VehicleVerdict

2004 Toyota Camry Solara problems

Verdict · NHTSA data

One of the years to avoid

With 204 complaints filed to NHTSA — about 2.3 times the median Camry Solara year — the 2004 model ranks #1 of 12 Camry Solara years for complaint volume. It lands on the years-to-avoid list. Reports tied to this model year include one death and 22 injuries, per the complaint records themselves.

No single system dominates the record — complaints spread across body & structure (36), steering (30), and speed control (27), which usually points to general build quality rather than one defect.

204

NHTSA complaints

1

Recalls

2

Investigations

40

Crash-involved

2

Fires reported

22

Injuries

1

Deaths

—

NCAP overall

How does 2004 compare to other Camry Solara years?

Camry Solara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted204 complaints1998: 0 complaints1999: 109 complaints2000: 80 complaints2001: 66 complaints2002: 67 complaints2003: 34 complaints2004: 204 complaints2005: 131 complaints2006: 146 complaints2007: 158 complaints2008: 99 complaints2009: 1 complaints
Camry Solara NHTSA complaints by model year, 2004 highlighted. Red bars are years to avoid.

See all Camry Solara years to avoid →

What are the most common 2004 Toyota Camry Solara problems?

ComponentComplaintsShare
Body & Structure3618%
Steering3015%
Speed Control2713%
Airbags2010%
Transmission136%
Brakes126%
Visibility & Wipers105%
Engine105%
Seats105%
Suspension84%
Other84%
Electrical System84%
Tires & Wheels63%
Latches & Locks42%
Fuel System10%
Lighting10%

Does the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara have recalls?

1 NHTSA recall campaign on file. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers.

11V539000EngineNovember 9, 2011 · 420,326 units

Defect

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.

Consequence

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.

Remedy

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.

Consumer complaints filed with NHTSA

Representative excerpts, cleaned of personal information. These are consumer statements, not verified defects.

“PULLING INTO A DISABLED RETAIL PARKING SPACE AT VERY LOW SPEED, CAR LURCHED FORWARD AND HIT THE METAL PARKING POLE, DAMAGING THE FRONT BUMPER AND HOOD. EYEWITNESS TO COLLISION INCIDENT CONFIRMS THIS. CAR WAS BARELY IN MOTION AND MY FOOT WAS ON THE BRAKE. I RECEIVED WHIPLASH REQUIRING MEDICAL…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Body & Structure · May 23, 2017 · crash

“TL* THE CONTACT OWNED A 2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. WHILE DRIVING 25 MPH, THE STEERING WHEEL SEIZED AND THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AT A HIGH RATE OF SPEED. AS A RESULT, THE CONTACT CASHED INTO A PALM TREE. THE AIR BAGS DEPLOYED. THE CONTACT WAS NOT INJURED AND A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Steering · May 2, 2016 · crash

“EXITED FREEWAY AND HIT BRAKES TO SLOW AND STOP AT TRAFFIC LIGHT. THE MOTOR ACCELERATED, THE BRAKES WERE TOO WEAK TO STOP THE VEHICAL, AND I CRASHED INTO THE STOPPED CAR AT THE TRAFFIIC LIGHT. IT SEEMED THAT THE CRUISE CONTROL DID NOT TURN OFF WHEN I PRESSED THE BRAKE PEDAL. THEY FAILED TO TURN THE…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Speed Control · January 3, 2019 · crash

“2004 TOYOTA CAMRY SOLARA. THE CONSUMER WAS INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT DUE TO SUDDEN ACCELERATION. *GR THE CONSUMER STATED THE VEHICLE ACCELERATED AS SHE WAS APPLYING THE BRAKE AND CRASHED THROUGH A STOREFRONT WINDOW. THE CONSUMER ALSO NOTED THE AIR BAGS DID NOT DEPLOY. *JB”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Airbags · September 13, 2008 · crash

“TL* - THE CONTACT STATED THAT WAS IN REVERSE ON THE MORNING OF 12/22/06 AT 5 MPH WHEN THE VEHICLE CONTINUED TO GO IN REVERSE AND WOULDN'T STOP. WHILE THE VEHICLE WAS GOING IN REVERSE THERE WAS A SCREECHING NOISE COMING FROM THE VEHICLE. IT HIT A CURB AND TO PUT THE VEHICLE IN PARK WHILE IT WAS…”

Complaint filed with NHTSA · Transmission · December 22, 2006 · crash

2004 Toyota Camry Solara — common questions

Is the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara reliable?

NHTSA data argues against it: 204 complaints put the 2004 model at #1 of 12 Camry Solara years. It is one of the Camry Solara years to avoid.

What are the most common 2004 Camry Solara problems?

According to NHTSA complaint data, the leading problem areas are body & structure (36 complaints), steering (30 complaints), speed control (27 complaints).

Does the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara have recalls?

Yes — NHTSA lists 1 recall campaign affecting the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. Recall repairs are free at franchised dealers; check the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to confirm the work was done.

Is the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara under NHTSA investigation?

NHTSA opened 2 investigations into this model year; all are now closed.

Which Toyota Camry Solara years should you avoid?

Based on complaint rates and open investigations, the Camry Solara years to avoid are 2004, 2007, 2006. The cleanest record among Camry Solara years belongs to 1998.

Related

Based on NHTSA ODI data through June 2026. Complaints are consumer-reported and unverified. Updated July 5, 2026.

Compiled by Sharon Ben-Moshe, Founder.