Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (power steering, steering column, rack and pinion).
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).
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.
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. …
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.
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.
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.
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. The power steering pump was re-sealed, the timing belt and axle seals were replaced. Updated 04/12/07.
Tl contact owns a 1996 Toyota Camry. The contact went to his insurance company after hail damaged his vehicle. The insurance representative discovered NHTSA 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 updated 09/17/08.
Tl 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.
My wife, vardhani murty, was driving on interstate highway under normal conditions, hit an uneven spot on the road, and the car swerved violently right to left and left to right a few times and remained stuck pulling right, was hit by an 18 wheeler on left rear side, stopped by guard rail; suffered injuries and fractures
Power steering failure on 1996 Toyota Camry. While driving, the consumer loss control of the vehicle which was due to failure of the power steering. The timing belt and radiator hose were replaced.
Related recalls
Steering › Steering wheel/handle bar
Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut May not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Remedy: Dealers will tighten the steering wheel set nut.
Steering complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are steering problems on the 1996 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 37 complaints about the steering of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 9% of the model year's 417 complaints. The component named most often is hydraulic power assist system (7 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Toyota Camry steering problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 99V-307 (steering wheel/handle bar, Nov 1, 1999). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 1996 Toyota Camry steering problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 105,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 3 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to steering 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.