Au7o mascotAu7o
Known IssuesTest Hub demo
  1. Au7o
  2. /
  3. Known Issues
  4. /
  5. Toyota
  6. /
  7. RAV4
Toyota · Known Issues

2004 Toyota RAV4 Problems: 1 Known Issue

2004 model year · NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports · Updated September 2026

Share:@au7o.io

2004 · All trims · All engines

Choose the year and equipment for your written issues and visual request.

Known IssuesMotorcycle IssuesDTC LookupDrivePricingAboutTermsPrivacyCookiesConsentData rightsCopyrightFeedback
Share:@au7o.io

Vehicle data and repair guidance on this site are compiled with AI assistance and may contain errors. Always verify with your service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data protection representation

DataRep representative in the United KingdomDataRep representative in the European Union
Au7o · 2026
Built for DIY mechanics. Privacy-first.
Explore free Hub demo
No email neededHow interest is saved

Interest applies to the selected vehicle and configuration; it is not a reservation. Voting stores a first-party identifier for up to 180 days to prevent repeat votes. No account or email is needed. Clearing cookies or using another device may count separately. Privacy

Visual coming soon

Your interest helps us choose what to build next.

Visual Known Issues · Coming soon

$4.99/month plus taxes at launch · No payment today

Preview the XT6 example
Issue summary

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Toyota RAV4 has 1 documented issue. None of the listed issues is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. DIY maintenance guides at au7o.io.

In This Article

  • RAV4 Engine1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ
Get Started
Back to top

In This Article

  • Engine1
  • Recalls17
  • FAQ

All 1 Known Issue

Filter:
ALL YEARS2025202420232022202120202019201820172016201520142013201220112010200920082007200620052004200320022001

On the 2004-2008 Toyota RAV4 2AZ-FE 2.4L I4, rAV4 owner discussions document a brief rattle during cold startup on individual 2AZ-FE vehicles. A sound alone does not prove VVT-i camshaft-gear, chain, tensioner, oil-pressure, accessory or valvetrain failure, and the reports do not establish a mileage band or damage progression. Toyota T-SB-0041-13 Rev1 is a VIN-gated 2AR-FE Camry bulletin, not evidence for this 2AZ-FE RAV4 topic.

This issue also affects: Toyota Camry

Common Symptoms

  • Brief rattle immediately after a cold start
  • Noise duration or intensity changes over time
  • Persistent rattle or warning light requiring prompt diagnosis

How to Fix

Record the first start after an overnight soak and note duration, oil level, oil grade, warning lights and any persistent noise. Check oil pressure and condition, stored codes, accessory drive and valve-timing data using the exact 2AZ-FE procedure before disassembly. Persistent or worsening rattle, an oil-pressure warning or abnormal running needs prompt diagnosis.

Research This Issue

GoogleRedditYouTubeNHTSA
Manually Verified
Low ConfidenceVerifiedReviewed Aug 2026
NHTSA Recalls17 recalls

SUSPENSION:REAR

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2011 Toyota RAV4 vehicles manufactured October 31, 2005, to September 7, 2010, and 2010 Lexus HS250h vehicles manufactured July 6, 2009, to August 26, 2010. The affected vehicles have rear suspension arms (rear tie rods) with adjusting lock nuts that may have been improperly tightened after servicing. As a result of being loose, the arm may have thread damage and may rust, possibly leading to the failure of the arm and an abrupt change in the vehicle's alignment.

Campaign #16V59600012/08/2016

SEAT BELTS:REAR/OTHER

Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2006-2012 RAV4 vehicles manufactured July 28, 2005, to December 19, 2012, and 2012-2014 RAV4 EV vehicles manufactured July 24, 2012, to August 29, 2014. In the event of a frontal collision, the rear seat belts for the outboard seats may be cut by the seat cushion frame.

