2004 Toyota Corolla Electrical system Problems
- Complaints
- 24about this part
- Share
- 5%of 477 total for the year
- Median mileage
- 86,000miles
- Trend
- FallingComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are at least 25% lower than in the 3 years before.
NHTSA recorded 24 complaints about the electrical system of the 2004 Toyota Corolla, 5% of the 477 complaints for this model year. Where a mileage was given, the median is 86,000 miles. 1 a fire, according to the filers.
Example complaints
Selected from NHTSA records; personal details are removed. They are consumer reports, not findings.
“Every time it rains and creates a water puddle on the road, when I drive my car through it, water goes up under the car causing it to lose power, to momentarily shut down and I lose my steering. The battery light comes on as well. Also when I come to a stop the car starts shaking or vibrating and it seems like it wants to shut off.”
NHTSA complaint #10548856, filed 2013-10, 80,000 miles“I was on the highway 605 freeway in california on december 24,2014 at 10: am . I was driving 60mph and suddenly felt a very strong shake in my car that continued for about two minutes and then I suddenly went from 60mph to 15 MPH . I was really scared and concerned about this matter. If I didn't have control I would have gotten cars behind me or myself in a major accident due to this malfunction. I was very shaken up and stressed. I have never been this scared in my vehicle. …”
NHTSA complaint #10670574, filed 2015-01, 16,000 miles“The vehicle I believe has an ECM (engine control module) problem. Since the first incident where the vehicle wanted to shut off at a stop light, the vehicle erratic RPM fluctuation when the vehicle is at a stop or hesitates when taking off. Toyota has done a recall on some of the 2005 thru 2008 models and I believe this model should be included since it uses the same ECM and has the same engine as the other models”
NHTSA complaint #10374469, filed 2011-01, 102,000 miles“Most important: we do not drive the car now. Unable to get answers to possible solutions. Called Toyota they said they cannot assist if the problem is not happening when they get the car. This problem is intermittent at best. I asked if they had problems such as mine below and can give me some idea and they said they cannot assist me without having the problem occur while they have the car. We cannot drive the car for it may shut down on us. Latest problem: the vehicles engine shut down while driving 30 MPH. …”
NHTSA complaint #10676200, filed 2015-01, 270,000 miles“I hate the fact that the engine lights comes on and my car in under manufacturer warranty and I have to pay to find out why my light came on the excuse after paying 50.00 dollars in my gas top was loosen that was bull it came on again. So why when I left the top off intentionally it didn't come on again?”
NHTSA complaint #10100989, filed 2004-12, 22,152 milesRelated service bulletins
- 10164330Jul 1, 2019TSB: REVISION NOTICE July 01, 2019 Rev2: ? Applicability has been updated to 2019 ? 2020 model year Toyota vehicles. ? The Techstream Preparation and Process Overview sections…
- 10133654Nov 22, 2017TSB: REVISION NOTICE November 22, 2017 Rev1: ? Applicability has been updated to include 2014 ? 2018 model year vehicles. Any previous printed versions of this bulletin should be…
- 10152205Jan 6, 2017TSB: SUPERSESSION NOTICE The information contained in this bulletin supersedes SB No. T-SB-0101-11. Applicability has been updated to include 2016 ? 2017 model year vehicles…
- 10132930Nov 29, 2016TSB: OBSOLETE NOTICE: September 14, 2016: This bulletin is now obsolete. Please see T-SB-0134-16.
- 10150418Sep 14, 2016TSB: Supersession Notice. Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are…
- 10111390Apr 10, 2015TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
- 10111197Apr 10, 2015TSB: When servicing interior electrical switches and components, please note the precautions in this bulletin to avoid damaging electrical components and switches. Many…
- 10134128Jan 15, 2015TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
- 10096036Jan 15, 2015"tsb: flash reprogramming allows the ecu software to be updated without replacing the ecu. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ecus are released as field-fix…
- 10132762Jun 12, 2014TSB: Flash reprogramming allows the ECU software to be updated without replacing the ECU. Flash calibration updates for specific vehicle models/ECUs are released as field-fix…
Electrical system: other model years
| Year | Complaints | Share of year |
|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 2 | 11% |
| 2025 | 4 | 13% |
| 2024 | 8 | 12% |
| 2023 | 14 | 19% |
| 2022 | 21 | 21% |
| 2021 | 23 | 12% |
| 2020 | 34 | 11% |
| 2019 | 15 | 7% |
| 2018 | 12 | 9% |
| 2017 | 21 | 12% |
| 2016 | 14 | 7% |
| 2015 | 18 | 8% |
| 2014 | 52 | 19% |
| 2013 | 11 | 5% |
| 2012 | 13 | 3% |
| 2011 | 18 | 3% |
| 2010 | 75 | 6% |
| 2009 | 89 | 6% |
| 2008 | 22 | 7% |
| 2007 | 89 | 11% |
| 2006 | 85 | 10% |
| 2005 | 59 | 7% |
| 2004 | 24 | 5% |
| 2003 | 34 | 5% |
| 2002 | 1 | 1% |
| 2001 | 7 | 5% |
| 2000 | 6 | 4% |
| 1999 | 6 | 4% |
| 1998 | 16 | 7% |
| 1997 | 7 | 5% |
| 1996 | 12 | 9% |
| 1995 | 18 | 10% |
| 1994 | 12 | 7% |
| 1993 | 14 | 11% |
| 1992 | 12 | 19% |
| 1991 | 7 | 10% |
| 1989 | 3 | 13% |
| 1988 | 2 | 8% |
| 1987 | 1 | 7% |
| 1984 | 1 | 17% |
Other parts of the 2004 Toyota Corolla
236 complaintsVehicle speed control
60 complaintsEngine cooling
46 complaintsVisibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors)
29 complaintsFuel system
24 complaintsOther or unknown
16 complaintsTransmission and drivetrain
16 complaintsBrakes
14 complaintsSeat belts
14 complaintsSteering
13 complaintsEngine
9 complaintsBody and structure
8 complaints
← All problems reported for the 2004 Toyota Corolla
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 28, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
To check a specific vehicle for open recalls, use its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Methodology