2004 Toyota Camry Problems
- Complaints
- 638filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 45,000miles, 514 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 3campaigns on record
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 24 mpgcombined, 2.4L 4-cyl FWD · 20 city / 29 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 2004 Toyota Camry (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of this model year most often report unintended or unwanted acceleration, sometimes from a stop, at parking-lot speeds, or while on cruise control, and often say the dealer could not reproduce it. A smaller but consistent group describes steering-column noise and looseness, along with airbag-related complaints such as a passenger-side airbag that does not deploy or a cracked cover. Reports arrive at widely spread mileages, from near-new to well over 150,000 miles.
- Vehicle speed control
Unintended acceleration / accelerator response problems
- 260 complaints (41%)
- median 45,000 mi at 5.7 yrs old (213 state mileage)
- 144 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $1,024 (median of 32 quotes)
- filed 2004–2021
Complaints describe the car surging forward or racing the engine when the driver was braking, parking, or pulling out of a driveway or lot, and in some cases the brakes did not stop it until the engine was shut off or the car was shifted into neutral or park. Other owners describe the opposite: pressing the accelerator and getting no response, hesitation, or a stall. Some had the accelerator pedal sensor or electronic throttle body replaced; several say the dealer could not duplicate the problem, and some were told the floor mat was the cause. Reported from very low mileage (a few hundred to a few thousand miles) up through well past 100,000 miles, in parking-lot, driveway and low-speed traffic situations as well as on cruise control.
What to check: During a test drive, try slow parking-lot maneuvers and light throttle from a stop, and ask whether the accelerator pedal sensor or throttle body has ever been replaced. A service bulletin covers inspection and installation of the accelerator pedal sensor assembly, so ask whether that work was done.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have a 2004 Toyota. I took the car to crestmont Toyota in 2006 and informed them that my car accelerated suddenly when I was pulling out of a side street on to a main road causing me to go up on the grass .at full speed I had both feet on the brake and the car was racing I had to shut it off.they said they removed the mat. I have a copy of the complaint. …”
NHTSA complaint #10311155, filed 2010-02, 30,000 miles“I experienced the sudden acceleration problem (which has been in the news) in may of last year. I was able to stop the car after putting it into neutral and shut off the engine. When I restarted it, it performed normally. I then drove it directly to my repair shop where they could find nothing wrong. It has not recurred since. I own a 2004 Toyota Camry with about 72,000 miles on it.”
NHTSA complaint #10314092, filed 2010-02, 66,000 miles - Brakes
Brake pedal travel, spongy feel, and stopping distance
- 55 complaints (9%)
- median 49,000 mi at 4.3 yrs old (39 state mileage)
- 22 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2004–2022
Owners report the brake pedal feeling spongy or going close to the floor before the car stops, longer stopping distances, and occasional failure to stop in time at low speed. Some complaints describe repeated repairs without a lasting fix, and others mention a grinding noise later traced to an ABS sensor. A few owners describe the pedal bracket or pedal spacing interfering with a quick brake application. Reported from around 15,000 to over 130,000 miles, in normal driving and low-speed traffic.
What to check: Press the pedal firmly with the engine running and check that it stays high and firm rather than sinking; ask for brake fluid service records and whether the ABS sensors have been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I have experienced severe brake difficulties with my 2004 Toyota Camry. The brakes have been repaired at least three times by the houston dealership, and the problem still exists! The dealership told me that repairing it was the best they could do, and nothing else can be done. Whenever I stop, my brakes will only completely stop at almost 1.5 inches from the car floor. I need safe and reliable transportation, and I never want to experience the brakes failing to stop or only stopping once it hits the floor. …”
NHTSA complaint #10206631, filed 2007-10, 51,705 miles“The design of the brake pedal bracket is dangerous. It overhangs the brake pedal. When wearing a shoe size greater than a men's size 10 or above, the toe of the shoe hits the bracket above the pedal inhibiting the ability to depress the brake pedal. Very scary. I noticed when I change to a larger shoe size because of bunion pain and experienced the fear of applying the brakes but not making immediate contact while driving at 45 MPH on 4 lane road in heavy traffic. Had to change back into 9.5 men's size shoe to drive the car safely. …”
NHTSA complaint #11022951, filed 2017-09, 104,000 miles - Steering
Steering column clunk and play
- 48 complaints (8%)
- median 39,000 mi at 3.3 yrs old (45 state mileage)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $681 (median of 5 quotes)
- filed 2003–2014
Owners describe a clunking or knocking noise from the steering column and noticeable looseness or play in the steering wheel, sometimes with vibration at highway speed or a pull to one side. Complaints mention replacement of the intermediate steering shaft, the steering rack, or the complete column; some report the noise returned after repair. Others say the dealer found nothing wrong or did not cover the repair. Mostly reported between roughly 28,000 and 75,000 miles, often developing gradually after purchase.
