2004 Toyota Echo problems

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The Toyota Platz (Japanese:トヨタ・プラッツ, Toyota Purattsu) is a subcompact car that was manufactured in Japan by Toyota from 1999 until 2005, when it was replaced by the Belta. Designated by Toyota as the XP10 series, the Platz was also sold in export markets as either the Toyota Yaris or Toyota Echo. The "Yaris" and "Echo" names were also given to the export version of the related Japanese market Vitz hatchback, from which the Platz derives. In Japan, it was available at the Toyopet Store and the Netz Toyota Store dealerships.

Etymology

The name "Platz" is German for "space" (as defined by "the interior room is spacious"). Only straight-four engines were fitted to the Platz, which was sold in Japan as a four-door sedan only. A coupé version was also available in North America where the car was badged "Echo".

History

The Platz was introduced in 1999 as a sedan sold internationally, with a coupé version exclusive to North America following for the 2000 model year. The Platz is closely related to the Vitz hatchback with which it shares front doors, a common interior and mechanical componentry. The running gear is also shared to a lesser degree with the ist and bB, sold in the United States as the Scion xA and xB respectively, and the JDM-only WiLL Vi. The same platform is the base for the JDM-only Probox and Succeed wagons.

In the United States, the Echo sold almost 50,000 units in its first year, with just half that many in 2003. The Echo was an element of Toyota Project Genesis, a failed effort to bring younger buyers to the marque in the United States. The Echo sold in high volumes in Canada, where Toyota also offered the three- and five-door hatchback versions of the Vitz badged as the Echo beginning with the 2004 model year to replace the Echo coupé (which was dropped after 2003). The coupé remained on sale in the United States until the 2005 model year along with the sedan, while the hatchback variants were never sold there. It was the predecessor to the current North American Yaris, sharing many identical features, such as the odd (and somewhat controversial) center placement of the speedometer and gauges, as opposed to in front of the steering wheel. Power options on the Echo are a rare find; most models are equipped with manual windows and locks, air conditioning, and a six-speaker audio system with a CD and/or a cassette player.

2004 Toyota Echo

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Common 2004 Toyota Echo problems

Based on complaints from owners of the Toyota Echo 2004, several common problems have been reported:

  • Braking System Concerns: Another common problem reported by owners is related to the braking system. There is at least one documented case of a collision due to the Echo's brakes not functioning correctly, highlighting a critical safety issue.
  • Mechanical Reliability: The Toyota Echo 2004 has been criticized for its mechanical reliability, with reports of various mechanical issues that have rendered the car unreliable and expensive to maintain.
  • Exterior Design: The exterior design of the Toyota Echo 2004 has been a point of contention among owners. The car's unconventional and polarizing design, often described as odd and unattractive, has been a significant drawback for many consumers.
  • Performance: While the Toyota Echo 2004 delivers mild performance typical for its category, it has been noted that the car's acceleration and overall performance are not particularly impressive compared to other subcompact vehicles of its time.

These reported problems highlight key issues that owners of the Toyota Echo 2004 have faced, ranging from safety concerns related to airbag deployment and braking system issues to challenges with mechanical reliability, design aesthetics, and performance capabilities.

2004 Toyota Echo engine

What is the common problem with Toyota Echo?

Toyotas are renowned for their reliability and owners have few troubles with their Echo. Some report a few squeaks and rattles that seem to come from the body. They're not necessarily a big deal, but can be annoying. Check for clicking sounds while making turns.

Why did the Toyota Echo fail?

Another problem: The Echo was cheap. Really cheap. Base models didn't even get power-assisted steering, let alone power windows, power locks, power mirrors or air conditioning. All could be added, at significant cost…

How many miles will a Toyota Echo last?

The Toyota Echo should last over 200,000 miles with proper care and maintenance. The most important thing You can do to help Your car last a long time is do the scheduled maintenance.

What is the value of a 2004 Toyota Echo?

Canadian Used Value 2004 Toyota ECHO

TrimFairClean
Base 4dr Sdn9502650
CE 2dr Hbk9002550
LE 4dr Hbk9252625

What is the common problem with Toyota Echo?

Toyotas are renowned for their reliability and owners have few troubles with their Echo. Some report a few squeaks and rattles that seem to come from the body. They're not necessarily a big deal, but can be annoying. Check for clicking sounds while making turns.

Why did the Toyota Echo fail?

Another problem: The Echo was cheap. Really cheap. Base models didn't even get power-assisted steering, let alone power windows, power locks, power mirrors or air conditioning. All could be added, at significant cost…

What is the value of a 2004 Toyota Echo?

Canadian Used Value 2004 Toyota ECHO

TrimFairClean
Base 4dr Sdn9502650
CE 2dr Hbk9002550
LE 4dr Hbk9252625

What engine is in a 2004 Toyota Echo?

Used 2004 Toyota ECHO - Specs & Features

Engine
Base engine size1.5 L
CylindersInline 4
Base engine typeGas
Horsepower108 hp @ 6,000 rpm

2004 Toyota Echo car problems categorized by type of issue

After analyzing all complaints sent to the NHTSA and researching popular Toyota Echo problems, we found that the most common problems with these 2023 model year vehicles are:

  • Seat belts problems

The graph below shows statistics for all 2004 Toyota Echo vehicle components and the number of complaints received.

2004 Toyota Echo complaints

The NHTSA has received 1 complaints about various vehicle components related to the 2004 Toyota Echo.

