Vehicle description: passenger vehicles. The steering wheel set nut may not have been sufficiently tightened causing steering vibration and looseness.
Risk: This can result in a loss of vehicle control.
Sell your 1996 Toyota Camry for cash
The 1996 Toyota Camry is a wagon that came with a choice of 2.2L 4-cyl and 3.0L 6-cyl engines. At 30 years old, many are reaching the point where repairs cost more than the car is worth. Running or not, we'll make you an offer and tow it away for free.
- Free offer for your 1996 Camry in about 30 seconds
- Free towing, running or not
- Paid at pickup
ToyotaCAMRY1996
1996 Toyota Camry at a glance
| Body style | Midsize Cars, Midsize-Large Station Wagons |
|---|---|
| Engines | 2.2L 4-cyl, 3.0L 6-cyl |
| Transmissions | Automatic 4-spd, Manual 5-spd |
| Drive | Front-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel | Regular Gasoline |
| Fuel economy | 18–20 city / 25–28 highway / 21–23 combined MPG |
| EPA annual fuel cost | $2,900–$3,200 a year (EPA estimate at current fuel prices, 15,000 miles) |
| Tailpipe CO₂ | 386–423 grams per mile |
| Versions tested by EPA | 5 configurations: Camry, Camry Wagon |
| Age | 30 years |
Specs, fuel cost and emissions from the EPA's fueleconomy.gov data. Your car's exact equipment may differ.
What affects its junk value
- Age: at 30 years old, most of a 1996 Camry's value comes from reusable parts and scrap metal, not resale.
- Weight: as a wagon, it weighs less than a truck or SUV, so its value leans more on parts than on scrap weight. See how scrap prices by weight work.
- Catalytic converter: like all gas and diesel cars, it has a catalytic converter containing precious metals, one of the most valuable parts on a junk car. An offer assumes it's still in place. More on catalytic converters.
- Recalls: NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Camry. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking it.
- Known problems: owners reported the most issues with the vehicle speed control, typically around 135,000 miles. If that's what failed on yours, it can still be sold as-is.
1996 Toyota Camry recalls
NHTSA lists 2 safety recalls covering the 1996 Toyota Camry. Open recalls don't stop you from selling or junking the car, but check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see which apply to yours.
The plastic material of the bulb holders of the rear tail light assembly does not have sufficient heat resistance. When the bulb is illuminated, the resulting high temperature can cause the bulb holder to deform.
Risk: As the bulb holder deforms, the bulb can lose electrical contact, resulting in an inoperative lamp, increasing the risk of a vehicle accident.
Common 1996 Camry problems
Owners have filed 417 complaints about the 1996 Toyota Camry with NHTSA. 57 reports involved a crash and 8 reports involved a fire. Owners reported 57 injuries.
Complaints are reports from owners and aren't verified by NHTSA. One complaint can list several components. Mileage is the median odometer reading owners reported for that component.
Most-reported components
Typical mileage when problems were reported
- Vehicle Speed Control135,000 mi
- Air Bags150,000 mi
- Tires110,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling75,000 mi
- Engine and Engine Cooling110,000 mi
1996 Toyota Camry service bulletins
Manufacturers have filed 53 technical service bulletins and communications with NHTSA covering the 1996 Toyota Camry. These are repair instructions for known issues, not recalls.
Most common bulletin topics
Recent bulletins
TSB: Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN plates (the metal plate riveted to dashboard) (see Figure 1) for
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions
POL: This consolidated Tire Warranty Guide contains the complete warranty terms for all brands of ground and spare tires currently in use by Toyota. This information must
TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a groan or squeak noise in various driving conditions.
Source: NHTSA manufacturer communications (technical service bulletins).
NHTSA defect investigations
NHTSA opened 2 defect investigations covering the 1996 Toyota Camry.
Engine seizure
Suspension coil spring
Selling a 1996 Camry: questions
How much is a 1996 Toyota Camry worth for junk?
It depends on its condition, whether major parts like the engine, transmission and catalytic converter are still there, and current scrap and parts prices where you live. Its parts make up much of its value. Enter your ZIP code above for a free offer on your specific car.
Can I junk a 1996 Camry that doesn't run?
Yes. We buy 1996 Camrys that don't start, were in an accident, failed inspection or have a blown engine or transmission. Towing is always free.
Can I sell a 1996 Camry with open recalls?
Yes. Open recalls don't prevent a junk sale. NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 1996 Toyota Camry; you can check whether any are still open on yours with the VIN lookup at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What paperwork do I need to sell my 1996 Camry?
Usually the title and a photo ID. Rules differ by state, including what to do with your plates and whether to file a notice of sale. Check our state-by-state car title guides for the official forms.
Before you sell
Sources
- EPA fuel economy data (specs and MPG)fueleconomy.gov
- NHTSA recallsnhtsa.gov
- NHTSA complaints, service bulletins and investigationsnhtsa.gov
Data retrieved October 2026.
Get cash for your 1996 Camry today
Get a free offer in minutes. Towing is always free and you get paid at pickup.