ mph during parking, shifting, or reversing, with brakes unable to stop immediately. Some incidents link to floor mats; others remain unexplained despite Toyota recalls for floor mats and accelerator pedals.
Water pump failures plague these vehicles—internal seals leak coolant into the engine, leaving pink powder residue near the pump. Failures occur as early as 10,000 miles. Dealers perform out-of-warranty replacements costing $650+, even on low-mileage cars, refusing to acknowledge the defect.
Downshifting problems occur under braking: the transmission downshifts harshly or too late, sometimes causing the car to jump forward after stopping. Software resets were tried but rarely resolved the issue.
Additional complaints include clutch pedal sticking, shift-lock failures, engine stalling without warning, and excessive oil consumption beyond warranty limits. One owner noted traction control immobilizes the vehicle on Colorado mountain ice with no disable switch available.
Same Toyota Camry powertrain reports on nearby years: 2007 · 2008 · 2010 · 2011 · 2012
Failure modes owners describe
Transmission hesitation and delayed downshift
Transmission fails to downshift promptly when accelerating from a stop or cruising, causing a 2–15 second delay or momentary neutral feeling. Owners report the car hesitates, jerks, or feels like it goes into neutral briefly before engaging, often accompanied by engine rev-up without corresponding wheel acceleration.
When: Occurs consistently during everyday driving, especially after stops or when merging; often noticed within first 1–2 years of ownership or under 30,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: 2–15 second delay or hesitation when pressing accelerator; Momentary neutral or free-wheeling sensation during acceleration from stop; Engine revs without corresponding vehicle acceleration; Jerking or surging during transmission engagement; Problem particularly noticeable when merging into traffic; Unsafe during highway merging or intersection crossing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers performed computer/software resets on multiple visits; one dealership service rep stated 40–50 owners per week reported the issue but said it was by design and unfixable. No lasting resolution reported
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota initially attributed the behavior to normal operation and fuel-saving transmission strategy. Software updates attempted but unsuccessful. Service advisors acknowledged the transmission and computer design as the root cause but provided no fix.
Unintended acceleration—sudden full throttle
Vehicle suddenly accelerates to high speed (60–118+ mph) without driver input, often while shifting, parking, or reversing. Engine roars and vehicle races despite brake pedal application. Some incidents linked to floor mat interference; others unexplained.
When: Occurred at various mileages and driving scenarios, including parking, reversing, and highway driving; 2008–2017 model year reports
Symptoms owners cite: Sudden unintended acceleration to 60+ mph; Engine roaring or racing motor sound; Brakes unable to stop vehicle immediately; Low-speed parking lot incidents with collision damage; Acceleration while shifting into drive or reverse; Acceleration while applying brakes
Repairs/costs cited: One case involved floor mat trapped under accelerator pedal; others had no identified mechanical cause. Some vehicles forced into neutral by driver to stop. No dealer repairs documented for unexplained incidents.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota recalls addressed floor mat and accelerator pedal; one owner stated the problem persisted despite recalls. Engineer inspection found no brake fault but could not explain acceleration.
Harsh downshift under braking / jumping after stop
Vehicle performs abrupt or delayed downshift during braking, sometimes causing the car to jerk or briefly move forward after coming to a complete stop. Transmission behaves unpredictably when braking, downshifting violently or at wrong time.
When: During normal braking at stop signs, traffic lights, or when slowing for intersections; occurs routinely
Symptoms owners cite: Abrupt downshift when braking hard; Vehicle jumping or surging forward immediately after stopping; Harsh or delayed downshift while braking downhill; Transmission downshifts at wrong moment; Vehicle creeps forward after brake application
Repairs/costs cited: Dealers attempted software reprogramming to let transmission 'relearn' shifting patterns; results inconclusive. One owner reported issue recurred shortly after reprogramming visit.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer diagnostician labeled issue as 'downshift issue under heavy brake.' Toyota offered computer reprogramming as remedy, though owner remained skeptical of effectiveness.
Water pump seal failure and coolant leakage
Water pump develops internal leaks, allowing coolant to escape into the engine block or weep externally. Pink powder residue appears near the serpentine belt or water pump. Coolant disappears from reservoir. Issue occurs on 2007–2009 Camrys and results in overheating, engine damage, or total engine failure if undetected.
