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Toyota Camry

EPA MPG: NA

RECALL ALERT:
There are 3 recalls on this vehicle. Learn More.

Reliability

Overall Reliability

The 2004 Camry has about average reliability compared to other cars from the same model year.

The 2004 Toyota Camry has been recalled 3 times by NHTSA. View Recalls
Most Common Trouble Spots
Common Trouble Spot
Common Trouble Spot

Owner Reported Trouble Spots

The Reliability score is based on our latest subscriber survey of 2004 Toyota Camry owners. The owner comments describe problems respondents experienced with this vehicle.

Exhaust

Muffler, pipes, catalytic converter, exhaust manifold, heat shields, leaks.

What Owners Say

Catalytic converter

"As soon as I started driving it the check engine light came on. My mechanic reset it and its happened 3 more times. I really DONT want to replace the catalytic converter"

Anonymous, WV (2004 Toyota Camry XLE Unsure)
Exhaust leaks

""Two sections of exhaust pipes developed small leaks from corrosion, both replaced by my mechanic. This qualifies as expected routine maintenance for a 20 year old car parked outside in NE US.""

Anonymous, PA (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Exhaust system rust has been a recurring issue."

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)

"Replaced exhaust system from engine to tail pipe"

Anonymous, IL (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Other/unsure

"Check engine light would not go off and was difficult to diagnose."

Anonymous, CT (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Nice chewing wires"

Anonymous, IL (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

""check engine and abs sensors, not systems""

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota Camry Unsure 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Small leak from sunroof. Seemed to be fixed but leaking again. Have not repaired yet. (Not terrible)"

Anonymous A., GA (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"After 21 years operation yes there are issues. Navigation system basically quit several years ago (too expensive to replace or repair)."

Anonymous, RI (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)

"Heater core leak. Car indicated a potential overheat and smell of antifreeze. Expense to fix comes close to value of car so the heater core was disconnected. Car is only used for short trips in town so it will remain useful for this purpose."

Anonymous, NY (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Suspension/Steering

Shocks or struts, ball joints, tie rods, wheel bearings, alignment, steering linkage (includes rack and pinion), power steering (pumps and hoses, leaks), wheel balance, springs or torsion bars, bushings, electronic or air suspension.

What Owners Say

Alignment

""pulls to left, vibration at low speed less than 35""

Anonymous, AL (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Other steering/suspension problem

"Fluid leaking from driver-side front axle thingy. Both dealer and an independent mechanic say must replace from axle. Will cost about $1000.00."

Anonymous A., WA (2004 Toyota Camry LE 3.0-L V6)
Shocks or struts

"found to be an issue by the mechanic"

Anonymous A., ON (2004 Toyota Camry XLE Unsure)

"replaced struts"

Anonymous, OH (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Engine Minor

Accessory belts and pulleys, engine computer, engine mounts, engine knock or ping, fuel leaks, oil leaks.

What Owners Say

Oil leaks

"Minor Oil pan leaks that I won't spend the money to fix. Adding half a quart a month."

Anonymous, IL (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"Oil pan needed sealing."

Anonymous, OH (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

"There is a small oil leak that is being monitored to see if it progresses into something larger. It started in early 2025."

Anonymous A., MN (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Noises/Leaks

Squeaks, rattles, wind noises, seals and/or weather stripping, air and water leaks.

What Owners Say

Air or water leaks

"Interior water leak has led to moldy interior smell. Cause undetermined - possible AC to drainage."

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)
Other noises & leaks problem

"only problem was road noise which has always been a problem with this car"

Anonymous, TX (2004 Toyota Camry LE 3.0-L V6)
Seals and/or weather-stripping

""After 20 years, the weather stripping around the trunk wore out, and water was found standing in the trunk. The dealership replaced the strips and dried out the trunk, and after about 3 months, the funky damp smell died down too.""

Anonymous A., TN (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Electrical Accessories

Cruise control, clock, warning lights, body control module, keyless entry, wiper motor or washer, tire pressure monitor, interior or exterior lights, horn, gauges, 12V power plug, USB ports, alarm or security system, remote engine start, heated or cooled seats, heated steering wheel, headlights, automatic headlights, automatic wipers, wireless charging pad.

What Owners Say

12V battery

"Battery required replacement. Alternator needed refurbishing"

Anonymous, BC (2004 Toyota Camry SE Unsure)
Other electrical system problem

"failure to start"

Anonymous, (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

""Intermittent ignition switch, at first it was difficult to start, then certain accessories stopped working, then car would not start at all""

Anonymous, NJ (2004 Toyota Camry LE 3.0-L V6)

Brakes

Premature pad/rotor wear, pulsation or vibration, antilock system, parking brake, master cylinder, calipers, squeaking, brake failure, regenerative braking.

