Transmission fluid doesn’t need to be changed as often as engine oil, but it still has to be replaced when it gets old or worn out. Usually, the manufacturer’s maintenance guide will tell you when it’s time.
So, what does that mean for your Toyota Camry?
Before you start this maintenance task, it’s good to know what kind of transmission fluid your Camry uses—and how much of it you’ll need.
In this article, I’ll walk you through the recommended transmission fluids for different Camry model years. I’ll also share some helpful tips to keep your transmission in good shape.
What Is Transmission Fluid?
The transmission, also called the gearbox, is a key component that uses a system of gears to transfer power from the engine to the wheels. It controls speed and torque, ensuring smooth operation and efficiency.
To keep these gears working properly, lubrication is essential. Transmission fluid reduces friction, prevents overheating, and helps maintain overall performance.
Besides keeping the gearbox running smoothly and preventing wear, transmission fluid also provides the necessary power and friction for proper operation. It also helps dissipate heat, keeping the transmission at an optimal temperature.
(rymax, Universal Technical Institute)
Compatible Fluid Types
Just like the Toyota Camry requires a specific type of engine oil, it also needs the right transmission fluid to keep everything running smoothly. There are several types of automatic transmission fluid (ATF) out there, and using the wrong one can lead to serious damage.
The most commonly used transmission fluids today include Multi-Vehicle Synthetic and Dexron/Mercon. However, manufacturers like Toyota often recommend their own genuine formulation for the best performance and longevity.
Below, you’ll find the recommended transmission fluid types for all Toyota Camry model years and configurations.
| Model Year | Camry Gasoline | Camry Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | – | Toyota Genuine e-Transaxle fluid TE |
| 2024 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2023 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2022 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2021 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2020 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2019 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2018 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2017 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2016 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2015 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2014 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2013 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2012 | Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2011 | Manual: SAE 75W API GL-4 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2010 | Manual: SAE 75W API GL-4 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2009 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2008 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2007 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF WS | Toyota Genuine ATF WS |
| 2006 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV | – |
| 2005 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV | – |
| 2004 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV | – |
| 2003 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV | – |
| 2002 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Toyota Genuine ATF Type T−IV | – |
| 2001 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or DEXRON III | – |
| 2000 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or DEXRON III | – |
| 1999 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or DEXRON III | – |
| 1998 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or DEXRON III | – |
| 1997 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or DEXRON III | – |
| 1996 | Manual: SAE 75W-90 API GL-4 or GL-5 Automatic: Automatic transmission fluid D−ll or DEXRON III | – |
Fluid Capacity
Knowing how much transmission fluid your CR-V needs is important for both maintenance and budgeting. You can check the owner’s manual for details or refer to the table below.
| Model Year | Camry Gasoline | Camry Hybrid |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | – | 3.88 qt. (3.67 L) |
| 2024 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2023 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2022 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2021 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2020 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2019 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2018 | 4-cyl Engine: 7.7 qt. (7.3 L) V6 Engine: 7.9 qt. (7.5 L) | 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) |
| 2017 | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 3.9 qt. (3.7 L) |
| 2016 | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 3.9 qt. (3.7 L) |
| 2015 | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 3.9 qt. (3.7 L) |
| 2014 | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 3.9 qt. (3.7 L) |
| 2013 | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 3.9 qt. (3.7 L) |
| 2012 | 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 3.9 qt. (3.7 L) |
| 2011 | Manual: 2.4 qt. (2.3 L) Automatic: 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 4.3 qt. (4.1 L) |
| 2010 | Manual: 2.4 qt. (2.3 L) Automatic: 6.9 qt. (6.5 L) | 4.3 qt. (4.1 L) |
| 2009 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 4-cylinder: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) Automatic V6: 6.87 qt. (6.5 L) | 4.3 qt. (4.1 L) |
| 2008 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 4-cylinder: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) Automatic V6: 6.76 qt. (6.4 L) | 4.0 qt. (3.8 L) |
| 2007 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 4-cylinder: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) Automatic V6: 6.94 qt. (6.57 L) | 4.0 qt. (3.8 L) |
| 2006 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 2005 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 2004 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 2003 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 2002 | Manual: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 2AZ: 4.1 qt. (3.9 L) Automatic 1MZ: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 2001 | Manual 5S-FE: 2.3 qt. (2.2 L) Manual 1MZ-FE: 4.4 qt. (4.2 L) Automatic 5S-FE: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 1MZ-FE: 5.0 qt. (4.75 L) | – |
| 2000 | Manual 5S-FE: 2.3 qt. (2.2 L) Manual 1MZ-FE: 4.4 qt. (4.2 L) Automatic 5S-FE: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 1MZ-FE: 5.0 qt. (4.75 L) | – |
| 1999 | Manual 5S-FE: 2.3 qt. (2.2 L) Manual 1MZ-FE: 4.4 qt. (4.2 L) Automatic 5S-FE: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 1MZ-FE: 5.0 qt. (4.75 L) | – |
| 1998 | Manual 5S-FE: 2.3 qt. (2.2 L) Manual 1MZ-FE: 4.9 qt. (4.2 L) Automatic 5S-FE: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 1MZ-FE: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 1997 | Manual 5S-FE: 2.3 qt. (2.2 L) Manual 1MZ-FE: 4.9 qt. (4.2 L) Automatic 5S-FE: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 1MZ-FE: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
| 1996 | Manual: 27 qt. (2.6 L) Automatic 5S-FE: 2.6 qt. (2.5 L) Automatic 1MZ-FE: 3.7 qt. (3.5 L) | – |
How to Check Your Transmission Fluid
Not everyone knows how to check the transmission fluid in a Toyota Camry, but keeping an eye on it is essential for maintaining your car’s performance.
