The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry Solara. The contact stated that the dashboard started to crack exposing the air bag. The contact stated no warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was diagnosed but not repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and informed the contact that they were unable to assist. The failure mileage was approximately 80,000.
The worst 2004 Toyota Camry Solara problems
Ranked by number of owner complaints. Mileage and cost come from what owners wrote.
Problems by type
Tap a problem to see which part fails, at what mileage and in which other years.
- Body36
- Steering30
- Acceleration27
- Airbags19
- Transmission13
- Brakes12
- Engine10
- Seats10
- Visibility10
- Suspension8
- Electrical6
- Tires5
- Locks4
- Driver assistance2
- Fuel system1
- Lights1
- Wheels1
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
Pulling 20Hesitation 10Sudden acceleration 7No deployment 6Jerking 6
Recalls 1
Engine and engine cooling
- What is wrong
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
Recall number 11V539000 · Recall details
See all 1 recalls for the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
Defect investigations
Engine surging
The petitioner owns a my 2006 toyota camry with a 4-cylinder engine that was purchased new in january 2006. The petitioner also previously owned a my 2005 camry. He alleges that both vehicles exhibited vehicle engine surging, which he described as a short duration (1 to 2 second) increase in engine speed occurring while the accelerator pedal is not depressed. In an initial interview, the petitioner estimated that 6 to 8 surge incidents, of varying severity, occurred in the my 2006 vehicle over the course of 10,000 miles and 7 months of ownership. The petitioner reports that the brake system is effective at overcoming the surge. However, he is concerned about reports filed with the federal safety agency alleging uncontrolledsurging in my 2002 to 2006 camry vehicles bringing those vehicles to a high rate of speed (in some cases, purportedly, with the brakes applied).after review and analysis of the available information, odi has not identified a vehicle-based defect that would have produced the alleged engine surge in the petitioner?s vehicle, nor was it able to witness such an event when road testing the petitioner?s vehicle.evaluation of a suspect throttle actuator removed from the petitioner?s vehicle did not reveal a component problem. Warranty and parts sales of the actuator are unremarkable.these data do not support the existence of a wide-spread defect or ongoing concern. The fault detection and reaction strategy described in toyota?s technical documents indicates that a loss of throttle control due to a component or system failure would be detected within a one second periodafter which engine power would be limited. The petitioner?s my 2006 vehicle brake system overcomes full engine power at easily achievable brake pedal forces. Based on the analysis conducted, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of a safety related defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources to best accomplish the agency?s safety mission, the petition is denied.please see the march 9, 2007 federal register notice for further details.
DP06003
Vehicle speed control
In a letter dated july 8, 2005, and after experiencing two incidents (and one crash) where he alleges his model year (my) 2002 camry accelerated without driver input, mr. Jordan ziprin petitioned the federal safety agency?s (the federal safety agency) office of defects investigation (odi) to commence a proceeding to determine the existence of a defect within the etc system in my 2002 to 2005 toyota and lexus vehicles, or to reopen a prior investigation preliminary evaluation (pe) 04-021.in a letter dated august 18, 2005, mr. Ziprin amended his petition to include allegations of interrelated brake and acceleration problems that allegedly result in inappropriate and uncontrollable vehicle accelerations.the 1172 vehicle owner questionnaire reports cited by the petitioner involve 4 lexus and 15 toyota models defining a population of 7 million vehicles.the reports typically alleged a defect in the brake system, the throttle control system, or a combination of both systems.in its review of the reports, odi a) failed to find evidence to support the existence of a brake related defect in the cited models, and b) determined that many cited products were not equipped with etc.accordingly, odi restricted its analysis to the 432 petitioner reports involving my 2002 to 2005 camry, solara, and es models (all equipped with etc) that alleged an abnormal throttle control event (see the january 3, 2006 federal register notice for further details).about 40% of the 432 reports involve a driveability concern where the operator intentionally applies the throttle pedal, in expectation that the vehicle will accelerate, and then experiences a delay or hesitation in vehicle response.these reports involve vehicle response to intentional driver commands which odi considers unrelated to the allegations raised by the petitioner.therefore, the reports do not provide support for the investigation requested.about 20% of the reports involve incidents where operators allege vehicle acceleration without driver input and an inability of the brake system to control