What to check: With the car parked, turn the wheel slightly and listen for a clunk, then check for free play before the wheels respond. Ask whether the intermediate shaft or steering rack has been replaced.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“I bought the used 2004 Toyota Camry in october and found that the car would pull to the left and found that I had to firmly hold onto the steering wheel while I was driving. I went to the NHTSA website to see if other people were experiencing the same problem. I found that this was a common complaint among Toyota Camry owners. Toyota didn't have a recall issued. In january 2011 I experienced a vibration in the steering wheel as I was entering a major highway that scared the heck out of me. …”
NHTSA complaint #10434958, filed 2011-11, 56,000 miles“Shortly after we purchased a new 2004 Camry sedan, we began noticing looseness, rattling, knocking sounds and play in the steering characteristics. In addition, in slow, tight-radius turns (as in parking lots), it almost felt as if the front tires would slide laterally over slick surfaces -- snow, ice, loose gravel, wet pavement. The problem was subtle at first but became gradually more noticeable. At highway speeds, there was a barely-perceptible oscillation or vibration of the steering wheel. …”
NHTSA complaint #10186635, filed 2007-03, 28,000 miles - Air bags
Airbag non-deployment and warning/cover concerns
- 76 complaints (12%)
- median 61,500 mi at 7.1 yrs old (58 state mileage)
- 46 mention a crash, fire or injury
- owner-quoted repair $850 (median of 6 quotes)
- filed 2004–2026
Complaints describe airbags that did not deploy in a collision, a passenger-side airbag that repeatedly showed as off and needed recalibration, and a cracked passenger-side airbag cover noticed by the owner. In several cases the airbag warning light or status indicator was the first sign; owners report dealers recalibrating the system, telling them no recall applied, or saying the cause could not be determined. Reported across a wide range, from only a few hundred miles to well over 100,000 miles.
Recall 04V3460002 related service bulletins
What to check: Turn the key on and confirm the airbag warning light cycles normally and that the passenger-side airbag status shows on with a passenger seated. Inspect the passenger-side dash cover for cracks, and ask whether the curtain airbag recall work was completed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“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. …”
NHTSA complaint #11316567, filed 2020-03, 134,000 miles“On july 6th I notice passenger side air bag on my Toyota Camry 2004 model is crack about 6 inches and look like it going to explore I'm extremely concern about this because I do not want anyone to get hurt especially when it can be avoid. I contact Toyota they told me to take to the dealer for an evaluation. I'm fearful because some time my daughter sits in the passenger side of this car and do not want her to get hurt. Toyota told me that there is no recall for this problem. …”
NHTSA complaint #10608760, filed 2014-07, 84,000 miles
Buying note. These reports point to checking the throttle and accelerator response carefully on a test drive, listening for steering-column noise, and confirming brake pedal feel and airbag status before purchase. Maintenance records showing prior repair of the pedal sensor, steering shaft, or brakes are worth asking for.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 60 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 638 consumer complaints for the 2004 Toyota Camry. 514 of the complaints include a mileage, and 55% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 45,000 miles. Of all complaints, 199 involved a crash, 11 a fire, 133 an injury, 5 a death, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns and 149 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Vehicle speed control238 37%
- Steering80 13%
- Air bags79 12%
- Brakes74 12%
- Transmission and drivetrain48 7.5%
- Electrical system37 5.8%
- Engine cooling30 4.7%
- Fuel system29 4.5%
- Engine26 4.1%
- Tires25 3.9%
Also reported: Other or unknown (20), Suspension (20), Body and structure (19), Equipment (13), Seat belts (13), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (12), Electronic stability control (6), Exterior lighting (6), Latches, locks and linkages (6), Seats (3), Wheels (2), Forward collision avoidance (1).
Example complaints
Vehicle speed control: “On I-5, in the fast lane outside portland, oregon without warning the car lost all power. I was able to drift to the side of the road but was still in traffic. When I reached a repair shop they diagnosed the problem as a chip failure in the gas pedal. This could have happened anywhere, without gas the car just stops, and the result could be far more serious.”
NHTSA complaint #10548383, filed 2013-10, 63,440 milesSteering: “Was informed that my power steering column was leaking and the steering devices could lose its restraints at any given time. This could lead to car losing complete steering causing a severe crash and potentially death to its occupants. With the recent recall for nissan vehicles regarding power steering fluid leaks, there is a concern that the leaks may cause fire to my vehicle. When asked about the problem to the Toyota service technician, he stated that over time the power steering system may rust and need repairs. …”
NHTSA complaint #10970128, filed 2017-04, 100,100 milesAir bags: “I was traveling at a rate of 30 MPH and failed to stop at a traffic light hitting an equinox. My Toyota Camry airbag did not deploy and I have multiple chest wall injuries from hitting the steering wheel. Both airbags deployed in the equinox.”
NHTSA complaint #10925159, filed 2016-11, 200,000 milesBrakes: “Car:2004 Toyota Camry xle model when I drive on a city road with pot holes/rough surface intersection my brakes does not seems to effective. You almost seems to feels its not going to stop, but when you push hard and keep it eventually stop. Other wise brakes perform as expected in highways.”
