2004 Toyota Camry: Is It Reliable?
Problems, Recalls & Buyer Verdict
Shopping for a used 2004 Toyota Camry? This page highlights owner-reported complaint patterns and recall history so you can inspect the right systems before buying. Current data includes 798 complaints, with Unintended Acceleration as the top reported area.
2004 Toyota Camry Fuel Economy
✓ EPA Official DataEPA-rated fuel economy across 8 2004 Toyota Camry trim configurations. The median figure is shown; range reflects all available trims.
Source: EPA FuelEconomy.gov. Figures reflect EPA lab testing; real-world results vary by driving style, load, and conditions. 8 trims analysed.
2004 Toyota Camry Safety Ratings
NHTSA 5-Star ProgramOfficial crash test results from the NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings program. Stars reflect government-conducted tests; higher is safer.
Overall
Not RatedFrontal Crash
Not RatedSide Crash
Not RatedRollover
Not RatedSource: NHTSA 5-Star Safety Ratings. Ratings are based on government crash tests and may not reflect all trim levels.
Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 2004 Toyota Camry has 798 owner complaints, 222 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns on record. The most frequently reported component is Unintended Acceleration. NHTSA reliability signal: Severe Issues.
- Make
- Toyota
- Model
- Camry
- Model year
- 2004
- NHTSA owner complaints
- 798
- Crash-related complaints
- 222
- Safety recall campaigns
- 3
- Top reported component
- Unintended Acceleration
- Reliability signal
- Severe Issues
- EPA MPG combined
- 24
- EPA MPG city / highway
- 20 / 29
- Fuel type
- Regular Gasoline
- Electronic stability control
- Optional
Most Common 2004 Toyota Camry Problems
Top owner-reported complaint areas and where they often appear.
Unintended Acceleration
Steering Defects
Airbag Malfunctions
Complaint patterns center on Unintended Acceleration, Steering Defects, Airbag Malfunctions. Use these as a pre-purchase inspection guide, then verify recall and damage history on the specific VIN.
Should You Buy a Used 2004 Toyota Camry?
The 2004 Toyota Camry shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase.
Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report.
What to Check Before Buying a Used 2004 Toyota Camry
Inspection Focus
- Inspect for unintended acceleration issues and check for related recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, airbag, and brake systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Before You Close the Deal
- Inspect for unintended acceleration issues and check for related recalls.
- Verify all open recalls at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
- Request service records for steering, airbag, and brake systems.
- Have a mechanic inspect the vehicle before purchase.
Shortlist with model-year data. Decide with the exact VIN.
Before buying a used 2004 Toyota Camry, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, theft checks, and open recalls for the exact vehicle.
What the Complaint Data Suggests
Editorial interpretation of NHTSA public complaint data. Source: nhtsa.gov. Complaints are owner-submitted and do not confirm a defect. Methodology
The 2004 Toyota Camry has 798 NHTSA complaints, with the highest number related to unintended acceleration (265). Complaints are concentrated in steering, airbag, and brake components. The data suggests potential issues in these areas, but confidence is low due to the nature of consumer reports.
- Unintended acceleration accounts for the largest share of complaints at 265.
- Steering defects are the second most reported issue with 110 complaints.
- Airbag malfunctions total 97 complaints, indicating a recurring theme.
- Unintended Acceleration
- Steering Defects
- Airbag Malfunctions
All 2004 Toyota Camry Complaints by Category
Every owner-reported complaint category filed with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota Camry. Use this as a pre-purchase inspection checklist.
| Component | Complaints | Crashes | Fires | Avg Mileage | Volume |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unintended Acceleration | 265 | 150 | 1 | — | |
| Steering Defects | 110 | 13 | — | — | |
| Airbag Malfunctions | 97 | 56 | — | — | |
| Brake System | 86 | 29 | — | — | |
| Engine Problems | 66 | 7 | 3 | — | |
| Hydraulic | 62 | 18 | — | — | |
| Transmission / Drivetrain | 61 | 10 | — | — | |
| Structural Problems | 55 | 5 | 1 | — | |
| Electrical Faults | 43 | 4 | 8 | — | |
| Tire Issues | 31 | 4 | — | — | |
| Suspension Failures | 28 | 3 | — | — | |
| Uncategorized Issues | 25 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Visibility | 22 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel System | 20 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Equipment | 19 | 5 | — | — | |
| Gasoline | 14 | 3 | 1 | — | |
| Seat Belt Issues | 13 | 4 | — | — | |
| Seat-Related Issues | 13 | 1 | 1 | — | |
| Fuel/Propulsion System | 10 | 4 | 1 | — | |
| Door Lock Issues | 10 | — | — | — | |
| Headlight/Taillight Failures | 7 | — | — | — | |
| Other | 6 | 1 | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control (Esc) | 5 | — | — | — | |
| Electric | 5 | 2 | — | — | |
| Wheel Issues | 3 | 1 | — | — | |
| Air | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Electronic Stability Control | 3 | — | — | — | |
| Child Seat | 2 | — | — | — | |
| Forward Collision Avoidance: AEB | 1 | 1 | — | — | |
| Parking-Brake Issues | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Traction Control System | 1 | — | — | — | |
| Equipment Adaptive/Mobility | 1 | — | — | — |
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Complaint counts may exceed total complaints because one report can span multiple categories.
Real Owner Complaints
Read what owners actually reported to NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota Camry. Type a keyword (e.g. “transmission”, “stalling”, “brakes”) to filter.
The SRS warning light came on. I took it to my mechanic and he tested the sensor. He said the code that showed is B1821...Open in Side Squib (D Seat Side) Circuit. He said I needed to take it to a Toyota Dealer. I have an appointment with one on 4/17/25.
The power steering freezes up upon the slightest amount of street water ponding making it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. I have experienced a number of scary situations that make driving this car in wet elements very very difficult. As a result I generally refrain …
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The manu…
Unknown
Toyota dealership unable to fix open recall in time to ship vehicle.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated while the vehicle was idling there was an abnormal fuel odor detected. The contact stated that there was also a grinding sound while applying the brakes. There was no warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to the …
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the vehicle was parked at the residence, there was an abnormally strong fuel odor detected. The vehicle was taken to an unknown dealer to be diagnosed. The contact was made aware of a fuel leak. The vehicle was r…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. The contact stated that the dashboard started to crack exposing the air bag. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contacts stated that while her daughter was driving at 55mph down a hill when the contact's daughter crashed the vehicle into another vehicle that was stopped. None of the airbags deploying. Medical treatment was required and she sustaine…
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Solara. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the TPMS indicated that the tire pressure was low however, upon investigation the tires were at the correct tire pressure. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light was illumi…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. THE CONTACT STATED THAT WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS ON CRUISE CONTROL AT APPROXIMATELY 77 MPH, WHEN SUDDENLY THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AND BEGAN TO ACCELERATE FORWARD UNINTENDEDLY. THE VEHICLE SIDE SWEPT ANOTHER VEHICLE HITTING THE DRIVER SIDE OF…
THE CAR WILL SUDDENLY STOP. INITIALLY, WE THOUGHT THAT IT WAS A BATTERY ISSUE. IN FACT, WE CHANGED THE BATTERY WITH A BRAND NEW ONE, IT HAPPENS AGAIN. TWO MORE TIMES, I DID OWN A TOYOTA CAR MORE THAN 25 YEARS AGO. IT WAS IDENTIFIED AS FUEL PUMP ISSUE. FOR SURE, THIS IS THE C…
I WAS DRIVING TO WORK ON THE WI 43 FREEWAY (SPEED APROX. 70 MPH) AT 2:00AM OF 09/28/2020. I SMELLED SOMETHING BURNING AND SAW SPARKS COMING FROM UNDER MY DASHBOARD. I PULLED OVER TO THE SIDE OF THE FREEWAY AND CALLED 911. TWO OZAUKEE COUNTY SHERIFFS AND 1 PORT WASHINGTON FIRE…
WHILE DRIVING LOCALLY AT A NON-SPEEDING LEVEL,DRY WEATHER, WHEEL LOCKED UP PREVENTING CONTROL OF THE VEHICLE WHICH SPUN OUT OF CONTROL, LEADDING TO VEHICLE HITTING A CURB THEN AIRBORNE AND TURNOVER RESULTING TO SALVAGE DAMAGES.
