Rear suspension control arm assembly (that supports the springs, control arm rods, shocks, as well as the the hub, brakes and wheel ) breaks completely due to rust and corrosion. It is a poor design that you can see this would happen at the weakest and narrowest section of the part. This causes the entire wheel assembly to drop or twist off, as it did mine and fortunately not on highway however on a busy local road. This vehicle was bought in [XXX], but original owner primarily had it in [XXX] where I can understand there was lots of salt on the road during snow time. INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
The worst 2004 Toyota RAV4 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.
- Airbags47
- Engine29
- Transmission23
- Acceleration20
- Visibility11
- Electrical10
- Driver assistance9
- Brakes8
- Body4
- Suspension3
- Tires3
- Fuel system2
- Seat belts2
- Steering2
Specific symptoms reported on the 2004 Toyota RAV4
Check engine light 18Jerking 15Overheating 10Transmission failure 9No deployment 8Hesitation 5Sudden acceleration 5
Recalls 2
Air bags: frontal: passenger side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain 2010-2016 4Runner, 2003-2006 Tundra, 2003-2013 Corolla, 2009-2010 Corolla Matrix, 2004-2005 RAV4, 2002-2007 Sequoia, 2011-2013 Sienna, 2008-2012 Scion xB, 2008-2009 Lexus IS-F, 2007-2012 Yaris and Lexus ES350, 2010-2017 Lexus GX460, 2002-2010 Lexus SC430, 2006-2012 Lexus IS250 and IS350 and 2010-2015 Lexus IS250C and IS350C vehicles. These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design. The inflators may explode due to propellant degradation occurring after long-term exposure to high absolute humidity, temperature and temperature cycling.
- Risk
- An inflator explosion may result in sharp metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Toyota will notify owners. Depending on the vehicle model, dealers will replace the front driver inflator, front passenger airbag inflator, the airbag assembly, or the front passenger airbag sub-assembly and inflator. The recall began November 20, 2019. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑888‑270‑9371 or Lexus customer service at 1‑800‑255‑3987. Toyota's numbers for this recall are J0A, J0B, and J0C. Lexus' numbers for this recall are JLI, JLJ, and JLK.
Recall number 19V741000 · Recall details
Air bags: frontal: driver side: inflator module
- What is wrong
- Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2004-2005 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured May 13, 2003, to October 25, 2005. The affected vehicles are equipped with a dual-stage driver frontal air bag that may be susceptible to moisture intrusion which, over time, could cause the inflator to rupture.
- Risk
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the driver or other occupants resulting in serious injury or death.
- Remedy
- Owners of these vehicles are advised not to drive their vehicles until the recall remedy has been completed. Toyota will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag, free of charge. Owners were mailed an interim notice June 17, 2015. The recall began on August 21, 2015. Owners may contact Toyota customer service at 1‑800‑331‑4331.
Recall number 15V284000 · Recall details
Technical service bulletins for the 2004 Toyota RAV4 135
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...
- Vehicles may occasionally be subjected to contamination by airborne iron particles shed from railroad...
- 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...
- DP: The subject vehicles are equipped with a front driver airbag
- FAQ: Customer Frequently Asked Questions
- Obsolete notice
2004 Toyota RAV4 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 | 21 | 27 | 23 |
| 2.4L 4‑cyl | 4WD | 19-20 | 24-25 | 21-22 |
What 2004 Toyota RAV4 owners say
Most recent owner complaints, unedited.
The inspection sticker mechanic inspected the car and found the rear brake hoses rubbing against the sway bar indicating that there should be a clip somewhere to prevent rubbing. See picture attached. See if a possible safety recall can be done on all Toyota RAV4 vehicles.
