Problems · by component
2013 Toyota Camry power train problems
67 owner complaints to NHTSA about the 2013 Toyota Camry cite power train, 22% of all 301 complaints for this model year.
Complaints
67
22% of all complaints
Crashes
4
Reported by owners
Fires
0
Reported by owners
Injuries
1
Reported by owners
What owners say about the power train
Verbatim from NHTSA complaints, newest first
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the dealer had replaced the battery four times within 8 years, and the water pump and the alternator had been replaced within 18 months. Additionally, the contact stated that while driving at various speeds, the vehicle shuddered, hesitated, and failed to respond as needed, and lost automotive power while depressing the accelerator pedal. There was no warning light illuminated. The contact related the failure to the Toyota Warranty Enhancement Program Number: ZE5. The vehicle was taken to a dealer; however, the failure could not be duplicated. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and informed the contact that the vehicle was not covered under warranty because the program had expired. The failure mileage was approximately 57,000.”
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while driving at an undisclosed speed, the transmission shuddered, with the check engine warning light illuminated. In addition, the contact became aware that the transmission was slipping. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed with transmission failure. The contact was informed that the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 187,000.”
“I have a vehicle in which a safety recall was issued for models In that body type and year range. The recall was issued in response to a software glitch that causes a shudder when acceleration. I called my local dealer and was told I do not qualify for a recall even though I have the exact same symptoms listed in the recall. I have spent over 3k trying to resolve this issue and have tried to reach out to corporate with no luck. My car is getting more unstable and nearly lost control due to the shudders. What can I do?”
“The contact owns a 2013 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving 40 MPH, the vehicle shuddered abnormally. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where it was diagnosed as a failure with the torque converter. The torque converter was flushed, and it was stated by the dealer that the torque converter might have caused damages to the transmission and the transmission needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure and the contact was referred to the NHTSA Hotline for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 205,000.”
“My 2013 Camry shudders when I am accelerating, usually between 15-30 mph. It can be alarming since I expect the car to accelerate quickly but instead it shudders. I was making a right hand turn at a stop light, I went to accelerate and my car shuddered so badly and failed to accerelate so I was almost rear ended. This is a major safety concern when the gears do not properly change during operation. My local Toyota dealership diagnosed it as being a problem with the torque converter. I am aware that Toyota issued a Warranty Enhancement Notification - ZE5 to do three things, put in a new torque converter, additional transmission pan magnets, and update the software. I purchased my vehicle in 2019 and was not made aware of this by the Toyota dealership at the time of purchase nor did I receive anything in the mail. Now, Toyota refuses to correct this problem even though it continues to be an issue with owners of these vehicles.”
“The transmission malfunctioned during acceleration. Toyota acknowledged the defect torque converter was used for 2012 - 2014 Camry. However, the manufacturer refused to repair or replace it because the car haven't been driven during COVID pandemic, and warranty expired. During the acceleration after traffic light or lane merging, the car would shudder, stall, jerk and shake. This could get others or myself killed because the car suddenly slows down or stops. The defect torque converter has been inspected and confirmed by a local Toyota dealer (Bernardi Toyota), but they refused to address voluntarily. There was no warning, or error prior to the failure. It happened suddenly from a few months ago, with ~100,000 miles. So basically, the manufacturer (Toyota) is aware that they sold a defect product, which could get someone killed, but refused to repair or replace it. They just hoped customers didn't drive the cars and let the time lapse, then they are off the hook. I am attaching the documents issued by Toyota, where they acknowledged the defect parts.”
Showing 6 of 67 reports. Read every report on NHTSA.gov.
Data from NHTSA Complaints API (owner reports, unverified) · synced Nov 3, 2026NHTSA vehicle page
Complaints are unverified owner reports to NHTSA and are not normalized for sales volume. One complaint can cite several components.