Photo: Elise240SX / CC BY-SA 4.0 / Wikimedia Commons
2004 Toyota RAV4: common problems and reliability
One of the better RAV4 years.
154 owner complaints, most about air bags. 2 recalls.
Should I buy a 2004 RAV4?The 2004 Toyota RAV4 has 154 owner-filed NHTSA complaints and 2 recalls on record. The most-reported areas are air bags and power train.
Safety record for the 2004 model year
Source: NHTSA complaints and recalls filed for 2004 Toyota RAV4 vehicles (US, public record).
The Year Score compares this year with other RAV4 years only. How we score it
Is 2004 a good year for the RAV4?
Across the 30 RAV4 model years we track, complaint volume runs from 41 (2000) to 1,110 (2002). With 154 complaints, the 2004 RAV4 sits below the model's median of 304.
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 RAV4
air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module
Campaign 19V741000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
air bags:frontal:driver side:inflator module
Campaign 15V284000Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
What owners say across generations
Overwhelmingly positive sentiment centered on exceptional long-term reliability, low maintenance costs, and high resale value.
Owner insights cover all generations of the RAV4. See the full RAV4 owner picture and every model year.
Typical used price
Used RAV4 listings typically run $14,998–$29,181.
Other RAV4 model years
Compare every RAV4 year side by side to see how 2004 ranks against the rest.
Compare the RAV4 against its rivals
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