TransmissionDiagnostic helpCommunity Starter

2025 Toyota Camry — clunk when changing from reverse to drive

ApexTunerCommunity StarterApr 2, 20262025 Toyota Camry XSENorth Jersey
2025 Toyota Camry XSE, about 18,500 miles. There is a single clunk when changing direction at low speed, especially reverse to drive. No vibration while cruising. What would you inspect first: mounts, driveshaft play, differential mounts or CV joints?
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35 replies

TrailWrench67Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 2, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Two 2025 Toyota Camrys can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. No need to make it theatrical. Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
CommuterNomad729Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 2, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2025 Toyota Camry, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. When does it actually happen? I'm keeping receipts and dates in one folder.
RoadMom737Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
Ask what changed right before it started. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2025 Toyota Camry is losing coolant with no puddle. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
RoadScout307Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2025 Toyota Camry, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Save the big job until that test fails. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' Worth doing even if the car feels fine right now. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
WeekendRoadie414Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
Agree — and I'd add this: A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2025 Toyota Camry is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want that in writing, not as a promise. That's my plan before I call anyone.
ApexTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
It did clunk when changing from reverse to drive twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. That's my plan before I call anyone.
RoadScout307Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2025 Toyota Camry, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Save the big job until that test fails. This is from a 2025 Toyota Camry in North Jersey with 18,500 miles. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. Heat soak after errands is the other window.
TruckPilot811Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Capture voltage while the 2025 Toyota Camry is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Save the big job until that test fails. A shop burned me once by skipping that step. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
ApexTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
Checked the easy stuff on the 2025 Toyota Camry and found one clue worth chasing before I book a shop. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
RoadTripSellerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
I'd push back a little: Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2025 Toyota Camry and see if the fault moves. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. That's the whole play. Your commute and mine probably aren't the same, but the test still applies. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
HighwayDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2025 Toyota Camry does it — then decide on parts. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Post the numbers (or the code) and people can get more specific. I'll update if anything new shows up.
HighwayDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Capture voltage while the 2025 Toyota Camry is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. If you share a photo of the worksheet, easier to sanity-check. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. I'll update if anything new shows up.
RoadTripSellerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2025 Toyota Camry is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. That's the whole play. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
RoadTripSellerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2025 Toyota Camry is losing coolant with no puddle. That's the branch I'd chase this week. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. This is from a 2025 Toyota Camry in North Jersey with 18,500 miles. Do that first. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
UsedCarDad869Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
Same neighborhood, different next step: If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2025 Toyota Camry, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Was this after sitting overnight? No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
UsedCarDad869Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, two 2025 Toyota Camrys can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
CommuterNomad729Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
That's a good start, but I wouldn't stop there. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2025 Toyota Camry, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Save the big job until that test fails. When does it actually happen? I already checked the easy fluid levels.
DailyDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2025 Toyota Camry is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
DailyDetailerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 5, 2026permalink
Yes, with one caveat: Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2025 Toyota Camry and see if the fault moves. Save the big job until that test fails. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. If they can't show the line item, I assume it's hiding. I'd rather pay for diagnosis than a second guess-repair.
TruckPilot811Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 5, 2026permalink
Asking because it changes the advice: Swap the cheap/easy piece first on the 2025 Toyota Camry and see if the fault moves. Save the big job until that test fails. Had a similar mess a couple years ago and that's what finally sorted it. Parking it somewhere I can hear it better next time.
CamberHaulerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. Capture voltage while the 2025 Toyota Camry is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. That's coming from doing this as an owner, not a shop. Doing the boring step first on purpose.
CommuterNomad729Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. A pressure test beats staring at a dry driveway if the 2025 Toyota Camry is losing coolant with no puddle. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. Was this after sitting overnight? This is the version I'd tell a friend.
ApexTunerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
It did clunk when changing from reverse to drive twice this week, both times after sitting. No change in mileage feel. Wrote this up on my lunch break.
CamberMiles675Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
I'd want a measurement, not a hunch. Capture voltage while the 2025 Toyota Camry is actually failing — after it restarts you've lost the clue. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2025 Toyota Camry in North Jersey with 18,500 miles. Stop there until you know. No warning lights, which is why I'm documenting it.
RoadScout307Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 3, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, get a real battery/charging test on the 2025 Toyota Camry, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. This is from a 2025 Toyota Camry in North Jersey with 18,500 miles. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
RoadMom737Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
Not convinced that's the whole story. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2025 Toyota Camry catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Did the worksheet show tax yet? A day of patience here is cheaper than a wrong part. If it repeats twice more I'll book time.
RoadTripSellerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2025 Toyota Camry, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. Do that first. Happens in gear, not in park, for what that's worth.
TruckPilot811Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
Start with the test that can prove you wrong. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2025 Toyota Camry, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. Save the big job until that test fails. Learned this the expensive way on a previous car. I've seen both outcomes, which is why I'd test instead of assume. Only after sitting overnight so far.
RoadTripSellerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
This is usually cheaper to test than to guess. If a shop can't duplicate it on the 2025 Toyota Camry, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Do that first. I'd rather look cautious in this thread than stuck later.
CommuterNomad729Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
I hear you, though I'd still want a second check. Get a real battery/charging test on the 2025 Toyota Camry, not just resting voltage, before blaming a module. That's the branch I'd chase this week. Have you gotten a second quote in writing? Not trying to scare you — just skip the expensive first guess. Only after sitting overnight so far.
CamberHaulerCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
Intermittent stuff lies if you only catch it once. Loaded-suspension checks on the 2025 Toyota Camry catch play that a wheels-hanging inspection misses. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. I'd want a dollar figure or a measured spec, not 'should be fine.' If your situation is the opposite, ignore me. This is me being the wet blanket on purpose.
RoadScout307Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, move a coil or plug on the 2025 Toyota Camry if it's cylinder-specific and see whether the code follows. Don't erase codes until someone who can help has seen them. If it doesn't change the out-the-door or the repair estimate, it's noise. Not driving it hard until I know more.
CamberMiles675Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
I wouldn't throw parts yet. Two 2025 Toyota Camrys can feel identical and have different causes, so measure before you copy someone else's repair. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. This is from a 2025 Toyota Camry in North Jersey with 18,500 miles. Stop there until you know. Not driving it hard until I know more.
BoxerMilesCommunity StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
If it were in my driveway, if a shop can't duplicate it on the 2025 Toyota Camry, bring a video plus freeze-frame data, not just a story. You'll know quickly if you're on the wrong tree. Run the total, not the monthly, before you commit. I'd rather be boring and correct. Trying not to diagnose from the couch.
SunBeltGal712Community StarterCommunity StarterApr 4, 2026permalink
Log the conditions before you spend. Write temp, speed, and in-gear vs coast when the 2025 Toyota Camry does it — then decide on parts. If the cheap test changes it, stop and reassess. On “clunk when changing from reverse to drive,” that was the fork that mattered for me. That's the sequence I'd use. I'm in no rush to be a hero on it.
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