Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (struts, shocks, control arms, ball joints, springs).
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).
Our 1996 Camry was rearended on 8-12-97. The insurance company totaled at first then said it had to be repaired. We rejected the car due to the unsafe condition. I was forced by auction to go pick up car. (11000 dollars later) I towed it home. I also towed it to get an estimate from another Toyota dealer. (that was 3000 more dollars of work) after paying for this car for 1 year and not being able to drive it we turned it in. (repossesed) Toyota motor credit was notified of the work it needed. They auctioned it and now some unknowing person is operating that car. The car is very unsafe, I have written everyone I can think of about this and no one seems to care. If you can give me any help on this matter it would be greatly appreciated. Randy mitchell 102 bermuda ln. Moyock nc 27958 [phone]
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 front driver side suspension coil spring snapped while driving in reverse to move out of a parking space and fractured the end of the spring and scored the tire wall. The microscopic observation of the fractured surface showed dark crystals embedded in the steel. The air conditioner did not blow cold air, the dealer replaced the condensor and receiver dryer
While driving 55 MPH, the consumer lost steering control of the vehicle, when that occurred, the consumer applied the brakes, which caused the vehicle to spin around. The vehicle was towed to the dealer, who informed the consumer that the front control arm had snapped.
While driving at approximately 40 MPH felt a slight loss of power which was corrected by itself. A minute later, wheels locked up, and vehicle came to a stop. Transmission repair shop informed consumer that transaxle cracked and it broke off where it was attached to the body. Differential unit locking was torn up, and center support was wiped out. Transfer case also broke where it went onto the body. Dealer also stated that there was chunks of metal found from the differential drain plug. Consumer had electrical problems with vehicle including starting problems. Strut failure. Key and lock problems. Windshield wipers faulty. Interior and brake light failure.
The front end of the vehicle vibrates when reaching a speed above 55 MPH, also on highway driving the vehicle pulls to right and/or left at times, dealership indicates no problem, because they will only test the vehicle on side roads, as opposed to highway driving which is what I bought the car for. The cruise control when engaged, if you hit the brakes, while the tires are still torqued makes an extremely loud bang, and the vehicle at times tends to speed up then slow down.
Consumer was parked in driveway getting ready to back up and front spring coil popped through tire on driver's front side. Consumer didn't have any signs driving home from work. Tire was taken off, and what was left had a big blotch in metal. It was broken in half, only top part was attached to vehicle. Vehicle was towed to dealer, and warranty coverage was for 36,000 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.
While backing out of driveway vehicle's left front coil spring broke, and went through left front tire, and tire deflated. Consumer stated vehicle was hard to steer temporarily. Consumer felt this was unsafe because it could happen on freeway. Consumer has not contacted dealer. Please provide any furthur information.
Left side front end coil spring broke while getting into parked vehicle. Manufacturer notified, and informed consumer that the vehicle was out of its warranty, and not covered under a manufacturer's recall. Feel free to provide any further details on this matter.
NHTSA investigations
Suspension coil spring
Suspension complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are suspension problems on the 1996 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 28 complaints about the suspension of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 7% of the model year's 417 complaints. The component named most often is front (10 mentions).
Is there a recall for 1996 Toyota Camry suspension problems?
No. NHTSA lists no suspension 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 suspension problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 128,000 miles, and 25% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 1 crash, 0 fires and 1 injury to suspension 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.