2004 Toyota Camry
Problems, recalls and owner-reported issues
Vehicle speed control is the leading concern among 799 owner complaints filed for this model year. This is the 6th highest complaint count among 25 Camry model years with reports.
Of the 2004 reports, 223 involved a crash and 13 involved a fire. 145 people were injured and 6 people died.
What owners report most often
Recalls and investigations
Engine and engine coolingNov 9, 2011
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 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
IN SOME CASES, THE BELT FOR THE POWER STEERING PUMP MAY BECOME DETACHED FROM THE PULLEY WHICH COULD RESULT IN A LOSS OF POWER STEERING AND A SUDDEN INCREASE IN STEERING EFFORT, INCREASING THE RISK OF A CRASH.
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 CHARGE. THE SAFETY RECALL IS EXPECTED TO BEGIN DURING EARLY JANUARY 2012. OWNERS MAY CONTACT TOYOTA AT 1-800-331-4331.
Campaign 11V539000 on NHTSA.gov
Seat belts, front, buckle assemblyDec 15, 2004
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 BE POSSIBLE TO UNSEAT A COMPONENT CALLED THE BUCKLE STATUS SWITCH FROM THE SEAT BELT BUCKLE.
IF THE SWITCH BECOMES UNSEATED, THE FRONT PASSENGER OCCUPANT CLASSIFICATION SYSTEM MAY MISTAKE THE REAR-FACING CHILD RESTRAINT FOR AN UNBELTED ADULT OCCUPANT, AND MAY NOT SUPPRESS THE DEPLOYMENT OF THE FRONT PASSENGER AIRBAG.
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 LEXUS AT 1-800-255-3987..
Campaign 04V595000 on NHTSA.gov
Air bags, side/windowJul 13, 2004
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.
IF THIS OCCURS, THE CSA MAY NOT DEPLOY RAPIDLY ENOUGH WHEN ACTIVATED IN A SIDE IMPACT COLLISION. THIS MAY RESULT IN FAILURE TO PROVIDE THE INTENDED HEAD PROTECTION, INCREASING THE RISK OF INJURY.
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.
Campaign 04V346000 on NHTSA.gov
Representative owner complaints
799 reports, newest first.
Air bags, Jul 8, 2026, crash
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. None of the airbags deployed and the crash was well over the 14 mph speed limit suggested for the airbags to deploy. My wife was seriously injured and was lucky the seatbelt held her back. She spent time in a hospital and broken two ribs and bruised her heart. This could have been avoided if the airbags deployed. No warning signs and the vehicle was inspected on time every time. No recalls.
Air bags, Apr 15, 2025
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.
Steering, Dec 11, 2023
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 from driving altogether under these conditions. This dangerous problem must be fixed soon! I HAVE MENTIONED THIS PROBLEM IN THE PAST TO MY LOCAL DEALER (TOYOTA OF DALLAS)
Engine and engine cooling, May 23, 2023
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 manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 193,868.
Other or unspecified, Mar 18, 2023
Unknown
Other or unspecified, Dec 16, 2022
Toyota dealership unable to fix open recall in time to ship vehicle.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Service brakes, May 9, 2022
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 local dealer and diagnosed with a fuel leak and ABS sensor failure. The vehicle was repaired. Additionally, the tank was rusted and was also replaced. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 78,000.
Fuel system, Gasoline, Feb 11, 2022
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 repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 79,000.
Structure, Sep 21, 2021
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 contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
Air bags, Jul 19, 2021, crash
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 sustained bruising to the left breast and ribcage. The contact's daughter service dog was in the vehicle at the time of the failure and hit the floorboard during the incident. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
Tires, Jul 7, 2021
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 illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
Air bags, Vehicle speed control, Forward collision avoidance, May 6, 2021, crash
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 THEIR VEHICLE, THEN, SPUN OFF AND HIT A NEARBY GUARDRAIL ON THE DRIVER'S SIDE OF THE VEHICLE AS WELL. THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. THERE WERE NO WARNING LIGHTS. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS TOWED. THE CONTACT STATED THAT NO PERSONS WERE INJURED. THE VEHICLE WAS TAKEN TO A CERTIFIED MECHANIC TO REPAIR DAMAGE HOWEVER THE VEHICLE WAS NOT DIAGNOSED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOT MADE AWARE OF THE FAILURE. THE APPROXIMATE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 50,000.
