Dealing with transmission problems in your vehicle can be incredibly frustrating, especially when it affects the smooth driving experience you expect. For owners of the 2013 Toyota Camry, a common concern revolves around transmission issues, specifically a shudder and hesitation, often linked to the torque converter.
One owner of a 2013 Toyota Camry XLE 4-cylinder with under 85,500 miles reached out with their experience. Aware of the potential torque converter issue in this generation of Camry, they diligently tested the car before purchasing it at 58,200 miles in October 2020. During an extensive test drive, no shudder was detected, leading to the purchase. Shortly after buying the vehicle, a proactive transmission fluid inspection and change were performed at a Toyota dealership. Both the owner and mechanic noted the fluid’s good condition at the time.
However, the dreaded transmission shudder began to surface after the car passed 70,000 miles. Adding to the concern, a new issue emerged recently: noticeable hesitation and slipping during the shift from 2nd to 3rd gear. This development understandably caused significant worry, especially with the initial belief that a full transmission replacement was the only solution – a costly prospect.
Further research revealed a service bulletin addressing the torque converter issue in 2013 Toyota Camrys. Unfortunately, this owner, despite checking resources like CarFax, KBB, Edmunds, Carvana, ThinkDriver, and even Toyota directly for recalls, was never informed about this crucial service bulletin. Discovering it now, well past the 8-year period from original purchase specified in the bulletin, leaves them feeling let down and seeking options.
The question remains: Is there anything that can be done now that the service bulletin’s timeframe has expired? While the service bulletin aimed to address this issue within a specific timeframe, it’s worth exploring potential solutions. A second transmission fluid change might be a starting point, although it’s uncertain if this will resolve the shudder and hesitation at this stage, particularly with the added 2nd to 3rd gear shift issue. A thorough diagnosis by a qualified Toyota technician is highly recommended to assess the current state of the transmission and determine the most appropriate course of action. While the service bulletin’s free repair period has passed, understanding the exact nature of the problem is the first step towards finding a viable and potentially more affordable solution than a complete transmission replacement.
