LV, NV
STEERING
THE STEERING SUCKS IVE TRIED EVERYTHING BUT NOTHING IT STILL DRIVES MY SUCKS
NHTSA complaint #11385727 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
1996 Toyota Camry steering problems
39 of the 567 complaints about the 1996 Toyota Camry are about the steering — 7% of everything reported for this model year. Half of the failures with a mileage on record happened before 87,400 miles.
39
Complaints
3
Crashes
0
Fires
1
Injuries
Exactly what failed
Steering
13
33.3%
Hydraulic Power Assist System
7
17.9%
Steering Wheel/Handle BAR
7
17.9%
Rack AND Pinion
5
12.8%
Pump
3
7.7%
Hose, Piping, AND Connections
1
2.6%
Linkages
1
2.6%
Anti-Theft Device
1
2.6%
Power Steering Fluid
1
2.6%
Steering across every Toyota Camry year
1993
14
1.3%
1994
35
3.4%
1995
22
2.1%
1996
39
3.8%
1997
31
3.0%
1998
34
3.3%
1999
24
2.3%
2000
14
1.3%
2001
13
1.3%
2002
43
4.1%
2003
53
5.1%
2004
81
7.8%
2005
71
6.8%
2006
28
2.7%
2007
80
7.7%
2008
32
3.1%
2009
47
4.5%
2010
25
2.4%
2011
31
3.0%
2012
60
5.8%
2013
26
2.5%
2014
22
2.1%
2015
105
10.1%
2016
25
2.4%
2017
14
1.3%
2018
60
5.8%
2019
11
1.1%
What owners said
Filed with NHTSA, in their own words.
at 140,000 miles
Stockbridge, GA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10845948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 127,510 miles
Milwaukee, WI
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10416263 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Watsonville, CA
Crash
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10386228 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 63,000 miles
West Saint Paul, MN
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10323236 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 135,075 miles
Bethesda, MD
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10302346 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 104,800 miles
Forest Lake, MN
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
TL*THE 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 *BF UPDATED 09/17/08.
NHTSA complaint #10235652 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 140,578 miles
Tuscon, AZ
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:PUMP
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.
NHTSA complaint #10183614 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Topeka, KS
STEERING
IN APPROX JUNE OF 2002 MY TIMING BELT HAD TO BE REPLACED I NOW APPEAR TO HAVE THE OIL GELLING PROBLEM. APPROX MAY 2003 I GOT OUT OF THE CAR TO PUMP GAS AND THE DOOR WILL NOT OPEN ON THE DRIVER SIDE. APPROX AUGUST 2003 I BEGAN NOTICING IF DRIVING ON THE HIGHWAY AND I APPLY MY BRAKES MY WHOLE CAR BEGINS SHAKING.
NHTSA complaint #10069487 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 110,000 miles
Jacksonville, FL
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10069726 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 miles
SAN Francisco, CA
STEERING
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.
NHTSA complaint #10070289 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waban, MA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:POWER STEERING FLUID
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN FAILURE OF POWER STEERING.*MR WHILE DRIVING ACROSS THE HIGHWAY THE CONSUMER HAD TO STRUGGLE TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE. *CB
NHTSA complaint #10051829 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 70,000 miles
Fort Lauderdale, FL
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
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.
NHTSA complaint #10041945 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waban, MA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
THE VEHICLE EXPERIENCED SUDDEN FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING WHILE DRIVING. *PH
NHTSA complaint #10040085 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Waban, MA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
1996 TOYOTA CAMRY POWER STEERING FAILURE.*MR POWER STEERING FAILED WHILE DRIVING ON A BUSY HIGHWAY. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO THE DEALER AND THE POWER STEERING WAS REPAIRED FOR $1398.56, IN WHICH THE CONSUMER WANTED TO BE REIMBURSED. TOYOTA WAS INFORMED OF THIS AND DECLINED THE CONSUMER FOR REIMBURSEMENT DUE TO EXPIRATION OF WARRANTY. *PH *CB
NHTSA complaint #10034499 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 40,000 miles
Waban, MA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
POWER STEERING FAILURE ON 1996 TOYOTA CAMRY.*MR WHILE DRIVING, THE CONSUMER LOSS CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH WAS DUE TO FAILURE OF THE POWER STEERING. *TS. THE TIMING BELT AND RADIATOR HOSE WERE REPLACED.
