Toyota

Solara (XV30)

2004-2008 · Midsize Sedan · 3 engines
Best Engine Recommended (5.0)
572 NHTSA Complaints
0 Recalls
11 Fire Reports
84 Crash Reports

Engine Reliability Comparison

2GR-FE

3.5L 6-cyl
Recommended (5.0)
1 complaint 1.0 per year Gasoline
View details

Complaint Breakdown

engine
1
cooling
1

Known Issues

Engine Issues (1 complaints)
Cooling System Issues (1 complaints)

Also found in

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2AZ-FE

2.4L 4-cyl / 149 hp
⚠️ Caution (2.9)
100 complaints 20.0 per year Gasoline
1 fire report
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
34
other
16
safety systems
15
engine
15
steering
8

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (34 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (15 complaints)
Engine Issues (15 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)SATURN Ion (2008-2008)TOYOTA Scion Xb (2008-2008)MAZDA CX-7 (2007-2012)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)PONTIAC Solstice (2006-2010)TOYOTA Prius (2000-2003)TOYOTA Avalon (2000-2004) +57 more

3MZ-FE

3.3L 6-cyl
Avoid (1.3)
356 complaints 71.2 per year Gasoline
7 fire reports 2 fatalities
View details

Complaint Breakdown

body
104
other
81
safety systems
39
electrical
26
steering
26

Known Issues

Body/Trim Issues (104 complaints)
Safety Systems Issues (39 complaints)
Electrical System Issues (26 complaints)

Also found in

TOYOTA Camry (2002-2006)BMW X3 (2011-2017)LEXUS IS (2006-2013)CHEVROLET Camaro (2010-2015)TOYOTA Highlander (2001-2007)TOYOTA Highlander (2008-2013)FORD Taurus (2000-2007)SAAB 9-3 (2002-2002) +19 more

Vehicle-Level Issues

These issues affect the Toyota Solara regardless of engine variant.

Body/Trim Issues (138 complaints)
body critical
Safety Systems Issues (54 complaints)
safety_systems critical
Electrical System Issues (26 complaints)
electrical critical
Steering Issues (26 complaints)
steering critical
Transmission Issues (24 complaints)
transmission critical

Alternatives in Midsize Sedan

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common 2004-2008 Toyota Solara problems?

The 2004-2008 Toyota Solara has accumulated 572 NHTSA complaints. The most frequently reported problem areas are Body/Trim, Safety Systems, Electrical System. As with any used vehicle, a pre-purchase inspection and vehicle history report are recommended.

Which Toyota Solara engine is most reliable?

The 2004-2008 Toyota Solara was offered with 3 engine options. Based on NHTSA complaint data, the 3.3L 6-cyl has the lowest complaint density and is considered the most reliable choice for buyers.

Is the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara a good used car?

The 2004-2008 Toyota Solara can be a solid used car purchase depending on trim, mileage, and maintenance history. With 572 total NHTSA complaints on record, prospective buyers should review the known problem areas and check for open recalls before buying.

How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara have?

The 2004-2008 Toyota Solara has 572 complaints filed with NHTSA as of our latest data pull. Complaint counts reflect owner-reported issues and do not necessarily indicate defects or safety risks on their own.

What recalls affect the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara?

There are 0 NHTSA recalls affecting some 2004-2008 Toyota Solara vehicles. Recall status varies by VIN — check the NHTSA recall database at recalls.nhtsa.dot.gov with your specific VIN to confirm which campaigns apply.

What should I check before buying a used Toyota Solara?

Before buying a used Toyota Solara, verify all open recalls are completed via the NHTSA VIN lookup tool. Pay particular attention to Body/Trim, Safety Systems, Electrical System, which are the most commonly reported problem areas. Request maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the vehicle, and run a vehicle history report to check for prior accidents or title issues.

Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 572 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-04-06.

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