WITH MY FOOT ON THE BRAKE, WHEN I PUT THE CAR IN DRIVE, IT SUDDENLY ACCELERATED JUMPING AHEAD HITTING A TREE IN PARKING LOT. EVEN WITH BRAKING, IT DID NOT STOP. I HAD TO REVERSE AND IT STILL SPEED UP WITHOUT PRESSING THE ACCELERATOR. I HAD TO PUT IT IN PARK. THEN ONLY IT STOPPED.…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONTACT NOTICED THAT THE DASHBOARD WAS FRACTURED. PRIORITY TOYOTA HAMPTON LOCATED AT 2301 W MERCURY BOULEVARD, HAMPTON, VA 23666, (757)838-5000) WAS CONTACTED BY PHONE AND INFORMED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT …
DURING A HIGH VELOCITY FRONT END IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET.
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. WHILE OPERATING THE VEHICLE, THE CHECK ENGINE INDICATOR REMAINED ILLUMINATED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO WEST HERR TOYOTA (4141 S. WESTERN BLVD, ORCHARD PARK, NY) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED THAT FUEL CYLINDER SENSORS ONE AND TWO WERE FAU…
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY. WHILE DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 40 MPH, THE VEHICLE SUDDENLY STALLED. UPON INSPECTION, IT WAS DISCOVERED THAT THE ENGINE BELT HAD FRACTURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED TO MARIETTA TOYOTA (750 COBB PARKWAY S, MARIETTA, GA) WHERE IT WAS DIAGNOSED TH…
DRIVER IN FRONT CRASH WITH 4-5 CAR PILE UP. CAR WAS ON HIGHWAY 287 AND DEER WAS CAUSE. AIR BAGS DID NOT GO OFF. WE NEVER GOT A NOTICE ABOUT TAKATA AIRBAGS. SPEED WAS SOMEWHERE AROUND 45-50 AT TIME BECAUSE BRAKES WERE SLAMMED ON TO NO EFFECT. CRASH WAS UNAVOIDABLE. CAR WAS TOT…
Source: NHTSA Complaints Database. Real owner reports for the 2004 Toyota Camry.
2004 Toyota Camry Recalls
3 campaignsNHTSA recall campaigns for the 2004 Toyota Camry. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Recalls are free to fix at authorized dealers, but completion status must be verified on the exact VIN.
2004 Toyota Camry Buying FAQ
Buyer-focused answers based on real NHTSA complaint and recall data for this model year.
Is the 2004 Toyota Camry reliable?▾
Severe Issues. NHTSA currently shows 798 owner complaints, 222 crash-related complaints, and 3 recall campaigns for this model year. The 2004 Toyota Camry shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Treat this as a model-year signal, then verify the exact vehicle's condition and history before purchase.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Camry?▾
#1: Unintended Acceleration (265 complaints). #2: Steering Defects (110 complaints). #3: Airbag Malfunctions (97 complaints)
At what mileage do problems start on the 2004 Toyota Camry?▾
Mileage data is not available or insufficient for this model year.
How safe is the 2004 Toyota Camry?▾
Complaint data is not the same as crash-test scoring, but it does highlight possible risk patterns. For the 2004 Toyota Camry, NHTSA complaints include 222 crash-related reports and 13 fire reports out of 798 total complaints. 144 injury reports are also on file. For controlled crash-test ratings, check nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Does the 2004 Toyota Camry have any recalls?▾
Yes. 3 NHTSA recall campaigns affect the 2004 Toyota Camry. A major recall area is ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING. 3 recall campaigns are on record for this model year. Always verify open recalls by VIN because completion status varies by vehicle.
Should I buy a 2004 Toyota Camry?▾
The 2004 Toyota Camry shows higher complaint activity for its model-year profile, so buyers should inspect known problem areas carefully before purchase. Use the model-year trend to shortlist candidates, then confirm the exact vehicle condition with service records, recall status, and a VIN history report. Pay extra attention to Unintended Acceleration during inspection. Before committing, run a VIN history report to verify accidents, title brands, odometer records, and recall completion for the exact car.
Source: NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) complaint and recall databases, aggregated by VinSpector AI.
Wider context: See the full Toyota Camry reliability report with year-by-year comparison.
Owner Reliability Rating
Rate the 2004 Toyota Camry based on your ownership experience.
Add your rating:
Ratings are based on owner experience and are separate from NHTSA data shown above.
Check the Exact Vehicle History Before You Buy
Model-year complaints and recalls reveal patterns. A VIN report confirms whether the exact car has accident history, title brands, mileage issues, or open recalls.