Print this page

CarComplaints.com Notes: Beware of the NHTSA complaint data for the 2004 Camry. It is almost certainly misleading.

The problem with NHTSA data for the 2004 Camry is that for months on end, the news media repeatedly told the public that several Toyota models had an unintended acceleration defect, & to go to safercar.gov (the NHTSA's website) to file a complaint.

So, the NHTSA received a disproportionate number of complaints about unintended acceleration issues because of the national news media attention, to the point where their data is unreliable taken in context with any other vehicle that did not receive national news attention.

CarComplaints.com typically receives more complaints per day about vehicles than the NHTSA does, but the news media did not repeatedly say "go to CarComplaints.com to report your Camry acceleration problems" like they did about the NHTSA -- so although we have less complaint data than the NHTSA for the 2004 Camry, our data for the Camry is a far more statistically accurate representation of the Camry's reliability than what the NHTSA data shows.

9.0

really awful
Typical Repair Cost:
$1,400
Average Mileage:
64,500 miles
Total Complaints:
4 complaints

Most Common Solutions:

  1. not sure (2 reports)
  2. replace throttle body assembly (2 reports)
2004 Toyota Camry engine problems

engine problem

Find something helpful? Spread the word.
Get notified about new defects, investigations, recalls & lawsuits for the 2004 Toyota Camry:

Unsubscribe any time. We don't sell/share your email.

2004 Toyota Camry Owner Comments

problem #4

May 012015

Camry 2.4L

  • Automatic transmission
  • 89,000 miles

A D V E R T I S E M E N T S

Toyota knows they screwed up the throttle body but the recall doesn't include 2004, only 2005 and above. It's the same problem on all of them. There is a corrosion problem on the gear for the motor inside the throttle body. The metal gear looks like cheap pot metal, unlike the Nissan gears that are nylon and will never corrode.

I'm a master Tech for 35 years and many people ask my opinion on what car to purchase. I have always recommended Toyota but never again and I will never own another Toyota. I fixed my throttle body by drilling a slightly larger hole in the idler gear between the motor and the butterfly gear. Toyota jacked up the price of this part to $1200 to cover the recall.

They actually make a profit on the recall if they deduct recall costs from profits. Sounds like Ford has bought out Toyota to me Goodbye FREAKING TOYOTA FOREVER!

- James R., Mineral Wells, TX, US

problem #3

Jul 192012

Camry LE 4 Cyclinder

  • Automatic transmission
  • 53,072 miles

I have been dealing with the check engine light since December 2011. It started out with the gas cap needing to be replaced. I had it replaced. However, every time I get gas the check engine light continued to come back on. The advise that I received was that I needed CEL retrieved Code PO442(small leak in evaporative Emissions System) tested and verified no leaks at this time. Gas cap may have been loose . After the gas cap was replaced I am still having the same problem with the check engine light.

- aleansillinois, Chicago, IL, US

problem #2

Aug 192011

Camry LE V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 56,000 miles

The Throttle Body Assembly in my 2004 Camry stopped working, the car has only 56000 miles.

Online I see that it's a common problem. I would like to know what Toyota is doing about it? The Dealer wants to charge me $1000 + to replace/repair

From what I see it is a common problem and it may be a defective part. Toyota should repair or replace the part.

There are many complaints online and Toyota needs to act.

- Michael A., St. Petersburg,, FL, US

problem #1

Nov 162007

Camry LE V4

  • Automatic transmission
  • 59,900 miles

Check engine light came on because the fuel tank air filter was becoming clogged with dust. Toyota service department said to watch it. Light went off, but would periodically go on for 20 miles or so.

- Linda L., Osceola, NE, US

Not what you are looking for?