Solara (XV30)
Reliability Score
Complaints by Engine Code
3MZ-FE
3.3L 6-cylView details
Complaint Breakdown
Toyota Solara Unidentified Engine
View details
Complaint Breakdown
2AZ-FE
2.4L 4-cyl / 149 hpView details
Complaint Breakdown
Owner Complaints by System
Complaints owners filed with NHTSA about the Toyota Solara, counted across every engine. A complaint can name more than one system.
What to check on a used 2004-2008 Toyota Solara
On a used 2004-2008 Toyota Solara, the systems with the most NHTSA owner complaints are the body and structure (160), the airbags and driver-assist systems (66) and the steering (47). Each one has an inspection step below, with counts as of 2026-10-12. A complaint is an owner report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
- Open and close every door, the hood and the trunk or hatch. Check the latches, the seals and the gaps between panels.Minor. NHTSA has 160 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara about the body and structure.
- Switch the ignition on and watch the airbag light. On the drive, check the backup camera and any collision or lane warning.Safety. NHTSA has 66 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara about the airbags and driver-assist systems.
- Turn the wheel from lock to lock while parked, then drive straight on a level road with a light grip.Safety. NHTSA has 47 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara about the steering.
- Accelerate gently through every gear, then once at full throttle. Shift into Reverse and back to Drive.Costly repair. NHTSA has 46 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara about the transmission and drivetrain, all engines combined.
- Switch on every electrical item in turn: lights, windows, locks, wipers, climate fan, screen and power outlets.Costly repair. NHTSA has 45 owner complaints on the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara about the electrical system.
Recalls (4)
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.
TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2004 AVALON VEHICLES; 2004 AND 2005 CAMRY, CAMRY SOLARA, HIGHLANDER, AND SIENNA VEHICLES, 2006 HIGHLANDER HYBRID; 2004 AND 2005 LEXUS ES330 AND RX330; AND 2006 LEXUS RX400H VEHICLES MANUFACTURED FROM JUNE 1, 2004 THROUGH MARCH 31, 2005, EQUIPPED WITH THE 1MZ-FE OR 3MZ-FE ENGINE. THE AMOUNT OF ADHESIVE AGENT APPLIED BETWEEN THE OUTER RING AND THE TORSIONAL RUBBER DAMPER (INNER RING) IN THE CRANKSHAFT PULLEY MAY BE INADEQUATE. IF THE ADHESIVE IS INSUFFICIENT, THERE IS A POSSIBILITY THAT THE OUTER RING MAY BECOME MISALIGNED AND IT MAY NOT PROPERLY ROTATE WITH THE INNER RING, CAUSING NOISE AND/OR ILLUMINATION OF THE BATTERY DISCHARGE INDICATOR LIGHT.
GULF STATES TOYOTA IS RECALLING CERTAIN MODEL YEAR 2005-2010 VEHICLES FOR FAILING TO COMPLY WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF FEDERAL MOTOR VEHICLE SAFETY STANDARD NO. 110, "TIRE SELECTION AND RIMS." THESE VEHICLES WERE SOLD BETWEEN SEPTEMBER 1, 2005 AND JUNE 2, 2008 WITHOUT THE REQUISITE LOAD CARRYING CAPACITY MODIFICATION LABELS.
ON CERTAIN VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH CURTAIN SIDE AIR BAGS (CSA), THE CSA TETHER STRAP LOCATED IN THE FRONT PILLARS MAY HAVE BEEN INCORRECTLY ROUTED DURING THE ASSEMBLY PROCESS.
All Generations
Alternatives in Midsize Coupe
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common 2004-2008 Toyota Solara complaints?
Owners have filed 574 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara. The systems they name most often are the body and trim, the safety systems and the steering.
Is the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara a good used car?
That depends on the model year, the mileage and the maintenance history of the car in front of you. Owners have filed 574 complaints with NHTSA about the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara. Check which systems they name most often and whether a recall is still open on that car.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara have?
NHTSA has 574 owner complaints on file for the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara as of the latest data pull. A complaint is an owner's report, not a confirmed defect, and counts rise with sales.
What recalls affect the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara?
NHTSA lists 4 recalls covering some 2004-2008 Toyota Solara vehicles. Which ones apply depends on the VIN: enter it at nhtsa.gov/recalls to see the open campaigns on a specific car.
What should I check before buying a used Toyota Solara?
Run the VIN through NHTSA's recall lookup and confirm every open recall has been done. Look hardest at the body and trim, the safety systems and the steering, the systems owners complain about most. Ask for maintenance records, have an independent mechanic inspect the car and run a vehicle history report for prior accidents and title issues.
Does the Solara have NHTSA crash test ratings?
NHTSA has not published crash test ratings for the 2004-2008 Toyota Solara. Not all vehicles are tested each year. For the latest NHTSA safety information, visit nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Data from NHTSA federal complaints database. 574 complaints analyzed. Data confidence: high. Last updated: 2026-10-12.