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
- 154
- Recalls
- 2
- Investigations
- 0
- Top problem
- Air bags
Campaigns on file for 2004
None on file
31% of complaints
Complaints per year
2004: 154 complaints
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 | 315 |
| 2004 | 154 |
| 2005 | 141 |
| 2006 | 705 |
| 2007 | 1,004 |
| 2008 | 575 |
| 2009 | 327 |
| 2010 | 400 |
| 2011 | 287 |
| 2012 | 260 |
| 2013 | 257 |
| 2014 | 197 |
| 2015 | 305 |
| 2016 | 239 |
| 2017 | 307 |
| 2018 | 332 |
| 2019 | 883 |
| 2020 | 639 |
| 2021 | 388 |
| 2022 | 145 |
| 2023 | 163 |
| 2024 | 175 |
| 2025 | 91 |
Known problem areas
Percentages can add to more than 100% — a complaint can name more than one system.
Air bags
31% · 48 reportsMost commonly citing frontal and side/window.
Show 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, 2012-10-10
Also filed under Engine
During a head on collision involving the passenger front ends of both vehicles two of three seatbelts did not engage, causing two passengers to collide with the dashboard and the rear of the front seat. Air bags did not deploy as well.
NHTSA ODI report, 2006-01-29
"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, 2017-11-28
Power train
15% · 23 reportsMost commonly citing automatic transmission and floor shift.
Show 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, 2013-05-07
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, 2024-08-21
Also filed under Electrical system
Vehicle speed control
13% · 20 reportsMost commonly citing accelerator pedal.
Show 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, 2017-12-07
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.
NHTSA ODI report, 2004-03-14
Engine and engine cooling
12% · 19 reportsMost commonly citing engine and cooling system.
Engine
7% · 11 reportsSafety timeline
2 recalls · 0 investigations · oldest first
To check one car, enter its VIN on the NHTSA recall page. Check a VIN →
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R
2015-08-21Air bags15V284000 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.
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R
2019-11-20Air bags19V741000 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.
Buy-smart checklist
2004 Toyota RAV4 — pre-purchase inspection
Inspect
- Air bags: 48 reports on file for this year.
- Power train: 23 reports on file for this year.
- Vehicle speed control: 20 reports on file for this year.
Verify these recalls were completed
- Recall 15V284000 · Air bags
- Recall 19V741000 · Air bags
Other years of this model
See all years ranked →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 31% of complaints on file.
- How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have?
- 2 recalls on file for this model year.
Data updated 2026-11-01 · Complaints are unverified owner reports filed with NHTSA, not independently verified defects. Methodology.