When: Began as early as 10,000 miles on some vehicles; reported through 79,800+ miles; out-of-warranty failures common
Symptoms owners cite: Coolant reservoir empties without visible external leak; Pink powder residue on engine near water pump and serpentine belt; Engine overheating or running hot; Water in engine oil (milky appearance); Check engine, VSC, and skid lights illuminating; Engine noise or running rough
Repairs/costs cited: Toyota replaced failed pumps with alternative-manufacturer units under warranty for some owners; out-of-warranty replacements cost $650+. One owner's engine required complete replacement due to coolant leak and overheating.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota issued water pump replacements under warranty for some complainants but rejected coverage for out-of-warranty vehicles, even those with low mileage (36K). Dealers did not proactively warn owners during routine oil changes despite evidence of leaking.
Traction control intervention on ice/snow—immobilizes vehicle
On icy or snow-packed roads, traction control cuts power to the front wheels when they spin, rendering the car unable to move forward even on slight inclines. Vehicle stalls if driver backs up and attempts a running start to clear the hill. No switch available to disable traction control in ice conditions.
When: Occurs consistently on Colorado mountain roads and other snow/ice environments during winter months
Symptoms owners cite: Front wheels lose power on ice-covered incline; Vehicle immobilized and unable to climb slight hill despite throttle input; Vehicle stalls if driver backs up and attempts running start; Creates traffic hazard and forces illegal intersection entry
Repairs/costs cited: Dealership stated it is impossible to install a disable switch retrofit
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealer advised contacting Toyota Experience Line but provided no solution. Owner noted 2012 Camry models included a traction-control disable switch, suggesting retrofit is feasible but not offered.
Accelerator pedal sticking or sluggish return
Accelerator pedal becomes stuck in depressed position or returns slowly to idle after release. Causes uncontrolled acceleration or difficulty modulating engine speed. Gas pedal return spring may fail.
When: Reported sporadically throughout ownership; one owner stated issue occurred at least 6 times in 2–3 months with increasing frequency
Symptoms owners cite: Gas pedal stuck or not returning to idle; Unintended acceleration to 40–50 mph or higher; Difficulty controlling engine speed; Pedal feels stiff or sluggish; Occurs multiple times over short period (6 incidents in 2–3 months)
Repairs/costs cited: One private mechanic identified the accelerator itself as the failure component. Floor mat interference was identified as root cause in one case.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented for pedal sticking complaints.
Clutch pedal sluggish / stuck; clutch assembly failure
Clutch pedal becomes sluggish, fails to return to home position after release, or sticks to the floor. Problem recurs after dealer service. Dealer replaced accumulator assembly, hose, tube, and clutch release to resolve.
When: Initial complaint shortly after purchase; problem recurred hours after dealer repair attempt; noted as persisting through subsequent service
Symptoms owners cite: Clutch pedal sluggish and slow to return; Clutch pedal stuck to floor; Difficulty shifting gears initially; Problem recurs shortly after dealer service
Repairs/costs cited: Initial adjustment to clutch pedal and test drive did not resolve; second visit included replacement of accumulator assembly, hose, tube, and clutch release
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Recall 10V017000 (POWER TRAIN: CLUTCH ASSEMBLY: PEDAL/LINKAGE) applied to some 2009 Camrys; one owner was proactively concerned about this recall prior to experiencing failure.
Shift-lock / park-lock malfunction—vehicle won't shift out of park
Vehicle fails to shift out of park position when ignition is turned on, requiring multiple attempts or stopping/restarting. Stop light switch may be faulty.
When: Recurred numerous times at 26,500 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Vehicle refuses to shift out of park when starting; Failure recurs repeatedly; Requires multiple attempts or power-cycle to engage drive or reverse
Repairs/costs cited: Stop light switch was replaced in one instance
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer communication reported until complaint filed.
Engine stalling during driving
Engine shuts off completely while driving at speed or during gear shifting, leaving driver stranded. Check engine or battery warning lights illuminate. Vehicle may restart after several minutes or restart immediately. No clear pattern or warning before stall.
When: Reported at 26,000 miles and 11,400 miles; one instance occurred 1/25/10 during passing maneuver
Symptoms owners cite: Engine dies while driving at speed; Check engine light and battery light illuminate; Vehicle will not restart immediately; Restart succeeds after waiting 20+ minutes or restarting multiple times; No prior warning or symptoms
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer attributed one stall to debris in fuel tank; one owner was told transmission replacement was needed after stall and hesitation; no confirmation of repair made
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Owner reported stall to Toyota after learning about electrical throttle control investigation, hoping for software update; none provided.
Harsh transmission shifting and holding gears inappropriately
Transmission shifts roughly, holds gears too long after acceleration, or downshifts abruptly when brake is tapped. Behavior is unpredictable and inconsistent with normal driving. May include rough idle-to-drive engagement.
