Forum / Engine & Performance / 2018 Toyota Camry hesitation when pulling away from a stop
Started by Rob Sanderson · Sep 29, 2026 9:21 AM · 35 views
· Sep 29, 2026 9:21 AM
2018 Camry 2.5L, 76k miles. When I pull away from a stop there's a noticeable hesitation, almost like it stumbles for a second before going. It's worse when the engine is cold. Air filter is new. Any ideas what causes that?
Certified Mechanic · Sep 30, 2026 1:22 PM
On the 2018 Camry 2.5 this is most often an engine-side fueling problem, not the transmission, but the 8-speed cars have a known delay off the line too, so keep both on the table.
Given that it is worse when the engine is cold, my first suspect is the MAF sensor. A dirty MAF under-reads airflow at low throttle and the stumble is worst before the engine warms up. It is a two-screw job after the air box, and a careful spray with MAF cleaner often fixes it outright. The full removal steps are in the guide below. While you are in there, check the throttle body for carbon buildup.
Next, scan for pending codes even with no check engine light on. A lazy oxygen sensor or a fuel trim problem will often set a pending code before it ever turns the light on. At 76k it is also worth pulling one spark plug and inspecting it. Also check whether the low-pressure fuel pump recall covered your VIN. Some 2018 Camrys were in it, and a weak pump shows up exactly like this.
If the engine feels smooth and it acts more like the gearbox taking a beat to engage, that is the other known problem. The 2018 to 2019 8-speeds have documented hesitation behavior and dealers have a software update for it.
My money is on the MAF sensor given the cold-start pattern. That is a ten minute job you can do in the driveway.
https://ezcarfix.com/guides/toyota/camry/2018-2024/maf-sensor-replacement