Fuel/propulsion system, Dec 27, 2020
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 CASE. CAN I GET A REPLACEMENT FOR FREE ON THE FUEL PUMP.
Electrical system, Oct 5, 2020, fire
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 TRUCK RESPONDED (INCIDENT NUMBER 20-27928). AS YOU CAN SEE FROM THE ATTACHED PICTURES WHICH WERE TAKEN THE NEXT DAY AT THE TOWING YARD MY CAR'S DASH AND INTERIOR WAS TOTALLY MELTED BY AN ELECTRICAL FIRE THAT WAS SO HOT IT CRACKED THE WINDSHIELD. ALTHOUGH THE CAR HAS SOME AGE ON IT, THIS IS NOT SOMETHING THAT SHOULD EVER OCCUR WHILE DRIVING DOWN THE HIGHWAY. FORTUNATELY NO ONE WAS HURT. THE CAR HAD TO BE TOTALED AS IT WAS BEYOND REPAIR.
Steering, Service brakes, Aug 8, 2020, crash
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.
Air bags, Engine, Mar 6, 2020
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. THE AIRBAGS DID NOT WORK. ONLY MY SHOULDER & LAP BELTS SAVED ME. SUCH AN EPISODE HAPPENED SEVERAL TIMES WHILE I WAS TRYING TO BACK UP IN MY DRIVE WAY, IT ACCELERATED WHILE I WAS PRESSING THE BRAKE. I REPORTED THIS PROBLEM TO TOYOTA COMPANY, TORRANCE, CA AS WELL AS ITS DEALER IN WESTBURY, NY. NOTIHING WAS DONE TO DATE. IT STARTED IN 2005 AND CONTINUED EVEN IN 2020. THE MILEAGE VARIED FROM 1500 TO 134000. DATES ALSO VARIED.
Structure, Jan 8, 2020
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 THE VEHICLE WAS NOT SUBJECTED TO A RECALL HOWEVER, THERE WAS A WARRANTY ENHANCEMENT FROM THE MANUFACTURER FOR THE FAILURE IN SIMILAR VEHICLES. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT TAKEN TO BE INSPECTED NOR REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS CONTACTED AND NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 177,151.
Air bags, Sep 24, 2019, crash
DURING A HIGH VELOCITY FRONT END IMPACT, AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. VEHICLE WAS IN MOTION ON A STREET.
Engine, Aug 21, 2019
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 FAULTY AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 56,231. *BF *JB
Engine, Aug 13, 2019
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 THAT THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY AND CRANKSHAFT SEAL FAILED AND NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. THE VEHICLE WAS NOT REPAIRED. THE MANUFACTURER WAS NOTIFIED OF THE FAILURE. THE CONTACT WAS INFORMED THAT THE VIN WAS NOT INCLUDED IN NHTSA CAMPAIGN NUMBER: 11V539000 (ENGINE), ALTHOUGH THE VEHICLE EXHIBITED THE FAILURE LISTED IN THE RECALL. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS 249,000.
Air bags, Jun 14, 2019, crash
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 TOTALLED.
Tires, Mar 12, 2019
REAR DRIVER SIDE FIRESTONE TIRE GUARANTEED FOR 70,000 MILES BLOWN INTO PIECES WHILE DRIVING ON MARCH 11, 2019. IT HAS ONLY 36,000 MILES ON IT. ON MARCH 12, 2019, I NOTIFIED BRIAN OF FIRESTONE CUSTOMER SERVICE (800/367-3872) AND HE ASKED ME TO TAKE IT FOR INSPECTION BY FIRESTONE, 715B MERRICK AVE, WESTBURY, NY 11590 (516/228-9055) AT 11.00 AM ON MARCH 14, 2019
Steering, Power train, Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 21, 2019, crash
CAR SITTING AT IDLE POSITION SUDDENLY LAUNCHED FORWARD. VEHICLE WAS GOING 2-3 MPH WHEN IT SUDDENLY LAUNCHED FORWARD AND SMASHED INTO A WALL AT A TOP DONUT DRIVE THRU.
