Five problems related to engine exhaust system have been reported for the 1996 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
Engine was running fine but was taking it in for 60k mile service. Toyota dealership informed me of a bad oil sludge problem and estimated the repairs to be $4500. I took it to another mechanic and he said that there was a chance the engine has not been damaged, but only a chance. I let him perform the work of cleaning the oil pan and running a couple of oil changes to clean the sludge. The engine seemed to be running fine, but now (January 2003) I am getting a lot of smoke from the exhaust and they tell me that something must have been damaged but they can't tell without taking the engine apart.
While starting the vehicle, blue smoke was coming from the exhaust pipe. The dealership is aware of the problem. The consumer stated that the dealer said that it was an engine sludge problem. There is a recall on 1997-2001 2. 2 cyl engines, which can cause the engine to seize up during operation. The engine is prone to dangerous levels of gasoline contamination dilution. The consumer feels that this vehicle should be covered even though its a 1996, because it has the same engine.
I have engine gelling that has led to engine damage severe enough that I will either need a new short block or new engine (according to Toyota). Even with all of the work that I have already had on the vehicle, the engine is not in proper running order and will take thousands of dollars to remedy the issue.
1996 Toyota Camry developed problems stalling out in traffic and would buck like a bronco sometimes when driving (before stalling). Dealership repairs cost me thousands of dollars. Very dangerous trying to get from here to there in this vehicle. Technicians kept taking the car back down to the engine block. Sent a letter to Toyota requesting they examine the invoices and repairs on a car with such low mileage. The sent a letter back. One line-"nothing in these invoices is under warranty" Toyota was not interested in fixing their mistakes and was not interested in learning from them. They were not interested in the safety of their customers. I knew at that time they were interested in growth and profit and let it be known to my friends and family that they should not buy Toyota vehicles.
The idle speed control valve was replaced because the vehicle had difficulties starting. The problem still occurred and was replaced 7 more times. The consumer found information on a Toyota report which indicated that the egr valve and the fuel pressure regulator were preventing the vehicle from starting.