the vehicle when applied.neither the reports, nor the interviews conducted by odi, identified any vehicle-based cause to explain the incidents or disclosed evidence to support that a failure of the brake or throttle control system had occurred.because these reports do not indicate a distinct safety defect for investigation, the reports do not provide support for the investigation requested by the petitionerthe remaining reports (~ 40%, similar to the petitioner?s and those of pe04-021) typically describe incidents where a vehicle is being maneuvered at slow speed in a close quarter situation at which point the operator alleges that the vehicle accelerates without driver input and crashes.in the aftermath, operators are unsure of whether the brakes were applied or not, sometimes stating there was insufficient time to use the brake; a crash occurred and the operator believes an uncommanded acceleration caused it.in spite of the effort expended during pe04-021 and during this analysis, odi has not identified any vehicle-based cause to explain the reports, or uncovered any evidence to indicate that a throttle control system failure occurred.therefore, the reports have ambiguous significance and do not constitute a basis on which any further investigative action is warranted.based on the analysis conducted, it is unlikely that the federal safety agency would issue an order for the notification and remedy of a safety related defect at the conclusion of the investigation requested in the petition.consequently, in view of the need to allocate and prioritize the federal safety agency?s limited resources t
DP05002
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara 173
Bulletins tell dealers how to fix known problems. A warranty extension means the manufacturer pays for that repair for longer.
- Acid rain results from rainwater or other airborne moisture that become acidic due to industrial chemical...
- To prevent brake rotor rust from forming during transportation and storage, wheel film will be used...
- The condition known as acid rain is caused by airborne chemicals or particles in the atmosphere, which mix...
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- Toyota vehicles are currently protected with RapgardTM protective film designed to protect the horizontal...
- This is to advise of various price adjustments that will affect Toyota Genuine Motor Oil and Long Life...
- Obsolete notice
- Replacement certification labels (the vinyl label installed on the driver door or door post) and VIN...
- The Immobilizer and Smart Key Reset is a feature that allows the registration of new keys when all master...
- TT: Some Toyota vehicles installed with Toyota Complete Maintenance Care (TCMC) brake pads may exhibit a...
2004 Toyota Camry Solara fuel economy
Official EPA estimates in miles per gallon (MPGe for electric). Ranges cover trims that share the same engine.
| Engine | Drive | City | Highway | Combined |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | FWD | 20-21 | 29-30 | 24 |
| 3.3L 6‑cyl | FWD | 18 | 27 | 21 |
What 2004 Toyota Camry Solara owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Solara. The contact stated while driving at various speeds, the TPMS indicated that the tire pressure was low however, upon investigation the tires were at the correct tire pressure. The contact stated that the tire pressure warning light was illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed nor repaired. The manufacturer was informed of the failure and referred the contact to the local dealer for assistance. The failure mileage was approximately 103,000.
I was driving to work on the wi 43 freeway (speed aprox. 70 MPH) at 2:00am of 09/28/2020. I smelled something burning and saw sparks coming from under my dashboard. I pulled over to the side of the freeway and called 911. Two ozaukee county sheriffs and 1 port washington fire truck responded (incident number 20-27928). As you can see from the attached pictures which were taken the next day at the towing yard my car's dash and interior was totally melted by an electrical fire that was so hot it cracked the windshield. Although the car has some age on it, this is not something that should ever occur while driving down the highway. Fortunately no one was hurt. The car had to be totaled as it was beyond repair.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota camry solara. The contact noticed that the dashboard was fractured. Priority toyota hampton located at 2301 w mercury boulevard, hampton, va 23666, (757)838-5000) was contacted by phone and informed of the failure. The contact was informed that the vehicle was not subjected to a recall however, there was a warranty enhancement from the manufacturer for the failure in similar vehicles. The vehicle was not taken to be inspected nor repaired. The manufacturer was contacted and notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 177,151.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 toyota camry solara. While operating the vehicle, the check engine indicator remained illuminated. The vehicle was taken to west herr toyota (4141 s. Western blvd, orchard park, ny) where it was diagnosed that fuel cylinder sensors one and two were faulty and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 56,231. *bf
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 cruise control off.
