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Transmission and drivetrainPart report

1996 Toyota Camry Transmission and drivetrain Problems

Complaints
21about this part
Share
5%of 417 total for the year
Median mileage
67,486miles
Trend
StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.

NHTSA recorded 21 complaints about the transmission and drivetrain of the 1996 Toyota Camry, 5% of the 417 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 67,486 miles.

Example complaints

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

“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, filed 2004-01, 60,000 miles

“1996toyota Camry, 5-speed manual trans,problem #1, there is an odd grinding noise coming from the engine compartment, took vehicle to dealer, said it was transaxle but that the problem couldn't be pinpointed until they took it apart. Took the vehicle to a tranmission place for second opinion and was told that there was no problem at all. I had the clutch replaced and the noise went away for a day or two but came back. I have no idea what this noise could be.”

NHTSA complaint #10005733, filed 2003-02

“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.”

NHTSA complaint #10011428, filed 2003-03

“Upon starting vehicle at idle speed, the control valve sticks. This problem has been examined by dealership, and consumer has been told that this was normal. Brakes experience grinding, squeaking, and vibration, rotors were warped and brake pads were glazed, brakes have been replaced, however problem continues. Consumer states there is a suspension problem that is causing uneven tire wear. …”

NHTSA complaint #897821, filed 2001-10

“After purchasing car I had to replace brakes after 3 months, then told rotors were warped, now rear axle is faulty and calipers need to be replaced along with rotors/drums and brakes again. Continual problems with front end shaking. This is true of both sides, left and right front.”

NHTSA complaint #741531, filed 2001-02

Related service bulletins

Transmission and drivetrain: other model years

YearComplaintsShare of year
202436%
2023711%
2022711%
2021128%
20203312%
201911529%
201820027%
201764%
20161810%
20153613%
201412828%
20136724%
201214224%
2011498%
2010468%
2009514%
2008404%
20072669%
2006186%
20058412%
2004488%
2003405%
2002687%
2001156%
2000337%
1999184%
1998163%
1997356%
1996215%
1995258%
1994217%
19932911%
1992183%
199185%
199086%
198965%
1988914%
198723%
1985215%

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
Electrical system
26 complaints
Fuel system
26 complaints
Body and structure
26 complaints
Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
26 complaints
Tires
25 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 31, 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