The Lemon Index2004 Toyota RAV4.
The 2004 Toyota RAV4 is one of the most reliable years by owner complaints: 23 complaints in its first 3 years and a Lemon Index of 38, where 100 is the average car. Owners complain most about engine, it has 2 recalls, and it gets 21 to 23 mpg combined. The best Toyota RAV4 year is 2014.
Before you buy. What matters most for this car.
How serious. Out of 154 owner complaints, owners reported:
Older model year: fewer owners filed complaints back then, so treat the score as rough.
Every Toyota RAV4 year. 2004 is highlighted. Lower is better.
What owners complain about most. From owner complaints to the government.
Share of this year's owner complaints filed with NHTSA, not the share of cars that break. One complaint can name more than one area.
When owners reported problems. From owner complaints to the government.
Most owners who filed a complaint with NHTSA had 49K to 115K miles on the car (91 complaints listed the miles). This shows when people who had a problem reported it, not the odds that your car will have it.
- transmission & drivetrain complaints mostly came at 50K–109K miles
- speed control complaints mostly came at 30K–80K miles
Recalls 2
- airbags 2019
These vehicles had their driver or passenger frontal air bag inflators previously replaced under a prior recall using inflators of the same design.
- airbags 2015
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.
Recall repairs are free at any dealer. A recall only matters if it's still open on that exact car, so check its VIN.
Problems Toyota told dealers about
Toyota sent dealers 135 repair notes for this car. The ones about its biggest problems:
- 2az-fe & 2az-fxe throttle body
- Accelerator pedal sensor assembly information regarding the inspection, removal, and…
- 2az-fe engine block
Ask a seller or mechanic if these were done. Some are free under warranty or a special program.
Safety
Crash stars (older test): front ★★★★☆ · side ★★★★★ · rollover —
Fuel cost and engines
About $2800–3050 a year in fuel (EPA estimate). Engines: 2.4L 4-cyl.
In owners' words
Vehicle has a flat spot, or throttle response lag, especially noticeable when cold, and starting off in 1st gear. Suspect the ecu may need updating, with the throttle by wire system.
2004 Toyota RAV4 owner · NHTSA complaint 10208899
More owner reports
When my car ignition key is in the "accessory" position the fm channels of my radio are clear. When I put the key in the "on" position the fm channels cannot be heard over the static.
NHTSA complaint 10126040
Quick answers
Is the 2004 Toyota RAV4 reliable?
Yes, it is one of the most reliable by government complaints. It drew 2.6× fewer complaints than average filed with NHTSA in its first 3 years, per car sold (Lemon Index 38; 100 is average, lower is better). The best Toyota RAV4 year by this measure is 2014.
What are the most common 2004 Toyota RAV4 problems?
In owner complaints to the government, the parts named most are engine (17%), electrical (17%) and visibility (17%). That is the share of complaints, not the share of cars that break.
How many recalls does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have?
2 safety recalls (latest: airbags). Recall repairs are free at any dealer; check a specific car's VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 get?
21 to 23 mpg combined, depending on the engine (EPA estimate).
At what mileage do 2004 Toyota RAV4 problems start?
Half of the owners who gave a mileage reported the problem between 49,000 and 115,000 miles. The middle report was at 80,000 miles, from 91 complaints.
Does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have transmission problems?
Transmission and drivetrain issues aren't among its top 5 complaint areas.
How much does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 cost in fuel a year?
About $2800 to $3050 a year, by the EPA's current estimate.
What engines does the 2004 Toyota RAV4 have?
2.4L 4-cyl.
What Toyota RAV4 year is better than the 2004?
By owner complaints per car sold, the best recent years are 2014, 2022 and 2015.
Lemon Index = safety complaints filed with the U.S. government (NHTSA) in a car's first 3 years, per car sold, against the average car of the same model year. 100 is average; lower is better. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect. How it works