NHTSA complaint #10030022 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 60,000 miles
Galloway, NJ
STEERING
THE STEERING WHEEL IS LOCKING AS I'M DRIVING...VERY DIFFICULT TO TURN WITH A SMOOTH ACTION...MY MECHANIC HAD ANOTHER TOYOTA IN THE SHOP WITH THE SAME COMPLAINT! *NLM
NHTSA complaint #10023532 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LOS Angeles, CA
STEERING
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. *AK
NHTSA complaint #10011428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
at 38,630 miles
Salem, MA
STEERING
STEERING HAS A DEAD SPOT ALSO WHEEL DOES NOT RETURN AFTER MAKING A TURN.
NHTSA complaint #10010660 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Dover, DE
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST SYSTEM
NO SUMMARY LISTED FOR ABOVE VEHICLE.
NHTSA complaint #758428 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremerton, WA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
POWER STEERING RACK & PINION GEAR AND HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE BEGAIN TO LEAK AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES. DEALER SAID THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOW TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A NEW PART NUMBER FOR THE POWER STEERING GEAR, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PART. 70,000 IS WAY TO EARLY FOR SUCH A FAILURE. THE REPAIR IS VERY COSTLY. PARTS ALONE FOR THE REPAIR ARE ABOUT $1400. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD COMPENSATE.
NHTSA complaint #758239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Bremerton, WA
STEERING:HYDRAULIC POWER ASSIST:HOSE, PIPING, AND CONNECTIONS
POWER STEERING RACK & PINION GEAR AND HIGH PRESSURE POWER STEERING HOSE BEGAIN TO LEAK AT ABOUT 70,000 MILES. DEALER SAID THESE ITEMS NEED TO BE REPLACED. NOW TOYOTA HAS ISSUED A NEW PART NUMBER FOR THE POWER STEERING GEAR, WHICH LEADS ME TO BELIEVE THEY REALIZED THERE WAS A PROBLEM WITH THE ORIGINAL PART. 70,000 IS WAY TO EARLY FOR SUCH A FAILURE. THE REPAIR IS VERY COSTLY. PARTS ALONE FOR THE REPAIR ARE ABOUT $1400. THE MANUFACTURER SHOULD COMPENSATE.
NHTSA complaint #758239 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Pomeroy, PA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
RACK & PINION STEERING SHOULD NOT HAVE FAILED AT 70,000 MILE - NO WARRANTY COMPENSATION.
NHTSA complaint #744732 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Memphis, TN
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
DEALER SERVICE REPS SAYS TO REPLACE ENTIRE RACK & PINION STEERING GEAR.
NHTSA complaint #741285 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Ridhmond, VA
STEERING:RACK AND PINION
CAR HAS BEEN MAINTAINED AT DEALERSHIPS PER TOYOTA'S SCHEDULE; NEVER BEEN IN AN ACCIDENT. 73,000 IS TOO EARLY FOR THE RACK AND PINION TO HAVE AN INTERNAL LEAK. CAR HAS BEEN WELL-MAINTAINED AN NEVER IN AN ACCIDENT. COST TO REPAIR THE R&P $1500, COMPANY AGREED TO ADJUST IT BY $241. BLACK TAR LIKE SUBSTANCE LEAKING OUT OF BACK DOORS. DON'T KNOW IF IT CAN BE REPAIRED.
NHTSA complaint #741011 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Hudson Falls, NY
STEERING
STEERING WHEEL IS VERY HARD TO MANEUVER, ONLY IN WET CONDITIONS IS STEERING NORMAL. DEALER IS AWARE, AND WILL ONLY REPAIR UNDER RAINY CONDITIONS.
NHTSA complaint #859619 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Mobile, AL
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
VEHICLE EXPERIENCED FAILURE OF THE RECALL COMPONENT PRIOR TO NOTIFICATION. (99V-307) *MJS
NHTSA complaint #550912 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
Huntsville, AL
Crash
1 injured
STEERING:LINKAGES
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
NHTSA complaint #710948 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
LAS Vegas, NV
STEERING: STEERING WHEEL/HANDLE BAR
STEERING WHEEL CAME OFF WHILE TRAVELING 72 MPH. THE ONLY THING THAT WAS ATTACHED WERE THE WIRES. NO INJURIES. CONSUMER HAD NO CONTROL OF VEHICLE, BUT WAS ABLE TO PUMP THE BRAKES TO GET VEHICLE UNDER CONTROL.
NHTSA complaint #846176 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.
SAN Diego, CA
STEERING:COLUMN LOCKING:ANTI-THEFT DEVICE
ALARM SYSTEM COMPUTER PORT FAILED.
NHTSA complaint #605650 — an unverified report by a vehicle owner.