In this article, we explain Toyota Camry 2019 problems in detail, with practical tips from the experts at Jordan Car Inspection Center in Sharjah.
Toyota Camry is a name associated with reliability in the UAE and the Gulf, which is why the 2019 Camry remains one of the most in-demand used cars. However, a good reputation does not mean every car for sale is sound. This model has known issues. Some were addressed by official recall campaigns, and others show up on a test drive if you know what to look for.
Here we gather the most common Toyota Camry 2019 problems, with the symptoms and what to check before buying. They are based on official recall campaigns, service bulletins and owner reports.
A Quick Overview of the 2019 Camry
The 2019 Camry is the second year of the eighth generation (XV70), which appeared as a 2018 model with a new design and platform. It came with three main options:
- 2.5-litre four-cylinder engine (A25A) with around 200 horsepower, the most common option.
- 3.5-litre V6 engine with 301 horsepower.
- Hybrid version with a 2.5-litre engine and an electric motor.
Both petrol versions use an eight-speed automatic transmission, while the hybrid uses a different transmission (e-CVT).
1. Eight-Speed Transmission: Shudder When Pulling Away and Delayed Shifting
The most frequent owner complaint about the 2019 Camry concerns the eight-speed automatic gearbox. Owners report a shudder or “push” when pulling away from a stop, rough shifting between the first gears, and sometimes a delayed response when they press the accelerator after easing off. Many of these cases are linked to the gearbox programming and the way it learns your driving style, not to a mechanical fault.
Toyota has issued a technical service bulletin (T-SB-0152-19) covering hesitation when accelerating from a low speed or after an incomplete stop in the Camry with the 2.5-litre engine. Therefore, ask the dealer whether the car has received the relevant updates.
Before buying: Test the car in city traffic, not only on the highway. Pull away from a stop several times, ease off and then accelerate, and watch for any obvious shudder, delayed engagement or unusual noise. Also read the gearbox faults with a computer scan tool.
2. Fuel Pump: Sudden Cut-Out While Driving
The 2018 and 2019 Camry were covered by a large Toyota recall because of a fuel pump supplied by Denso that may fail. When it fails, you may notice engine shaking or weakness, or the car may refuse to start. It may also stall while driving, sometimes at high speed, which raises the risk of accidents. The problem is fixed by replacing the pump free of charge at the dealer.
Before buying: This is the most important point to confirm. Check with the chassis number (VIN) that the fuel pump recall has been carried out on the car.
3. Brake Vacuum Pump: Sudden Loss of Brake Assist
At the end of 2021, Toyota recalled a number of 2018 and 2019 Camry cars because a part inside the vacuum pump that assists the brakes could break. When it fails, the brakes suddenly lose a large part of their assistance. As a result, the pedal feels heavier and the car needs a longer distance to stop. The campaign covers petrol versions only, because the hybrid Camry does not use this pump.
Before buying: Confirm that the campaign was carried out, and test the brakes more than once. The pedal should feel smooth and predictable, with no unusual heaviness and no warning message.
4. Hesitation or Stuttering When Accelerating From Low Speed
Some owners describe a feeling that the engine “hesitates” for a moment before it pulls, especially when accelerating from a very low speed. This is the situation covered by the service bulletin mentioned above. The feeling can also overlap with fuel pump problems, so it is important to tell the two apart through inspection.
Before buying: Reading the stored faults in the engine and gearbox computers shows whether the hesitation is a simple software issue or a sign of a fault that needs repair.
5. Other Notes
- Passenger airbag sensor: A limited recall campaign covered a small number of cars because of the calibration of the occupant classification system, which may stop the airbag from working properly.
- Air conditioning: Some owners have reported complaints about the air conditioning system. In the UAE summer, check the cooling power carefully after the car has been running long enough.
- Electronic safety systems: Make sure the camera, the sensors and the collision warning system work, and that there is no warning message on the screen.
Before buying, ask the authorised dealer in the UAE to check the recall campaigns and updates carried out on the car using the chassis number (VIN). Whether a car is included in the campaigns varies by its specification and manufacturing date.
Summary of Toyota Camry 2019 Problems
| Problem | Symptoms | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Eight-speed gearbox | Shudder when pulling away and delayed shifting | A test drive in traffic and reading the gearbox faults |
| Fuel pump | Weakness or a sudden cut-out while driving | That the recall campaign was carried out |
| Brake vacuum pump | Brakes suddenly feel heavy | That the recall campaign was carried out, plus a brake test |
| Hesitation when accelerating | A momentary delay before pulling | A computer scan and software updates |
| Air conditioning and electronic systems | Weak cooling or warning messages | The air conditioning, sensors and camera |
Is the 2019 Camry Worth Buying?
Yes, in most cases. The 2019 Camry is economical and comfortable, and its parts are easy to find. Its most important problems were addressed by free recall campaigns. However, the key condition is that you confirm those campaigns were carried out, that the gearbox works smoothly, and that the car has not had an accident that was hidden with paint. To learn about the problems of older generations, read our article on common problems in used Toyota Camry cars.
Why Should You Inspect a Used Car Before Buying?
Even with a car that has the Camry’s reputation, you do not know the history of the car in front of you. Were the recalls carried out? What about previous accidents? Is the odometer genuine? And finally, is the gearbox sound, or has the seller got used to the shudder and no longer notices it? A pre-purchase inspection answers all of these questions:
- It reveals hidden defects before they become your responsibility.
- It gives you negotiating power: every defect found is a logical reason to lower the price.
- It protects you from accident-damaged and repainted cars that look fine on the surface, including a paint check with UV light.
- It saves you thousands of dirhams for the cost of a simple inspection.
At Jordan Car Inspection Center, we carry out a comprehensive inspection of the Camry and other cars. This includes a computer inspection to read engine, gearbox, brake and airbag faults, an inspection of the chassis, body and paintwork, and a road test. Then we give you a clear report that helps you decide. Learn more about our pre-purchase used car inspection in Sharjah service.
Contact Jordan Car Inspection Center
- Address: University Street, Industrial Area 13, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Phone: 055 572 2214
- WhatsApp: Message us on WhatsApp
- Opening hours: 24 hours
Before you buy a 2019 Camry or any used car, bring it to us and find out its real condition.
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To learn about vehicle registration and renewal requirements in the UAE, visit the official website of the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA).