2004 Toyota Camry
This year had more than double the complaints of this model's typical year.
This verdict reflects complaint volume compared to this model's typical year. Recalls and safety issues below apply regardless of the verdict — always check them.
- Complaints
- 638
- Recalls
- 3
- Investigations
- 2
- Top problem
- Vehicle speed control
Campaigns on file for 2004
Opened by NHTSA
38% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 638 complaints
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1983 | 6 |
| 1984 | 8 |
| 1985 | 13 |
| 1986 | 33 |
| 1987 | 58 |
| 1988 | 69 |
| 1989 | 117 |
| 1990 | 136 |
| 1991 | 155 |
| 1992 | 569 |
| 1993 | 263 |
| 1994 | 306 |
| 1995 | 303 |
| 1996 | 417 |
| 1997 | 555 |
| 1998 | 600 |
| 1999 | 501 |
| 2000 | 454 |
| 2001 | 272 |
| 2002 | 953 |
| 2003 | 781 |
| 2004 | 638 |
| 2005 | 721 |
| 2006 | 317 |
| 2007 | 2,886 |
| 2008 | 933 |
| 2009 | 1,293 |
| 2010 | 603 |
| 2011 | 599 |
| 2012 | 590 |
| 2013 | 274 |
| 2014 | 455 |
| 2015 | 269 |
| 2016 | 182 |
| 2017 | 148 |
| 2018 | 745 |
| 2019 | 396 |
| 2020 | 274 |
| 2021 | 156 |
| 2022 | 60 |
| 2023 | 64 |
| 2024 | 51 |
| 2025 | 146 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Vehicle speed control
38% · 241 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal and cruise control.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. While operating the vehicle, the contact depressed the brake pedal and shifted to a lower gear; however, the vehicle unexpectedly accelerated without warning. As a result, the contact crashed into a curb.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-05
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle experienced a sudden acceleration that caused the vehicle to jump a curve and crash into brick steps. The vehicle was towed away and repaired.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-06-29
Steering
13% · 81 reportsMost commonly citing column and linkages.
Show complaint excerpts
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2023-12-11
Air bags
12% · 79 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show complaint excerpts
My wife was in a crash that totaled my 2004 Camry. She swerved to miss a deer and was pulled off the road and into two utility poles and several areas of fence.
NHTSA ODI report, 2026-07-08
Gas pedal accelerated without applying pressure.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-12-21
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the driver was traveling 15 MPH when the vehicle began to accelerate uncontrollably. The driver attempted to brake, but the vehicle failed to respond.
NHTSA ODI report, 2012-07-13
Service brakes
12% · 74 reportsMost commonly citing hydraulic and electric.
Show complaint excerpts
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 5 MPH in heavy traffic, the contact attempted to depress the brake pedal, but it bounced back. As a result, the contact rear ended the preceding vehicle.
NHTSA ODI report, 2018-07-27
Power train
8% · 49 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and manual transmission.
Safety timeline
3 recalls · 2 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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2004Complaint volume 638 complaints filed for this model year.
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2004-08-06Air bags04V346000 On certain vehicles equipped with curtain shield air bags (CSA), one or both of the curtain air bags may be twisted near the inflator due to improper assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the csas and replace the air bag assembly if necessary. The recall began on August 6, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
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2004-12-20Seat belts04V595000 On certain passenger vehicles equipped with a front passenger power seat, when installing certain rear-facing infant child seat bases onto the seat with an excessively high seatbelt tension, it may…
Remedy: Dealers will replace the front passenger seatbelt buckle status switch. This safety improvement campaign (Ssc 40M) began on December 20, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331 or…
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2005-08-05Defect petitionClosed 2006-01-05 Vehicle speed control
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2006-09-14Defect petitionClosed 2007-04-03 Engine surging
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2011-12-31Engine and engine cooling11V539000 Toyota is recalling certain model year 2004 Avalon vehicles; 2004 and 2005 Camry, Camry Solara, Highlander, and Sienna vehicles, 2006 Highlander Hybrid; 2004 and 2005 Lexus ES330 and RX330; and 2006…
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will check the crankshaft pulley to identify whether it was produced by the U.S. Supplier. If so, the dealer will replace the pulley with a new one at no…
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Toyota Camry — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Vehicle speed control: 241 reports on file for this year.
- Steering: 81 reports on file for this year.
- Air bags: 79 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 04V346000 · Air bags
- Recall 04V595000 · Seat belts
- Recall 11V539000 · Engine and engine cooling
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →FAQ
- Is the 2004 Toyota Camry reliable?
- Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota Camry is rated "significantly worse".
- What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Camry?
- The most-reported component is vehicle speed control, accounting for 38% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Camry have?
- 3 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-10-09 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.