2004 Toyota RAV4 recalls and problems
The 2004 Toyota RAV4 has 2 safety recalls and 154 owner complaints filed with NHTSA. Recall repairs are free at any Toyota dealer.
Recalls may cover only some 2004 Toyota RAV4 vehicles. Check your VIN at NHTSA ↗ to see open recalls for your exact car.
2004 Toyota RAV4 recalls
Recall 19V-741: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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 15V-284: Air Bags
Problem: 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.
Fix: 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.
2004 Toyota RAV4 problems reported by owners
| Problem area | Reports | |
|---|---|---|
| Air Bags | 48 | |
| Power Train | 23 | |
| Vehicle Speed Control | 20 | |
| Engine and Engine Cooling | 19 | |
| Engine | 11 | |
| Electrical System | 10 | |
| Visibility | 7 | |
| Electronic Stability Control (ESC) | 7 | |
| Unknown or Other | 6 | |
| Service Brakes | 5 | |
| Structure | 4 | |
| Visibility/Wiper | 4 |
Most reported parts
- Power Train › Automatic Transmission — 8
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Engine — 4
- Visibility › Glass, Side/Rear — 4
- Air Bags › Frontal — 3
- Vehicle Speed Control › Accelerator Pedal — 2
- Service Brakes, Hydraulic › Antilock/Traction Control/Electronic Limited Slip — 2
- Engine and Engine Cooling › Cooling System — 2
- Structure › Body — 2
Typical mileage at the time of the problem: 80,000 miles (median of owner reports).
Problems that are not covered by a recall are paid repairs; labor rates follow local mechanic pay — see what auto mechanics earn in each state.
Recent 2004 Toyota RAV4 complaints
Owner reports filed with NHTSA, as written (personal details removed). Complaints are not verified by NHTSA.
Other Toyota RAV4 years
Frequently asked questions
Does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have any recalls?
Yes — NHTSA lists 2 recalls for the 2004 Toyota RAV4: 19V-741 (air bags), 15V-284 (air bags). Not every vehicle is affected, so check your VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Toyota RAV4?
Owners report air bags problems most often (48 reports), followed by power train (23). The typical mileage when problems were reported is about 80,000 miles.
Are Toyota recall repairs free?
Yes. Safety recall repairs are free at authorized Toyota dealers, whether you are the first owner or bought the car used.