1988 Toyota Camry Transmission and drivetrain Problems
- Complaints
- 9about this part
- Share
- 14%of 64 total for the year
- Median mileage
- —not reported
- Trend
- Not enough dataFewer than 15 complaints, too few for a reliable trend.
NHTSA recorded 9 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1988 Toyota Camry, 14% of the 64 complaints for this model year. 1 of these say a crash was involved, according to the filers.
Fewer than 15 complaints name this part, so treat the figures as a rough indication only.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Car pulls sharply to the left, mechanic saids it needs rack and pinion. The car front driver brake pads makes a grinding sound, when I took the tire off a stratch was on the disc where the pad or something was grinding it. Goes through pad every 30,000 miles. Power windows and lock cease to operate and locks must be manually operated.when I drive the car at about 30mph the car picks up a knocking sound, possible the wheel bearing or cv joint.”
NHTSA complaint #704926, filed 1999-03“I was parked with the engine running (and gear shift in park) in drive-thru at bank. I moved the gear shift to 'drive' with my foot still on the brake, and with no warning, the engine made a revving/racing sound, and the car shot forward at great speed. The car traveled three car lengths (if placed side-by-side) and as I turned left to swerve, the car hit another car causing it to spin around about 180 degrees. I was approaching the intersection and in order to stop the car, I collided with the curb and turned off the ignition and the car finally came to rest. …”
NHTSA complaint #700749, filed 1998-11“While driving at 65 MPH on the highway transmission failed and the speed dropped dramatically to 25-30 MPH and causing a very dangerous situation. Somehow managed to maneuver the car through the traffic. This is the third time the transmission has failed on this car.”
NHTSA complaint #725382, filed 2000-07“Ignition key can be removed while gear is in drive position; caused vehicle to roll forward while unattended; also, vehicle will roll backwards while in drive.”
NHTSA complaint #958700, filed 1995-01Transmission and drivetrain: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 3 | 6% |
| 2023 | 7 | 11% |
| 2022 | 7 | 11% |
| 2021 | 12 | 8% |
| 2020 | 33 | 12% |
| 2019 | 115 | 29% |
| 2018 | 200 | 27% |
| 2017 | 6 | 4% |
| 2016 | 18 | 10% |
| 2015 | 36 | 13% |
| 2014 | 128 | 28% |
| 2013 | 67 | 24% |
| 2012 | 142 | 24% |
| 2011 | 49 | 8% |
| 2010 | 46 | 8% |
| 2009 | 51 | 4% |
| 2008 | 40 | 4% |
| 2007 | 266 | 9% |
| 2006 | 18 | 6% |
| 2005 | 84 | 12% |
| 2004 | 48 | 8% |
| 2003 | 40 | 5% |
| 2002 | 68 | 7% |
| 2001 | 15 | 6% |
| 2000 | 33 | 7% |
| 1999 | 18 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 3% |
| 1997 | 35 | 6% |
| 1996 | 21 | 5% |
| 1995 | 25 | 8% |
| 1994 | 21 | 7% |
| 1993 | 29 | 11% |
| 1992 | 18 | 3% |
| 1991 | 8 | 5% |
| 1990 | 8 | 6% |
| 1989 | 6 | 5% |
| 1988 | 9 | 14% |
| 1987 | 2 | 3% |
| 1985 | 2 | 15% |
Other parts of the 1988 Toyota Camry
13 complaintsSeat belts
10 complaintsEngine cooling
9 complaintsLatches, locks and linkages
6 complaintsBody and structure
6 complaintsVehicle speed control
6 complaintsBrakes
5 complaintsExterior lighting
3 complaintsFuel system
3 complaintsSteering
3 complaintsTires
3 complaintsSuspension
2 complaints
← All problems reported for the 1988 Toyota Camry
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Nov 1, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology