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3.4

definitely annoying
Crashes / Fires:
0 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
0 / 0
Average Mileage:
39,696 miles

About These NHTSA Complaints:

This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.

So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.

1996 Toyota Camry engine problems

engine problem

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1996 Toyota Camry Owner Comments

problem #20

Apr 302008

Camry 4-cyl

  • 117,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Daughter was driving her 1996 Camry vehicle cut off while driving she coasted to the side of the road vehicle had to be towed. Later learned from two different mechanics that engine had seized up for no apparent reason.

- Ravenna, OH, USA

problem #19

Feb 022007

Camry 6-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 140,578 miles
- the contact called regarding the 1996 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that during a routine oil change the mechanic discovered a sticky substance around the valve cover gasket. The mechanic diagnosed the vehicle as needing a new engine. The contact believed thiswas a safety defect. The failure mileage was 140,578. The power steering pump was re-sealed, the timing belt and axle seals were replaced. Updated 04/12/07.

- Tuscon, AZ, USA

problem #18

Feb 212005

Camry 4-cyl

  • 77,700 miles
Car continutes to stall when at a stop and slowly idling repetitively. Creates dangerous situation for example when light turns green and car won't go! told idle air valve which I see in doing research seems to be a very common problem. Expensive repair. Perhaps a recall would be in order?

- Phoenixville, PA, USA

problem #17

Jul 052002

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

The consumer was concerned that the vehicle may catch on fire because the vehicle was leaking oil. The rear main seal leaked. Smoke was also present.

- Norfolk, VA, USA

problem #16

Oct 032003

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
Engine seizure in 1996 Toyota Camry. The engine seizure was due to engine sludge build up.

- Unknown, DC, USA

problem #15

Sep 302003

(reported on)

Camry

  • 70,000 miles
While driving at 35 mph vehicle lost brake and steering power. This occurred because the timing belt jumped, and the engine seized up because of an oil jellying problem in the engine, per dealership.

- Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA

problem #14

Jun 052003

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 79,980 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Complain I own a 1996 Toyota Camry that recently experienced an engine damage due to the build-up of oil sludge before 80,000 miles. My car has the same 2.2L 4 cylinder engine as their Camry 1997-2001 models, which Toyota agreed to cover the cost of repairing those engines. However, despite the fact that my car has the same engine and it was produced two months prior to that time frame, because it is in a 1996 model, Toyota has refused to cover the cost of repairing it. There is no disputing that the failure of thousands of these engines as a result of a build-up of oil sludge can be attributable only to the fact that these engines are defective. As such, it is absolutely outrageous that Toyota should take responsibility for the repair of some of these defective engines and not others. Thank you for your consideration. Peter xu.

- Norcross, GA, USA

problem #13

May 122003

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 110,430 miles
Engine seizure due to oil sludge.

- Washington, DC, USA

problem #12

Apr 032003

Camry

  • 118,226 miles
While driving consumer heard a loud boom noise. It was later determined that the engine had blown and had 2 large holes in it.

- Jacksonville, FL, USA

problem #11

Mar 262003

(reported on)

Camry

  • miles
The vehicle experienced stalling/starting problems, which was caused by the egr valve, the fuel pressure regulator and the idle speed control valve, which were all replaced, the tires experienced uneven tire wear, the brakes failed, there were transmission, driveline and steering problems, the O-ring was replaced, and also the vehicle began to exhibit engine oil sludge.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #10

Feb 262003

Camry 4-cyl

  • Automatic transmission
  • 80,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

I own a 1996 Toyota Camry that recently experienced an engine failure due to the build-up of oil sludge after only 80,000 miles. My car has the same 2.2L 4 cylinder engine that has been shown to be susceptible to this sludge problem. In recognition of the problem with these engines, Toyota agreed to cover the cost of repairing those engines in their 1997-2001 models. However, despite the fact that my car has the same engine and it was produced two months prior to that time frame, because it is in a 1996 model Toyota has refused to cover the cost of repairing it. There is no disputing that the failure of thousands of these engines as a result of a build-up of oil sludge can be attributable only to the fact that these engines are defective. As such, it is absolutely outrageous that Toyota should take responsibility for the repair of some of these defective engines and not others. Thank you for your consideration. Gary levine.

