Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (service brakes, ABS, rotors and pads, parking brake).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Colorado owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
The brake light switch has failed multiple times. It was covered twice under a recall. Switches only last 1.5-2 years. There is no warning or dash light when they go out. I have almost been rear ended twice. Happened again April 13, 2015. I drove it straight to the dealer when I found out in traffic. I knew it was the brake switch again and the dealer confirmed. The dealer called GM to see if they would cover the replacement. They refused. The dealer gave me a discount as they know it is an issue and charged me $87 to change. This is the second time I have had to pay. He gave me this number to call but that was no use as they refused last time. [phone]. Most concerning to me is the lack of concern by GM to fix a know safety issue in the brake and light system. Someone probably has or will be seriously injured or killed. …
My cruise control and my rear driver's side top tail light went out a week or so ago. Today, my stop lights stopped working completely, including the 3rd brake light. I was almost rear ended and another driver informed me that my brake lights didn't work. After researching the issue, I discovered that the problems I'm experiencing are related to 2 switches above my brake pedal-the stop lamp switch and the brake cruise release switch.I called the Chevy recall hotline and provided my VIN #. The girl lacy informed me there wasn't a recall for my vehicle and that they would do nothing to help me get the problem resolved. I've seen numerous reports online of other people with the same issue being denied as well. The reference # to my call is [redacted]. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado crew cab. While attempting to stop the vehicle from 45 MPH the brakes began grinding metal to metal. This incident occurred twice. When approaching a traffic signal the contact had to pump the brakes in order to stop the vehicle. The dealer diagnosed the failure as the ABS, and stated that the repair could be performed if the vehicle was under warranty. After having the rear lower brake pressure repaired the ABS became inoperable. The right rear end would slide, grind, and produce a screetching noise. The contact stated that the failure caused a hit and run accident. The contact called the manufacturer to request financial assistance for the repair of the vehicle, but was unsuccessful. The contact received recall # 06V139000. The current mileage is 36,800 and failure mileage was 19,000.
Problem # 1: had to replace the HVAC resistor and its wiring harness. Resistor plug and the harness plug was burned and melted...fire hazard! This safety hazard could have burned up my vehicle. Problem #2: the ABS warning light keeps coming on and when this happens (every day or so) the brakes do not work properly. This seems to happen when the vehicle is not parked on a level surface. The fault occurs once the vehicle moves forward from the parked position.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. While depressing the brake pedal or attempting to drive, the ABS, stability control, and traction control warning indicators intermittently illuminated and flashed. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed, but a failure code could not be found. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer and dealer were not notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 62,000.
Periodic ABS system failure occurring while driving and applying the brakes. Has been a failure for four years made efforts to remedy the problem by calling them and no satisfaction. I've asked other Colorado owners and they said they have this problem in the 05, 06.. I hit into a school bus.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact stated that the brakes squeak and squeal at various speeds. The dealer replaced the brakes with metallic brakes on August 29, 2008 and the noise stopped temporarily. When the vehicle was taken in for an alignment on December 31, 2007, the squeaking and squealing recurred. On July 3, 2008, the brakes on all four wheels were inspected, adjusted, and cleaned. On July 7, 2008, the front brake pads were replaced with ceramic brakes due to the squeaking noise. On July 9, 2008, the front rotors were replaced at no charge. Currently, the dealer wants to replace the front brake system for $1,500. The dealer will not replace the brakes themselves because there is a disclaimer in the owner's manual regarding the brakes squeaking. …
No crashes or injuries yet. My complaint is about the ABS wheel sensor on my 2004 Chevrolet Colorado 4x4 ls z71. It is not functioning correctly. After I start the truck the ABS light will come on with a tone plus a message in the d.I.c. "ABS fault". I have discussed this problem with my local Chevrolet dealer. They have informed me that my ABS wheel sensor is not working properly. As far as I can tell that means that my ABS brakes (safety feature) is not working. My truck is up for inspection in February 2009. I'm pretty sure that it will not pass because of this problem. My truck has less then 44,000 miles as of today. I asked my local dealer on a rough estimate on fixing the problem. They informed me that it would be in the $700-$800 range. Yes, my warranty is up. But I feel that this problem is more of a safety issue. The ABS is a safety feature on all newer vehicles today. …
Tl* - the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Colorado. The contact was driving 35 to 4o MPH while attempting to stop the vehicle and the brakes made a sound like metal grinding on metal. While coming to a stop in 2006 she had to pump the brakes. As a result ,there was no grinding ,but the dealer said the anti lock brake system was defective. The dealer said that if she purchased a warranty they would repair the brakes at no cost to the contact. Once the contact realized how unsafe the vehicle was she stopped using the vehicle, andwas currently driving a rental vehicle. There were no recalls listed on NHTSA website related to this incident. The contact attempted to call the manufacturer, and was unsuccessful with her current request to gain financial assistance in the repair of the vehicle. …
Purchased 2004 Chevy Colorado sport with lowered suspension in May 2004. The brake system has never been 100%. It will vary in degrees of pressure required to adequately slow down, or even stop the vehicle. It has been in to the dealer three times and each time they state nothing is wrong. The brakes also squeal with less than 9,800 miles on it and they state this normal. There have been several times we were driving and I attempted to stop the truck and it would either jerk very harshly or would require excessive peddle pressure to stop. I have driven two other exact same models and years and they do not have the problem, there for this vehicle is faulty. Last attempt to solve issue resulted in very rude service manager giving me GM phone # and basically telling me off and to leave dealership to contact them. …
Brake complaints in other Colorado years
Frequently asked questions
How common are brake problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado?
NHTSA has 52 complaints about the brakes of the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, 14% of the model year's 361 complaints. The component named most often is antilock/traction control/electronic limited slip (12 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Colorado brake problems?
No. NHTSA lists no brakes recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Colorado, though it has 3 recalls for other components. If the problem is widespread, a repair may still be covered by an extended warranty or a manufacturer service bulletin — ask a dealer.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Colorado brake problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 47,000 miles, and 24% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to brakes 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.