Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (fuel pump, injectors, fuel tank, hybrid and EV propulsion).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 1996 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
Unintended acceleration. I was turning a corner with my foot slightly on the brake. Suddenly the car lunged ahead at a fast speed without me having my foot on the gas pedal. Then jumped a curb and flattened a stop sign. The car was then heading towards a chain-link fence surrounding a multitude of high electrical towers. I turned the wheel to my right and bounced down the curb onto the street. I was heading towards some lawn mower trailers. I had both feet on the brake pressing down as hard as I could, but the car did not slow down. Suddenly the engine died and the car stopped. Toyota towed the car in for inspection. They said they couldn't find anything wrong with it. I am afraid to drive it now and I am without a car. I checked the internet and saw that this unintended acceleration happened with many 1996 models. It was a terrifying experoence. I could have killed someone. …
About ten minutes after turning the vehicle off the fuel pump relay continued to run. This caused the vehicle to be consumed by fire. The vehicle was totally destroyed but no one was injured by the incident. The manufacturer nor the dealer have been notified of the problem.
Fuel system: for about the last year and a half, certain mornings my car wouldn\\'t start by simply turning the ignition; I had to try it the \\"old fashioned\\" way and depress the gas pedal several times prior to turning the ignition key. Power window: the driver side power window motor sounds like it is dying; it takes quite a long time for the window to open and close. Other: the driver side interior door handle just broke off in my hand four (4) weeks ago!!! Please bear in mind that this car has less than 29,000 miles and is very well maintained. Something which has occurred over the last year or so is quite dangerous and I need to point this out because I, nor anyone I have spoken to has ever heard of such a thing. …
The idle speed control valve was replaced because the vehicle had difficulties starting. The problem still occurred and was replaced 7 more times. The consumer found information on a Toyota report which indicated that the EGR valve and the fuel pressure regulator were preventing the vehicle from starting.
The idle speed control valves on two 1996 Toyota Camry's sold in california, fail every 20,000 to 30,000 miles, and require replacement at a cost of approximately $425.00 per replacement. This is not normal wear in other cars solid in california. There have been three failures per car.
Tl* the contact owns a 1996 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that a gasoline odor was emitted from the rear of the vehicle even when the engine was shut of. The vehicle was not inspected for the failure or repaired. The failure mileage was 117,000 and the current mileage was 118,000.
Idle problem. Taken to mechanic twice. Have replaced isc valve at least once a year since 1996 (twice in 1997 and 1998), in the last year car has stalled when slowing down to complete engine shutdown in middle of roadway. Engine takes a few tries to start again.
Consumer was at gas station to fill her vehicle, as soon as she opened gas tank flames burst out. Very little fuel was left in tank , fire burned out quickly. Had vehicle towed to dealer, who told her car was fine. Static had caused fire. Engine was shut off.
#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. …
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.
Fuel System complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are fuel system problems on the 1996 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 26 complaints about the fuel & propulsion system of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 6% of the model year's 417 complaints. The component named most often is fuel injection system (9 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Toyota Camry fuel system problems?
No. NHTSA lists no fuel & propulsion system recall for the 1996 Toyota Camry, though it has 2 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 1996 Toyota Camry fuel system problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 2 fires and 0 injuries to fuel & propulsion system problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.