Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2008 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact had the transmission replaced three years ago. Afterwards, the transmission began hesitating when attempting to shift into higher gears. The contact believed that she paid for a transmission that was never replaced. The repair was performed by moss bros. Toyota of moreno valley (12630 motor way, moreno valley, ca 92555, [phone]). The contact called the manufacturer approximately a year ago who promised to conduct an investigation, but the contact had not heard back. The dealer even informed the contact that the manufacturer paid for half of the transmission repair cost. The vehicle was not repaired again. The failure mileage was 135,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact was driving 30 MPH when the she noticed that her glasses were fogging abnormally. The contact moved off the roadway and as she shifted into park, she immediately noticed flames coming from under the shifter. The fire department was contacted and extinguished the fire. The vehicle was destroyed and towed to a garage lot. The dealer was contacted and informed of the fire. The manufacturer and dealer took opened an investigation to determine the cause of failure. The dealer also stated that there was no defect present and that the fire started from the cup holder. The failure and current mileage was 35000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 30 MPH, the vehicle would not respond to acceleration attempts. The contact stopped the vehicle on the shoulder and noticed smoke coming from under the hood. The vehicle then became engulfed in flames. The police and the fire department reported to the scene to assist with extinguishing the fire. The vehicle was destroyed. The approximate failure mileage was 135,000. Updated 08/28/12* lj the consumer stated the battery wire caught fire.
The exhaust shield that protects the fuel tank from exhaust heat fell off. Upon inspection, it appears as though the fasteners used to install this critical heat shield are of a dissimilar metal to the heat shield itself. This is evidenced by corrosion electrolysis around the fasteners only, the rest of the shield is corrosion free. A little research has shown that this is a well known problem that could prove dangerous if not corrected.
My Toyota 2008 Camry suddenly accelerated and I went up my driveway hit a pole and fence before stopping. Front end and fender were damaged. The car had the recall accelerator done on mar 2, 2010.
I purchased a 2008 Toyota Camry se with a six speed automatic transmission. The transmission started slipping at about 750 miles. It has gotten progressively worse. I thought maybe there is a break in period until it slipped when I pulled out of a parking lot on to a very busy street. The transmission just quit the engine raced but the car wouldn't accelerate. As I was in traffic I tried to coast to the right side of the road. I guess I still had my foot on the accelerator pedal. There was a loud bang and the transmission started working again. As I was trying to avoid an accident and was pulling to the right side of the road the sudden application of the transmission shot me up and over the curb damaging the right side wheels and the front bumper. …
My 2008 Toyota Camry had problems from the day that I purchased it. I took it back to the dealer and also contacted Toyota motor sales U.S.A. I have taken the car back to the dealer several times for the same problem. The national center for dispute settlement was called by the Toyota motor sales U.S.A. And they also did not resolve the problem. I feel unsafe driving the car. The car races unexpectedly and lurches forward in stop and go traffic. I am afraid that the car is going to crash into something or someone. I have been complaining about this to the above since I purchased the car. The dealer kept my car for 8 days on one of my visits to their repair shop and told me they couldn't find anything wrong with it. Now that the Toyota problem has been made public, I hope that my complaint will not be dismissed as before. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. When attempting to accelerate at 50 MPH, the vehicle hesitated and then began to accelerate past the intended speed. After repeated brake application she was able to decelerate. The vehicle was taken to the dealer and all of the tires were replaced. After the repair the failure resurfaced. She took the vehicle back to the dealer, and the technician completed a software update. He then added that the rotors were out- of- round and thus needed to be turned. None of the repairs have remedied the failure. The technician then concluded that because they could not duplicate the failure, they could not provide a remedy. She inspected her vehicle and noticed that the clips did not properly secure the cover to the air filter housing. The failure mileage was 17000. The current mileage is 31,000. Updated 2/22/10 the consumer stated the vehicle lacked power. …
I have a 2008 Toyota Camry xle with approximately 800 miles. I purchased the vehicle 2 weeks ago, and am already gravely concerned with the performance of the vehicle. On Tuesday, September 4th I was merging into interstate traffic and pressed the accelerator for the necessary acceleration I needed to stay with the flow, but the car did not respond. The accelerator was almost to the floor, yet the car was only coasting. It took at least 2 full seconds for the vehicle to respond and it finally did jerk to life, but only after 2 cars had to jump out of my way (horns honking). This delay in response to acceleration input has happened consistently (daily), and I've had to modify my driving habits to remain safe. Even with my own modifications, I'm still very concerned for my own safety and for the cars around me and other Camry drivers. …
Tl contact owns a 2008 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle had keyless entry, which posed as a safety issue because the engine shut off while the vehicle was still in gear. She stated that most vehicles manually require placing the gear in park before shutting down the engine. The owner's manual stated that the engine would not turn off unless the vehicle was in park; however, that was not the case. She also stated that she had forgotten to place the car in park several times before due to the on/off button for the engine. As a result, the vehicle has rolled away from the driveway on more than one occasion. The failure mileage was approximately 40 and current mileage was 1,300. Updated 09/10/08. The consumer stated the engine did not shut off while in gear, but the vehicle can be tuned off while in gear, which could cause the vehicle to roll. Updated 09/11/08.
Transmission complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2008 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 40 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2008 Toyota Camry, 4% of the model year's 933 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (19 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2008 Toyota Camry transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain recall for the 2008 Toyota Camry, though it has 7 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2008 Toyota Camry transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 17,000 miles, and 56% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 3 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.