Two problems related to water pump have been reported for the 2004 Toyota Camry. The most recently reported issues are listed below. Please also check out the statistics and reliability analysis of the 2004 Toyota Camry based on all problems reported for the 2004 Camry.
We first noticed coolant leaking on our garage floor after our 20yr mechanic and trusted friend replaced our water pump. We took the car in to have him look at the problem and he told us we had a "pulled" head gasket. He said he could not do that type of work and referred us to another mechanic who pressure tested and ran other diagnostics before hoisting the car on the racks. Upon inspection he saw coolant dripping from the intake manifold and proceeded to remove and inspect that part of the engine. Eventually, the head and other parts to reveal the loose bolts with stripped threads. We believe this is a manufacturers defect and feel some compensation and restitution must be levied. Upon further research from different forums we have documented pages of similar complaints from across the nation. Please make our concerns heard. We currently have no car to drive and $ 0 money to purchase another vehicle.
I purchased a 2004 certified Toyota Camry, with 51,000 miles on the unit. One week after purchase the service engine light came on. I took it back to dealership, they just said it was a sensor issue, and reset the light. The light continued to go on and off for the next 7 months. I took the Toyota the dealership for an oil change in April 2006, again I complained about the service engine light coming on and going off at times, they just reset it again, and did not document anything. On 4-28-06 the service engine came on early morning, and I heard a ticking sound from engine. I immediately called the service dept. At the same Toyota dealership, the service advisor told me to bring the car in since I was a few blocks away. I arrived 10 minutes later, and there was fluid starting to run out and steam starting to come from my hood. The technician checked the car out, and said that the water pump went out, and the engine block was damaged also. He explained these things can happen pretty quick. I purchased the car with Toyota extra warranty, and mpp extended warranty, and my vehicle is within the warranty periods for both, and both cover the damaged parts. But, Toyota refuses to fix the issue because they wont to put neglect on the driver. When the dealership admits on paper to the better business bureau of indiana, that the driver made an honest effort to get this car in for servicing, and that the condition of the car before breakdown was really good.