What Owners Say

Antilock braking system (ABS)

"Brakes already made groaning sound when purchased. Then started resisting and pushing back when slowing to a stop. Had ABS modulator replaced but problem remains"

Anonymous, HI (2004 Toyota Camry Unsure Unsure)
Pulsation or vibration

"Problem was solved with new brake job. I remain impressed by this car. Toyota really does a great job. Just try to stay away from lousy mechanics."

Anonymous A., MA (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)
Rotors

"Severe pulsation after brake job which I blame on the mechanic. Expensive brake job had to be completely redone after less than 20000 miles."

Anonymous A., MA (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 3.0-L V6)

Body Hardware

Windows, locks and latches, doors or sliding doors, tailgate, trunk or hatch, mirrors, seat controls (power or manual), seat belts, sunroof, convertible top, glass defect.

What Owners Say

Locks and latches

"Some of the locks will not actuate remotely. This includes the back seat locks not responding to the driver's all-door lock button."

Anonymous, AZ (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)
Seat controls - power

"The driver's seat gear is stripped so it is not possible to move the seat forward or backward."

Anonymous, AZ (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Climate System

AC compressor, blower (fan) motor, condenser, evaporator, heater system, automatic climate system, electrical failure, refrigerant leakage.

What Owners Say

Refrigerant leaks

"Twice in the past four years."

Anonymous A., WA (2004 Toyota Camry LE 2.3-L 4 Cyl)

Drive System

Driveshaft or axle, CV joint, differential, transfer case, four-wheel-drive/all-wheel-drive components, driveline vibration, electrical failure, traction control, electronic stability control.

What Owners Say

Driveshaft or axle

"My mechanic explained that I had a broken axel"

Anonymous, NY (2004 Toyota Camry XLE 3.3-L V6)

Transmission Major

Transmission rebuild or replacement, torque converter, premature clutch replacement.

Engine Electrical

Alternator, starter, hybrid battery replacement, hybrid battery related systems, regular battery, battery cables, engine harness, coil, ignition switch, electronic ignition, spark plugs and wires failure, auto stop/start.

Engine Major

Engine rebuild or replacement, cylinder head, head gasket, turbocharger or supercharger, timing chain or belt.

Transmission Minor

Gear selector and linkage, transmission computer, transmission sensor or solenoid, clutch adjustment, rough shifting, slipping transmission, leaks.

Engine Cooling

Radiator, cooling fan, water pump, thermostat, antifreeze leaks, overheating.

Paint/Trim

Paint (fading, chalking, peeling, or cracking), loose interior or exterior trim or moldings, rust.

In-car Electronics

Infotainment system (audio, GPS, phone), rear entertainment system, backup or other camera/sensors, head-up display.

Fuel System/Emissions

Sensors (O₂, or oxygen, sensor), emission-control devices (includes EGR), fuel-injection system, fuel gauge/sender, fuel pump, problems filling up the tank.

2004 Sedans & Hatchbacks Reliability

No Data Available

Toyota vs. Other New Car Brands Reliability

Reliability History
* Redesign year
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Overall Reliability Verdict
POTENTIAL TROUBLE SPOTS
Powertrain
Engine Major
Engine Minor
Engine Cooling
Engine Electrical
Transmission Major
Transmission Minor
Drive System
Fuel System/Emissions
Exhaust
Suspension/Steering
Brakes
Climate System
Build Quality
Electrical Accessories
Body Hardware
Paint/Trim
Noises/Leaks
In-car Electronics
Reliability indicates how models have performed in the past, providing the basis for predicting how the vehicles will hold up in the year ahead. These charts provide the most comprehensive reliability information available to consumers. Based on information received from our latest subscriber survey for about 380,000 vehicles, our reliability history charts give you a rundown on how 2000 through 2025 vehicles are holding up in 20 potential trouble spots, ranging from the engine, transmission, electric motor, EV charging, and brakes, to power equipment and the electrical accessories.
Recalls
PROVIDED BY
ENGINE AND ENGINE COOLING
Nov 09, 2011
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
OWNERS MAY ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S VEHICLE SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), OR GO TO <A HREF=HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV>HTTP://WWW.SAFERCAR.GOV</A> .
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 11V539000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 420326
SEAT BELTS
Dec 15, 2004
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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..
For more information:
THIS ACTION IS DEEMED A SAFETY IMPROVEMENT CAMPAIGN AND IS NOT BEING CONDUCTED UNDER THE SAFETY ACT.
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V595000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 150061
AIR BAGS
Jul 13, 2004
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.
Summary:
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.
What should you do:
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.
For more information:
CUSTOMERS CAN ALSO CONTACT THE NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION'S AUTO SAFETY HOTLINE AT 1-888-DASH-2-DOT (1-888-327-4236).
NHTSA CAMPAIGN ID Number: 04V346000
Potential Number of Units Affected: 128316
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