CarComplaints.com Notes: Beware of the NHTSA complaint data for the 2004 Camry. It is almost certainly misleading.
The problem with NHTSA data for the 2004 Camry is that for months on end, the news media repeatedly told the public that several Toyota models had an unintended acceleration defect, & to go to safercar.gov (the NHTSA's website) to file a complaint.
So, the NHTSA received a disproportionate number of complaints about unintended acceleration issues because of the national news media attention, to the point where their data is unreliable taken in context with any other vehicle that did not receive national news attention.
CarComplaints.com typically receives more complaints per day about vehicles than the NHTSA does, but the news media did not repeatedly say "go to CarComplaints.com to report your Camry acceleration problems" like they did about the NHTSA -- so although we have less complaint data than the NHTSA for the 2004 Camry, our data for the Camry is a far more statistically accurate representation of the Camry's reliability than what the NHTSA data shows.
No leaks from car, consistently gives low oil pressure light when braking after about 1,000 miles. Have to add at least a quart each time to get to normal level
Just before a recent trip down the California coast, I had the oil changed and confirmed it was full. After traveling about 500 miles I noticed the "low oil light" displayed when making left turns. I immediately stopped at an auto parts store and checked the oil. Not a drop on the dip stick! I purchased replacement oil, it took 3.5 quarts to show oil between the marks. I carefully checked the filter and oil plug and the bottom of the engine, no dripping oil.
The car did have a "black soot" on the passengers side of the car that started by the front fender well. It was hard to tell if that was from the car or just road grime but it did look suspicious. Anyway, since the engine was still running normally, we went on our way checking the oil level at every gas stop. After returning home 800 miles further, I checked the oil level and it was still where it was when I filled it. So, we averted disaster but from past experiences, when a car does something like that, it's certain to rear it's ugly head again when you least expect it.
I have purchased 6 Toyota's with full faith in their quality but my wife and I agree that we're done with Toyota's because of this.
- mikeg721,
Marion, NY, US
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It used some oil when we bought it but was told that is normal...it has just continuously gotten worse ever since we had it.
- Leonard D., East Wenatchee, WA, US