Vehicle speed control, Service brakes, Engine, Feb 7, 2019, crash
EXITED FREEWAY AND HIT BRAKES TO SLOW AND STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE MOTOR ACCELERATED, THE BRAKES WERE TOO WEAK TO STOP THE VEHICAL, AND I CRASHED INTO THE STOPPED CAR AT THE TRAFFIIC LIGHT. IT SEEMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEY FAILED TO TURN THE CRUISE CONTROL OFF.
Fuel/propulsion system, Feb 7, 2019, fire
A SMELL OF GASOLINE INSIDE THE CABIN OF THE VEHICLE WAS NOTICED AND INTENSIFIED OVER THE SPAN OF 2 DAYS. VEHICLE WAS ONLY DRIVEN DUE TO THE FACT THAT IT IS THE ONLY VEHICLE OWNED BY THE FAMILY AND HAVING A CHRONICALLY ILL SON TRANSPORTATION WAS NEEDED TO TAKE HIM TO HIS DOCTORS APPOINTMENT. BEFORE USAGE OF THE VEHICLE A VISUAL INSPECTION WAS DONE BY THE FATHER TRYING TO LOCATE THE SOURCE OF THE SMELL WITH NO AVAIL. AFTER THE SONS DOCTORS APPOINTMENT THE CAR WAS INSPECTED BY A MECHANIC WHO HAS OVER 25 YEARS AUTOMOTIVE EXPERIENCE AND AN ASSOCIATES DEGREE IN AUTOMOTIVE. THE VEHICLE WAS STATIONARY WITH THE ENGINE BEING AT OPERATING TEMPERATURE FROM BEING DRIVEN TO THE LOCATION AND THE ENGINE BAY WAS VISUALY INSPECTED WITH THE ENGINE OFF WITH NO SIGNS OF FUEL LEAKAGE. BEING SAFETY CONSCIOUS, THE MECHANIC OBTAINED A FIRE EXTINGUISHER AND WATER HOSE INCASE OF A FIRE. THE MECHANIC THEN TURNED ON THE ENGINE AND NOTICED A SMALL LEAK AT THE FUEL DAMPER. HE PROCEEDED TO REMOVE THE TOP PLASTIC COVER OF THE DAMPER WHICH LED TO FUEL SPRAY WITH FORCE ENOUGH TO SPRAY ON THE MECHANIC WHO WAS LOCATED AT THE FRONT OF THE VEHICLE. THE FUEL OBVIOUSLY SPRAYED OVER THE HOT ENGINE AND EXHAUST MANIFOLD CAUSING IGNITION OF THE GASOLINE. A FRIEND WHO WAS WITH THE MECHANIC QUICKLY TURNED OFF THE ENGINE WHILE THE MECHANIC QUICKLY DOUSED THE FLAMES PREVENTING DAMAGE TO THE VEHICLE. UPON RESEARCH, THIS FUEL DAMPER WAS COMPLETELY DIFFERENT FROM MOST CAMRYS OF THIS GENERATION. THE DAMPER DIDN'T EVEN HAVE TOYOTA PART NUMBERS AND SEEMED SUSPICIOUS. FURTHER RESEARCH FOUND THAT THIS UNBRANDED FUEL DAMPER WAS FOR CA EMMISIONS STANDARDS WHILE ANOTHER STYLE WAS FOR FEDERAL STANDARDS. OTHER CAMRYS THAT WERE MADE FOR CA DID NOT USE THE STYLE FUEL DAMPER AS MY CAMRYS. IT SEEMS LIKE TOYOTA BOUGHT AFTERMARKET DAMPERS AND INSTALLED THEM ON AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF VEHICLES.I THINK THEY RAN OUT OF OEM DAMPERS