Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (engine, cooling system, oil leaks, timing chain, exhaust).
Mileage when the problem started
Owner reports
Selected complaints filed with NHTSA by 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 owners, lightly cleaned up (personal details are redacted by NHTSA).
A truck went tho a red light as I was under the light heading east and the other vehicle was at stop light and for unknown reason it took off hitting the front of my right fender and putting me into a spin. At first I didn't realize what happened. The my van stopped. The police asked if I was OK. I said no.I got hit in the face and right arm by the 2 air bags in front. I was the only person in the van. The air bags were broke open. Never had accident before were air bag went off. Did not know how they were supposed to look. Till I seen on the tv recalls. And they are not supposed to break open.the jell behind my right eye split. I have to see a dr. Every 6 months now to check pressure in eye for glaucoma now.
Dt: the vehicle is a 2004 GM Chevrolet k1500 z71 extend cab 4x4. Anti lock brakes were defective. When consumer applied pressure to the ABS they did not hold. On 2-11-05 he took vehicle to the dealer to be repaired, and they did nothing to fix the issue. While driving on 6-23/24-05 the ABS did not hold , causing consumer's vehicle to lightly bump another vehicle. When consumer contacted the manufacturer they told him to take it to city Chevrolet. He took it to them on 7-5-05 ,and he still has not gotten it back yet. Consumer found that there was a recall in November . 2004 in Canada concerning corrosion in the ABS brakes. The vehicle he owned was manufactured by general motors in Canada ltd.. There is a special order part that was not immediately available in dealer inventory for the inoperative brakes. Vehicle downshifts at highway speeds to 2nd gear. …
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While reversing and attempting to brake, the pedal extended to the floorboard which caused the vehicle to crash. There were no injuries. The contact noticed brake fluid draining from under the driver seat. The brake line ruptured. Whenever the air conditioner was turned on, it blew hot air on the driver side and cold on the passenger side. The contact had to turn the vehicle off and back on to reset the problem. The vehicle was towed to a local repair shop but had not been inspected. The vehicle had previously been taken to an authorized dealer for a brake failure and the contact was informed that the problem was due to a lack of maintenance on his part. Neither the manufacturer nor the dealer had been notified. The failure mileage was approximately 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving, the ABS, service engine, and air bag warning lights flashed and then remained illuminated. Prior to the failure, the dealer reset the unknown codes. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic who stated that the anti-lock brake system was disconnected and that there was an internal disconnection for the air bags to function properly. The mechanic advised the contact to have the vehicle diagnosed and repaired by the dealer. The vehicle was not included in NHTSA campaign numbers: 06V417000 (air bags), 06V289000 (engine and engine cooling), 05V043000 (service brakes, hydraulic) and 04V045000 (service brakes, hydraulic). The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 186,502.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 70 MPH, the battery indicator illuminated. The contact attempted to pull the vehicle over when he observed that the steering wheel had seized and took great effort to turn. Also, the brakes failed when the brake pedal was depressed. The contact was able to stop using the fifth wheel camping trailer that was hitched with electronic brakes to slow and eventually stop the vehicle. The vehicle was towed to an unknown dealer where it was diagnosed that the serpentine belt and idler pulley failed and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was not contacted or made aware of the failure. The failure mileage was approximately 151,041.
Tl contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. After putting gas in the vehicle, the contact smelled smoke. He checked underneath the hood and saw no signs of a fire. While driving 20 MPH, flames and smoke began to come from the vents and the contact exited the vehicle. Approximately twenty minutes later, while waiting for the fire and police departments to arrive, the tires and windows exploded and the vehicle was burned beyond recognition. He spoke with the dealer and was informed that there were no recalls on the vehicle. A police report was filed. There was no current mileage because the vehicle was destroyed. The failure mileage was 120,000.
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated that the harness and resistor fan for the air condition were replaced three times, as it continued to burn out. The contact stated that the resistor fan caught on fire and smoke was seen coming from the vehicle. The contact stated that the repair was $100 each time the failure occurred. The manufacturer was contacted who advised that the vehicle be taken to the dealer for a fee of $89 for them to inspect and replace the parts. The failure mileage was 67,000 and the current mileage was 89,000.
Bulletin no.: 06-06-01-019b castech cylinder head known crack in thousands of vehicles. I have been aware of this service bulletin since 2009 and have been fighting GM about covering this and they have not. I am still waiting along with thousands of other GM owners for a recall on this faulty casting to the cylinder head causing a loss of coolant through weak cast molding crack. Please notice number of complaints and evident problem. Thank you [redacted]
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. The contact stated the while he attempted to accelerate after a stop, the vehicle stalled and caused the contact lose control of the vehicle. The vehicle veered into the left lane and crashed into another vehicle. The contact sustained injuries to the face, neck and right hand. A police report was not filed. The vehicle was destroyed. The manufacturer was not made aware of the failure. The failure and current mileage was 130,000. The VIN was not available. Updated 04/29/14
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. While driving 65 MPH, the temperature gauge indicated that the vehicle was overheating. The vehicle was immediately taken to the closest dealer where the coolant was flushed and replaced. The failure recurred. The vehicle was taken to an independent mechanic where it was diagnosed that the cylinder head was leaking coolant and needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure. The approximate failure mileage was 155,000.
Engine complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are engine problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 43 complaints about the engine & cooling of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 5% of the model year's 797 complaints. The component named most often is engine (5 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 engine problems?
No. NHTSA lists no engine & cooling recall for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500. 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 Silverado 1500 engine problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 91,000 miles, and 8% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 4 crashes, 3 fires and 2 injuries to engine & cooling 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.