Four problems related to gas recirculation valve (egr valve) have been reported for the 1996 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below.
The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat.
The engine does not heat sufficiently enough for the oil to clean the engine, manufacturer states that the sludge builds up in the engine due to the owners failure to get regualar oil changes or the owner using the wrong oil, consumer also states that the engine reaches 165 degrees around town when it should reach 195 degrees, consumer feels the problem is with the engine or the thermostat.
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. Vehicle experiences several engine related problems, motor mounts were weak causing steering wheel vibration, 16 valve seals came apart due to being installed incorrectly, water pump leaked, timing belt failed, valve cover leaked, and cam seal was replaced. Vehicle experienced transmission related problems, right outer axle boot was split and leaking grease, cv boots failed twice, shifter was hard and was making noises, dealer found the shifter lever plate was broken, transmission pan gasket was replaced, there was a clunking noise in the rear when going in reverse. The car jack was missing from the trunk and the antenna was inoperable. Dealer found an open circuit in the battery. Consumer noticed a rattling noise under the right front seat, dealer secured seat slide adjuster hook, temperature gauge did not work properly. Overdrive light was inoperable. Vehicle has experienced several fuel related problems, the egr valve assembly, egr modulator, idler control valve, idle air speed control, distributor o-ring, idler bearing, isc valve, and vacuum switching valve have all been replaced, blue smoke was coming out of the exhaust, dealer cleaned the throttle body, fuel injection, and recalibrated the fuel sensor, vehicle was running rough and stalling due to faulty egr vacuum modulator, dealer stated that the valve would default if there was too much oil added, the valve is too small so it will stick or become clogged up with carbon build up.
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.