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Electrical systemPart report

1996 Toyota Camry Electrical system Problems

Complaints
26about this part
Share
6%of 417 total for the year
Median mileage
124,000miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 26 complaints about the electrical system of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 6% of the 417 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 124,000 miles. 1 of these say a crash was involved and 4 a fire, according to the filers.

Example complaints

Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.

“Both the driver side window and front passenger window have stopped working on occasion. Presently the passenger side window may go down, but will not go up. The next day it may go up. I don't put it down because I don't want to leave it down in rain or overnight. My previous Camry also had electrical window problems.”

NHTSA complaint #10787876, filed 2015-11, 118,000 miles

“For several weeks when I have occasionally, accidentally, after turning off the ignition, while the transmission was still in the drive position I removed the key from the ignition (while it was still in gear), and it rolls. It is a 1996 Toyota Camry le v6.”

NHTSA complaint #10371946, filed 2010-12, 183,345 miles

“8/2003 bought car. At 75.000 miles, freeze plugs started to go. One after the other. Leaving me stranded many times. After we replaced the freeze plugs, 76.000 miles the car started dumping its coolant through the overflow tank.. Could not get answers from phillips Toyota. Started loosing oil. The obd light has never come on. The car runs quite and smooth. Made several attempts to take care of this problem with the corporation, but they will not help. Also, the brakes have always made loud noises, and the cruise control has a mind of its own. …”

NHTSA complaint #10172605, filed 2006-11, 75,000 miles

“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, filed 2016-03, 140,000 miles

“The contact owns a 1996 Toyota Camry. On two separate occasions, the contact was able to exit the vehicle with the key in his hand and the vehicle in drive. On one occasion, the vehicle rolled backwards down the driveway. The contact sustained minor injuries. There is a recall on the 1997 model regarding this same failure. The current mileage was 133,700 and failure mileage was 130,000. Updated 03/26/08.”

NHTSA complaint #10219404, filed 2008-02, 130,000 miles

Related service bulletins

Electrical system: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202424%
2023914%
2022914%
202185%
20206825%
2019277%
2018689%
20172316%
20162111%
20153111%
20145512%
20132911%
20126211%
2011325%
2010254%
2009826%
2008485%
20072318%
2006217%
2005335%
2004376%
2003203%
2002364%
2001207%
2000317%
1999418%
1998336%
1997407%
1996266%
1995186%
1994238%
1993208%
1992265%
19912315%
199097%
19891110%
19881320%
1987610%
1985323%
1983117%

Other parts of the 1996 Toyota Camry

Engine cooling
76 complaints
Brakes
54 complaints
Vehicle speed control
50 complaints
Air bags
47 complaints
Steering
37 complaints
Suspension
28 complaints
Fuel system
26 complaints
Body and structure
26 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaints
Tires
25 complaints
Transmission and drivetrain
21 complaints
Exterior lighting
19 complaints

← All problems reported for the 1996 Toyota Camry

About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.

To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology