2004 Toyota RAV4
This year had at least 30% fewer complaints than 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 PER YEAR
View as data table
| Year | Complaints |
|---|---|
| 1994 | 4 |
| 1995 | 1 |
| 1996 | 47 |
| 1997 | 54 |
| 1998 | 77 |
| 1999 | 62 |
| 2000 | 30 |
| 2001 | 309 |
| 2002 | 527 |
| 2003 | 314 |
| 2004 | 153 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 704 |
| 2007 | 1003 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 286 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 255 |
| 2014 | 194 |
| 2015 | 302 |
| 2016 | 234 |
| 2017 | 301 |
| 2018 | 327 |
| 2019 | 867 |
| 2020 | 624 |
| 2021 | 375 |
| 2022 | 132 |
| 2023 | 140 |
| 2024 | 161 |
| 2025 | 69 |
KNOWN PROBLEM AREAS
29% of complaints: air bags — 44 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121010
"TAMARA RECALL". COMPLAINT #1 IN MAY 2016, I CALLED THE TOYOTA CUSTOMER TELEPHONE NUMBER TO ARRANGE TO HAVE THE RECALL DONE TO THE AIRBAGS.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171128
"TAKATA RECALL" RECEIVED NOTICE TO FIND OUT IF MY VEHICLE IS SUBJECT TO THIS RECALL
NHTSA ODI report, 20171110
12% of complaints: vehicle speed control — 18 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. WHILE REVERSING THE VEHICLE, THE ACCELERATOR PEDAL BECAME STUCK. THE BRAKE PEDAL FAILED TO SLOW DOWN THE VEHICLE AND THE SPEED EXCEEDED 55 MPH.
NHTSA ODI report, 20171207
SUDDEN AND RAPID ACCELERATION WHEN AUTO WAS PUT IN REVERSE. BRAKES DID NOT WORK. CAR FORCED INTO PARK AND CONTINUED TO ROLL BACKWARDS WHILE ENGAGED IN PARK. *AK
NHTSA ODI report, 20040314
9% of complaints: power train — 14 distinct reports on file.
CRASH INJURYShow complaint excerpts
I WAS STARTING TO MAKE A K-TURN IN A PARKING LOT. I PUT ON THE BRAKES TO SHIFT INTO REVERSE. I MOVED BACK IN REVERSE A LITTLE BIT.
NHTSA ODI report, 20130507
10 days ago transmission on 2004 Rav started to act funny. Slow/jerky to engage in lower gears. Check engine lights came on.
NHTSA ODI report, 20240821
7% of complaints: engine — 11 distinct reports on file.
CRASH FIRE INJURYShow complaint excerpts
TL* THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA RAV4. THE CONTACT WAS DRIVING APPROXIMATELY 15 MPH AND ATTEMPTING A LEFT TURN WHEN ANOTHER VEHICLE CRASHED INTO THE FRONT PASSENGER SIDE DOOR OF THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE.
NHTSA ODI report, 20121010
6% of complaints: engine and engine cooling — 9 distinct reports on file.
FIRESAFETY TIMELINE
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005.
Remedy: Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge.
Campaign 15V284000 — check if this car was fixed
Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F,...
Remedy: Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator.
Campaign 19V741000 — check if this car was fixed
BUY-SMART CHECKLIST
2004 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
- Test/inspect for air bags issues (44 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for vehicle speed control issues (18 reports on file for this year).
- Test/inspect for power train issues (14 reports on file for this year).
- Verify recall 15V284000 (air bags) has been completed.
- Verify recall 19V741000 (air bags) has been completed.
OTHER YEARS OF THIS MODEL
BEST YEARS
WORST YEARS
FAQ
Is the 2004 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Based on NHTSA complaint volume compared to this model's typical year, the 2004 Toyota RAV4 is rated "better than typical".
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota RAV4?
The most-reported component is air bags, accounting for 29% of complaints on file.
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have?
2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-07-11 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.