2011-01-04

SEAT BELTS PROBLEM

  • Date Of Incident: 2010-12-20
  • Number Of Injuries: 1
  • Crash: 1
  • VIN: JTDBT123840
  • Components: SEAT BELTS
  • Summary: TL*THE CONTACT OWNS A 2004 TOYOTA ECHO. WHILE STOPPED IN TRAFFIC, ANOTHER VEHICLE TRAVELING 40 MPH REAR ENDED THE CONTACT'S VEHICLE. THE CRASH CAUSED THE CONTACT TO CRASH INTO ANOTHER VEHICLE IN FRONT. THE SEAT BELT DID NOT SECURE THE CONTACT SO HER FACE HIT THE REARVIEW MIRROR WHICH KNOCKED IT OFF. THE CONTACT SUSTAINED BRUISES AND SEVERAL INJURIES. A POLICE REPORT WAS FILED. THE VEHICLE WAS DESTROYED. THE FAILURE MILEAGE WAS APPROXIMATELY 145,000.

Negative 2004 Toyota Echo car reviews

  1. Laverna Brakus 2024-09-10

    The dealer has made some improvements to the steering wheel, although it still shakes slightly. The wipers were problematic from the start and have only worsened over time. It is not recommended to clean the windshield.

Positive 2004 Toyota Echo car reviews

  1. Gunnar Haley 2024-11-26

    I hope you're doing well! I just wanted to share that I've been getting great mileage with my car, which is especially important for me as a college student. Additionally, there's plenty of head room which is a nice bonus. I'm happy to report that I haven't had a single problem with the car since I bought it!

  2. Peter Leuschke 2024-11-15

    Excellent car. On average, I get 39 miles to the gallon. The biggest problem I have with the car is that the salesmen were really pushing that you can go 7500 miles between oil changes when, in reality, if you read the manual, 5000 is more like it unless you drive in perfect conditions. But 5000 miles is not bad, and the car drives great.

  3. Hyman Schmidt 2024-11-13

    I hope you're doing well! I wanted to share that I absolutely adore my Toyota Echo. It's such a reliable car that takes me wherever I need to go, and it even handles well in the snow. It's perfect for cruising around town and enjoying the ride.

  4. Randal Wilkinson 2024-11-07

    This is my 9th vehicle in 20 years of driving, and I must say, it is the best one so far. I am a Toyota convert thanks to my Echo, with build quality better than a $40k Caddy....lol

  5. Shayne Block 2024-10-05

    Hi there! I just wanted to share my experience with my 2001 Echo that I bought brand new 3 years ago. Although I initially bought it as a work car, I've been so pleased with it that I now use it for everything! With just under 80K miles, I still get an impressive 40 to 41 mpg overall, even though I drive the car hard. I usually go at least 7 to 8K miles before oil changes and have never been able to stick to the recommended maintenance schedule, but the car still runs as smoothly and nicely as the day I bought it. In fact, when idling, it's impossible to hear the motor from inside and most people swear it's not running at all! The ONLY issue I've had so far has been a burned out tail light bulb. Thanks for listening!

Leave your review of 2004 Toyota Echo

Additional sources

More sources of information about 2004 Toyota Echo problems:

What are common echo issues? | Toyota Nation Forum
What are common echo issues? | Toyota Nation Forum
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/what-are-common-echo-issues.417315/

Jul 4, 2012 ... Two trouble issues on my Echo that has 250 thousand kms: 1) Front wheel bearings 2) Charcoal canister. The bearings on both front sides are on ...

Toyota Echo Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
Toyota Echo Problems and Complaints - 6 Issues
https://repairpal.com/problems/toyota/echo

Top Toyota Echo Problems · Check Engine Light Due to EVAP System · Cleaning May Correct Faulty Mass Air Flow Sensor · Crank sensor may fail, warranty may apply.

what to look out for when buying a Toyota Echo? | Toyota Nation ...
what to look out for when buying a Toyota Echo? | Toyota Nation ...
https://www.toyotanation.com/threads/what-to-look-out-for-when-buying-a-toyota-echo.1651122/

Apr 14, 2019 ... Common problems etc? Are there any ... Toyota Echo automatic 2004 Engine swap Greeting to all. ... toyota echo 2000, check engine light on problem.

I wanted reliability but didn't think that in 17 years I'd still be driving ...
I wanted reliability but didn't think that in 17 years I'd still be driving ...
https://www.reddit.com/r/BuyItForLife/comments/otc6jh/i_wanted_reliability_but_didnt_think_that_in_17/

Jul 29, 2021 ... I wanted reliability but didn't think that in 17 years I'd still be driving the same car. 2004 Toyota Echo - Nothing wrong with it. Vintage.

Q&A: 2005 Toyota Echo - Common Issues & Solutions
Q&A: 2005 Toyota Echo - Common Issues & Solutions
https://www.justanswer.com/toyota/amwbk-2005-toyota-echo-month-ago-car.html

Aug 25, 2017 ... I have a 2005 Toyota Echo, about a month ago the car overheat until the car turn off, I check everything an all seems - Answered by a ...

Other years of Toyota Echo

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Echo 2005
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5

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29

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Echo 2000
Toyota

99

3

29

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toyota echo 2001 photo
Echo 2001
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59

2

30

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toyota echo 2002 photo
Echo 2002
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61

2

25

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toyota echo 2003 photo
Echo 2003
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28

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23

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toyota echo 2004 photo
Echo 2004
Toyota

1

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26

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2004 Toyota Echo photo