Most common 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems
Share of the 368 complaints; one complaint can involve more than one system. "~" is the median mileage when the problem started.
Chevrolet Silverado 2500 complaints by model year
Best Silverado 2500 years: 2014, 2012, 2013. Years to avoid: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2015, 2025. Compare all years →
What 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 owners say
Brakes all 168 →
On 4/28/2016 traveling to work following a tractor trailer in a 55 MPH zone, the tractor trailer abruptly merged into the right turn lane after a curve without a signal leaving two stopped cars in my travel lane making a left turn. I applied hard pressure to my brakes and the pedal went to the floor. I impacted an avalanche that was pushed into a small compact car causing substantial damage to my vehicle and the avalanche. The driver of the avalanche was transported to the hospital with minor injuries. While at the accident scene I noticed fluid leaking under my truck just behind the left rear tire. The truck was towed from the scene to a body shop where they discovered 2 ruptured brake lines in between the master cylinder and proportioning valve. Attached pictures show severally rusted brake lines with no other rust or corrosion on parts in the surrounding area. …
While traveling 50 MPH towing a boat applied the brakes , the vehicle slowed down and the brake pedal went to the floor with the units finally stopping . All brake failure warning lights light up on the dash and upon inspection it was discovered the brake line to the right front wheel had rusted through and blew out all the brake fluid directly under the drivers door. All remaining brake lines are severely rusted and appear swollen as to be ready to burst as well under the drivers door along the frame rail. Vehicle has 2,760 engine running hours on it with 82,500 miles driven. All brake lines are original to the truck .dealer estimate to replace all brake lines was in excess of $2,000. This vehicle is only driven on the highway and never off road. …
Electrical system all 105 →
I experienced a sudden loss of engine power while travelling at highway speed. I am the original owner of a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 four wheel drive with the duramax diesel and allison transmission. On Sunday, October 4, 2015, shortly after a fuel stop, I was traveling on interstate 24 near paducah, ky. At approximately 65 MPH in the left lane with the cruise control set, I experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by a loud engine rattling, and the check engine light came on. With some difficulty in heavy traffic, I was able to maneuver to the right shoulder of the road. I was able to drive the vehicle at about 25 MPH on the shoulder. Since I was just a few miles from the paducah exit, I limped there and into a hampton inn parking lot. Aaa responded and towed the truck to royal oaks Chevrolet in paducah. Since it was a Sunday, the service department was closed. …
When I got into the vehicle to start, the driver information center says "unknown driver". As a result of this condition, I cannot adjust mirrors, roll up windows, or get headlights to work. Also, the gauges for voltage, oil pressure, temperature, and fuel do not work. The radio does not work as well. Because of over engineering and faulty parts I cannot use this vehicle. I have already had the instrument cluster replaced as part of a recall. Many people have had this problem as searched, with no answer. General motors has failed to put in place safety systems or override functions to allow safe operation of the vehicle. GM is using computer controls which often fail to control important safety functions of the vehicle. I currently have the vehicle at the dealer and they have dismantled the bulk of the truck to diagnose the problem. …
Engine & cooling all 36 →
I experienced a sudden loss of engine power while travelling at highway speed. I am the original owner of a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 four wheel drive with the duramax diesel and allison transmission. On Sunday, October 4, 2015, shortly after a fuel stop, I was traveling on interstate 24 near paducah, ky. At approximately 65 MPH in the left lane with the cruise control set, I experienced a sudden loss of power accompanied by a loud engine rattling, and the check engine light came on. With some difficulty in heavy traffic, I was able to maneuver to the right shoulder of the road. I was able to drive the vehicle at about 25 MPH on the shoulder. Since I was just a few miles from the paducah exit, I limped there and into a hampton inn parking lot. Aaa responded and towed the truck to royal oaks Chevrolet in paducah. Since it was a Sunday, the service department was closed. …
Tl* the contact owns a 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 hd. The contact stated that while towing a trailer at approximately 55 MPH, a clicking noise was heard from the engine and the engine exploded. The contact also observed smoke rising from the engine during the failure. The vehicle was towed to an independent repair shop where the contact was informed that the engine exploded and all of its components were melted. The vehicle was then towed to an authorized dealer where the failure was confirmed and the contact was advised that the engine was destroyed. The vehicle was repaired. The manufacturer was made aware of the failure, but offered no assistance. The failure mileage was 55,000.
2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 engines & fuel economy
| Engine | Transmission | Drive | MPG city / hwy / combined |
|---|---|---|---|
| 6.0L 8-cyl | 4-speed automatic | RWD | 9 / 11 / 10 |
EPA ratings. Class: Full-size pickup.
Frequently asked questions
Is the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 a good car?
Based on 368 owner complaints filed with NHTSA, the 2004 Silverado 2500 rates avoid: 3.4× as many complaints as a typical year of the Silverado 2500 at the same age. It is one of the Silverado 2500 years we suggest avoiding. Complaint counts don't account for sales volume or individual maintenance, so have any used car inspected before buying.
What is the most common problem with the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
The brakes — 168 complaints, 46% of all complaints for this model year, most often about foundation components › hoses, lines/piping, and fittings. Next are the electrical system (105) and engine & cooling (36).
How many recalls does the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 have?
NHTSA lists no recalls for the 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500. You can still confirm with your VIN using our VIN recall check.
What are the best and worst years of the Chevrolet Silverado 2500?
The best years by complaints, compared at the same age, are 2014, 2012 and 2013. Years to avoid or approach with caution: 2024, 2022, 2020, 2015 and 2025. See the full Chevrolet Silverado 2500 years comparison.
At what mileage do 2004 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 problems happen?
The median mileage reported in complaints is about 74,000 miles; 24% of problems with a recorded mileage started before 50,000 miles.
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.