When: Reported as early as 1005 miles; persists through repeated dealer visits
Symptoms owners cite: Rough or harsh transmission shifts; Transmission holds gear too long after acceleration; Abrupt downshift when braking; Transmission jerks or surges during engagement; Engine runs roughly at idle or during cruise
Repairs/costs cited: Shift solenoid replacement performed; did not resolve malfunction. Computer resets attempted; failures persisted.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Dealers acknowledged the problem was occurring but offered no permanent fix.
Engine noise—grinding, rubbing, or seized feel upon shifting
On shifting to drive or reverse, a grinding or rubbing noise emanates from the front passenger side or engine area, sounding as though the engine is about to seize or something will break internally. Vehicle runs fine when parked and idling.
When: Occurs on every shift to drive or reverse; recent timing chain and camshaft replacement noted but problem may persist
Symptoms owners cite: Grinding or rubbing noise when shifting to drive or reverse; Noise appears to come from engine or transmission area; Sounds like internal seizure or catastrophic failure imminent; Noise absent when parked and idling in neutral; Alarm from repair shops regarding severity of noise
Repairs/costs cited: Timing chain and camshaft gear were recently replaced; unclear if this resolved the issue
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: No manufacturer response documented.
Excessive oil consumption
Engine burns oil at high rate (approximately 2 quarts per 1,000 miles), exceeding Toyota's threshold for warranty coverage. Issue begins after 130,000 miles.
When: Oil warning light appeared at 130,000 miles; consumption continued through 170,000 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Low oil warning light illumination; High oil consumption rate (~2 qts per 1,000 miles); Persistent oil burn despite dealer testing
Repairs/costs cited: Dealer performed oil consumption test but overfilled engine, invalidating the test and delaying diagnosis. Owner out of pocket for excessive consumption repairs.
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Toyota declined warranty coverage, claiming consumption rate did not meet threshold for coverage despite documented burn rate.
Idle vibration and air compression / compressor failure
Vehicle vibrates violently while idling or when transmission is in reverse or drive. Air compression/compressor function fails. Oil pressure consumption test performed but vehicle not repaired.
When: At 100,852 miles
Symptoms owners cite: Violent vibration while idling; Vibration when transmission in drive or reverse; Air compressor or air conditioning failure; Multiple system failures occurring together
Repairs/costs cited: Oil pressure consumption test performed; vehicle not repaired
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Manufacturer not notified of failure.
Front axle failure
Left and/or right front axles fail, requiring replacement under warranty. Failure occurs very early in vehicle life, sometimes before 5,000 miles.
When: Within 5,000 miles of purchase for one owner; another owner reported needing replacement after 3 months of ownership at unknown mileage
Symptoms owners cite: Axle failure detected during driving or inspection; Vehicle unsafe to continue driving
Repairs/costs cited: Replaced under warranty at low mileage
Recalls/TSBs owners mention: Warranty replacement provided.
Synthesized from 41 NHTSA owner complaints — unverified consumer allegations, summarized for patterns. The verbatim filings appear below.
What owners are reporting 0 most recent
Had powertrain trouble with your 2009 Toyota Camry?
File a complaint with NHTSA → It's free, official, and how every report above got here — owner filings are the federal safety record this page is built on.
Common questions
How serious is the powertrain problem on the 2009 Toyota Camry?
It's a meaningful issue. 41 complaints have been filed and the failure mode causes operational problems for owners. Repairs average $2,500.
At what mileage does the powertrain typically fail?
Across the 36 complaints that reported odometer mileage, most powertrain failures cluster between 10,000 and 36,000 miles, with the median around 26,000. A quarter of owners report trouble before 10,000; a quarter make it past 36,000. Maintenance history matters more than the odometer alone — this is the reported failure window, not a guarantee.
What does it cost to fix?
Independent shops typically charge around $2,500 for powertrain repairs on this vehicle. Dealer pricing tends to run 20-40% higher. The exact figure depends on the specific failure mode, parts availability, and your local labor rates. If you're outside factory warranty, an extended service contract often covers this category.
Are there any recalls related to powertrain?
No active recalls currently cover powertrain issues on this vehicle. The complaints filed represent owner-reported failures that haven't risen to the level of a manufacturer-issued recall — but they're still worth knowing about before you buy or budget for repairs.
Related
Complaint and recall data sourced from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
public records database. Verify the raw federal record at
nhtsa.gov/vehicle/2009/Toyota/Camry.
Severity ratings are derived from reported crashes, fires, injuries, and fatalities. Repair cost estimates are
independent-shop national averages and may differ in your area. Some links on this page are affiliate links.