2004 Toyota RAV4 Reliability ReportKeepScore 78/100 · top failure points · buy or avoid
Quick Facts · 2004 Toyota RAV4
- Scores 10 points below the strongest nearby year — the 2003 Toyota RAV4 earns a 88.
- The system most likely to surface first: automatic transmission (major severity).
- Has 2 NHTSA recalls on record — the most notable involves the air bags:frontal:passenger side:inflator module.
2004 Toyota RAV4: Buy or Avoid?
While sporting the Toyota badge, the 2004 RAV4 isn't quite the bulletproof compact SUV many expect, primarily due to its propensity for automatic transmission failures. It's a pragmatic choice for those needing an affordable, capable small SUV, but only if you meticulously verify the transmission's health or opt for a rare manual. This is a vehicle where a pre-purchase inspection is not just recommended, it's mandatory.
Biggest Strengths
- Fuel-efficient 2.4L engine (when not consuming oil)
- Compact size with decent cargo utility
- Reliable core electrical and braking systems
2004 Toyota RAV4 — Known Trouble Spots
The systems that break first on the 2004 Toyota RAV4. Mileage windows, repair costs, and fix-before-you-buy notes are in the full report.
Safety Recalls on the 2004 Toyota RAV4
2 recalls on record from NHTSA. Check your VIN atnhtsa.gov to see if the repair was performed.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:PASSENGER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE
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.
What breaks on the 2004 Toyota RAV4?
Full reliability breakdown — engine, transmission, rust, electrical. With repair costs and mileage danger zones.
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Toyota RAV4 — Year-by-Year Comparison
Compare KeepScores across nearby years of the Toyota RAV4. Click any year for its full report.
Competing 2004s Worth a Look
Similar class, similar year range — ranked by KeepScore.
Relevant Products for Your 2004 Toyota RAV4
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Frequently Asked Questions
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