I bought a 2018 Toyota Camry XSE 4-cylinder this July as my first car. It has around 209k miles. I’m the second owner. The previous owner had the transmission fluid changed about 42,000 miles ago in late 2023 — I’m not sure if the filter was replaced.
Here’s what I’m experiencing now:
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Around 40–60 mph, the RPMs spike but there’s no acceleration under light throttle — feels like it’s slipping.
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In sport mode using paddle shifters, when I floor it into 4th gear, the shift is harsh.
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No check engine light.
Before I bought it, the previous owner took it to a Toyota dealer. On 6/13/25, here’s what the repair order said (mileage 208,687):
“Test drove vehicle and verified multiple issues with transmission. Found transmission kicks/knocks when coming on and off throttle on occasion. Also found transmission slips particularly in 4th gear around 40–60 mph under light throttle, RPMs flare.”
They declined repairs.
I want this car to last another 3–5 years if I can help it. Should I try another transmission fluid drain & fill, or is this a sign it’s too far gone?
slipping typically means the trans is worn out, so it's probably gone. It's too bad the maintenance wasn't kept up regularly.
I want this car to last another 3–5 years if I can help it. Should I try another transmission fluid drain & fill, or is this a sign it’s too far gone?
3-5 years is a pretty long time with a transmission that's slipping. If you like the car, check into another Camry that's been wrecked with low mileage, so you can salvage the transmission. You're taking pot luck that the transmission is still good, but it is cheaper than a factory remanufactured transmission.
Or, get a remanufactured unit from Toyota or a trusted 3rd party supplier and pay a mechanic to put it in. Don't rebuild your transmission.
This is why you should check things out with a mechanic before you buy, especially with something that has high mileage.
It would be best to have the transmission evaluated by a transmission specialist who can analyze the problems with a fancy scan tool. (Not a dealer or chain shop.) If you're lucky it might be something fixable like a solenoid problem.
Did you know about this problem before buying the car? It's never a good idea to buy a car that has known transmission problems.
@chucktobias I had no idea it had any slippage at all until i first experienced it on the freeway with some traffic
@chucktobias always test drive cars at high speed before buying
Better yet, also have a good mechanic check it out before purchase.