The process for checking transmission fluid can vary depending on your Camry’s model and year. Here’s what you need to know.
1992 – 2011 Toyota Camry
Older Toyota Camry models come with a dipstick, making it easy to check the transmission fluid yourself.
Refer to the picture below to find the location of the transmission fluid dipstick.
If the photos don’t provide enough clarity, you can check out this video from Greensky438 for a better look.
Here are some simple steps to help you check your transmission fluid:
- Park the car on a flat surface, start the engine, and let it warm up to normal operating temperature.
- Shift through the gears. Move from P to N to D, then back to P.
- Open the hood and locate the transmission dipstick. Be careful not to confuse it with the engine oil dipstick.
- Remove the dipstick and check the fluid color. It should be clear or amber. If it’s dark and dirty, a fluid change may be needed.
- Wipe the dipstick clean with a shop towel.
- Reinsert the dipstick fully into the tube.
- Remove it again and check the fluid level.
If the fluid level is low but the color looks good, add the correct type of transmission fluid slowly, checking the level along the way to prevent overfilling.
2012 – 2025 Toyota Camry
On newer Toyota Camry models, checking the transmission fluid isn’t as simple as before. Toyota no longer includes a dipstick, so the only way to check the fluid level is by removing the transmission oil drain bolt, which is typically handled by a Toyota dealer or a qualified mechanic.
If you’re here, you might be trying to check your transmission fluid but can’t find the dipstick. You’re not alone!
The good news is that in most cases, checking or changing the fluid isn’t necessary unless there are signs of low transmission fluid. Keep reading to learn the key signs that indicate it’s time for a fluid check.
Signs That the Transmission Oil Needs to be Changed
Since you can’t check the transmission fluid level on the newer Camry models, it’s important to watch for signs that the fluid may be dirty or running low.
- Check Engine Light: The check engine light is a general warning that something isn’t right with the system. While it doesn’t always mean the transmission fluid is low or dirty, a low fluid level can sometimes trigger the light.
- Burning Smell: A burning smell from the transmission area after driving may indicate overheating, often due to low or dirty transmission fluid.
- Transmission leakage: Transmission fluid leaks are a common sign of low fluid levels. They’re usually easy to spot, as you may notice puddles or stains where you park. If you see oil droplets under your car, check the underside for any signs of a leak.
- Shifting issues: Low transmission fluid can cause delays when shifting gears. In some cases, you might also notice the transmission stuttering during shifts.
- Noises: If you hear unusual noises coming from the transmission area, it could be a sign of an issue with the transmission fluid.
How Often to Change
For typical driving conditions, Toyota recommends changing the transmission fluid only when necessary. This means you might never need to replace it during your time owning a Camry. However, if you frequently drive in mountainous areas with steep inclines, the transmission works harder, and a fluid change may be needed every 60,000 miles or 72 months.
While Toyota states that transmission fluid changes aren’t usually needed, having a mechanic inspect the fluid every 60,000 to 100,000 miles is a smart precaution. Transmission repairs can be costly, so it’s best to stay ahead of potential issues.
Transmission Fluid Change Cost
How much does it cost to change the transmission fluid in a Toyota Camry? If you own one, this might be something you’re curious about.
The good news is that this maintenance task is relatively affordable, especially compared to the high cost of repairing or replacing a neglected transmission.
According to RepairPal.com, the estimated cost to change the transmission fluid on a Toyota Camry ranges from $162 to $191. This includes labor costs of around $111 to $140 and fluid costs of about $51.
Wrapping Up
Your Camry’s transmission is one of the most crucial components to maintain. If it fails, your vehicle won’t be drivable.
Neglecting transmission maintenance can lead to costly repairs—something no one wants to deal with. That’s why it’s important to use the correct transmission fluid and follow Toyota’s maintenance recommendations.
By keeping up with regular maintenance, you help ensure the transmission stays in top condition, which also extends the overall lifespan of your vehicle.