My 2025 Toyota Camry Isn’t the Only One Squeaking, Other Owners Are Getting Their Transmissions Replaced and Have Me Worried

For many, buying a 2025 Camry means investing in something that seemingly lasts forever based on the history of Toyota. But what I found while browsing owner groups today, I realized that confidence can quickly be shaken. Even Camry hybrid fans who praise the model’s fuel economy and performance may be in for an unpleasant surprise if these transmission issues become widespread. This afternoon, I was scrolling through the “2025+ Toyota Camry 9th Generation Owners Club” group on Facebook and came across a post by Edvin Gusinac. He has been hearing a strange, persistent squeaking noise coming from his 2025 Toyota Camry, which has just over 17,000 miles on it. And after some digging, he discovered that several other owners were experiencing the exact same issue, and in some cases, it led to full transmission replacements under warranty. Some owners, in fact, have also faced other major issues early into their 2025 Camry ownership, ranging from infotainment frustrations to concerning drivetrain behavior. Here's how Edvin put his experience: 

"I have been hearing a persistent squeaking in our 2025 Camry LE with ~17,350 miles on it. Did some research and it appears it’s a failing transmission. Going to get it checked out at the dealership at the 20k service. Here’s the links for anyone looking for the noise or work order another owner had (replaced under warranty).”

He also provided two critical resources: a clear recording of the squeaking noise and a detailed forum thread documenting another owner's ordeal and eventual warranty repair.

Community Voices and Experiences

I was stunned after hearing this and other owner experiences. After all, the Toyota Camry is renowned for reliability and longevity. It's the kind of car you expect to hold up over time, not one where you’d worry about drivetrain integrity within the first 20,000 miles. And yet, even Toyota mechanics have pointed out some early 2025 Camry concerns that could signal larger trends. 

Miles Finnell, another Camry owner from the same group, chimed in with a slightly different take. He mentioned, “That's not a failing transmission, it's an axle. It’s important, so don't get me wrong, but not the same thing by any means. I had a noise issue myself, but they claimed they couldn't replicate it at the time I took my car in.” This comment initially seemed reassuring, suggesting a potentially simpler issue. However, Lee Keyhole quickly responded, clarifying the severity: “The axle is making contact with the transaxle per the mechanics' notes. Transaxle assembly replacement is the required repair. Toyota knows about it and is becoming increasingly resistant to approving the repair because of how costly it is. Many consumers are getting fed up with the runaround and report having to contact lemon law lawyers.”

Lee further emphasized his experience, “I've been trying to raise awareness to this issue for quite some time now. Been having the problem myself since 1.1k miles back in October. At first, I thought it was the wheel bearing because once the dealership replaced that part, the noise stopped. It returned about another 1k miles later, and I have been told they're going to replace the transaxle but parts are on backorder for months. I had to fight to get them to stop brushing me off. Ended up showing them that screenshot of the work order shared by that guy in Cali, and they took another look, then sent the case info up to Toyota. Took about a week to get approved for the repair.”

Lee’s case reveals just how layered this issue can be. The fact that he needed to provide outside documentation to move his case forward suggests there may be a breakdown in communication or standardization at the service level. Especially regarding the recognition of this problem. This leaves many owners in a tough position, forced to self-advocate with limited tools while dealing with an issue that could escalate into a major failure if ignored.

Kandra Owens added to the growing frustration: “My car makes the exact same noise. I noticed it when I was in a drive-thru with the window down. It also makes a noise when you slightly turn the steering wheel when driving at highway speeds too. Noise comes from the front driver’s side wheel. I’ve been complaining since 10,000 miles and even dropped it off at the dealership for over a week. They claim that they cannot replicate the noises. This post should help me. Thanks! I’m at 24k miles now.”

All these comments suggesting the same problem sounds like an incoming recall in my opinion. Billy Duncan offered a brief but impactful confirmation of this issue too: “I had this problem. They had to replace my transaxle.”

Gaurav Patel also contributed his troubling experience: “I have the same issue, same noise along with making the car jerk while switching from battery to engine. Looks like the transmission or transaxle.”

Broader Concerns

Beyond individual complaints, some design decisions have drawn broader scrutiny. Take for example Toyota’s controversial removal of the spare tire in some hybrid models, which many owners feel leaves them vulnerable in emergency situations. While not directly related to the transmission issues, it adds to the sense that Toyota may be cutting corners in areas that matter. Reading these comments painted a clear picture: Toyota Camry owners are dealing with a recurring, potentially costly, and seemingly difficult-to-diagnose problem. As the number of affected vehicles rises, so does the urgency for Toyota to acknowledge and address the issue comprehensively.

Issues like these are particularly striking because they challenge longstanding perceptions. Toyota’s reputation for producing reliable vehicles is among the strongest in the industry. When multiple owners report the same significant issue, especially concerning something as vital as the transmission or transaxle, it's a warning sign that demands transparency and swift action from the manufacturer. Toyota needs to proactively communicate with affected owners and demonstrate accountability if this is a mass production problem, or risk damaging consumer trust that has taken decades to build. 

Key Takeaways

If your new vehicle begins making unusual noises, don’t dismiss them as minor or inconsequential. Just as one owner learned the hard way when delaying insurance on a new 2025 Camry led to broken glass and frustration, small missteps can snowball quickly. In this case, the issue may be a subtle sound but it points to a larger mechanical problem that, if left unresolved, could escalate into a complete drivetrain failure.

If you’re experiencing something similar, it’s important to document symptoms early and thoroughly. Take videos, gather comments from other owners, and push your dealership for a formal diagnosis. Forums and groups like the one Edvin posted in aren't just support spaces. They’re evolving into powerful tools that help regular drivers gain leverage and insight in a space that can otherwise feel one-sided. This kind of shared knowledge might end up being your strongest defense against delayed repairs or vague answers.

How's Your Camry?

Have you experienced a similar squeaking noise in your Camry or another new vehicle? How effectively did your dealership address your concerns?

Share your story below. I’d love to hear if your experiences align with what other Camry owners are reporting.

Aram Krajekian is a young automotive journalist bringing a fresh perspective to his coverage of the evolving automotive landscape. Follow Aram on X and LinkedIn for daily news coverage about cars.

Image Sources: Toyota Gallery