Check a VIN

1996 Toyota Camry steering problems

37 complaints (9% of all complaints for this car). Typical mileage when it fails: 104,800. 3 crashes reported.

owner complaints
37
of this car's complaints
9%
typical mileage
104,800
crashes
3
recalls
1

Which part fails

  • Steering wheel/handle bar
    7
  • Hydraulic power assist system
    7
  • Rack and pinion
    5
  • Hydraulic power assist: pump
    3
  • Linkages
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist: power steering fluid
    1
  • Hydraulic power assist: hose, piping, and connections
    1
  • Column locking: anti-theft device
    1

At what mileage

Complaints by mileage at the time of the problem.

0k-25k
25k-50k
50k-75k
75k-100k
100k-125k
125k-150k
150k-175k
175k-200k
200k+

Toyota Camry steering problems in other years

19901995200020052010201520202024

Specific symptoms reported on the 1996 Toyota Camry steering

Phrases found in the owners' own descriptions, so one complaint can mention several symptoms.

Pulling 6

Related recalls

Steering: steering wheel/handle barReported November 1, 1999 · 540,037 vehicles affected
What is wrong
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk
This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Remedy
Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.

Recall number 99V307000 · Recall details

What 1996 Toyota Camry owners say

Most recent owner complaints, unedited.

Filed Dec 31, 2020 · Engine, Steering · NV

The steering sucks ive tried everything but nothing it still drives my sucks

Filed Mar 10, 2016 · Electrical, Steering · 140,000 miles · GA

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 toyota camry. The contact stated that when attempting to turn the vehicle, the steering wheel would seize in the turned position without warning. The contact stated that excessive force was required in order to maneuver the vehicle when it seized. In addition, the speedometer failed to provide accurate reading levels. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 140,000.

Filed Jul 29, 2011 · Steering, Suspension · 127,510 miles · WI

Tl* the contact owns a 1996 toyota camry xle. The contact was driving 15 MPH when the vehicle exhibited an abnormal noise from the rear, similar to a thump. The steering then became difficult and the contact began having difficulties steering the vehicle straight. The vehicle was taken to the dealer where the dealer advised that the sway bar and front end suspension failed. In addition, the springs and struts were fractured, an oil leak was discovered and the dealer recommended a front end alignment. The vehicle was not repaired. The failure mileage was 127,510 and the current mileage was 127,555.

Filed Mar 2, 2011 · Brakes, Lights · CA · crash

My headlights are very dim, fortunately I have not crashed at this point but I have swerved and at near accident situations. I cannot see in the dark and I am forced to use my high beams. Around summer of 2010, I crashed m y car on a curve going to san francisco, ca on highway 85. As I was about to curve I slowly went from 65 MPH to 25 MPH or a bit lower to curve correctly. My steering wheel locked and I was not able to curve appropriately so my car continued straight and hit the side of the curve (luckily it was blocked by a steel highway fence). I replaced the drivers door and front bumper with an awful off color paint job. I did not make a police report and I did not contact my insurance. I fixed my car and now I am afraid it might happen again. Property damage of my car was done. My window no longer works and my key entry is no longer functioning as well due to the crash.

Filed Mar 31, 2010 · Steering · 63,000 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 toyota camry. While the contact was driving approximately 20 MPH, the vehicle began to vibrate. The failure stopped after driving 5 miles. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer for diagnostic testing. The technician was unable to duplicate the problem. The failure and current mileages were 63,000.

Filed Jan 26, 2010 · Steering · 135,075 miles · MD

This is a repair shop in the bethesda maryland area and the customers car is a 1996 toyota camry station wagon. The car has approx. 135,000 miles. We did major repairs to the car includes replace lower ball joints and right front axle. The customer called and said the right front wheel folded under the car. We had car towed to shop and found the castle retainer nut for the right outer tie was completely missing and the tie rod end came out of steering knuckle. The cotter key was still inside of the hole, which indicated the nut did not unthread but came apart- I went back where the car was towed from but could not find any part of the castle nut. We replaced both outer tie rod ends for safety and did four wheel alignment at no charge to customer. We found no cracks or problems with the castle nut from the other side, but both outer tie rod ends came with new castle nuts. We are filing the problem to see if any other camry problems like this has been reported , at customers request.