I have 2003 registered as 2004.This vehicle that I has Manufactured November 2003 base on the sicker beside driver side door and it's been registered as 2004 .Now the problem that I have is slow moving to first gear suddenly jump to second gear (This is Automatic Trnasmission) I thought it was accelerator pedal issues but I replace the pedal and its the same not shifting properly.I cannot drive my car now due to shifting issue in first anf second gear.This my second Rav4 .I have 2001 toyota Rav4 all wheel drive I I have the same Issue not shifting properly first and second gear ,I purchase ECM module back in 2021,2022 amount of $775.00 at Toyota Parts Deal.com that is not calibrated and I pay $350 at DCH toyata in Torrance for calibration I bring this issues at BAR in 2021 ,2022 to reinburstment of the money to Toyota Headquaters until now no response .I need your help to resolves this Issues. I work Winston Tire and Firestone tire And I studies Automotive system at SCROC in Torrance,Ca. 90505 Diploma, profile.I need my money back for the 2001 toyota Rav4 and I need your help for this 2003,2004 transmission issues that I have right now .My 2001 toyota Rav4 has no issues in shifting since I purchase the ECM module.I currently own this 2 vehicle registered under my name.Thank you for kind Consideration, Respectfully yours [XXX] INFORMATION REDACTED PURSUANT TO THE FREEDOM OF INFORMATION ACT (FOIA), 5 U.S.C. 552(B)(6)
I was driving on a highway, there was a red light and I pressed on the brakes. The car kept going forward, the brakes became resistant to any pressure and the car continued to roll forward. There were no warning lights when the car was started or during the incident. I kept trying to brake the car, but the car kept moving forward and was about to hit the car in front of me. The cars around me started honking, trying to move out of the way; Luckily the light turned red and the car in front of me was able to move out of the way. I could not press on the gas or the break, I decided to turn the ignition off and the car was able to turn off. I re-started the car and then was able to go again. Had this been on the highway and I was moving at a faster speed, I probably wouldn't be typing this right now and would be in the ER with potentially others. This is the second time an issue like this happened. The first time the car was in reverse and it wouldn't brake and I almost slammed into the car behind me. The brakes and gas were not responsive. I took it to a mechanic right away, got new brakes, rotors, engine and transmission was checked. A couple months later this happened again.
10 days ago transmission on 2004 Rav started to act funny. Slow/jerky to engage in lower gears. Check engine lights came on. Checked out by mechanic who said it looked like a transmission problem and should have it looked at by transmission specialist who said it was not safe to drive as is since it could simply die at any time, and it needed a new transmission. When replacing trans, the trans man found the ECM had to be replaced. He said this often happened with 2003 thru 2005 RAV4s. On looking through your site, discovered others had similar issues with their 2004 Ravs. I also found out that the electronic control module for these vehicles is defective and must be repaired to correct the transmission issues. What did Toyota have to say when you looked into this, or do you not think it’s a safety issue?
The transmission slips suddenly, even during highway driving conditions, which almost resulted in a terrible crash. I found out that the electronic control module for these vehicles is defective and must be repaired to correct the transmission issues.
The TRAC system which brakes the car when it senses the wheel loosing traction hits the breaks on curves, even when turned off. It is random. It is not part of the inspection. When the streets are rain slick it has caused my car to skid out of the lane I was in. It has not been reproduced by anyone as I have not turned the car in to an independent dealer or mechanic. This vehicle has not been inspected by manufacturer, police, insurance representatives or others. The TRAC light comes on and beeps when the car breaks.
Good afternoon! I just notice today the rear suspension is very rusty. I would like to know if is any recall in this car. Thanking in advance for helping in this matter.
Driver side visor keeps falling down and blocking view and will not stay in upright position. Other drivers report same issue with this rav4 -2004 and beyond model year. Not a recall item and wonder why not?
Takata recall I purchased this car in january 2019 and since that time have received numerous mailed notices from toyota "safety recall follow-up notice." I have made at least 8 phone calls to toyota and been promised repeatedly that I will be contacted for airbag replacement...but have not been contacted. Each person with whom I speak faithfully promises that I will be contacted, then nothing. I live in rural alaska on an island without a toyota dealer. The closest toyota dealer is in anchorage. Getting my vehicle to anchorage will entail a 12-24 hour ferry ride and a 2-8 hour highway drive.
Compare the 2004 Toyota RAV4
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Other model years
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Questions about the 2004 Toyota RAV4
Is the 2004 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Owners have filed 154 complaints about the 2004 Toyota RAV4, fewer than a typical RAV4 model year.
What is the 2004 Toyota RAV4 year score?
The 2004 Toyota RAV4 scores 84 out of 100 (good). The score compares it with the other model years of the Toyota RAV4: 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 RAV4?
Airbags, with 47 complaints, typically around 104,250 miles. Next is engine (29).
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have?
2 recalls, covering air bags.
Was there a recall on the 2004 Toyota RAV4 airbags?
Yes, 2 recalls: 19V741000, 15V284000. Check your VIN to see if your car still needs the free repair.
What year does the Toyota RAV4 have bad airbags?
The Toyota RAV4 model years with the most airbags complaints are 2021 (125 complaints), 2007 (99 complaints) and 2005 (59 complaints).
What gas mileage does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 get?
Official estimates for the 2004 Toyota RAV4 range from 21 to 23 mpg combined. The most efficient version (2.4L 4-cyl, FWD) gets 21 city and 27 highway.
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