- Mansfield, MA, USA

problem #9

Dec 112001

Camry

  • miles
#1 - discovered wind noise from an incomplete seal in right rear quarter glass of vehicle, one month after purchase. Took vehicle into del Toyota(dealer), who said they resealed the window. Noise from said window continued, at higher speeds above 30mph. I took vehicle back into dealer one month later. This time, they said they replaced the weatherstrip around the window, that the "wind noise" had been caused by deformed weatherstrip. This was done while vehicle was under warranty, never to my satisfaction. Condition exists today, 05/29/2002!! #2 - disc brakes were serviced by jerry's Toyota in baltimore, after making a sticking noise right before the vehicle completely stopped. The dealer replaced the front pads, machined the rotors, and serviced the left front caliper after he found it sticking. This did not alleviate the problem with the brake noise, which continues today (05/29/2002) even after a second servicing! #3 - engine light came on, so I took the Toyota Camry into jerry's Toyota for servicing. They cleaned carbon deposits from injectors, throttle plate valves and piston rings; said the problem was in the #3 cylinder. This happened a second time; I took the vehicle in for servicing. I am now waiting for either a third incident at $200. To fix, or if they replace any fuel injectors, these cost $200. Ea per part!!

- Baltimore, MD, USA

problem #8

Feb 011996

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Upon starting vehicle at idle speed, the control valve sticks. This problem has been examined by dealership, and consumer has been told that this was normal. Brakes experience grinding, squeaking, and vibration, rotors were warped and brake pads were glazed, brakes have been replaced, however problem continues. Consumer states there is a suspension problem that is causing uneven tire wear. Vehicle experiences several engine related problems, motor mounts were weak causing steering wheel vibration, 16 valve seals came apart due to being installed incorrectly, water pump leaked, timing belt failed, valve cover leaked, and cam seal was replaced. Vehicle experienced transmission related problems, right outer axle boot was split and leaking grease, cv boots failed twice, shifter was hard and was making noises, dealer found the shifter lever plate was broken, transmission pan gasket was replaced, there was a clunking noise in the rear when going in reverse. The car jack was missing from the trunk and the antenna was inoperable. Dealer found an open circuit in the battery. Consumer noticed a rattling noise under the right front seat, dealer secured seat slide adjuster hook, temperature gauge did not work properly. Overdrive light was inoperable. Vehicle has experienced several fuel related problems, the egr valve assembly, egr modulator, idler control valve, idle air speed control, distributor O-ring, idler bearing, isc valve, and vacuum switching valve have all been replaced, blue smoke was coming out of the exhaust, dealer cleaned the throttle body, fuel injection, and recalibrated the fuel sensor, vehicle was running rough and stalling due to faulty egr vacuum modulator, dealer stated that the valve would default if there was too much oil added, the valve is too small so it will stick or become clogged up with carbon build up.

- Los Angeles, CA, USA

problem #7

Oct 011996

Camry

  • miles
Replaced valve assembly 4 times (about 1/year).

- Sf, CA, USA

problem #6

Nov 102000

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Mechanic told consumer motor blew due to saddles that hold the rod cap in place were over tightened. The rod came loose and went through the motor block, consumer wants someone else to look at the motor. Air conditioner compressor failed.

- Hackett, AR, USA

problem #5

Sep 011996

Camry

  • miles
Vehicle stalls without prior warning. Also, it has a cold start up/sometimes it won't start, and there is rough idling.

- Corona, CA, USA

problem #4

Nov 151999

(reported on)

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Vehicle malkes a loud rattling noise when idling. Dealer said vehicle needed new timing belt.

- Santa Fe, NM, USA

problem #3

Mar 141997

Camry

  • miles
Air valve stuck causing vehicle to experience hard startup.

- Palos Verd, CA, USA

problem #2

Jun 261996

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Engine valve assembly failed.

- Cypress, CA, USA

problem #1

Sep 171997

Camry

  • Automatic transmission
  • miles
Cold start valve failed.

- Covina, CA, USA

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