Filed Jul 24, 2008 · Lights, Steering · 104,800 miles · MN

Tl*the contact owns a 1996 toyota camry. The contact went to his insurance company after hail damaged his vehicle. The insurance representative discovered the federal safety agency campaign id number's 96v037000 (exterior lighting:tail light) and 99v307000 (steering wheel and handle bar); however, the dealer stated that his VIN was not included in the recalls. The current and failure mileages were 104,800. Updated 09/15/08 *bf updated 09/17/08.

Filed Feb 27, 2007 · Engine, Steering · 140,578 miles · AZ

Tl* - 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. *ak the power steering pump was re-sealed, the timing belt and axle seals were replaced. Updated 04/12/07.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Brakes, Steering · 60,000 miles · CA

The engine just dies. Usually at a stop or slow down. Probably 1x/month for the last 6 months. Previously it just happened a couple of times last year. The frequency seems to be increasing. So far it has happened only with city driving. I do 90% city driving, but am becoming nervous about taking the car out on the freeway. Our mechanic cannot find any history of these stalls on the car's computer. I have had problems with my isc valve ever since I've had the car. We need to replace the isc valve every year. Toyota has paid for it, but it is annoying not to have this problem solved.

Filed Jan 15, 2004 · Engine, Steering · 110,000 miles · FL

My car has 135,000 miles on it and I was recently noticing that it would run hard and not switch gears as smoothly as it once had. I took it in to a toyota dealership to be evaluated and was told it had sludge in my engine probably due to infrequent oil changes I was then informed by the service advisor that it needed a new engine and that it would cost approximately $5000-$6000. I informed the advisor that I always had my oil changed as per the owner?s manual, and I requested a written estimate as to the exact details that formed the basis for this price quote. I was ultimately denied that information. The gentleman told me he would call me back and/or fax it to me, after which I received nothing. I called again, got his supervisor instead of the service advisor, and he explained that engine sludge was the diagnosis and that I could not get a written estimate because the exact parts needed could not be determined. He stated he would have to have someone look further into the engine's problem to give me the estimate in writing. I asked why this hadn't been done prior to the completion of the diagnosis that I ordered, and he then began stammering and informed me that he didn't have my file in front of him and he could call me back after looking into it further. He then proceeded to ask me if I was really willing to pay that much for an engine?. When I asked what my other alternatives were, he offered to transfer me to a salesman! I never received any further phone calls. It has been my experience that if I am not willing to buy a new vehicle, the level of service I receive decreases dramatically. I have since taken my car to another independent shop to have it repaired, where I have been able to get an explanation both in writing and by the advisor in conversation as to what exactly is wrong and what exactly needs to be fixed.

Questions about the 1996 Toyota Camry steering

Does the 1996 Toyota Camry have steering problems?

Owners have filed 37 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 9% of all its complaints.

At what mileage do 1996 Toyota Camry steering problems start?

The typical (median) mileage in owner complaints is 104,800 miles.

Was there a recall on the 1996 Toyota Camry steering?

Yes, 1 recall: 99V307000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.

What year does the Toyota Camry have bad steering?

The Toyota Camry model years with the most steering complaints are 2015 (105 complaints), 2007 (81 complaints) and 2004 (80 complaints).

Other 1996 Toyota Camry problems

Engine 77Brakes 54Acceleration 50Airbags 47Suspension 28Electrical 26Fuel system 26Visibility 26Body 25Tires 25Transmission 21Lights 20Seat belts 18Seats 7Locks 6Wheels 4

VIN decoder

See the problems and recalls for an exact car

Buying a used 1996 Toyota Camry?

Check the exact car before you pay: accidents, salvage or flood titles, odometer readings and previous owners.

Check its history