NHTSA complaint #10314439, filed 2010-02, 112,000 milesMileage when problems were reported
55% of the 514 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 12,931 and 80,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: falling. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 2004 Toyota Camry. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry · sedan | not rated | 4 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 2004 Toyota Camry version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Camry FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 29 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Camry FWD | 2.4L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 21 | 30 | 24 | $2,800 |
| Camry FWD | 3.0L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
| Camry FWD | 3.3L 6-cyl | 5-speed automatic | 18 | 27 | 21 | $3,200 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
- 11V539000Nov 9, 2011Engine and engine coolingCovers: Toyota Camry 2004–2005, Lexus RX330 2004–2005, Toyota Sienna 2004–2005 +6 more
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…
- 04V595000Dec 15, 2004Seat belts › Front › Buckle assemblyCovers: Toyota Camry 2004–2005, Lexus ES330 2004–2005
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…
- 04V346000Jul 13, 2004Air bags › Side/windowCovers: Toyota Camry 2002–2004
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.
Recall details for the 2004 Toyota Camry → · Check a VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls
NHTSA investigations
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 149 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 11012744Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11012743Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11012742Dec 6, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11012735Dec 5, 2024Body and structure. Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal painted surfaces. This material protects from acid rain, environmental fallout, and rail…
- 11012727Dec 3, 2024Body and structure. Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad tracks, train wheels, exposure to heavy machinery facilities, grinding, welding, etc. This type…
- 11007445Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11007444Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
- 11007443Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical impurities in the atmosphere. If these acidic compounds settle on an exposed vehicle…
- 11006151Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix with rainwater, nighttime dew, or high humidity to form acidic compounds. If these…
- 11006150Jul 12, 2024Body and structure. To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used instead of a cardboard type of anti-rust cover. The purpose of the wheel film is to shield the…
Other model years of the Toyota Camry
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | 52 | 5,555 | 1 | 5 | 26 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 65 | 30,000 | 2 | 5 | 26 | 5 · Fewer | Too new |
| 2022 | 64 | 40,500 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 0 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 158 | 20,500 | 1 | 5 | 26 | 8 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2020 | 275 | 7,750 | 3 | 5 | 31 | 52 · Typical | Rising |
| 2019 | 400 | 11,100 | 6 | 5 | 32 | 76 · More | Stable |
| 2018 | 754 | 17,500 | 8 | 5 | 32 | 98 · More | Falling |
| 2017 | 148 | 30,797 | 3 | 5 | 27 | 17 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2016 | 184 | 28,886 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 22 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2015 | 271 | 39,700 | 1 | 5 | 28 | 6 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2014 | 455 | 37,060 | 3 | 5 | 28 | 48 · Typical | Falling |
| 2013 | 274 | 26,500 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2012 | 590 | 40,000 | 2 | 5 | 28 | 57 · Typical | Falling |
| 2011 | 602 | 49,000 | 5 | 3–4 | 25 | 78 · More | Falling |
| 2010 | 604 | 30,000 | 9 | — | 26 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2009 | 1,294 | 49,000 | 10 | — | 25 | 100 · More | Falling |
| 2008 | 933 | 55,000 | 7 | — | 25 | 81 · More | Falling |
| 2007 | 2,888 | 60,000 | 9 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 317 | 42,748 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2005 | 721 | 42,000 | 5 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2004 | 638 | 45,000 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2003 | 782 | 48,785 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 953 | 50,000 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 2001 | 272 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2000 | 454 | 70,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 501 | 80,732 | 1 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1998 | 600 | 85,000 | 2 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1997 | 555 | 87,000 | 3 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1996 | 417 | 96,428 | 2 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1995 | 303 | 122,589 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 287 | 105,514 | 1 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1993 | 260 | 134,508 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 565 | 126,000 | 0 | — | 21 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 149 | 119,500 | 1 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1990 | 134 | 150,500 | 2 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 113 | 153,500 | 3 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 1988 | 64 | 90,000 | 4 | — | 24 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 58 | 159,796 | 3 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1986 | 32 | 76,110 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1985 | 13 | 58,000 | 0 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 1984 | 8 | — | 2 | — | 27 | — | Not enough data |
| 1983 | 6 | — | 2 | — | — | — | Not enough data |
All Toyota Camry model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Camry?
Owners of this model year most often report unintended or unwanted acceleration, sometimes from a stop, at parking-lot speeds, or while on cruise control, and often say the dealer could not reproduce it. The issues reported most often: Unintended acceleration / accelerator response problems; Brake pedal travel, spongy feel, and stopping distance; Steering column clunk and play.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004 Toyota Camry have?
NHTSA recorded 638 consumer complaints for the 2004 Toyota Camry as of Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 2004 Toyota Camry is reported most often?
Vehicle speed control is named most often, in 238 complaints (37% of the total), followed by steering with 80.
Has the 2004 Toyota Camry been recalled?
NHTSA lists 3 recall campaigns for this model year. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Toyota Camry get?
The EPA rates the 2004 Toyota Camry (Camry, 2.4L 4-cyl) at 24 mpg combined, 20 city and 29 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,800 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 2004 Toyota Camry reported?
Among the 514 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 45,000 miles and the middle half falls between 12,931 and 80,000 miles; 55% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 29, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.