Campaign #16V09600019/02/2016

VISIBILITY:POWER WINDOW DEVICES AND CONTROLS

Toyota Motor Company (Toyota) is recalling certain model year 2009-2011 Tundra, Sequoia, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and Scion xB, 2008-2011 Highlander and Highlander Hybrid, 2007 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2009 Camry and Camry Hybrid, 2006-2011 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, and 2009-2010 Scion xD and Pontiac Vibe vehicles. During the manufacturing of the Power Window Master Switch (PWMS), grease lubricant may have been inconsistently applied to the sliding electrical contacts.

🔧
A mechanic who knows YOUR exact car
Answers tuned to your year, make, model & trim — not generic advice. Save your garage so it always has the right context.
Get ahead of Toyota RAV4 problems — free
Leave your email and we'll alert you the moment there's a new recall or known issue for your Toyota RAV4. Free, no account needed.

Don't see your problem? Describe your symptoms to get a diagnosis, or get a full repair guide.

Other Toyota Models

Toyota Corolla54Toyota Camry54Toyota Highlander51Toyota 4Runner47Toyota Tacoma46Toyota Sienna32

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common Toyota RAV4 problems?

According to Au7o's research across NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports, the 2004 Toyota RAV4 has 1 documented issue. The documented issue is: 2AZ-FE Brief Rattle During Cold Start — Owner Reports. None are rated critical, but regular maintenance is recommended.

Is the Toyota RAV4 reliable?

The 2004 Toyota RAV4 has 1 known issue compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, and owner forum reports. None of the matching records is rated critical; this is not a complete reliability assessment. Regular maintenance following the manufacturer's schedule helps prevent many common problems.

What is the 2004-2008 Toyota RAV4 2AZ-FE Brief Rattle During Cold Start — Owner Reports?

RAV4 owner discussions document a brief rattle during cold startup on individual 2AZ-FE vehicles. A sound alone does not prove VVT-i camshaft-gear, chain, tensioner, oil-pressure, accessory or valvetrain failure, and the reports do not establish a mileage band or damage progressi… Severity: medium.

Content on this page was compiled with AI assistance using NHTSA complaints, TSBs, owner reports, and public automotive data. While we strive for accuracy, this information may contain errors. Always verify repair procedures and specifications with your vehicle's service manual or a qualified mechanic.

Data compiled from NHTSA recalls, manufacturer TSBs, automotive forums, and AI-assisted research. No aggregated owner-report counts available for this vehicle yet.

Campaign #15V68900022/10/2015

SEATS:FRONT ASSEMBLY:SEAT HEATER/COOLER

Southeast Toyota Distributors, LLC (SET) is recalling certain 2005-2011 4Runner, Highlander, Sequoia, and Sienna, 2005-2010 Avalon and Tundra, 2006-2008 Camry Solara, 2006-2010 Highlander hybrid, 2006-2011 Rav4 and Tacoma, 2007-2010 FJ Cruiser, 2007-2011 Camry hybrid, 2009-2010 Venza, 2010-2012 Prius, 1988-1990 and 2005-2010 Camry, and 1989 and 2009-2010 Corolla vehicles equipped with aftermarket accessory seat heaters with a copper strand heating element. The electrical wiring in the seat heaters may be damaged when the seat cushion is compressed.

Campaign #16V39600002/06/2016

AIR BAGS:FRONTAL:DRIVER SIDE:INFLATOR MODULE

Toyota is recalling certain model year 2006-2008 RAV4, 2006-2010 Yaris, 2008-2010 Highlander, and 2009-2010 Tacoma, Corolla, Corolla Matrix and General Motors Pontiac Vibe vehicles. In the affected vehicles, the steering column assembly contains electrical connections to the driver's airbag module housed in a spiral cable assembly, which includes a Flexible Flat Cable (FFC). Due to the shape and location of the FFC's retainer, the FFC could become damaged when the steering wheel is turned.

Campaign #14V16800009/04/2014

+ 12 more recalls. Check all on NHTSA.gov

Enter your VIN at NHTSA.gov to check recalls specific to your vehicle.