Which parts fail
Components named in complaints (automatic and manual transmissions, CVT, axles, driveshaft, 4WD/AWD).
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).
# 1 is the 4l60E transmission that sits on the exhaust and runs next to it on the opposite side the heat from the trans itself and the exhaust overheat the gasket which causes weak spots that leak along with burning up the 3-4 clutch. Lost everything but 1&2,R,N on trip to Illinois on way back went to speed up to pass and all sudden the engine started tacking out and leaking fluid. I applied fluid all the way home at a speed of 45mph in a 70 mph limit which caused a major safety hazard with traffic. Took to trans shop said the 3-4 clutch was fried and was no good due to overheating and loss fluid from damaged gasket that's split on the stamps from AC Delco. 2nd issue arises out 1rst, even more dangerous to point of dragging me down drive way and cutting into my leg leaving a small scar. …
I just replaced the battery in my 2004 chevy Silverado 1500 with only 97,000 miles on it, and i went to drive it down the road and the vehicle now loses power and cuts off making a left turn.. It did this twice and i parked it.. THIS IS A VERY SERIOUS SAFETY ISSUE in my opinion.. PLEASE investigate the issue and report back to me please..
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. …
When applying brakes to avoid another vehicle, the brake pedal went to the floor and there was little braking effort available. Avoided a severe accident by swerving into the opposite lane nearly colliding with another oncoming vehicle. Slowed vehicle with emergency brake and transmission downshifting. Cause was ruptured brake line due to corrosion. All lines are severely corroded.
Since it was new my trunk surges uncontrollably and violently at times. Its normally when I first start it in morning and for first block or two. Its very dangerous, if it ever happens on the freeway I will die. GM threatened to bankrupt me if I sued under lemon law.
Wholes are developing in the transfer case near the output shaft and all the fluid leaks out causing the transfer case to grenade.
My vehicle is a 2004 Chevy slivered 4 x 4 ex. Cab. First, at around June or July of 2006 the spider gears had to be replaced in rear differential ($1,100 bill...about 53,000 miles). Now, on December 8, 2006, the speedometer stop working (61,000 miles). Dealer stated that they would have to look at it to see what the problem is. I know there would be labor cost concerning this inspection ($60-$80 per hour). Just yesterday I searched the internet and found, literally, hundreds of other owners of Chevy silverados and other GM products with the same speedometer problem that I have. The cost for a dealer repair is anywhere from $450 up to $1100. From what I've found, the speedometer problem involves a "stepper motor" not working properly or a plastic covered gear that cracks, making the speedometer needle move erratically. …
Speedometer drive motor failure, 2004 Chevrolet 1500 pu. When drive motor fails the speedometer will freeze at a random speed. Since the speedometer is stuck, you must calculate your speed from a start position of where it was stuck. Example: if the speedometer is stuck at 70 MPH, and your desired speed is 45 MPH. Your speedometer will read 115 MPH. If your desired speed is 70 MPH, your speedometer will peg out at 110 MPH. If you are not aware that the speedometer is stuck when reducing your speed, you could panic, and attempt to reduce speed too rapidly potentially causing a rear end accident. When driving through multiple speed zones you have to constantly calculate your speed, assuming that the speedometer is tracking accurately. In order to fix the problem, the entire instrument cluster must be replaced. My cost was $386.00. …
Vehicle speeds up, surges, then starts to buck and you get transmission lash. It happens at road and highway speeds of 45 or 55 MPH, and can/does happen in od or in 3rd gear. (automatic transmission). I have had a third party "scan" the system, and I get "no" codes. Check engine light does "not" come on. I am able to replicate the issue at will. The vehicle is a 2004 k1500 with 46,500 miles. Its primary use since I purchased this vehicle new is to tow a 19 foot mastercraft from April to November. Maintenance is performed by the manufactures' recommended guidelines. Orginal tires, air and oil filters have been changed as needed. No aftermarket devices installed. I have had a couple of verbal encounters with Chevy dealer service department. They seem to be clueless. But are willing to troubleshoot at my expense, plus costs of all parts and service hours. …
First my brand new 2004 Silverado's drive shaft flew out on the freeway at 15,000 mi. That was fixed under warranty. Then at about 28,000 mi. My rear end gears were making whining noises ever since the drive shaft flew out and I brought it to the dealer 3 times before they finally tore it apart and realized the gears were damaged and they replaced that under warranty. Then at 65,000 mi. On my truck the transmission was slipping really bad so I brought it back to the dealership and they found that a few gears were burned up so GM and I split that bill 50/50 to rebuild the transmission. Now I find myself in the same situation at 85,000 mi. On my truck the transmission it broken again and wont even work. …
Transmission complaints in other Silverado 1500 years
Frequently asked questions
How common are transmission problems on the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500?
NHTSA has 27 complaints about the transmission & drivetrain of the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500, 3% of the model year's 797 complaints. The component named most often is automatic transmission (6 mentions).
Is there a recall for 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 1500 transmission problems?
No. NHTSA lists no transmission & drivetrain 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 transmission problems start?
Half of the complaints with a recorded mileage happened before about 70,000 miles, and 21% before 25,000 miles.
Is it dangerous?
Owners linked 2 crashes, 0 fires and 1 injury to transmission & drivetrain 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.