2004 Toyota Corolla: won't start

7 of the 477 complaints about the 2004 Toyota Corolla describe won't start.

owner complaints: 7
of this car's complaints: 1%
typical mileage: 102,000
recalls: 0

Is there a fix? 12 service bulletins cover this area of the car. See below

Won't start by model year

2023
2
2022
1
2020
4
2018
3
2017
2
2016
1
2015
3
2014
1
2013
2
2011
1
2010
3
2009
15
2008
3
2007
16
2006
17
2005
18
2004
7
1998
1
1996
1
1993
2
1991
1

What owners say

Filed Jan 17, 2015 · Electrical, Engine · 270,000 miles · WI

Most important: we do not drive the car now. Unable to get answers to possible solutions. Called toyota they said they cannot assist if the problem is not happening when they get the car. This problem is intermittent at best. I asked if they had problems such as mine below and can give me some idea and they said they cannot assist me without having the problem occur while they have the car. We cannot drive the car for it may shut down on us. Latest problem: the vehicles engine shut down while driving 30 MPH. Tried to restart the vehicle and everything comes on as if it was going to start up (meaning: the problem is not battery), but would not crank over, no noise, nothing. After playing with the fuses, and waiting a bit the car was able to crank over and start. A week before the latest (above): the car was in park and running, the engine shut down, tried starting the car and same scenario as above, we let the car rest overnight and the next morning it started up. (we didn't do anything to the car). Years ago: the same thing as above except, I went to go use the car, it would not start, had noise and lights but no cranking of engine, nothing (same scenario as above). But, after letting time go by the car would start. (I changed the key to a backup key I had and it started up.) others have this problem as we have tried to find out what the problem is, we came across the same scenarios but no solution.

Filed Oct 1, 2014 · Acceleration, Engine · 102,000 miles · FL · crash

My 2004 toyota corolla had an unexpected acceleration while driving home from work. My mother (the driver at the time) removed her foot from the accelerator pedal and while braking the vehicle accelerated at full speed right before going over a speed bump near to our residence. My mother crashed into the side walk and she was able to stop the car using the parking brake and eventually shut it down. We were able to take the car home, where the car is currently parked but the car won't start again. Luckily, we didn't have any injuries, fire or mayor crash into anything. We contacted toyota in west palm beach florida and they refused to further investigate this issue because the car is too old. After all events, death and accidents related to toyota unexpected acceleration, I believe this incident needs a deep investigation but I don't know how to proceed about it or if I should ignored and just fix the car.

Filed Sep 22, 2010 · Engine · 123,155 miles · OR

Car suddenly stalls, sometimes while at a stop but has happened when moving. Won't start for a little while then will start. Has happened 3-4 times in the past 5 months.

Filed Aug 13, 2006 · Electrical, Engine · 56,000 miles · TN

My car on an intermittent basis will not start as well.....there is no cranking whatsoever. Although upon turning the key all the lights on the dashboard light up in a normal manner, there is absolutely no sound from the engine. After either a few tries or roll starting the vehicle (manual transmission)....it will start. I brought it to the dealer once and they originally thought it was the battery, then the starter *which they proceeded to replace, then after a few days the same problem occurred again....I am bringing it back to the dealer.

Filed Apr 17, 2006 · Electrical · CA

My car on an intermittent basis will not start after turning the key in the ignition. There is no cranking whatsoever. After several attempts of turning the key, the car finally started. I took the car to the dealership on the first incident and the nothing wrong could be detected. In april 2006, it has occurred again as the car will not start until several attempts of turning the key in the ignition. I am taking the car to dealership again on monday, april 17th, 2006 to find out what is the matter with the car.

Filed Sep 15, 2004 · Electrical · 500 miles · TX

On three occasions the vehicle would not start, as a result of a drained battery. 1st time the dealer replaced the battery, 2nd time the dealer stated that the alarm system had a short wire and was fixed. The 3rd time just occured and we are having the car towed to the dealer.

Filed May 14, 2004 · Electrical · 50 miles · NY

On two separate occasions while trying to start the vehicle engine would not turn over. Consumer felt that the problem was the battery. Vehicle is currently at dealer.