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.
10.0
really awful
Crashes / Fires:
1 / 0
Injuries / Deaths:
1 / 0
Average Mileage:
28,556 miles
About These NHTSA Complaints:
This data is from the NHTSA — the US gov't agency tasked with vehicle safety. Complaints are spread across multiple & redundant categories, & are not organized by problem.
So how do you find out what problems are occurring? For this NHTSA complaint data, the only way is to read through the comments below. Any duplicates or errors? It's not us.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that the vehicle would exhibit an unusual noise when attempting a turn in either direction. In addition, the contact stated that the vehicle would not remain straight when attempting to turn, which was a constant failure. The vehicle was taken to an authorized dealer where the steering column was replaced. The manufacturer advised the contact that he would be reimbursed for partial repairs. The failure mileage was approximately 35,000 and the current mileage was 39,027.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The steering column makes a thumping noise while turning the steering wheel. An independent mechanic concluded that the intermediate steering shaft failed; however, the technician from the dealer stated that on his particular model the entire steering shaft would need to be replaced to remedy the failure. No repairs were made. The failure mileage was under 60,000. The current was 66,000. The vehicle identification number was unavailable.
My car has been making a steering well/under the hood poping noise since the day I purchased it. The dealership where I purchased it knows where it is coming from, the steering wheel and possibly tension belt, but has told me to hold off until a recall. My mother in another state, as well as my cousin has the same issue. If Toyota has a lead on the market, why can't they honestly honor their repairs.
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact heard a knocking sound in the steering column when he turned the steering wheel. When he turned the steering wheel all the way around, it seemed to malfunction as well. The dealer stated that the intermediate shaft malfunctioned and that there was a service bulletin available, but no recall. The purchase date and speed were unknown. The current mileage was 26,828 and failure mileage was approximately 25,000. Updated 02-14-08. Updated 02/14/08
There is a knocking sound in steering column of my 2004 Toyota Camry while turning just before moving off. Car has 27,000 miles. This seems to be a factory defect. What recourse do I have?
- Laurelton, NY, USA
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- the contact heard a clanking noise while driving..this happened when turning the steering wheel left or right, whether the vehicle was being driven or standing still. The contact stated that the steering column will not adjust, and the wheel leaned a little to the left. The contact took the vehicle to the dealer, and they did not diagnose the problem, but gave him an estimate of what it would cost to repair the steering failure. The contact stated he has been hearing the clanking noise every since he purchased the vehicle back in December 2004, but the noise was getting worse. Updated 01/30/07.
Failure of intermediate steering shaft causes clunking and looseness of steering system. Toyota refused to give its dealer a replacement part. Instead, dealer noted this information on service form: "Toyota will be issuing a recall regarding condition in near future. Will receive notice by mail." This was on December 10, 2005. I have not yet received a recall notice. Has Toyota contacted NHTSA about a recall for the intermediate steering shaft?
From day one car has pulled to the left. Steering wheel is also not centered and has too much "play". I must apply constent pressure to the right just to keep the car straight. Car does not have a solid, stable feel to it where steering is concerened. I have broght this back twice to laurel Toyota carmax and they have not fixed it. I had a loaner car for two days and that car felt like it should. I will file a complaint with the manufacturer as well.
- new Toyota Camry le purchased January 2004 - on February 25th key would not turn (took 10 - 15 minutes to start it) - later while parking, the car the steering locked turning the car to the right - the car accelerated and surged despite depressing the brake (same as ODI peo4021) - though the car broke a metal flag pole, damaged a retaining wall, and fell seven feet into a major street, the air bags did not deploy - car is severely damaged: Wheels, tires, front end, gas tank, front axle - driver has a swollen and sore knee along with significant soft tissue injuries including back pain
A D V E R T I S E M E N T S
- University Heights, OH, USA