CarRecallDB

2004 Toyota Camry recalls and problems

3 recalls and 638 owner complaints on file with NHTSA for the 2004 Toyota Camry.

3
recalls
638
owner complaints
199
complaints mentioning a crash
11
mentioning a fire

Recalls apply to specific production ranges. To see whether a particular car still has an open recall, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. Repairs for safety recalls are free at authorised dealers.

2004 Toyota Camry recalls

Engine and engine cooling

NHTSA campaign 11V539000 · reported November 9, 2011 · Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing · 420,326 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Seat belts: front, buckle assembly

NHTSA campaign 04V595000 · reported December 15, 2004 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 150,061 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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..

Air bags: side/window

NHTSA campaign 04V346000 · reported July 13, 2004 · TOYOTA MOTOR NORTH AMERICA, INC. · 128,316 vehicles potentially affected

The problem
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.
The risk
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.
The fix
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.

Most reported problems

Areas named in owner complaints to NHTSA. One complaint can name several areas.

What owners report

Recent complaints filed with NHTSA, shortened. These are unverified accounts from owners, not findings.

Jul 8, 2026 · Air bags · crash reported

My wife was in a crash that totaled my 2004 Camry. She swerved to miss a deer and was pulled off the road and into two utility poles and several areas of fence. None of the airbags deployed and the crash was well over the 14 mph speed limit suggested for the airbags to deploy. My wife was seriously injured and was…

Apr 15, 2025 · Air bags

The SRS warning light came on. I took it to my mechanic and he tested the sensor. He said the code that showed is B1821...Open in Side Squib (D Seat Side) Circuit. He said I needed to take it to a Toyota Dealer. I have an appointment with one on 4/17/25.

Dec 11, 2023 · Steering

The power steering freezes up upon the slightest amount of street water ponding making it almost impossible to turn the steering wheel. I have experienced a number of scary situations that make driving this car in wet elements very very difficult. As a result I generally refrain from driving altogether under these…

May 23, 2023 · Engine and engine cooling · 193,868 miles

The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while driving at an undisclosed speed, the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic, who informed the contact that the catalytic convertor needed to be replaced. The manufacturer was not made aware of the…

Mar 18, 2023 · Unknown or other

Unknown

Camry model years compared

YearRecallsComplaintsCrashesFires
2001 22727011
2002 495325220
2003 178222910
2004 363819911
2005 572122310
2006 53171014
2007 92,88827164

Across all years, the 2007 Camry has the most complaints (2,888). All Toyota Camry years →

Questions

Does the 2004 Toyota Camry have any recalls?
Yes. NHTSA lists 3 recalls for the 2004 Toyota Camry, the most recent reported on November 9, 2011 (Engine and engine cooling). Check a specific car by its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What are the most common problems with the 2004 Toyota Camry?
Owners have filed 638 complaints with NHTSA. The most frequently reported area is vehicle speed control (238 complaints), followed by steering (80).
How many 2004 Toyota Camry complaints mention a crash or fire?
199 of 638 complaints report a crash and 11 a fire; 133 injuries were reported in total. Complaints are unverified reports from owners.

Source: NHTSA recall and complaint data, updated October 27, 2026. Latest complaint received July 8, 2026.