My husband was replacing door handle when he took off the left front door panel, he found that the airbag sensor has disintegrated from the inside out. We took pictures took it into dublin ca toyota. They will not repair this. I then had some repair work done on the right side of my car and the owner of the shop also reported that the same thing on the right side . He stated that this is a default and it could very likely cause the airbag to go off prematurely or not work if there was an impact , that this was a danger to who ever was driving my car. I have photos and also a report from dublin toyota . I'm not only in fear for my safety but the fact that toyota shows no concern for my safety and how many others could have the same issue. [xxx] information redacted pursuant to the freedom of information act (foia), 5 u.s.c. 552(b)(6).
Dashboard melting ' I just noticed my dashboard melting yesterday and contacted toyota today. I was told that the warranty enhancement for this problem expired less than a year ago, and that they were sorry, but they are not willing to help me. I keep my car in a partially climate-controlled garage and drive only a few thousand miles a year. Therefore, my car is having delayed symptoms of the melting dashboard problem. Because I took extraordinary steps to protect my car, I am being excluded from the warranty program. This boils down to two safety problems: 1. Toyota cannot or will not tell me the material of the dashboard, but I suspect it is a petroleum-based plastic vinyl. Therefore, the oozing substance is quite possibly an endocrine disruptor. No one should not be exposed to this toxic substance. They refuse to help me replace it, and refuse to tell me how to clean it, but share my concerns and offer their sorrow. 2. The glare from the melting dashboard is a driving hazard. I get a terrible reflection in my windshield and can easily mistake what it real vs a reflection, and is worse adverse weather conditions. It presents a safety hazard to occupants and pedestrians, and adversely affects my ability to operate the vehicle in the safest manner. I have purchased 9 toyotas, yet this is my 1st issue and request for safety repair. I guess loyalty only goes one way. I am very concerned about my health and safety.
While driving my 04 toyota solara at 45mph there was a very loud noise the sunroof exploded causing glass to fly all over the inside of the car, into the street, and hit the back of my trunk chipping the paint. The screen was open, but the sunroof was closed at the time. If my children were in the backseat at the time they would of been injured by the glass. There was nothing in the road it was a nice sunny day when it happened. I first called toyota they opened a case and responded saying at this time toyota is not doing a recall on this or has there been a class action lawsuit against them. I submitted pictures to them and filed a case. Something has to be done about this I was so shaken after this happened and can't stop thinking what could of happened if my kids were in the car that day. Toyota needs to take responsibility for their defective sunroofs before this happens to more people.
Cracking and melting dashboard. Toyota put out an extended warranty to cover the replacement. The problem I have...I received the first letter stating the problem, but it stated a second letter will be sent, with notification when the parts will be available, I never received the second letter. As time went by, I forgot about going to a dealer rather than wait for the letter. A big mistake, I learned today dec 22, 2017, the deadline was may 31, 2017. The problem does exist, so why, because I never followed up on a letter I never received, be rejected. I called toyota and was given a complaint # 1712221373, but was also told, because of the missed deadline, there was nothing they could do. I seek further help.
Compare the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
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Questions about the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara
Is the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara reliable?
Owners have filed 161 complaints about the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara, 1.9 times a typical Camry Solara model year.
What is the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara year score?
The 2004 Toyota Camry Solara scores 51 out of 100 (below average). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota Camry Solara: 75 is a typical year, 50 means twice the usual complaints, and serious complaints and recalls lower it.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara?
Body and structure, with 36 complaints, typically around 61,000 miles. Next is steering (30).
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara have?
1 recall, covering engine and engine cooling.
What year does the Toyota Camry Solara have the most body problems?
The Toyota Camry Solara model years with the most body complaints are 2006 (45 complaints), 2004 (36 complaints) and 2007 (26 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Toyota Camry Solara range from 21 to 24 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 20-21 city and 29-30 highway.
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