Model year record

2004 Toyota Camry Solara recalls & problems

The 2004 Toyota Camry Solara has 1 safety recall and 161 owner complaints on file with NHTSA. The most-reported problem area is structure (36 complaints).

Recalls1safety recalls

Complaints161filed by owners

Crashes · fires24 · 2reported in complaints

Injuries · deaths12 · 1reported in complaints

Safety recalls

Engine and engine coolingNov 9, 2011

Engine and engine cooling

Recall 11V539000420,326 vehicles

Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 repairs are free at any authorised dealer. A recall listed here may already have been fixed on a particular car: enter its 17-character VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see open recalls.

Fuel economy

Camry Solara

24mpg combined

City / highway	20 / 29 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Automatic 4-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Camry Solara

24mpg combined

City / highway	21 / 30 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

2.4 L · 4 cyl · Manual 5-spd · Front-Wheel Drive · about $2,800/year to fuel

Camry Solara Convertible

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

Camry Solara

21mpg combined

City / highway	18 / 27 mpg
Fuel	Regular Gasoline

3.3 L · 6 cyl · Automatic (S5) · Front-Wheel Drive · about $3,200/year to fuel

EPA estimates from fueleconomy.gov for each engine and transmission sold. Annual cost is the EPA's estimate for 15,000 miles a year at its current fuel and electricity price assumptions. Your results will vary.

What owners report

Problem area	Complaints	Crashes	Fires	Injuries	Typical mileage*
StructureBody; Body › Roof and pillars	36	1	0	1	60,500 mi
SteeringHydraulic power assist system; Linkages › Knuckle › Spindle › Arm	30	4	0	2	14,000 mi
Vehicle speed controlAccelerator pedal	27	16	0	7	75,000 mi
Air bagsFrontal; Side/window	20	10	0	9	84,000 mi
Power trainAutomatic transmission; Automatic transmission › Torque converter	13	2	0	1	11,000 mi
SeatsFront assembly › Head restraint; Mid/rear assembly	10	0	1	0	3,050 mi
VisibilityWindshield; Rearview mirrors/devices › Exterior	10	0	0	0	5,000 mi
SuspensionFront; Front › Wheel bearing	8	1	0	0	3,150 mi
Service brakes, hydraulicFoundation components › Master cylinder	8	1	0	0	62,500 mi
Unknown or other	8	0	0	0	98,750 mi
Electrical systemIgnition; 12v/24v/48v battery	6	0	1	0	49,729 mi
Engine	6	1	0	0	79,899 mi

*Median odometer reading when the problem happened, where owners gave one. One complaint can name several problem areas.

Recent owner complaints

Structure › Interior panels › Dashboard
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.
Jul 10, 2018 · 80,000 miles
Tires › Pressure monitoring and regulating systems
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.
Jul 7, 2020 · 103,000 miles
Electrical systemFire
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…
Sep 28, 2020 · 180,000 miles
Structure › Body
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.
Jun 12, 2019 · 177,151 miles
Engine
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 *JB
Aug 13, 2019 · 56,231 miles
Service brakesCrash
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.
Jan 3, 2019 · 105,000 miles
Air bags › Side/window
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…
Jul 23, 2018
Unknown or other
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…
Apr 23, 2018 · 97,500 miles

Owner complaints are submitted to NHTSA by the public and are not verified. Shown as filed (NHTSA removes personal details); long reports are shortened.

NHTSA defect investigations

ENGINE SURGINGClosed
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 NHTSA 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…
DP06003 · opened Sep 14, 2006 · closed Apr 3, 2007
VEHICLE SPEED CONTROLClosed
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 NATIONAL HIGHWAY TRAFFIC SAFETY ADMINISTRATION?S (NHTSA) 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…
DP05002 · opened Aug 5, 2005 · closed Jan 5, 2006