Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (front, side and curtain air bags, sensors and inflators).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Toyota Camry owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contacts stated that while her daughter was driving at 55mph down a hill when the contact's daughter crashed the vehicle into another vehicle that was stopped. None of the airbags deploying. Medical treatment was required and she sustained bruising to the left breast and ribcage. The contact's daughter service dog was in the vehicle at the time of the failure and hit the floorboard during the incident. A police report was filed and the vehicle was towed to the contact's residence. The contact stated no warning lights were illuminated. The manufacturer was informed of failure and was awaiting a response. The failure mileage was approximately 145,000.
My wife was in a crash that totaled my 2004 Camry. She swerved to miss a deer and was pulled off the road and into two utility poles and several areas of fence. None of the airbags deployed and the crash was well over the 14 mph speed limit suggested for the airbags to deploy. My wife was seriously injured and was lucky the seatbelt held her back. She spent time in a hospital and broken two ribs and bruised her heart. This could have been avoided if the airbags deployed. No warning signs and the vehicle was inspected on time every time. No recalls.
The SRS warning light came on. I took it to my mechanic and he tested the sensor. He said the code that showed is B1821...Open in Side Squib (D Seat Side) Circuit. He said I needed to take it to a Toyota Dealer. I have an appointment with one on 4/17/25.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 2 MPH and attempting to make a left turn, a truck struck the passenger side of the contact's vehicle. The air bags did not deploy. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. The vehicle was damaged and towed to a police impound. The vehicle was not totaled. The vehicle was retrieved by the insurance company. The contact was not sure if the dealer and manufacturer were contacted. Approximately eight months later, while driving approximately 55 MPH, the contact attempted to avoid being struck by another vehicle, lost control, drove across four lanes, and crashed into a ditch. The contact stated that none of the air bags deployed. A police report was filed. The contact sustained injuries that required medical attention. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that while the vehicle was on cruise control at approximately 77 MPH, when suddenly the vehicle accelerated and began to accelerate forward unintendedly. The vehicle side swept another vehicle hitting the driver side of their vehicle, then, spun off and hit a nearby guardrail on the driver's side of the vehicle as well. The air bags did not deploy. There were no warning lights. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed. The contact stated that no persons were injured. The vehicle was taken to a certified mechanic to repair damage however the vehicle was not diagnosed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 50,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Toyota Camry. While driving approximately 35 MPH, the vehicle crashed into a pole. The details of the crash were not available. The air bags did not deploy. The contact mentioned that there was significant damage to the vehicle. The driver sustained a fractured sternum, neck and back pain. The passenger suffered a left leg injury and severe soft tissue damage to the upper torso. Medical attention was required for both occupants. A police report was filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 100,000.
Vehicle was in motion when another vehicle ran a red light and hit the 2004 Camry at the drivers headlight area at about 45 MPH! With this high impact the airbags did not deploy and the drivers seatbelt shoulder strap did not catch! Drivers head hit the windshield and both driver and passenger went to the emergency room! Both received neck and back sprains! Camry is a one owner car with 130,000 miles! Car was towed and damages are being accessed!
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Toyota Camry. After parking the vehicle, it suddenly accelerated without warning and crashed into a garage. The air bags failed to deploy. The passenger sustained chest contusions, which required medical attention. A police report was filed. The vehicle was towed and deemed destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was 54,608. Updated 01/05/17
Tl* the contact owned a 2004 Toyota Camry. The contact stated that a semi truck rear ended the contact's vehicle. As a result, the contact's vehicle crashed into another vehicle and the air bags failed to deploy. A police report was filed and no injuries were sustained. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not notified of the failure. The failure mileage was 232,000. The VIN was not available.
Driver in front crash with 4-5 car pile up. Car was on highway 287 and deer was cause. Air bags did not go off. We never got a notice about Takata airbags. Speed was somewhere around 45-50 at time because brakes were slammed on to no effect. Crash was unavoidable. Car was totalled.
Related recalls
Air bags › Side/window
On certain vehicles equipped with curtain shield air bags (csa), one or both of the curtain air bags May be twisted near the inflator due to improper assembly.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the csas and replace the air bag assembly if necessary. The recall began on August 6, 2004. Owners should contact Toyota at 1-800-331-4331.
Airbag complaints in other Camry years
Frequently asked questions
How common are airbag problems on the 2004 Toyota Camry?
NHTSA has 79 complaints about the air bags of the 2004 Toyota Camry, 12% of the model year's 638 complaints. The component named most often is frontal (18 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Toyota Camry airbag problems?
Yes — NHTSA recall 04V-346 (side/window, Jul 13, 2004). Recall repairs are free at authorized dealers.
At what mileage do 2004 Toyota Camry airbag problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 65,000 miles, and 22% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 47 crashes, 0 fires and 53 injuries and 1 death to air bags problems on this model year. If you notice symptoms, have the car checked before driving further.
Source: U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) — owner complaints through October 20, 2026, recalls and defect investigations; fuel economy from the EPA. Complaints are unverified reports and are not proof of a defect. How we rate model years.