2004 Toyota Camry: common problems and reliability
One of the weaker Camry years.
799 owner complaints, most about vehicle speed control. 3 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 Camry?The 2004 Toyota Camry has 799 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 3 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are vehicle speed control and steering.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Toyota Camry vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other Camry years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the Camry?
Across the 30 Camry model years we track, complaint volume runs from 62 (2022) to 7,102 (2007). With 799 complaints, the 2004 Camry sits above the model's median of 587.
These are raw NHTSA complaint totals, not adjusted for how many cars sold or how long each model year has been on the road. Older and higher-selling years accumulate more complaints.
Where owners report problems
Recalls affecting the 2004 Camry
engine and engine cooling
Campaign 11V539000TOYOTA 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.
seat belts:front:buckle assembly
Campaign 04V595000ON 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.
air bags:side/window
Campaign 04V346000ON 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 owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability and low cost of ownership. The Camry is consistently cited as a benchmark for dependable, low-maintenance transportation capable of exceeding 200,000 miles with basic care.
Owner insights cover all generations of the Camry. See the full Camry owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used Camry listings typically run $13,998–$23,798.
Other Camry model years
Compare every Camry year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the Camry against its rivals
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